A Peace of Mind Pep Talk
You’ve probably heard that the how you speak to yourself can lead to more or less self-esteem depending on what you say, what words you use, and the tone (negative or positive). It might be a conversation in our own mind, but there is power in your inner dialogue!
Recent research shows that speaking to yourself can also help sooth anxiety and reduce feelings of stress. Instead of hiding from these intense emotions, addressing them in a curious and kind way allows you to go slowly and see that they aren’t as overwhelming once you look at them. We’ve all been in the situation where putting our head in the sand has made a task seem that much more impossible.
While you may wish your anxiety would go away, there is no need to fight it. Begin with first observing what you are feeling—is it a flutter in your chest? An electric feeling up your legs?—and then ask your anxiety what is the concrete cause for these reactions. Maybe it is an upcoming review of your work at your job or you’re feelings inadequate around other mothers.
Once you have identified how you are feeling and what is making you anxious, this is when you begin to speak to yourself. Try adopting a way of speaking to yourself as you would a friend. Here are a few phrases to try, but don’t be afraid to come up with your own! You want to make sure that the sentence sounds true to you.
- I am safe. There are four walls around me.
- I am resilient. I have faced all my worst days so far.
- I have value. My talents and experiences are like nobody else’s!
- What is the worst-case scenario?
- Once you’ve answered this question, ask yourself: How likely is it that this worst-case scenario happens?
Warning: starting to speak to yourself this way might have a positive effect in other areas of your life! You may find yourself less afraid of the mirror in dressing rooms, getting out on the dance floor, and asking for that pay raise.
💛 Your peace awaits.
