Being caught talking to yourself can feel embarrassing, and some people even stigmatize this behavior as a sign of mental instability. But decades of research show that talking to yourself is completely normal; most if not all of us engage in some form of self-talk every day. So why do we talk to ourselves? And does what we say matter? Dig into the psychological benefits of positive self-talk. [Directed by Avi Ofer, narrated by Alexandra Panzer, music by Salil Bhayani, cAMP Studio].

TED-Ed: Is it normal to talk to yourself?

Is it normal to talk to yourself?

Distanced self-talk, addressing oneself by name, reduces stress and enhances performance in anxiety-inducing situations.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) utilizes self-talk to combat negative thought cycles, fostering improved mental health.

Self-talk, far from a sign of instability, is a normal cognitive function aiding in motivation and emotional regulation.