Have you ever met a person who claims to have a black cloud following her around? While everyone passes through stormy periods in life, some people seem to focus only on the rain and turbulence they perceive around them, never enjoying a sunny day, or noticing a rainbow in the sky. To change your personal outlook, and make life easier to weather, focus on how you talk to yourself.
If your self-talk is generally negative, you may be creating unnecessary worry, anxiety, and stress. Patterns of negative self-talk often start in childhood, but it’s never too late to flip the script and become more positive.
You can get a better idea of what we mean by positive self-talk by contrasting it with negative self-talk. Positive self-talk is kind, encouraging and supportive; imagine how you would talk to a dear friend or loved one. Negative self-talk can be unhelpful, demeaning, and even cruel.
Negative thoughts can chip away at your confidence and hold you back from reaching your full potential. This affects not only your mental well-being but can take a toll on your physical health as well. Repeated negative thoughts such as anger, resentment, and fear may lead our bodies to release the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. These cause our bodies to tense up, leading to decreased flexibility, coordination and overall performance.
When we engage in positive self-talk, our brain releases dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin, often referred to as “feel-good” chemicals. The reduced stress associated with positive thinking contributes to better overall health, creating a harmonious balance between mental and physical wellbeing.
As with many things in life, self-awareness is the key to change. Take the time to “be still” and listen to your inner dialogue. You can start journaling these thoughts to gain insights into the nature of your self-talk, be sure to note what your thought was, how it made you feel, and what behavior it led to.
Training your brain for positive thinking involves adopting practical strategies that can be incorporated into your daily routine. These may include mindfulness practices, gratitude journaling, visualization techniques, and surrounding yourself with positive influences. Consistency is the key, as these habits will gradually reshape your thought patterns and contribute to a more optimistic mindset over time. Be sure to celebrate small victories along the way and to acknowledge your progress.
You can also create your own Positivity Toolkit. This is personal to you and should contain items that provide happiness and inspiration. You could include books, podcasts, music playlists, religious symbols, quotes, photographs, artwork, a list of your support crew (friends and family members that uplift you) or anything else you desire.
In a world that is often full of uncertainty and challenges, let your mindset of positivity become a beacon of hope for yourself and others around you. Training your brain to embrace optimism not only enhances your mental well-being, but it also unlocks a myriad of benefits across various aspects of life. However, if your negative self-talk cannot be reframed, and causes severe stress, anxiety, and depression, you may want to seek the assistance of a mental health professional.
“There is a freedom waiting for you, on the breezes of the sky, and you ask What if I fall? Oh, but my darling, what if you fly? ” — Erin Hanson
(An informative health and wellness article from the Chamber’s Live Better St. Tammany Committee member Start Corporation.)