Do You Talk to Yourself? Here’s What Science Says About Your Personality© ‘Timur Romanov/Unsplash’
Have you ever caught yourself mumbling to yourself in the kitchen, rehashing an imaginary conversation in the shower, or cheering yourself on out loud when faced with a challenge? Rest assured, you’re far from alone—and that’s great news! Science has been digging into this inner (or outer) monologue, and the results are pretty flattering. Here’s why talking to yourself might just be one of your best habits.
A tool for concentration and problem solving
Research has shown that verbalizing our thoughts can improve our problem-solving abilities. A study led by Gary Lupyan , a professor of psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, found that participants who articulated out loud what they were looking for in a series of photos were able to locate the desired objects more quickly.
Why? Because pronouncing words activates several areas of the brain simultaneously, which strengthens neural connections. In other words, talking to yourself helps you better structure your thoughts and pronouncing the name of the object activates a visual representation in your mind, which facilitates orientation and concentration . Talking to yourself can thus act as a real Ariadne’s thread to help you find your bearings.
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An ally for memory and organization
Reading notes or to-do lists out loud is also a great way to strengthen memory. By transforming visual information into auditory stimulation, the brain consolidates information more efficiently and makes it easier to remember. In addition, verbalizing your thoughts helps you organize your ideas in a more structured way. By clarifying your goals and stating the steps needed to achieve them, you can better prioritize your actions and make more informed decisions.
A boost for motivation and stress management
Beyond the cognitive aspect, talking to yourself plays a major role in emotional regulation. Ethan Kross, a professor of psychology at the University of Michigan, has shown that using the second and third person in our self-encouragement ( “You can do it!” , “You are capable!” ) can reduce anxiety and improve our performance in the face of challenges. This form of internal dialogue allows us to step back from our emotions and position ourselves as an observer of our own thoughts, thus providing a welcome distance from stressful situations. This mechanism allows us to adopt a more rational attitude and one that is less overwhelmed by stress, thus promoting emotional well-being.
A strategy to channel your negative thoughts
Our minds can sometimes feel like a joyful chaos. For people who feel overwhelmed by a relentless stream of negative thoughts, talking out loud can also serve as a regulation strategy. Gabrielle Morse, a therapist in New York City, notes that the practice helps calm and monitor the flow of thoughts. By articulating your thoughts, it becomes easier to examine them in a more objective light, which can help curb the cycles of rumination often associated with anxiety disorders.So, far from being a marginal behavior or revealing psychological disorders, talking to yourself appears to be a natural and beneficial practice. The next time someone catches you talking to yourself, don’t blush. You’re simply maximizing your cognitive abilities, pretty cool, right? And if you ever see intrigued looks, smile and say: “Science approves.”
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