Speaking Aloud to Yourself: Unforeseen Advantages Revealed
Self-Talk Unleashed: Let Your Inner Monologue Break Free
Embrace the habit of chatting with yourself, and you might just find it's doing you a world of good! People often indulge in external self-talk – or private speech – and it's more common than you might think. Ellie Shoja, a 43-year-old Los Angeles resident, is one such individual who consciously engages in self-talk, even on her walks with headphones in place.
"I've been talking to myself as far back as I can remember," shares Shoja. "It's my way of processing thoughts, getting motivated, discussing ideas with a pretend companion, and simply passing the time when cooking dinner. It makes me feel seen, allows others to see me, and aids in managing stress levels."
The Psychology Behind Self-Talk
Thomas Brinthaupt, a psychology professor emeritus at Middle Tennessee State University, investigated the reasons people engage in this type of self-talk. He identified two primary reasons:
- Social Isolation: Individuals who spend extended periods alone are more likely to talk to themselves. This includes seniors living alone and only children.
- Coping With Challenging Situations: When faced with anxiety, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, or novel, stressful, or uncertain circumstances, self-talk can help resolve, understand, or cope with these experiences. It's a tool that helps address complex emotions and thoughts that may be overwhelming otherwise.
Benefits of External Self-Talk
Speaking aloud to oneself has several advantages, including:
- Cognitive Performance: Talking out loud can boost attention and memory retrieval, making it easier to find lost items, or solve problems with a clearer mind.
- Motivation and Confidence: Self-talk can bolster self-motivation, especially when utilizing positive affirmations.
- Emotional Regulation: Expressing thoughts and feelings verbally can help calm anxiety and manage stress, as well as relieve frustration through the release of swearing or other emotional expressions.
- Self-Awareness and Reflection: Speaking aloud can increase introspection, fostering greater self-awareness and understanding of one's thoughts and feelings.
Possible Therapeutic Applications
Therapists often encourage self-talk as part of their interventions, particularly in dialectical behavior therapy. Talking to oneself in an encouraging, positive, or coaching manner can enhance emotional regulation, mindfulness, and self-awareness.
Stephanie Crain, a PTSD sufferer, finds solace in her habit of self-talking, often in the form of rhymes or songs. She views it as permission to be playful, stimulate her mind, and maintain connections with her pets.
"It's important to talk to yourself, to express your emotions and thoughts, even when alone," says Crain. "There's great power in making your inner monologue audible, and when you do so, you can allow others to see you for who you truly are."
In the realm of personal growth and mental health, engaging in external self-talk can be a valuable tool for enhancing self-awareness and emotional regulation. As observed by Stephanie Crain, a PTSD survivor, talking to oneself can provide solace, stimulate the mind, and foster connections with loved ones. On the other hand, education and self-development can benefit from this practice as well, as external self-talk has been found to boost cognitive performance, motivation, and confidence, making it easier to solve problems and manage stress.
