Talking to Yourself Could Actually Be Good for Your Mental Health

Ever caught yourself giving a pep talk in the mirror? Saying things like, “Girl, you got this” might feel a little strange—but science says it’s actually healthy.

A study from Michigan State University found that talking to yourself, especially in the third person, helps regulate emotions and gives your brain a moment of calm. According to psychology professor Jason Moser, “Referring to yourself in the third person helps you think about yourself more like you think about others. That creates a little psychological distance, which can be useful for regulating emotions.”

In experiments, participants who described distressing images or painful memories in third person showed less emotional brain activity. Simply put, self-talk reduced stress almost instantly.

And the best part? It doesn’t take extra brain power. Practicing this kind of pep talk is easy and effective.

So, the next time you feel overwhelmed, remember: talking to yourself isn’t weird—it’s self-care in action.