As a child, joy can seem limitless. But as we grow older, it’s easy to become jaded. Many of us lose the sense of wonder and awe we once had for the world—particularly the ordinary moments. We become entrenched in work, distracted by technology, and over time, may even lose a sense of self. Not only has it been shown to improve performance in daily tasks2, despite stress, but it may even lower the risk of burnout. Think about it: The more self-aware you become, the more likely you are to take necessary breaks3 and tend to your needs in a way that’s restorative. “Self-awareness and mindfulness is associated with higher degrees of confidence, happiness, and overall wellness,” licensed professional counselor Roseann Capanna-Hodge, EdD, LPC, BCN, tells mbg. “When you are more emotionally regulated, you have more mental space for creative and positive thinking and are more adaptable to the changes in life.” Bonus? The process of learning about yourself can actually be really fun. If the busyness or chaos of the world has disconnected you from your purpose and your joy, here are a few ways to reconnect: Spend at least five minutes every day in your own thoughts, listening to your breath, and becoming aware of your body. “Being mindful of what comes through in those moments, and in our day-to-day life, helps us to be more grounded and connected with others,” she explains. If sitting still is difficult for you, consider movement meditation, sans technology. That means no audiobooks, podcasts, music, or phone calls—just you and nature. Journaling is another effective way to self-reflect (here: five mindfulness prompts to get started). Whichever method you choose, be sure to let the thoughts pass through you without judgment or interference. Simply listen. Just try not to take the results too seriously. While personality tests can be useful guiding points, they can also lead to harmful stereotyping. “From home or work, stereotyping people, based on their race, culture, gender, or personality type, is inevitably going to lead to all sorts of terrible consequences,” Enneagram practitioner Ryan Lui, M.A., previously told mbg. “We all may relate to most of these languages, but each of us has one that speaks to us the most,” marriage and family therapist Sunny Motamedi, Psy.D., once said. Learning which one speaks to you most can nurture intimate relationships by helping a partner better understand your needs. While you’re at it, find out what your apology language is, too. That process may be harder for some than others, particularly those dealing with mental health issues. Finding a therapist to help you become more mindful, self-aware, and provide you with the tools to break negative patterns may be beneficial if other practices don’t seem to be working, or you need extra support. “It takes time and practice to become more connected and self-aware,” says Capanna-Hodge, “but anyone can achieve it.”
