Talking to yourself isn’t crazy, it’s healthy. A 2003 study found self-talkers have 35% lower stress hormones. Learn how “audible digestion” helps your body process emotions, calm your nervous system, and keep stress from turning toxic. The healthiest people don’t suppress, they speak it out.
Jennifer discusses a 2003 study that found people who regularly talk out loud to themselves, even in casual situations, have 35% lower cortisol (stress hormone) levels compared to those who stay silent. She explains that verbalizing thoughts and emotions helps regulate the nervous system and immune system, preventing chronic stress and illness.
SHOW NOTES
Suppressed emotions as toxins @ 4:10
Jennifer explains that when we bottle up emotions instead of expressing them, our body treats the suppressed feelings like toxins. This can lead to physical symptoms like tight muscles, poor sleep, and immune system issues. Over time, the compounded stress can cause the body to forget how to switch off fight-or-flight mode.
Audible digestion as the antidote @ 5:04
The researcher in the 2003 study referred to the act of talking out loud to oneself as “audible digestion” – a way for the mind to metabolize and process emotions, similar to how the body digests food. Speaking aloud activates the vagus nerve, which is the body’s main relaxation switch, slowing the heart rate and calming inflammation.
Practical tips for self-talk @ 6:29
Jennifer provides several simple techniques for incorporating more self-talk into daily life, such as narrating stress, speaking thoughts aloud during walks or showers, and using calming essential oils in conjunction with verbal processing. She emphasizes that the healthiest people don’t avoid stress, but rather find ways to actively process it.
Recap and key takeaways @ 8:27
In closing, Jennifer reiterates the importance of talking to oneself, even when alone, as a powerful way to regulate the body’s stress response and maintain overall health. She notes that science is finally catching up to what naturopaths have long understood about the benefits of self-expression.
