Five Reasons Your Body and Mind Thrive on Positive Self-Talk

By Stacie Rose

As Seen in BC THE MAG

Do you criticize yourself, nitpick, or fret about superficial things? Many of us are too hard on ourselves, but to what end? A critical mindset is disempowering. If you constantly tell yourself, you are unworthy, you may never feel worthy of caring for your body and mind. Say, “I’ll never get into shape,” and you might start to believe it. So why engage in fitness? Why bother walking, biking, or eating healthy foods?

POSITIVE SELF-TALK IS EMPOWERING

If negativity is a kind of poison, positive self-talk is the antidote. If you flip the script and tell yourself you can do great things, speaking powerfully with purpose and intention, things can change. Try telling yourself how capable you are of making a small change. Speak words that express how you believe in your ability to succeed. Root for yourself when the going gets tough and always bet on yourself. Treat yourself to reminders of times you felt proud. Visualize the outcome you deserve, speak those words to yourself, and start moving toward your desired destination. If talking to yourself feels funny, say it in your mind, write it on a Post-it. Affirmations are powerful, and positive self-talk can turn the tide.

IT’S CALMING

Positive self-talk can bring us back to ourselves when we feel disconnected or stressed.

It can walk us through life’s greatest challenges. It can provide strength when we need it the most. We can be our own caregivers by engaging in this simple but highly effective ritual. Negativity breeds more negativity and can lead to catastrophizing and spiraling.

Anxious feelings can quickly become overwhelming. Speaking slowly, kindly, and gently, using loving, encouraging words while breathing deeply, helps calm the nervous system. Positive self-talk promotes relaxation and helps restore connection and ease.

IT'S HELPFUL IN RELATIONSHIPS

Ever spend time with someone who is perpetually negative? It can be draining. We want to be kind and empathetic, but it can feel like a heavy weight. When people are kind to one another and to themselves, it can create a lovely foundation for a friendship. Saying nice things to yourself and others can be a special gift that builds trust, connection and affection. It is often said that you can’t pour from an empty cup. We can fill our own cups with love, warmth, and self-care. We can stop draining our own precious resources by speaking words of encouragement. The softer we are with ourselves and the more intentional we are with our words, the better we become at showering loved ones with affection. Feeling self-assured can help us to create positive reciprocity with others and to build enduring relationships.  

IT’S GOOD FOR BUSINESS

Ever notice how successful people seem inherently secure, confident, and speak kindly of themselves? It’s not about being boastful or arrogant. It’s about knowing your worth, and understanding the benefits of your contributions, knowledge, leadership and ability to collaborate and communicate with others. Positive self-talk builds resilience and is a key ingredient in problem-solving. People like to engage with others who think highly of themselves and see the merit in others. Positive self-talk is more than a strategy; it helps cultivate a joyful sense of work and life. An offshoot of a positive mindset, it can boost focus and performance. Positive talk is infectious and inspiring, for the way we talk to ourselves can frame the way we see ourselves and the way others see us.

IT’S BETTER FOR YOUR OVERALL SENSE OF WELLBEING

According to Mayo Clinic, researchers continue to study the effects of positive thinking and its relationship to health. The possible benefits of positive self-thinking are incredible. Ranging from better coping skills, reduced levels of distress or pain, lower levels of depression, a better overall sense of wellbeing, better cardiovascular health, reduced risk of many diseases and infections, a great resistance to illness and even an increased life span. One way to up your game and reap the rewards of positive self-talk is to practice it daily.

When you make a commitment to lift yourself up with your words, your actions tend to follow, and manifesting becomes possible. Science says that positive self-talk helps rewire your brain over time by strengthening neural pathways associated with optimism and resilience. A good place to start is to talk to yourself as kindly and compassionately as you would to a baby or a best friend. Remember that words matter. The ones you choose when you speak to yourself can either drag you down or lift you up. And when life feels overwhelming, gratitude for all that you are and how far you have come is a beautiful way to give yourself a little more love. And self-love, plus the power of positive self-talk, will take you far!