Positive Self-Talk and Your Health
Words Matter
We know this is true because we, as a human race, not only use language to communicate daily, but we also know how much it hurts when careless or unkind words are spoken to us. This includes the unkind words we speak to ourselves. Positive self-talk should be your focus because its health benefits outweigh the downsides of negative self-talk. This article focuses on tips to improve positive self-talk so you can avoid harm to your physical and emotional wellness.
How Self-Talk Affects Your Health
Self-talk definitely matters. Negative self-talk can increase your body’s stress response. When we constantly focus on worst-case scenarios, failures, or limitations, the brain perceives those thoughts as stressors and may increase the production of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. Both negative talk or positive self-talk can affect your mood, confidence, and motivation. I mean, negative talk tells your body you are under a threat, and your body’s only motivation is safety.
Negative self-talk and chronic stress can also affect the gut-brain axis. Elevated stress hormones, like cortisol, may influence digestion, inflammation, and overall wellness. Learning to shift your mindset can support both emotional and physical health.
Negative Vs Positive Self-Talk
So, if words from others can have that large an impact, what about our own words? Negative self-talk can be highly damaging. And, even beyond self-talk, the words we use can actually shape the way we view the world around us. Here’s an example. Consider these two statements and see which one feels better to you.
Negative: I’m so busy.
Positive: My life is incredibly full.
Which statement feels more like a blessing, rather than a hardship? Clearly, the second statement has a much more positive spin. Here’s another one.
Negative: That went poorly.
Positive: I learned an important lesson.
Once again, the focus is on what a participant can gain or receive from the experience, rather than focusing on the negative aspect. The language you use shapes your experiences. It can influence the way you think, feel, and experience the world around you. Even on a difficult day, choosing your words carefully can lead you to a happier place.
Common Examples of Negative Self-Talk
Many of us engage in negative self-talk without even realizing it. Over time, these repeated thoughts can influence our stress levels, confidence, and daily habits.
- I’m too old to change.
- I’ll never lose weight.
- I always fail.
- I don’t have enough willpower.
- Nothing ever works for me.
While these thoughts may feel true in the moment, they often become self-fulfilling beliefs that keep us stuck. Learning to recognize them is the first step toward creating healthier thought patterns and positive self-talk.
Creating Healthier Thought Patterns
Here are a few steps to get started.
1. Use language about the options you DO have and what CAN be done, as opposed to focusing on the negative outcome.
This is a terrible setback. We have several great options to choose from.
2. Look for options and solutions and share those ideas with others.
WE can’t move forward – we have no options. We have several ideas for moving forward.
3. Use praising words as opposed to shaming
If I eat this piece of cake, I will feel terrible. vs I feel great when I make healthy eating choices.
Other than reframing, you can practice gratitude, journaling, meditation, and positive affirmations to help guide you into more positive self-talk. You also want to make sure your focus on creating these new habits is on making progress and not being overly hard on yourself.
Small shifts in language can create powerful shifts in health and wellness. When we can shift the way we view the world and adjust the inner dialogue we use daily, the world can begin to feel like a more positive and welcoming space. Sometimes it just comes down to the words we use.
Positive self-talk is one of many healthy habits that can support emotional wellness, stress management, and overall health. Small shifts in language may not change your circumstances overnight, but they can change how you respond to them. Over time, those small changes can have a powerful impact on your mindset, resilience, and well-being.
To continue building healthy habits that support stress management, gut health, sleep, and overall wellness, explore the Healthy Habits Challenge and our other wellness resources.