It might sounds wild but what if you had your students start each day using their own names to encourage themselves?
Dallas will have an amazing day.
Zyanah will do great today.
Damion is the best.
I'm sure that it would take some getting use to for both you and your students. Maybe you need to start your day in third person too.
Mrs. Nelson can do hard things.
Mrs. Ali can meet any challenge.
Ms. Hiller is strong.
Research backs up this strange but effective practice.
As mentioned in the short video we started with, Michigan State University (Go Green!) researched third person self-talk and emotions.
The findings show that when we speak to ourselves in third person we create an emotional distance. Using words such as "I" and "me" immerse us in our emotions. Our names distance us from the emotions, almost as if a trusted friend is providing the encouragement we need. This technique tricks our brains and helps regulate our emotions.
The research also suggests that we can utilize this when asking ourselves about our feelings. "Why is Sandy upset?" The idea is that we become someone who explores emotions better. Another idea is that we give more grace, understanding, and feelings exploration to others than we typically do to ourselves.
During the research process it was discovered that third person talk did not require more effort than first person. When asked to do third person, the participants in the study completed the task without hesitation. In fact, the research found that third person took less effort than mindfulness or thinking on the bright side.
We shouldn't give up thinking on the bright side and mindfulness but perhaps we should add third person speak to our emotional regulation toolbox.
For all of you U of M fans, after MSU began exploring this topic of third person self distance talk; admiring "little brother" U of M began similar research too. (just a little light fun 😉)
Each university utilized a different method of exploring the brain; fMRI and EEG. They were both able to explore various aspects of the brain and it's behavior. One finding was that third person talk helped decrease activity in the self-referential part of the brain. That part of the brain is commonly associated with rumination and painful experiences.
When you look at the findings of both schools you can see that third person self talk has potential to support us and our students.
This week I encourage you to start your day with some third person affirmations.
Sal can make this day great.
Wray is the best.
Gina is amazing.
Lea can do it!
There is no stopping Steph.
Once you have said your own third person talk, take it to your class.
Pamela is helpful. 😉 Pamela will keep exploring more topics to share so stay tuned weekly.
