We look at the importance of positive self-talk and how it benefits our mental health and wellbeing.
Self-talk is the way we talk to ourselves – this is also known as our inner voice, self-reflection or mind chatter. Sinead O’Kelly, Mental Health Promotion Manager with St Patrick’s Mental Health Services, and registered social worker, outlines the benefits of positive self-talk.
From the moment we wake up to the time we go to sleep, our inner voice is constantly at work, helping us to make decisions and ask questions as we go about our day. Self-talk can be conscious or unconscious; so, we are sometimes aware and sometimes unaware of this internal dialogue.
Self-talk plays a crucial role in shaping our emotions, actions, and even how we avoid danger. It can be a source of encouragement and motivation or it can be critical and impact our confidence.
The benefits of positive self-talk
Speaking to ourselves kindly and positively has numerous mental health and wellbeing benefits, positive self-talk can:
- Boost levels of self-belief and self-esteem
- Increase levels of serotonin (our “happy hormone”), and decrease levels of cortisol (our “stress hormone”)
- Help us to manage challenges by shifting our focus from worries to solutions
- Increase emotional resilience- this is our ability to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to life changes
- Improve our physical health.
Getting started with positive self-talk
Our brains are highly adaptable, always changing and forming new pathways or corridors through a process called neuroplasticity. Using affirmations and positive self-talk can help to change the structure of the brain, creating new pathways associated with positivity.
This means we can essentially rewire our brains to respond more positively through repeated actions. Think about learning something new, like an instrument - once you have mastered the basics, each time you practise it improves skill and performance. Practising positive self-talk works the same way.
The number one rule for starting with positive talk? Do not speak to yourself in a way you would not speak to someone else! There are a few things to help you get started, these include:
- Treat yourself like a friend, with kindness, compassion and understanding
- Fill your own cup! Be your own cheerleader, encourage yourself internally by approaching a task with belief in your ability. Try to challenge negative thoughts and self-doubt. If a negative thought enters your mind, try to think of times when you have overcome challenges in the past
- Focus on your strengths - what do you do well? What makes you unique? What makes you, you!
- Take a moment to evaluate and reflect when you are faced with a setback
- It is normal for your thoughts to sway towards the negative, particularly when trying to change old patterns of thinking. Remember- it is not possible to be positive all the time. We will all encounter difficulties, challenges, and events where it can be difficult to identify positives. Positive thinking is not a tool to diminish real lived experiences or dismiss life’s ups and downs. However, regularly practising positive thinking can help us to be better equipped to cope with adverse events when they do happen, helping us to bounce back quicker and build resilience.
Developing positive self-talk
Like any skill, developing positive self-talk takes practice and patience. Making small, consistent changes in how we speak to ourselves can help to build a more supportive and empowering inner dialogue. Over time, this can help lead to greater self-confidence, improved emotional resilience, and a stronger sense of wellbeing. So, take a moment today to check in with your inner voice—what is it saying to you? If it’s not as kind as it could be, remember you have the power to change the conversation.
Our positive affirmation posters
We’ve created some affirmation posters for your classrooms.
These include statements such as “Be gentle with yourself”, “Nothing is impossible” and “I am enough”. The posters are available in the English and Irish language to remind students about positive self-talk and to help boost your school's wellbeing goals. Take a look at our poster gallery below!
How to order:
You can order free posters for your school by filling out this form before 31 March 2025.
View our classroom posters in the English language
View our classroom posters in the Irish language
