Kross defines chatter as the constant mental noise that can turn negative. It shows up as overthinking, self-doubt, worry and harsh self-talk. It affects our ability to focus, our mood and even our physical health.
Clare explained that this inner voice is not all bad. It helps us plan, rehearse, remember and make sense of the world. But when it turns critical, it can stop us from thinking clearly. That is when we need to step in.
Kross offers a set of tools to deal with chatter. Clare shared several, including:
Speak to yourself using your own name. This helps create distance.
Ask what advice you would give a friend in your situation.
Put the situation in context. Will it matter in a week or a year?
Reframe the problem as a challenge, not a threat.
Change your environment. Go outside, tidy your space or do something physical.
Use journaling to get thoughts out of your head and onto paper.
Avoid co-rumination. Talking to friends helps, but not if it fuels the problem.
Use routines or objects that bring comfort, even if they have no direct effect.
Make space for awe – music, nature or anything that helps you feel part of something bigger.
The key idea is to shift perspective. When we are caught in chatter, we zoom in on a problem until it feels overwhelming. These tools help us zoom out and see it more clearly.
Clare ended by reminding us that our inner voice is not going away. But with practice, we can stop it from dragging us down. We can learn to coach ourselves instead of criticising. The voice stays, but the tone can change.
Share this post