Talking to yourself out loud may seem like a strange habit, especially when someone else catches you doing it, but psychology suggests it is far more common and meaningful than people realise. Researchers have looked at why people verbalise their thoughts and what happens when those thoughts are spoken instead of kept entirely inside the mind. From everyday situations to moments of stress or uncertainty, this simple habit may play a more interesting role in how people process what is happening around them.

Talking to yourself out loud may seem like a strange habit, especially when someone else catches you doing it, but psychology suggests it is far more common and meaningful than…

I’ll happily chat to plants and pets, but when I really need to get something off my chest I’m my own best listener. And that’s absolutely fine, according to my new favourite…