From the distractions of pandemic concerns, work obligations, to social media, it’s no wonder that many people are experiencing negative feelings and foggy thinking.
Often, a lack of self-awareness can become a catalyst for increased feelings of overwhelm, depression, and a bogged-down mind. This state of mind can leave you feeling like your life is on autopilot. Or worse, that your emotions, habits, and impulses are in the driving seat.
Are you living with a deep sense of distraction, heightened stress, brain fog, lack of motivation, or relationship trouble? Cutting down anxious, internal noise to become self-aware is essential for living a full and happy life.
Why Self-Awareness is the Key to Feeling Better & Thinking Clearly
Self-Awareness improves when you recognize your distractions.
Interceptions of technology and social media, for some, can become an outlet for the stresses in your day. In short bursts these outlets are pleasurable. However, problems arise when these outlets become distractions from what’s important to you.
Do you feel underwhelmed, sluggish, and guilty after not focusing on the task at hand? When you intentionally avoid a task, this is known as procrastination. Procrastination is unhealthy and difficult to exit when it becomes a habit. To regain clarity and control of your impulses, it’s important to notice your avoidance behaviors.
Don't punish yourself for being distracted. Instead,
acknowledge why you feel distracted. What's happening?
name the accompanying emotions. Are you worried or afraid?
plan small chunks of time for downtime or screen time. Do you feel deprived?
Understanding your distractions allows you to clear your mind and sharpen your focus. This helps you rein in compulsions and take back control.
Self-awareness improves your thought-life.
Overwhelm, a lack of motivation, or loss of direction is often the result of a racing, anxious mind as well. Thoughts are powerful. Yet, thinking rooted in assumptions, misunderstanding, or unproductive beliefs can direct your decision-making unhelpfully.
Sitting in negative emotions and rumination can shut you down. If may feel as if you are floating through life or neglecting important parts and people in your life. To regain clarity and get your emotions in check, mindfully pay attention to your thoughts. This helps you recognize which emotions are distractions and which are important and should be acted upon.
Meditation is a practice of quieting the mind and being in the present moment. Practicing meditation can help you become aware of how you are feeling and why you are feeling a certain way. The practice of shifting inwards and acknowledging your feelings non-judgmentally will help you relax the tension in your mind and body with self-acceptance, and refreshment.
Growth is a key benefit of self-awareness.
Shutting off from who you are can create negativity in your life. This can manifest itself through relationship trouble, a lack of empathy, and unhelpful perceptions. To be able to read others clearly and feel connected, we need to become aware of ourselves from different angles.
An effective way of becoming aware of the parts of you that you don’t see is to ask others you love and trust for feedback. Allow them to be completely honest. Gaining insight into how others see you will help you discover your internal flaws, biases, and weaknesses. These revelations aren't insults but opportunities to grow and develop.
Finally, your mental and emotional health deserves a safe place to grow and develop. You have a right to health and happiness. It's okay to take care of yourself. Reach out for the support of a qualified therapist. I'm here for you. Working together, we can foster the awareness, mindset, and lifestyle you want.
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