Whether we’re chatting with close friends, family, or even just ourselves, a good conversation can really boost our mood and motivation.
But let’s face it—talking to yourself, especially using your own name, might sound a little strange.
Sometimes, when I talk to myself, it’s like I’m in another world. I often catch myself doing it and realize others might be watching. I hope you get what I mean.
The sad truth is, many people don’t trust themselves enough before they open up to others. They fear being judged.
While society might see self-talk as a bit odd or negative, researchers have found that it’s actually a sign of high intelligence.
A study published in the Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology discovered that talking to yourself helps your brain process and tackle situations better. It aids in remembering and understanding what you’ve learned.
In a 2011 study, 20 participants were asked to search for an object while thinking out loud. The results were surprising—not only did they find the object, but their memory and understanding of it improved.
Further studies by scientists at the University of Bangor in the UK showed that talking to yourself can boost intelligence and memory. Participants were asked to study materials both silently and aloud. The results were clear—those who spoke out loud remembered more and were more focused.
Psychologist Paloma Mari-Beffa, co-author of the study, explained, “Simply put, verbal instructions seem to guide behavior better than written ones.”
She also noted that speaking out loud might be “a sign of high cognitive function.”
Talking to yourself isn’t just about organizing your thoughts—it can help manage emotions and enhance memory. Dr. Mari even suggested that self-talk offers additional benefits.
So, next time you see athletes, like tennis players, talking to themselves during a game, know that it’s more than just a quirky habit. A good conversation with yourself can lead to all-around self-improvement.
Sure, others might laugh and think you’re a bit odd, but don’t let that get you down. Science has your back, proving you’re ahead of the curve.
