I talk to myself out loud a lot. Not in a dramatic way, but in a practical, steady, supportive way.
- “We’re just going to walk twenty steps.”
- “We need to grab the laundry.”
- “The kitchen is closed.”
I even narrate movements I want to stay safe with. Getting out of the shower, I’ll say: “Hold here. Step here. Slow down.”
For years I thought this was just a quirk. Okay, really, I thought I was kind of nuts. Turns out it’s a powerful nervous-system regulation tool.
Neurologists call it verbal grounding. It’s one of the simplest ways to calm anxiety, stop emotional spirals, and move through avoidance.
Why Talking Out Loud Works
When you speak instead of keeping thoughts trapped in your head, the brain shifts out of fear mode and back into control. Language activates your thinking centers and quiets the emotional alarm system. That’s why naming feelings works.
In plain English:
- Panic softens
- Heart rate steadies
- Mental clarity returns
Your voice becomes an anchor to the present moment.
Why “We” Is So Powerful
I often don’t talk to myself as “I.” I say we. I thought this was nuts too. Turns out, I’m not nuts, I’m brilliant. Who knew? 🤣
- “We’ve got this.”
- “We’re safe.”
- “We’ll take one step.”
Using “we” creates a sense that you’re supported, even when you’re alone. The nervous system experiences companionship instead of isolation. When you feel supported, overwhelm shrinks and forward motion becomes easier.
Verbal Grounding in Real Life
This isn’t affirmations. It’s real-time self-support.
Safety
Narrate movement:
- “Hand here.”
- “Step slow.”
- “Hold steady.”
Avoidance
When tasks feel heavy:
- “We are sitting at the desk.”
- “We feel stuck.”
- “Our next step is opening the document.”
Emotional Eating
My favorite boundary phrase, is something I say after dinner. “The kitchen is closed.”
No shame. No rules. Just a calm stop signal that closes the decision loop.
Anxiety
When thoughts race:
- “I feel anxious.”
- “I am safe.”
- “My next step is water and breathing.”
The 3-Step Verbal Reset
When overwhelm hits, speak this sequence:
1. Name
“I’m in the kitchen.”
“I feel overwhelmed.”
2. Orient
“I am safe.”
“This is a feeling, not a danger.”
3. Act
“My next step is standing up.”
“My next step is filling my water glass.”
No fixing. No future planning. Just the next small action spoken clearly.
Why This Matters for Your Health Journey
If you struggle with:
- Emotional eating
- Avoidance cycles
- Task paralysis
- Fear of movement
- Shame spirals
this tool meets you right where you are. It doesn’t require motivation or perfection. It uses the voice you already have to move your nervous system back into safety and choice.
This Is Why I Created My Mini Course
That’s how my 5-day mini course was born:
Talk Yourself Steady
A 5-Day Reset for Overwhelm and Avoidance
Inside, you’ll learn:
- Why verbal grounding works
- The Power of We method
- Safety narration for body confidence
- Using your voice to break avoidance
- Boundary and reassurance scripts for emotional regulation
Each lesson is short, simple, and focused on real-life use.
This isn’t therapy. It’s nervous-system skill training for everyday moments.
Start Now
You don’t have to wait to begin. Say out loud:
- “We’re here.”
- “We’re safe.”
- “Our next step is easy.”
Your voice already knows how to steady you. Sometimes the simplest support is the most powerful.
The Health Warriors Tribe offers a free 30-day trial. Check it out if you want to try the 5-day course.