6 Ways to Practice Positive Self Talk this February

Happy February! Can you believe we’re already two months into 2019?! Time is passing quickly.

Last February, I shared this post where I focused on self-care rather than the traditional valentines’ fashion post. Just because Valentine’s Day is traditionally associated with romance and spending time with someone special, doesn’t mean you can’t also take time for yourself—making time for yourself, incorporating self-care into your routine, and practicing positive self talk are things that can be done year-round!

Working in the creative industry can sometimes put you in a negative head space—I struggle with the comparison game and self-doubt among my fellow creatives. I’m a people person and greatly enjoy interacting with others. However, when I don’t receive verbal validation from my peers, I feel anxious and may come across sounding awkward. 

I know advocating for yourself—you have to be your own cheerleader—while not depending on others to build you up is key. You should find confidence within yourself and pat yourself on the back, regardless of what others may think.

Today, I’ve compiled six ways to incorporate positive self talk into your daily routine. Negative tendencies won’t go away overnight, of course, but together, we can work to establish productive habits. 

6 Ways to Practice Positive Self Talk

• Practice positive self talk/affirmation – While I haven’t yet done this, I love the idea of taking a few minutes each day to encourage myself. It can be helpful to focus on a specific area of your life (whether personally or professionally). For example, I may say, “I am worthy, and I provide value to others.” 
• Stop telling yourself stories – The story in our head is often much worse than reality. When faced with adversity, I tend to get stuck in my head. When I step back and look at the facts, I often realize the story I’ve been telling myself is more extreme (or intense) than the actual situation.

(Left to right: me, Jenn from Hello Rigby, Sahily from Pretty in Pigment, Megan from Diary of this Girl, and Ana Luzia from Northwest Blonde)

If you, too find yourself stuck in your head, recognize this and try to stop yourself from going there. Remain objective and focus on facts. An example of this may be a boss confronting you about your productivity levels and subsequently wanting you to document what you’re working on. In your head, you may tell yourself your boss doesn’t like you, or he/she doesn’t think you’re doing a good job—or worse, you’re on the verge of being fired. None of these possibilities were stated, but for whatever reason, our mind tends to go to the worse place. Try to avoid this when possible. 

• Eliminate certain words from your vocabulary (can’t, hate, I’m not good enough, etc) – This is something you can start immediately. Try not to use negative words when referring to yourself. Don’t do it! It’s counterproductive and doesn’t benefit anyone. 

• Stop beating yourself up. Would you talk to a friend that way? – I question how and why we act as our own worst critic. We wouldn’t dare speak to a friend or family member in the way we talk about ourselves. If the words in your head (and mouth) are ones you wouldn’t say to someone else, then say “goodbye.” Instead, strive to speak about yourself in a positive manner.  
• Identifying your triggers and what is needed in order to keep you in a good headspace. – I sometimes feel depressed on weekends when I stay isolated indoors. I’m usually tired by the end of the week and like to hibernate. My typical weekend is spent inside—wearing my pajamas, taking naps, and watching TV. I know my body needs rest, but I’m trying to balance one day of rest and one day of activity. I may run errands or meet up with a friend. Having something to do outside the home makes a huge difference in my mental state.

• Surround yourself with positivity. – Befriend people who support you and generally care about your wellbeing. My mom is my biggest support system. We talk multiple times each day and text often. Reach out those with similar interest and plan a meet up or coffee date. Some of my closest friends are those I have met through blogging.  

Do you practice positive self talk? If so, I invite you to share in the comments. 

If you liked this post, you may also like these: 

• Celebrate Yourself aka Self-Care! 6 Ideas
• 5 Reasons For Saying No
• Be the Change You Want to See

Shop the Post:

Jacket: maurices (sold out) c/o | Blouse: J.Jill c/o | Jeans: J.Crew | Necklace: Lace & Pearls Jewelry| Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs (similar) | Shoes: J.Jill c/o |Lipstick: Lancome c/o

Individual photos by Hello Rigby

Group photos by Pretty in Pigment