Glencoe Health © 2007

Introduction:
We all have an internal dialogue that observes and judges the things that happen throughout our day. These ongoing thoughts are known as “self-talk,” and can alter our perception of reality. At some time of another, most people engage in negative self-talk, which can harm both our self-esteem and our outlook on life. Fortunately, since self-talk occurs between our own ears, we have the power to change it. At this Web site, you can learn more about how you can bring yourself down with self-talk, as well as how you can turn your internal dialogue around for the better.

Links to Explore:
Healthy Habits: Self Talk
http://healthyhabits.com/SelfTalk.asp

Directions:

• Click on the link and read the article.
  
• Then answer the following questions.
  
  

1.			Can positive self-talk actually change your state of mind? What about negative self-talk?
2.			Name seven forms of negative self-talk.
3.			What is catastrophizing?
4.			How can you reprogram negative self-talk?
5.			When stating affirmations, is it better to frame them in the negative (“I am not fat”) or in the positive (“I am slim”)?
6.			Which is better: an affirmation that details your positive characteristics and goals, or a brief summary of one trait?