7 Ways to Check in with Yourself for More Self-Awareness

Notice Your Thoughts

The first step towards greater self-awareness is simply noticing your thoughts. Set aside some quiet time each day to check in with yourself. What thoughts and feelings are arising? Are you feeling calm or agitated? Accept whatever comes up with an attitude of curiosity and compassion.

Connect With Your Values

Your values are your deepest priorities and sources of meaning. Make a list of your core values, such as relationships, growth, service, health, or creativity. Check in with how aligned your daily life feels with these values. Are there areas calling for more attention?

Tune Into Your Body

Your body offers valuable wisdom about your inner landscape if you take time to listen. Scan your body when you check in with yourself. Are you feeling tense or relaxed? Energized or fatigued? Where do you notice discomfort? Tend to these signals with care and consideration.

Name Your Emotions

Emotions offer powerful messengers about our experience if we develop the skill of emotional awareness. Notice the broad strokes of how you feel in addition to the thoughts running through your mind. Are you experiencing joy, anger, fear, shame, or another core emotion? Simply naming the emotion can provide relief.

Examine Your Speech

The way we speak – both to others and to ourselves – reveals a great deal about our inner landscape. Are you using harsh language that could reflect inner criticism? Or kind, compassionate words aligned with self-care? Adjust your self-talk as needed.

Consider Your Actions

Your behaviors often demonstrate what’s happening internally even more than words. As you check in with yourself, notice if you are taking actions aligned with your goals and values or acting out of misaligned emotions. Make any needed adjustments.

Cultivate Self-Compassion

The ultimate goal of self-awareness isn’t to criticize yourself but to understand yourself more deeply so you can live with greater wisdom and compassion. Checking in should feel like an act of self-kindness. Talk to yourself as you would a dear friend.

FAQ

What is self-awareness?

Self-awareness is consciously knowing your character, feelings, motives, and desires. It involves tuning in to your moment-to-moment internal and external experience with an attitude of curiosity and care.

Why is self-awareness important?

Self-awareness allows you to clearly see what’s working in your life and what may need to shift for greater health and happiness. It empowers you to live more consciously and intentionally based on your true needs and values.

How can I become more self-aware?

You can cultivate greater self-awareness by making time for introspection, learning to sit with discomfort, examining your speech and behavior, keeping a journal, being open to feedback from others, and engaging in mind-body practices like meditation, yoga, or therapy.

What stops people from becoming self-aware?

Common roadblocks to self-awareness include busyness and distraction, avoidance of discomfort, fear of change, identification with thoughts, lack of tools and practice, and unsupportive environments or relationships.

How long does it take to increase self-awareness?

There’s no set timeline – we’re all on our own journey. The key is consistent intention and practice. With regular check-ins, you’ll gradually deepen self-awareness over time. Celebrate small steps!