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Mind Over Mood—How to Change Self Talk

Mind Over Mood—How to Change Self Talk

Learn how to rewrite your inner narrative for a happier, healthier you.

Sol TV
July 05, 2024

This Newsletter at a Glance

📖 What Stories Are You Telling Yourself?

🔍 TL/DR: Control Thoughts, Not Feelings

🧠 Sol Bites: 2 Ways to Retrain Your Brain

🎥 Video Bite: Robin Richardson on Feelings

📚 Words of Wisdom

What Stories Are You Telling Yourself?

I want to pass along a bit of knowledge with you that changed my life: The way we feel—and how long those emotions last—is directly related to our thoughts. So naturally, changing how we talk to ourselves and the stories we tell ourselves can change how we feel.

When I learned that I held the key to changing my emotional state, it was a total eye-opener. I realized I didn’t have to rely on the outside world or anyone to help me feel the way I wanted to feel.

That epiphany drove me to start Sol TV. My goal was to share what I was learning with other people looking to improve their emotional wellness.

TL/DR: Control Thoughts, Not Feelings

For years, psychologists and emotion researchers have recognized that our emotional states are directly tied to our thought processes and perceptions—it’s a concept known as Cognitive Mediation. Essentially, we create stories by interpreting our experiences, and those tales (true or not) drive our emotions.

Sol Bites: 2 Ways to Retrain Your Brain

If you’re engaging in self-talk that is fueling negative emotions, here are two ways you can shift your narratives and change your mood.

1) Shift your mindset:

Emotions, by their very nature, are intense yet transient. But while they’re around, they can be fueled by overthinking. During emotionally charged moments, the best way to maintain composure and let your feelings subside is by not fixating on them. Practice avoiding the urge to do things like problem-solve, judge, analyze, or predict. If you can simply observe yourself—like you’re watching yourself in a movie—the emotion will fade faster than expected.

2) Revamp your mindset:

Pay attention to the way you talk to yourself about your daily interactions and experiences. What narratives are you crafting when you’re feeling angry, scared, or down? Are the stories accurate and realistic? Reflect on the tone of voice you use internally. Many of us are surprisingly hard on ourselves when we feel something negative. Adopting a gentler approach to self-talk is crucial for better emotional regulation.

Video Bite

Sol TV Creator Robin Richardson reminds us: 'Feelings are a compass. When you don't feel good, you are in disagreement with yourselves.' Tune in to learn how to harness your emotions for growth and transformation.