This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UTSA chapter.
We all talk to ourselves every day, whether it’s overthinking about what we’re wearing or looking in the mirror and pointing out our flaws. We all do it, but I don’t think everyone has learned how to truly talk to themselves in a healthy way. I’m not saying it’s an easy thing to do, but once you start, you can see why it’s important. I’m going to share with you three ways to talk to yourself and why you should care.
- The first reason is because at the end of the day, you only have yourself. Yes, we all have friends and people in our lives who care for us, but only you can truly bring yourself down. The outside world can be toxic and negative and people may have things to say about you, but if you’re talking to yourself in a positive way then that will outweigh the negativity from others. Not to say that those things don’t hurt, but if you’re using words like “I love myself” or “I am worth more” then you will soon realize that and not care too much about the outside comments. Start saying “I am” affirmations every morning when you get up and see how that feels.
- The second reason is because the way you talk to yourself sets your mood. Do you ever have times where you’re in a stressful situation and you’re just thinking, “ugh I’m so stupid” or other negative comments? What happens after? You continue to feel stressed out and weigh yourself down. Remember that you set your mood, even if outside situations impact it, you essentially control the way you feel. Start calming yourself down in situations, stop speaking to yourself in a negative way when things aren’t going good. You can start by saying “it’s okay, I can do this” or “I am capable of doing this and more”.
- The final reason is because what you say to yourself creates your reality. I know that sounds cliche or weird, but it’s true. If you keep saying things like “I’m so fat” or “I’m so dumb” then you start to believe that and that sticks in your head as a reflection of yourself. To help with this, start practicing better ways to speak to yourself in the mirror or the shower. If you’re insecure about your body, start pointing out the things you like about it instead of focusing on things you don’t like.
Talking to yourself in a healthy way is not an easy thing to do but it’s something that can help change your life. Start noticing what it is you’re saying about yourself and change it to be more positive. Once you do, you’ll start to notice that you’re growing and becoming someone who you like.