The Power of Self-Talk: How Talking to Yourself Matters
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Introduction:
Motherhood is a challenging but rewarding journey. It can be full of highs and lows, and it's easy to get caught up in the negative. But one of the most important things you can do for yourself as a mum is to practice positive self-talk.
Self-talk is the inner dialogue you have with yourself. It's the voice in your head that tells you what to do, how to feel, and what you're capable of. If your self-talk is negative, it can hold you back and make it difficult to cope with the challenges of motherhood. But if your self-talk is positive, it can help you stay motivated, confident, and happy.
Benefits of Positive Self-Talk
Here are some of the benefits of positive self-talk for mums:
It can help you feel more confident and capable. When you talk to yourself in a positive way, it helps you believe in yourself and your abilities. This can make it easier to handle the challenges of motherhood and to feel good about yourself.
It can help you cope with stress and anxiety. When you're feeling stressed or anxious, negative self-talk can make things worse. But positive self-talk can help you calm down and focus on the positive.
It can help you improve your relationships. When you're confident and positive, it's easier to connect with your children and other people. This can lead to stronger relationships and more happiness.
Ways to Improve your Self-Talk
If you want to improve your self-talk, here are a few tips:
Be aware of your negative self-talk. The first step to changing your self-talk is to become aware of it. Pay attention to the way you talk to yourself, especially when you're feeling stressed or down.
Challenge your negative thoughts. When you catch yourself thinking negatively, ask yourself if those thoughts are really true. Are you really as bad as you think you are? Are you really incapable of achieving your goals?
Replace negative thoughts with positive ones. Once you've challenged your negative thoughts, replace them with positive ones. For example, if you catch yourself thinking, "I'm not good enough," replace that thought with, "I'm capable of anything I set my mind to."
Practice positive self-talk regularly. The more you practice positive self-talk, the easier it will become. Start by practicing for a few minutes each day. As you get more comfortable, you can gradually increase the amount of time you spend practicing.
Affirmations
Affirmations are positive statements or phrases that are repeated regularly to challenge negative or limiting thoughts and beliefs. They are used as a tool for self-improvement, self-empowerment, and fostering a positive mindset. By consciously repeating these affirmations, you aim to rewire your subconscious mind and reinforce constructive thought patterns and attitudes.
Here are some suggested affirmations to encourage better self-talk as a mum:
I am a good mum.
I am doing the best I can.
I am strong and capable.
I am worthy of love and respect.
I am enough just the way I am.
Remember, the way you talk to yourself matters. If you want to improve your mood, your confidence, and your overall well-being, start by changing your self-talk.
Here are some additional tips for practicing positive self-talk as a mum:
Find a quiet place where you can relax and focus on your thoughts.
Start by saying positive things to yourself out loud.
You can also write down positive affirmations and put them in places where you'll see them often.
Be patient and kind to yourself. It takes time to change your self-talk, so don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately.
Want some help with affirmations?? These Self Esteem Affirmation Cards give you almost a month of affirmations all in one place. Choose one a day or pick the ones that resonate with you. Available in our Etsy Store. Click the picture to purchase!
Just remember, you are not alone. Every mum struggles with negative self-talk at some point. But by practicing positive self-talk, you can start to change the way you think about yourself and your abilities. And that can make a big difference in your life and the lives of your children.
If you are experiencing constant negative thoughts or anxiety, please know that you are not alone. There are people who want to help. You can reach out to a therapist, counselor, or other mental health professional for support. You can also talk to a trusted friend or family member.
There are also many online resources available to help you cope with negative thoughts and anxiety. These resources can provide you with information, tools, and strategies to help you manage your symptoms.
Remember, you are not alone. There is help available. Please reach out for support if you need it.
There are some links below to support if you need it in Australia:
Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia panda.org.au
Beyond Blue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
Child and Family Health Service https://www.cafhs.sa.gov.au/
And as always, I would love to hear from you! Comment below or contact me through [email protected] or through socials.
