The reason self-awareness and self-discovery are important to your life is it helps you be a happier more productive person both at work and at home.

However, becoming self-aware is not a painless journey. You will have to examine some painful moments in your life. But, acknowledging those painful memories will help you become self-aware and more confident.

So, how do you utilize self-awareness and become a healthier person? Keep reading and we will help you learn how to become self-aware.

Steps to self-awareness

First and foremost you must be honest with yourself; that includes the painful parts.

You will need a journal or notebook and a pen. These items you can use anywhere and if you want to use a computer program later transfer them to it. You may also do better with a professional therapist to guide you on your journey. Traveling this road alone is not for everyone.

1. What are your circumstances? Meaning what brought you to a mental health crisis or addiction. It may have been a sexual assault, abuse, or traumatic event. Write it down, examine it. Write down what happened. Now, write down how it made you feel at the time. Next, write down it makes you feel now, what triggers that event in your mind. What can you do to handle those triggers differently? Not avoid but deal with those triggers in a way that allows you to enjoy your family, friends, and social settings. Cognitive Behavior Therapy is used by most professionals for both mental health and addiction patients to change the way they react to stressors and anxiety of their triggers. It is an important breakthrough for addiction recovery and mental health.
2. What are the things you like about yourself name at least three but more if you can? What are things that bother other people? Ask yourself this and write it down too as these things are often an insight into ourselves. When writing down what you do not like, do not just write your physical traits but your mental and personality traits as well; for example, I try to see the best in others, I have a good sense of humor and can make others laugh. Now write down the things that you do not like that you can change; for example, I do not smile enough, I have a hard time trusting people, I get anxious in public places. How can you change the things you do not like about yourself? If you do not smile enough, why don’t you smile? If you have a hard time trusting people why? Who have you trusted before and been let down?
3. Practice meditation and seek your inner thoughts.
4. Get to know your weaknesses and strengths, as well as your blind spots. Explore these and know how to improve on your weaknesses and blind spots.

With self-awareness comes more self-confidence and the ability to live your life to its fullest. At 449 Recovery, our therapists can help you with your treatment plan. Contact us today 855-735-7449