Self-Care for Women, Through Positive Self Talk

We know self-care is not selfish or indulgent, but an effort to replenish and restore balance in our lives. Both men and women spend a great deal of time tending to the needs of others.

Of the two though, women are typically the more nurturing and emotional creatures. Which is why it’s especially important for women to partake in self-care activities in the form of positive self-talk.

Benefits of Positive Self-Talk

Negativity begets negativity. Which would also mean that positivity brings more positivity. It’s hard to be around people who are negative all the time. It deflates confidence and brings the mood down. Positive self-talk is the polar opposite, quite literally.

Let’s look at just a few of the awesome benefits associated with positive self-talk.

Reduces Stress

Negative Nancy is a worry wart. Positive Patty will take things as they come, talk herself through the ordeal with positivity and know she can handle whatever comes. It’s a waste of time to stress and worry about things we cannot change, or things that have not even happened yet for that matter. 

But with positive self-talk, worrying and stress take a back burner. It doesn’t mean always being stress-free, but it certainly changes the thought process when dealing with stressful times.

Creates Motivation

Have you ever just sat on the couch and binged on a TV show, simply avoiding something you knew needed to be done? Procrastination is on the same side of the fence as negativity, which then creates more stress as deadlines approach. When positive self-talk is the dialogue of choice, big and little feats get done because you’re more motivated.

You have talked yourself up so high there’s nothing that can deter you from reaching your goals, or at least getting as close as possible. It feels good. And when we feel good emotionally, we have more energy to stay on task. On the other side of the coin, logical self talk is an amazing tool, as well. Simply think, say, and more importantly feel into the logic of the situation. Tell yourself – if this happens, then I will do that. Having a strategy in place for those “keep-you-up-all-night” anxieties, helps to quiet those anxious voices in your head. 

We aren’t letting fear of failure dictate our lives; we are positive and motivated!

Relationships are Better

This one is so incredible! When we learn to talk more positively to ourselves, it becomes a habit. The positivity oozes out and we are more inclined to be positive to others. In turn, they can feel your energy and respond in kind.

We are choosing different words, and this definitely helps relationships. Personal and professional relationships alike; they all reap the rewards when positive self-talk is in play.

How is Positive Self-Talk a form of Self-Care?

Virtually anything you do for yourself that changes your direction emotionally, spiritually, physically, and mentally is a step in the right direction. Don’t want for some thing to change, change some thing. 

Things which are nurturing and healing move you in a different direction.  Taking a relaxing bubble bath, giving yourself a facial, aromatherapy, massages, etc. are all great ideas for self-care, but so is saying no, delegating, asking for help, and setting boundaries. 

Positive self-talk fits the bill perfectly. It’s something we are doing for the good of ourselves, it brings us up, creates a habit of positivity, and has a great ripple effect in other aspects of our lives. When we negate talking down to ourselves and speak, think, and feel rationally, it is a game changer. We can navigate our journey with power and grace. Power for the times we need our strength and grace for the times when we just have to keep moving forward regardless of our circumstances.

Look at it this way, life has its own challenges, so why add negative self-talk to the mix. Don’t get into the habit of creating more inferences and angst to the mix. There are times when life throws us a challenge; adding in more angst and making meaning about ourselves is just a losing game. There will always be ups and downs and upswings again.

Which is the whole point! We need to have balance so we can perform at our best in this life we are given. We get one body, one mind, one spirit to last us our lifetime.

Here are three easy ways to incorporate positive self-talk into your daily life:

Positive Affirmations

Post positive affirmations on the fridge, on the bathroom mirror, in your office or cubicle at work. Make sure you are surrounding yourself in positivity. “You are beautiful”, “You are more than strong enough to get through this day”, “You are a great mom”, etc. If that’s too personal, use your favorite positive quotes instead. Listen, it’s not about filling your head with fluff. LOOK FOR PROOF of how you are a good friend, mom,  are successful or a hard worker. Make a list; that’s right – write it down. Memorize your list in your head. REMIND yourself of how you are successful, smart, understanding, and patient. The next time you are losing your patience give yourself a pass. You are human. 

Be Optimistic

Every single time you feel yourself slipping into a negative direction, gently pull yourself back to positivity. It’s hard at first. There’s no getting around that part. We have trained ourselves to believe the lies and horribly negative things we say about ourselves and, even worse, the negative things which were said to us as early as during childhood.

The good news, really great news, is this also means we can train our minds to be positive, right? Don’t beat yourself up about how often you lose the positive vibe. Just keep pushing positivity and eventually it becomes habit and the negative self-talk disappears altogether. If optimism isn’t working, go back to being logical – find that proof that you are the opposite of what negative stories you are telling yourself. It really does work. 

Be Your Own Best Friend

When your bestie is going through a hard time, you probably refrain from negative words and try to lift her spirit. Do the same thing for yourself.  Treat yourself well! Remember your Higher Power loves you dearly – that is why you are here in existence to begin with, and while we are talking about it, you are perfectly and wonderfully made simply because you exist. 

There is only one you on this whole planet; unique, gorgeous, intelligent, resourceful and filled with grace and love. Don’t hide all those incredible gifts from the world. Treat yourself the way you would your best friend, with love and compassion and positive, uplifting words.

Start Now!

Positive self-talk is an excellent form of self-care for women. It’s free. It’s available to everyone, everywhere. It doesn’t take a lot of time. It’s incredibly beneficial. Take the steps necessary to practice and perfect positive self-talk. You won’t regret it! The results for you and those around you are proof.