Silence the Inner Critic: Expert Reveals How to Overcome Negative Self-Talk

Inner Chatter: How Negative Self-Talk Impacts Well-being and How to Manage It In today's fast-paced world, the constant internal dialogue we engage in significantly affects our well-being. A recent TED Talk by psychologist Ethan Kross sheds light on this often-overlooked aspect of mental health. Kross describes this persistent negative self-talk as "chatter," highlighting its detrimental effects on both emotional and physical health. Kross explains that chatter can lead to difficulties in thinking clearly and performing effectively. It also creates friction in our relationships, as we tend to share our negative thoughts, often unintentionally causing conflict. The prolonged stress response associated with chatter can even lead to physical health problems. However, Kross offers a solution. He suggests a simple yet powerful technique: addressing your inner self by name, as if offering advice to someone else. This shift in perspective can make it easier to work through problems constructively. He emphasizes the importance of having supportive conversations with others who can empathize and validate our feelings, thereby helping to broaden our perspective and reduce the negative impact of chatter. "Using your own name and "you" shifts your perspective. It gets you to relate to yourself like you were giving advice to someone else," explains Kross. This approach, combined with supportive relationships, offers a path toward managing the negative effects of internal chatter and improving overall well-being.