Book 2, Question 13
Why Do We Talk to Ourselves?
Talking to yourself is normal, and self-talk can help you focus, calm your nerves and think through a tricky problem.
Have you ever caught yourself talking out loud when you are alone? Good news, it is normal! Inner talk is a tool. Saying it out loud can make a tricky step clearer.
Watch the videoWatch on YouTubeBuy on Amazon
Quick answers
What do experts call it?
Your inner monologue, or self-talk. Psychologists started studying it seriously in the 1970s.
Can self-talk lower stress?
Doctors say it can lower stress, help you focus, and boost how you feel about yourself.
Sources: National Geographic, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic
From the book
Page from A Million Whys Book 2
More fun facts
- Experts call the voice in your head your inner monologue, or self-talk.
- Psychologists started studying self-talk seriously in the 1970s.
- Self-talk can help you build motivation, calm your nerves, or think through a tricky problem.
- Doctors say talking to yourself can lower stress, help you focus, and boost how you feel about yourself.
- Experts do not agree on how often people talk to themselves, but they agree it is a useful tool.
- Everyone has some unkind self-talk now and then. You can practice changing it to kinder words.
Sources: National Geographic, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic
Questions kids ask
Is it weird to talk to myself?
No. Doctors say self-talk is a healthy way to build motivation, calm nerves, or think through a problem.