7 Ways To Improve Self-Awareness To Live In A More Harmonious And Meaningful Life

Illustration of increasing self-awareness to make life more harmonious and meaningful (Freepic)

YOGYAKARTA - Self-awareness or self-awareness is the ability to understand who we really are. Starting from thoughts, feelings, to behaviors that arise in various situations. According to Dr. Tasha Eurich, a psychologist who researches a lot about this topic reported by Psychology Today, Thursday, November 13, self-awareness helps a person live more in line with personal values and makes better decisions. When we are aware of ourselves, we become better able to navigate emotions, understand the impact of actions on others, and live life more authenticly. To improve self-awareness, here are the tips.

One of the simplest steps to increase self-awareness is to take time to reflect every day. Try asking yourself, 'What do I feel today?' or 'Why do I react like that?'. This reflection helps you understand patterns of emotions and behavior that may have not been realized before. That way, you can begin to recognize the roots of habits you want to change.

Sometimes, it's hard to see yourself objectively. That's why it's important to ask for perspective from others. For example from friends, partners, or colleagues you trust. They can give an honest view of how you look in the eyes of others. Listening openly without a defensive one will help you get a more complete picture of yourself.

Self-awareness is not only about the mind, but also the body's sensations and emotions that arise. For example, your heart palpitates when your hands are anxious when you're nervous. Try to pause and observe these reactions without judging them. With awareness like this, you can understand what you're really feeling before reacting impulsively.

Mindfulness or full awareness helps you stay present at the moment now without being carried away by past thoughts or future concerns. Through short breathing training or meditation, you learn to observe thoughts and emotions without being trapped in them. This practice proves to be effective in calming the mind while increasing clarity in thinking and acting.

Writing a journal is a classic but powerful way to increase self-awareness. When writing down what you feel or experience, you indirectly process emotions and thoughts that may have previously run away. By revisiting these records, you can see certain patterns in a way of thinking and reacting to certain situations. This is like reflecting on yourself in word form.

Self-awareness also means understanding what is most important to you. These values are the compasses in making life decisions. Try to identify what makes you satisfied and proud, or vice versa, of what experience makes you disappointed and guilty. By recognizing this core value, it will be easier for you to judge whether your actions and life choices are in line with personal principles.

Often, people feel they have to be 'perfect' in order to get to know themselves well. In fact, the important part of self-awareness lies in the acceptance that you are a human being who can be wrong. Acknowledging weaknesses does not mean giving up, but opens up space to learn and develop. The more you make peace with your shortcomings, the easier it is to see the strength you may have hidden so far.

Increasing self-awareness is a continuous process, not the ultimate goal. With high self-awareness, it will be easier for you to understand emotions, improve relationships, and make wiser decisions. Life is also more harmonious, because you know where to go and how to achieve it without losing your identity. So, take time to get to know yourself, because from there the balance of life begins.