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Talking to Yourself: The Surprisingly Scientific Superpower You Already Have
Why Your Brain’s Favorite Conversation Partner Is You
A few weeks ago, my neighbor laughed at me when she caught me talking to myself as I paced up and down our rather steep driveway. I was planning my day and bantering back and forth with my brain on what to do next.
She looked a bit concerned, possibly wondering whether I was losing my marbles! 🤔⁉️
But guess what? I’m not the only one who engages in self-conversation. And science say that if you engage in this habit, it shouldn’t make you question your sanity.
You see, talking to yourself isn’t necessarily a sign of impending madness, rather than its cognitive tool you can use to help you sort through thoughts and make tough decisions. It can even help you calm down when you’re stressed.
So, if you happen to be someone who talks to yourself, know that it’s not just sane — it’s downright brilliant.
The Power of Private Speech
I had a teacher in third grade, who scolded students for reading out loud or doing math problems while saying numbers out loud.
But maybe that wasn’t so smart! According to some experts, she was suppressing a valuable learning approach that not enough people use.
Psychologists call it “private speech” or talking to oneself silently or out loud,
Research shows that kids who engage in private speech enjoy faster cognitive development and are quicker at solving problems and regulating their emotions.
For some people the habit of carrying on a conversation out loud continues into adulthood. As adults, these self-talkers derive benefits like better self-regulation, planning, and creativity. So, it can be a lifelong habit and a helpful one too.
