If you often unconsciously utter negative words, please pay special attention. Language is never just a sound; every word we speak directly affects the brain, influencing emotions, thoughts, and even physical reactions. In recent years, many brain science and psychology studies have gradually confirmed this.

Research by Jennifer Burbridge and colleagues at Washington University in St. Louis found that when people speak negative, pessimistic words—especially when talking about negative emotions—they are not only more prone to making errors in tasks, but their heart rate also increases, and even the autonomic nervous system is affected.

Studies by Andrew Newberg of Thomas Jefferson University and Mark Robert Waldman of Loyola Marymount University indicate that positive words such as "hope," "love," and "peace" activate the prefrontal cortex, enhancing functions like self-control, will, and empathy. Conversely, negative phrases like "I can't," "annoying," and "terrible" stimulate the amygdala, which is closely related to emotions, increasing anxiety and aggression while reducing cognitive flexibility.

Furthermore, research by Izabela Kaźmierczak and colleagues at The Maria Grzegorzewska University (University of Special Education in Warsaw) in Poland found that people who frequently use negative vocabulary tend to have worsening depression and anxiety symptoms, while those who use more positive words show a slight improvement in related symptoms.

Thus, positive language acts like a switch, activating brain regions responsible for positive thinking.

However, it is important to note that forcing yourself to use positive language can sometimes backfire. In psychology, there is a phenomenon called the "backfire effect," where people presented with information that conflicts with their existing beliefs not only fail to change their minds but become even more entrenched in their original views. Similarly, if a person is already in a negative emotional state, forcing themselves to utter positive words that do not match their inner feelings may further reinforce the negative emotions.

Especially for those who are naturally more pessimistic, repeatedly telling themselves positive statements that contradict their true feelings can create discomfort and resistance, thereby increasing psychological stress.

For example, when someone is feeling down and keeps telling themselves "I am happy," an inner voice may arise saying "That's not true at all," which can actually lower self-affirmation.

Thus, the pressure to stay positive can sometimes hinder genuine inner feelings. Therefore, there is no need to force yourself to say positive things.

But what if you are naturally a pessimistic person? A collaborative study by the University of Florida and the University of Iowa found that people with a tendency toward phobias often engage in repetitive self-talk that is negative and focused on past experiences, which is one of the reasons that deepens their current fears.

The study also indicated that people who frequently use negative vocabulary generally have lower overall life satisfaction and positive emotions.

For this reason, rather than forcing yourself to become positive, it is better to start by reducing negative language. You don't have to deliberately utter positive words; simply being conscious of reducing negative expressions is already a change.

Some may think that "changing your words can change your life" sounds exaggerated. However, when the thought "I feel like it won't work" crosses your mind, try changing it to "You never know until you try," or tell yourself, "But it's worth a try."

Just changing the phrasing can alter the brain's response. These seemingly small adjustments will gradually change the way we view things, influencing subsequent actions and results.

About the Author: Shugo Hotta Linguist specializing in forensic linguistics and psycholinguistics. Currently a professor at Meiji University. He has long focused on communication issues in the judicial field, integrating multiple academic disciplines such as sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, and brain science to explore language and communication from diverse perspectives. His research has been widely published in Japan and abroad.

This article is reprinted with permission from the book "Linguistics Proves: Self-Talk Methods That Change Your Life" published by Dashi Culture.

Editor in charge: Huixin Cai