Words hold incredible power. From the smallest conversation to the ongoing dialogue we have with ourselves, what we say can shape our emotions, our actions, and even our physical health. At Thrive Body Clinic, we often hear patients say things like “I’m just so tired” or “My back always hurts.” While these expressions may seem harmless, the words we use—especially when repeated—can have a profound impact on how we feel both mentally and physically.

In this post, we’re going to explore the connection between the language we use and our well-being. We’ll dive into how phrases like “I’m tired” or “I’m in pain” can perpetuate physical discomfort and mental fatigue, and offer tips on how reframing these words can help you feel better in your body and mind. As an osteopathy clinic that promotes holistic health, we believe that managing both the body and mind is essential to well-being.

1. How Words Shape Our Reality

There’s a saying: “What you think, you become.” This highlights the fundamental concept that our thoughts and words influence our experiences. But this doesn’t just apply to motivation or self-esteem—it applies to our physical health as well.

The Science Behind Words and the Brain

When we speak, our brain is constantly processing and responding. If we say “I’m tired” or “I’m stressed” often enough, we train our brain to expect and create that reality. The brain can amplify the sensation of fatigue or stress because it’s being constantly reminded that these are conditions we live in.

Research has shown that negative self-talk, including repeated declarations of fatigue or discomfort, can activate the brain’s stress response. This triggers the release of cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone, which can lead to a range of physical symptoms—such as tension, pain, and even a weakened immune system.

Words Influence Perception

Ever noticed that after saying you’re exhausted, you start to feel more tired? That’s because words can deepen your perception of how you’re feeling. When you say, “I’m tired,” your body may begin to physically react to that statement, whether you were truly exhausted to begin with or not. This phenomenon is known as the “nocebo effect,” the opposite of the well-known placebo effect, where negative expectations cause negative outcomes.

By constantly reaffirming how tired or sore you feel, your brain and body start to synchronize with those thoughts, resulting in more physical tension, pain, or fatigue. This becomes a cycle that’s difficult to break—but it’s possible.

2. Rewriting the Narrative for Better Health

The words you use are powerful, but they are also under your control. Shifting the way you speak about your body can have a real and positive impact on how you feel.

Reframing Fatigue

Instead of saying, “I’m so tired,” try reframing the sentence to reflect a more positive approach, like, “I’m ready for rest” or “I’m looking forward to recharging.” By changing the focus from fatigue to the potential for restoration, you invite your brain to focus on solutions rather than the problem. This subtle shift can influence how you experience the feeling of tiredness, often leaving you feeling less overwhelmed and more in control.

Positive Self-Talk for Pain

Patients at Thrive Body Clinic often tell us how certain phrases like “My back is killing me” or “I can’t move my shoulder” seem to worsen their pain. While the pain is real, repeating such phrases can reinforce the sensation of discomfort. Try substituting those with softer or more neutral language, like “My back needs some care” or “My shoulder feels tight but it’s getting better.”

These simple changes can help your brain perceive the discomfort differently. Instead of reinforcing the pain, you’re creating a narrative that focuses on healing and improvement.

3. The Connection Between Language and Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is a condition many of our patients struggle with. Words have a significant role in either perpetuating or alleviating this pain. Studies have found that people who describe their pain in highly emotional or exaggerated terms (“unbearable,” “agonizing”) tend to experience greater pain intensity and distress than those who use more neutral descriptions.

At Thrive Body Clinic, we use osteopathic treatments to address the root causes of pain and discomfort, but a key part of healing also involves guiding patients in changing their internal dialogue. We encourage our patients to use constructive, solution-focused language when describing their symptoms. By saying something like, “I feel discomfort, but it’s something I’m working through,” you not only acknowledge the pain but also empower yourself to manage and reduce it.

4. The Role of Osteopathy in Supporting Positive Language

As osteopaths, we treat the whole person—body and mind. This means we pay attention to how you describe your health and use that as part of our overall approach. If a patient repeatedly tells us “I’ll never feel better,” this mindset could potentially block some of the progress that manual therapy could otherwise achieve.

Osteopathy helps release tension, improve mobility, and realign the body, but recovery also involves active participation from the patient. This is where the power of words comes into play. Positive language promotes a healthier mental outlook, which can make your body more receptive to treatment. During osteopathic sessions at Thrive Body Clinic, we incorporate discussions about mental well-being alongside physical adjustments. Encouraging patients to speak positively about their bodies can enhance the effects of the hands-on work we do.

5. How to Change Your Internal Dialogue

Changing how you talk about yourself isn’t always easy, but it can be incredibly rewarding. Here are some tips to help you start using words in a way that promotes well-being:

1. Catch Negative Phrases

Pay attention to how often you say things like “I’m tired,” “I’m stressed,” or “I’m in pain.” The first step in changing your language is being aware of it.

2. Reframe Your Language

Swap negative statements for neutral or positive ones. Instead of saying “I’m exhausted,” say, “I’m ready to rest.”

3. Visualize Improvement

Alongside using more positive words, visualize yourself feeling better. See yourself energized, pain-free, or calm. The mind-body connection is strong, and visualization can reinforce the positive effects of your words.

4. Be Kind to Yourself

Using positive language doesn’t mean ignoring how you feel. If you’re tired, allow yourself to rest. If you’re in pain, seek treatment. The key is to shift your focus from the problem to the potential solution.

Conclusion: Words Matter at Thrive Body Clinic

At Thrive Body Clinic, we believe that healing is a multifaceted journey. While osteopathic treatments can help relieve physical pain, the words you use play an essential role in maintaining and improving your overall health. By changing the way you talk about your body and your experiences, you can empower yourself to feel better—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Whether it’s reframing how you speak about pain or adopting a positive mindset about your energy levels, the words you choose every day can either drain your body or help it thrive. So, what will you say to yourself today?