How can words affect your health?

I mean, come on, really!!??

“Sticks and stones may break my bones… but names can never hurt me.” Ah, the classic childhood chant we’d use to fend off the unkind jabs from the playground bullies. But let’s be honest here—did it ever really work? Those taunts cut deeper than a double-edged sword, no matter how many times or how loudly we chanted our little mantra.

In fact, it felt like the more we shouted it, the more the words seemed to stick—like chewing gum on the bottom of your shoe on a hot day. (And if you’ve ever experienced that, you know how impossible it is to get rid of!)

The epiphany of understanding

It wasn’t until I dipped my toes (okay, dived headfirst) into the world of Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) that I began to see why those words hurt so much. It turns out, language isn’t just something we use to communicate—it’s wired into our very neurology. Who knew that a few simple syllables could have such a powerful effect? Well, maybe my inner child did, but she wasn’t talking.

How we ‘make sense’ of words

You might think of words as harmless little things. But our brains have other ideas. When you hear a word, your brain goes into overdrive, using your five senses—sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell—to ‘make sense’ of it. For example, when you hear the word “dog,” your brain might conjure up an image of a dog (hopefully not one chewing on your favourite shoes).

You might hear a dog barking, feel the softness of a dog’s coat, or even recall that distinctive dog smell. (Hopefully, there’s no taste involved, unless you’re thinking of a hotdog!)

These sensory experiences are called internal representations, and they happen in the blink of an eye. Often, you won’t even realise they’re happening—they just sneak up on you like that last biscuit you swore you’d leave for tomorrow.

The power of internal representations

These internal representations aren’t just fleeting thoughts. They have a direct impact on how you feel. Imagine a friend describes a mouth-watering chocolate cake—rich, gooey, and fresh out of the oven. Without even realising it, your brain might create a vivid image of that cake, maybe even a whiff of its divine aroma, and before you know it, your stomach is growling like you haven’t eaten for a week.

But what if someone throws an insult your way?

Your internal representation might not be of a delicious cake, but something far less appetising. And that negative image can lead to feelings of sadness, anger, or even physical discomfort. And because your mind and body are one system, those feelings, as a result of the words affect your health.

Those Wounding Words

Over time, the impact of words accumulates. Just like water dripping on a stone eventually leaves a mark, negative words—whether from others or your own internal dialogue—can have a lasting effect. This is how words affect your health and well-being. To really drive the point home, why not click play on the audio below? You’ll get a first-hand experience of how powerful words can be.

Positive words, positive results

On the flip side, positive words generally lead to positive internal representations, resulting in good feelings. It’s like giving your brain a gentle hug every time you hear something nice. (And who doesn’t love a good hug?)

Watch what you say!

I’m sure, deep down, you understand the impact of harsh language. And now, armed with your new NLP insights, you’ve got a better idea of just how much words can affect your health. I’ll bet you’re already careful about what you say to others. But what about the words you say to yourself? Whether you say them out loud or just let them roll around in your head, those words still have an impact.

Self-talk: the secret saboteur

Let’s be honest—most of us are our own worst critics. We say things to ourselves that we’d never dream of saying to someone we care about. (Unless you have a particularly twisted sense of humour, in which case, maybe that’s another blog post!) Imagine how you’d feel each night if you’d spent the whole day telling yourself you’re not good enough, smart enough, or (insert favourite self-insult here).

Long-term negative self-talk can contribute to depression and ill health. It’s like planting weeds in your mental garden—they’ll eventually choke out the flowers.

The power of positive self-talk

On the other hand, positive conversations with yourself can be like giving your mind a daily dose of sunshine. It’s not just about being a Pollyanna—positive self-talk can genuinely contribute to good health and well-being. Try monitoring your internal language using ‘Steph’s Rule.’

What’s ‘Steph’s Rule’?

Only talk to yourself the way you’d talk to someone you really care about. Simple, right? But it can be surprisingly effective. Next time you catch yourself saying something unkind, ask yourself, “Would I say this to someone I cared about?” If the answer is no, then it’s time to rephrase. Remember words affect your health. Be mindful of them just as you would be mindful of what you eat and drink.

Keys to understanding healthy language

• Words trigger Internal Representations: These representations involve one or more of your senses and might also include self-talk.
• Internal representations are your way of ‘making sense’ of the world.
• Your internal representations can alter your emotional state: They often serve as anchors, either lifting you up or weighing you down.
• Negative words cause negative internal representations: And affect your health in the long-term.
• Good words have the opposite effect: They can make you feel better, physically and emotionally and those words affect your health in a positive way.

If you want to feel good, start by talking to yourself the way you’d talk to someone you really cared about. Your body—and your mind—will thank you.

Related Posts

Please share if you enjoyed this post

If you found this post valuable, I’d love you to share it on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or your platform of choice. ???? Just use the social sharing buttons below!

I’d love to read your comments

Please post them below.

Tags: Health and wellbeing, Language, Podcasts and audio tips, Self-talk