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Wellbeing Life Hacks

Life Hack #45: Distance Self Talk

How often do you talk to yourself when you are struggling or when you are trying to solve a problem?

Is it frustrating or helpful?

And how easy is it for you to offer support to others in your life who are struggling or facing a problem?

For most of us, it’s easier to support ourselves. Our internal dialogue often is critical or not as helpful as we’d need. Studies show the distance self talk can help.

When we think about ourselves as someone else – particularly we know someone we know a lot about – we can move forward more effectively.
Literally talking to yourself as if you were talking to someone else can be very helpful.

Simply using your name in those internal conversations is more beneficial than saying I or You.

This trick can help us to gain better control of our own behaviors and emotions and can also help us to be better problems solvers.

Additional Resources

In 2025 we are highlighting weekly Life Hack Reflections which include five questions to help you better incorporate the Wellbeing Life Hack into your life in ways that work for you. If you would like to receive a weekly email with the Life Hack Reflections, register below.  

Why sign up for the weekly email?

“These questions have fostered a better team environment at work.”

Our dinnertime conversations are more meaningful now!”

“I like to journal and it’s been fun to work these questions into my nightly routine. I look forward to getting these emails each week. I often share them with my kids.”

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