Most people carry on a silent conversation with themselves during much of the day.
These internal dialogues can actually direct your thoughts and behaviors. Thoughts And Behaviors Self-talk can direct your thoughts and behaviors. Stress Response Negative self-talk can cause or increase your distress, and can make effects such as headaches or stomach pain much worse. Self-talk can also encourage you to behave in destructive ways which further stress your body. Fortunately, positive self talk can have the opposite effect, leading to lower stress levels.