Summary
This article provides strategies on how to practice self-awareness.
For the next few posts we’re focusing on emotional intelligence to address the critical issues of Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence. We’re leveraging strength-based principles to enhance communication skills through emotional intelligence. On day two, we will develop emotional intelligence by practicing self-awareness and enhancing empathy.
Ten Strategies on Practicing Self-Awareness
Practicing self-awareness involves a variety of daily habits and activities that help you understand your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Here are some effective strategies:
Practicing Self-Awareness
1. Mindfulness and Meditation:
1.1 Daily Practice: Dedicate 10-20 minutes each day to mindfulness or meditation. Apps like Headspace or Calm can guide you through sessions.
1.2 Mindful Moments: Throughout your day, take moments to pause and focus on your breath or your surroundings.
2. Journaling:
2.1 Daily Entries: Write about your experiences, emotions, and thoughts every day. Reflect on what triggered certain emotions and how you reacted.
2.2Prompts: Use prompts such as “What am I feeling right now?” or “What did I learn about myself today?” to guide your writing.
3. Self-Reflection:
3.1 Regular Check-Ins: Set aside time daily or weekly to reflect on your actions, decisions, and interactions. Ask yourself why you behaved in certain ways and what you can learn from those experiences. 3.2 End-of-Day Reflection: At the end of each day, review your day and note any significant emotional experiences and your reactions.
4. Seeking Feedback:
4.1 Trusted Feedback: Regularly ask for honest feedback from friends, family, or colleagues about your behavior and how you come across.
4.2 Feedback Reflection: Reflect on the feedback you receive and consider how it aligns with your self-perception and where you might improve.
5. Personality Assessments:
5.1 Self-Assessments: Take assessments like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), Big Five Personality Test, or StrengthsFinder to gain insights into your personality.
5.2 Reflection on Results: Reflect on the results and consider how they align with your behavior and self-perception.
6. Mindful Communication:
6.1 Active Listening: Practice listening fully to others without planning your response while they are talking. Focus on understanding their perspective.
6.2 Reflective Listening: Paraphrase what the other person has said to ensure understanding and to show empathy.
7. Setting Intentions and Goals:
7.1 Daily Intentions: Set a daily intention to stay aware of your thoughts, emotions, and actions. For example, “Today, I will pay attention to my reactions to stress.”
7.2 Personal Goals: Establish personal goals related to self-awareness, such as improving emotional regulation or enhancing empathy.
8. Emotional Awareness:
8.1 Emotion Identification: Practice naming your emotions as they arise throughout the day. Acknowledge what you are feeling without judgment.
8.2 Emotion Exploration: Explore the underlying reasons for your emotions. Ask yourself, “Why am I feeling this way?”
9. Body Awareness:
9.1 Body Scan Meditation: Practice body scan meditation to become more aware of physical sensations and how they relate to your emotions.
9.2 Physical Reactions: Notice how your body reacts to different situations. For example, do you tense up when you are stressed?
10. Mindful Activities:
• Mindful Exercise: Engage in physical activities like yoga or tai chi that promote mindfulness and body awareness.
• Creative Expression: Activities like drawing, painting, or playing music can also enhance self-awareness by allowing you to express and explore your inner world.
Why not take the Global Foundation Emotional Intelligence Test and check your level of EI.