We all have that inner critic. Sometimes, it’s the push we need to work harder, go further, be better. At other times, though, it chips away at our self-belief until we feel incapable of doing what we want/need to do. It tells us that nobody likes us anyway. That we are undeserving of love or respect. That we are smaller – so much smaller – than we actually are.
“As humans, we’re all looking for that voice. And whether it’s loud or quiet, it’s there. I think we have to acknowledge that it does exist. It is there.”
Keen to learn more, I reached out to psychologist Dr Ben-Ari to ask her about the best ways to recognize and deal with negative self-talk.
Stuck in a negative self-talk spiral? Here’s what you can do about it.
What is Negative Self-Talk?
Basically, negative self-talk is any inner dialogue you have with yourself that may be limiting your ability to believe in yourself and your own abilities, and reach your potential. “Negative self-talk is often the little – or not so little – voice in our head comparing us to others, putting us down, criticizing, judging, and inducing self-doubt, shame and guilt,” explains Ben-Ari.
“Often this voice repeats itself over and over again, with no resolution.”
What Are Some Examples of Negative Self-Talk?
Negative self-talk is unique to the individual, but judgemental and critical statements make up the bulk of it.
Watch out for variations on these common expressions:
How Does Negative Self-Talk Affect Us?
Studies have linked negative self-talk with higher levels of stress and lower levels of self-esteem. This can lead to decreased motivation as well as greater feelings of helplessness. And this type of critical inner dialogue has even been linked to depression.
“When the majority of this talk is negative, it can directly affect the brain’s nonrecognition, hormones and nervous system,” explains Ben-Ari, “which consequently can affect our confidence, raise anxiety and cause undue stress.”
How Can I Overcome Negative Self-Talk?
If you find yourself spiraling as a result of negative self-talk, Ben-Ari says that there are five things you should do:
1. Notice
Be aware that your guest (the inner critic) has shown up. Something as simple as acknowledging this could be the key to stopping a negative self-talk spiral in its tracks.
2. Observe
Leave your mind and observe your thoughts, feelings and physical reactions from this voice. You are not your thoughts. You can take a step back and observe, noticing the effect they are having on you. Pay attention to your heart-beat, warmth, breath, tensing of the muscles. In noticing these changes, you can start to lessen the effects.
3. Accept
Accept the situation with self-compassion. Remind yourself, “I’m not perfect, I’m a human being and I have my own vulnerability. I try my best. Sometimes it doesn’t turn out how I wanted it to, but this is what it means to be human. I am not alone with this, I can learn from this lesson.” When we put too much energy into avoiding or rejecting a thought, the opposite can happen, so allow it to occur and accept it if you cannot change it.
4. Replace
Make it a point to imagine yourself saying this to a treasured friend. If you know you wouldn’t say it this way, think of how you’d share your thoughts with a good friend or what you’d like a good friend to say to you. This is a great way to replace the negative self-talk with a positive, accepting or compassionate voice.
5. Question
Be curious to explore why you had a particular reaction and open up your own dialogue with the voice, and turn it on its head.
6. DO. MOVE. ACT
Being active is crucial to breaking the cycle of negative self-talk. Moving your body, playing music, dancing, singing or taking action towards a new goal can shift you and your energy in the right direction.
Article Credit: https://getpocket.com/explore/item/negative-self-talk-5-ways-to-silence-your-toxic-inner-critic?utm_source=pocket-newtab
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