Talking to yourself isn’t weird - it might be one of the smartest things you can do for your mental health.
Here are the reasons you should start talking to yourself right now.
Boosts self-worth
When you speak to yourself out loud, you're signaling to your brain that you're in control.
Mental health counselor Grace Lautman explains that this is a way of "re-parenting" the parts of ourselves that never got the chance to develop solid self-worth.
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As adults, we can rebuild that foundation through intentional, affirming self-talk.
Helps regulate emotions
Everyone struggles with emotional regulation sometimes.
When critical thoughts spiral out of control, talking yourself through a situation can calm your nervous system.
Simply saying, "It makes sense that you feel this way - you’re human", can provide powerful reassurance and reduce emotional intensity.
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Improves relationships with others
The way we treat ourselves often reflects how we treat others.
By becoming more self-aware through self-talk, you're less likely to project emotions or blame others.
This awareness helps you communicate more clearly and with greater kindness, especially in emotionally charged moments.
Invites humor and levity
Therapist Saba H. Lurie emphasizes that self-talk can actually be funny - and that's a good thing.
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Laughing at your thoughts or quirks adds levity, relieves stress, and keeps you from taking life (or yourself) too seriously.
Humor can be a healthy tool for coping with intrusive thoughts and tough situations.
Encourages curiosity
As adults, we tend to lose our sense of curiosity about ourselves. Talking to yourself allows you to ask questions and discover new layers of your thoughts and feelings.
This opens the door to growth and honest self-reflection, free from shame or self-judgment.
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Helps identify your mental patterns
Speaking your thoughts aloud can make it easier to recognize repetitive patterns.
Once you hear your thoughts clearly, you can begin to examine whether they’re helping you or holding you back.
This insight is the first step toward changing unhelpful habits.
Builds a supportive inner voice
Most people have a harsh internal critic. With practice, self-talk can help you develop a more compassionate and realistic inner voice.
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It doesn’t have to be overly positive or cheesy - just kind and honest. That shift can be transformative for your overall mental well-being.
Deepens emotional understanding
When you name and describe your emotions out loud, you learn more about them.
What triggered this feeling? When did you last feel this way? What helped you cope back then? Talking to yourself creates space for emotional processing and healing.
Supports better decision-making
Verbalizing your thoughts can work like a mental brainstorming session.
It helps clarify your values, concerns, and goals, making it easier to choose a path that aligns with who you are. Hearing yourself think out loud brings surprising clarity.
Strengthens your relationship with yourself
The most important relationship you’ll ever have is with yourself. Talking to yourself is a simple but powerful way to deepen that connection.
When you treat yourself with the same care and attention you’d give a loved one, you lay the foundation for long-term mental strength and stability.
This article is based on information from Real Simple.