How to tell if you're stressed... Add "this" to every sentence.

Speech originates in the brain. "Speech" is the processing of information in the brain's language area and its subsequent output as sound. By observing speech, we can infer the state of the brain. The brain is particularly vulnerable to stress, and those experiencing excessive brain fatigue experience changes in their speech habits.

 

◇Stress, change your language habits

 

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

▲The number of words decreases

▲The use of adverbs such as ‘really’ and ‘extremely’ increases. Also

▲The frequency of use of third-person pronouns decreases.

 

This is the result of a joint research team from the University of California, the University of Arizona, and the University of Santa Barbara, who analyzed 22,627 voice files of 143 adults. To determine whether stress levels influence daily speech patterns, the team measured stress levels through blood tests and self-reported stress levels. The blood tests examined white blood cell responses, which are influenced by stress. In the voice files, 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 the meaning.

The analysis confirmed the three characteristics mentioned above. The research team stated, "Overall, language function was reduced," with "speech volume decreasing and the use of adverbs that emphasize meaningless excitement increased." They continued, "People tend to be less interested in the outside world when they feel threatened, which is likely why the use of third-person pronouns decreased."

 

◇20 seconds of conversation with yourself, reduce stress

 

If you notice any changes, try saying something positive for 20 seconds. Surprisingly, words can change the brain. Researchers at the University of California found that saying something positive 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 something positive to themselves for 20 seconds every day, while the other group remained silent.

 

Specifically, the group that spoke positive words closed their eyes and recalled a recent mistake, something that bothered them, a moment where they felt unloved, or a moment where they felt unfairly treated. They then placed a hand on their stomach and chest and spoke kind and warm words to themselves for 20 seconds. As a result, those who spoke positive words experienced emotional stability and reduced stress compared to those who did not.

 

However, if depression caused by stress lasts for more than two weeks, it is safe to seek treatment from a psychiatrist.

 

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I really use this word a lot lol

Is this also due to stress?

That's amazing