What is your new year’s resolution?
Every year we come up with a new year’s resolution, and sometimes, we stick to them! A 2016 study found that 41% of Americans make New Year’s resolutions. However, only 9% feel they are successful in keeping them. We have all made the infamous “I’m going to drop some weight this year” resolution. Unfortunately, none of us lost weight either and that’s okay.
All jokes aside, the proper healthy new year’s resolutions can help you become a better person. Luckily, we found the epic healthy new year’s resolution.
Are you ready? Here it is!
Practice Positive Self Talk
Do you know that little voice in your head? Ever think about what it is saying? So many of us hear that little negative voice in our head telling us we “can’t” or to “give up.”
The reality is these thoughts don’t belong to us. The human mind thinks 60,000 – 80,000 thoughts a day!
Here are some negative self-talk examples:
- “People will laugh at me in the gym.”
- “I wish I was ___. (Thinner, Muscular, Taller, Shorter, etc.)
- “I’ll never be able to do it.”
- “What if they judge me?
- “No one will love me.”
- “I have too much trauma.”
- “I should be married by now.”
The key is not to become attached to these thoughts. For many of us, these thoughts are deeply rooted in our minds. So much so, we don’t even know that we are thinking these thoughts.
How do I stop myself from negative self-talk?
- Acknowledge that the thoughts are there, and that’s okay.
- Think; are these thoughts true? Most times, they are not!
- Think; is there a more helpful thought I can use to replace this negative thought?
- Replace the negative thought(s) with a more helpful thought.
How do I practice Positive Self-talk?
How do I practice Positive Self-talk?
What is positive self-talk? Positive self-talk is showing yourself compassion and understanding. Think about what you have been through, acknowledge that and give yourself some grace. With that said,
your positive inner conversations can look something like this:
- Practicing thinking wonderful thoughts about yourself.
- Pinpoint your strengths and give yourself compliments on them.
- Looking for the positive in any situation.
Here are some positive self-talk examples:
- “I’m proud of myself for trying something new.”
- “I will do my best, and that is enough.”
- “I’m enough.”
- “I am able to learn from any situation.”
- “I can only control myself, not anyone else.”
- “I can change my thoughts and perceptions.”
- “I am proud of how far I have come, even if I have a long way to go.”
- “I am strong and able to do anything.”
- “It’s going to be okay. “
Based on Science
Sigmund Freud is responsible for the idea of unconscious and conscious levels of thought that shape our behavior, and we don’t recognize that it is happening. Research shows that positive self-talk can influence our behavior.
This can help with depression, anxiety, body dysmorphic disorder, losing weight, and many others. Negative self-talk is linked to psychological issues like aggression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Are you looking for help with your Positive Self-talk?
Community Health Network offers affordable and accessible behavioral health services. We have 11 locations in the Houston metropolitan area. We now have virtual services as well! Visit website or call (281) 824 – 1480 for more information.
Bottom Line:
Remember, you will have negative thoughts, and that’s okay. Practice positive self-talk will feel strange at first, maybe even a little wrong. That is normal. It doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. Positive self-talk will take a bit of time and practice, and guess what? That’s okay!
Resources:
- Positive thinking: Reduce stress by eliminating negative self-talk – Mayo Clinic
- Paying Attention to How You Talk to Yourself | Valiant Living – Professionals Program for Men (restorationstherapy.com)
