Speech originates from the brain. It is processed in the brain's language areas and expressed as sound, which is 'speech.' By observing speech, we can infer the state of the brain. In particular, the brain is vulnerable to stress, and people experiencing excessive mental fatigue tend to change their language habits.

 

◇Stress, change your language habits

 

When the brain is exposed to stress, three major language habits change significantly.

▲Speaking has decreased

▲ The use of adverbs such as 'really' and 'extremely' is increasing. Also

The frequency of third-person pronoun usage decreases.

 

A joint research team from the University of California, Arizona State University, and Santa Barbara University analyzed 22,627 voice recordings from 143 adults. The team measured stress levels through blood tests and self-reports to determine whether stress influences everyday language patterns. Blood tests examined white blood cell responses affected by stress. In the voice recordings, they checked the frequency of function words such as pronouns and emphatic auxiliary adverbs, which reveal the speaker's attitude or emotional state rather than meaning.

As a result of the analysis, the three previously mentioned characteristics were confirmed. The research team stated, "Overall, language function has declined," and "the amount of speech has decreased, and there has been an increase in the use of adverbs emphasizing excited states without meaning." They also added, "When people feel threatened, they show less interest in the outside world, which is presumed to have led to a decrease in third-person pronoun references."

 

◇20 seconds of conversation with me, reduce stress

 

If you notice any changes in your limbs, try saying something positive for 20 seconds. Surprisingly, words can change the brain. According to a study by a research team at the University of California, speaking positively for 20 seconds every day improved mental health. The research team randomly divided 135 college students into two groups: one group was asked to say positive things to themselves for 20 seconds daily, while the other group was instructed to say nothing.

 

Specifically, the group that spoke positive words closed their eyes and, after recalling ▲ recent mistakes ▲ something that bothers them ▲ moments when they felt unloved ▲ moments when they felt unfairness, placed one hand on their stomach and one on their chest, and spoke kind and warm words to themselves for 20 seconds. As a result, those who spoke positive words became more emotionally stable and experienced reduced stress compared to those who did not.

 

However, it is safe for individuals whose depression caused by stress persists for more than two weeks to seek treatment from a mental health specialist.

 

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They really use the word "really" a lot, haha.

Is this also due to stress?

It's amazing.