3 Practices to Reconnect with Yourself
Many of my clients come to me feeling very disconnected with themselves and their own needs, desires, and goals. Their energy and time are stretched thin by caring for their families, careers, homes, extended loved ones and, if they have time left to spare, their friends.
They end up sacrificing their personal time altogether. Others sacrifice their sleep and health to find a couple of hours to exercise, read, relax, or just sit alone with their thoughts when their families are asleep. Whatever has you stretched thin, I want you to know you are not alone.
However, it is important to recognize what is not serving us so we can make changes to have a more balanced and fulfilling life. I remind my clients (and myself!) regularly that we cannot pour from an empty cup. Just like the warning on airplanes, we must put on our oxygen mask before we help others. Despite the cultural pressure and demands from outside influences, we must prioritize time to ourselves for ourselves. It is imperative for our mental, physical and emotional health, and allows us to then give better care to those who rely on us.
I want to share three self-awareness practices to help you reconnect to yourself and get in touch with what you need and want. They are not inherently ‘self-care’ in the sense of a warm bubble bath or massage, but often the act of making time to know oneself better is also very healing and cathartic to the mind and soul.
Try the ones that resonate and leave the rest. The main point is to make time for yourself so you can recharge and be more present and fulfilled in your everyday life.
Reasons to try it
Meditation can help lower your blood pressure, alleviate stress, and help you to feel grounded, focused and calm.
Meditation
Meditating allows you to build the ability to observe your feelings or thoughts without judging them as good or bad, which often frees us from the guilt, shame or weightiness of difficult situations or feelings. It also allows us to reconnect with our body and breath in a very grounding way. Deep breathing tells your body’s nervous system that you are safe and calm, giving it the permission to relax and be fully present in the current moment. It has even been proven to lower your blood pressure!
It may feel difficult to slow one’s thoughts and breathing the first few times you practice, but with continued practice and time it will grow easier to connect with the lessons and sensations of that state of being. Free guided meditations are available on many platforms, from YouTube to Instagram, and with phone apps like Aura, Headspace and 10% Happier. I also offer low-cost meditation groups with Gleam!
Reasons to try it
Journaling gives you an outlet to explore your thoughts & feelings in a judgment free space. It also allows you to reflect
Journaling
Writing in a journal offers the private space to fully express your thoughts and feelings in a safe way. It also gives you a judgment free way to reflect on the situations and feelings at hand.
Slowing down to write these out by hand, with pen and paper, can be very grounding for many people, but there are many online journaling platforms as well. Journaling is known to lower stress and provide a sense of well-being.
Privacy is usually important to feel safe to fully open up and disclose your true thoughts and feelings. Be sure to select a secure, non-public website if you go the online journal route. If you keep a physical journal and worry others might try to read it, you can buy a journal with a lock.
Reasons to try it
Spending time alone allows you to recognize and listen to your own feelings and needs. It gives you time to enjoy hobbies or activities that bring you peace and joy!
Plan a Date with Yourself
A great way to reconnect with yourself is to pick something you enjoy doing and schedule time to do it, alone. Spending time alone has many benefits. Whether it is reading, attending a painting class, or a long peaceful walk at the park, spending some solo time doing something you enjoy gives you a sense of well-being and joy. It also affirms your commitment to taking care of your own needs and desires in the busyness of everyday life.
When you do this regularly, you will often find certain interests or feelings pop up. It can inspire creativity and energize you to keep making this precious solo time. It will also give you a better sense of what you like and don’t like as you explore the experiences you are having.
Which of these resonate with you? Do you already do any of these practices? Let me know in the comments if you have any practices you love and would like to share with the Gleam community!
