Want to improve your health? It could be all about the way that you talk. The words that we use in everyday life can have a huge affect on our behaviour, psychology and emotional health. Focusing on how we talk to both others and ourselves can significantly improve our well being and help us to see the world in a more positive light. Just how can it be done, though? The next time you talk, try changing these things. You might just feel healthier for it.
- It’s “I Don’t” Not “I Can’t”
(source: judismithlaw.com)
Trying to become a better version of ourselves is all about altering our bad habits and introducing change. When we’re trying to modify our behaviour, however, we can often rely on negative language as a way of describing what we’re doing, saying things like “I can’t go out” or “I can’t eat that”. Framing an action around something that we’re not allowed to do will naturally make us feel like we’re missing out on something, and that we have not had a choice in the matter. Instead, try saying “ I don’t”; a much more assertive statement, “I don’t” implies that you have taken an active role in your behaviour, and it is your choice not to do something.
- Say “I Want To” Not “I Should Do”
(source: aihh.net)
Boxing ourselves into corners is something that many of us do when trying to follow a more productive task and so often, changes we implement in order to improve who we are end up becoming a chore. Telling yourself that you “should do” something is like scolding a child for acting in a way that feels natural to them; it will make you feel bad, yes, but it probably won’t take much effect. Instead, try framing changes as being something you “want” or “need” to do. Putting yourself in the driving seat will make you feel much more in control of what you are doing; you are the master of your own life.
- Reframe Your Speech
(source: pexels.com)
So much of what we say is based around things that we are not allowed to do, but thinking in this way can have a detrimental effect on the way we see every part of life. Reframing the everyday expressions that we use can help to remove negativity from our speech patterns and encourage us to see the world in a more positive, healthy light. Telling yourself “don’t eat unhealthily” could be changed to “eat healthily”. It’s not about what you cannot do; it’s about how you can change your life for the better.
