A sports and performance psychologist explains why practicing positive self-talk while working out matters and what to say.
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Working out is stressful.
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Specifically, practicingpositive self-talkwhile working out can lead to better results.
Conversely, negative self-talk can hinder your performance.
Its one of the most toxic things we can do.
Enter: positive self-talk.
Self-talk may primarily act by reducing performance-related anxiety among athletes, Dr. Lagos says.
Moreover, self-talkhas been linkedto greater enjoyment, self-confidence, and higher perceived self-competence.
Think: Youve got a great pace, she says.
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Magnifying
You focus on the worst parts of a situation and ignore the positive parts.
Polarizing
You see things as either good or bad, black or white.
Theres no room for a middle ground, Dr. Lagos says.
For example, you think you have to be perfectif you make mistakes, youre a failure.
Catastrophizing
You expect the worst.
Personalizing
You blame yourself when bad things happen.
Say your workout buddy is in a bad mood, you automatically assume its because of you.
Dont put too much pressure on yourself to nail this on day one, she says.
Building new habits takes time.
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