Consider the following story as it relates to this week’s topic.
Before the pandemic, I was able to handle just about anything my family threw at me: the usual wife/mommy duties of the day. Now, because we’ve been spending so much time together, my super mom/wife abilities seem to have vanished. I’m snapping more at the kids, finding my husband’s habits more bothersome, and seem to be constantly fighting the urge to lock myself in the bathroom for some peace and quiet. Last night, I sat down and thought about my actions and feelings toward my family over the last few months. I couldn’t help but think, were they pushing me to my limits or am I not as easygoing as I thought I was? Instead of trying to “fix” them, should I try “fixing” myself?
Think back to the early days of the pandemic. Like many, perhaps you probably thought, “A few weeks at home to relax, sounds great!” But as time passed, we’ve slowly realized the battle against COVID-19 is a marathon, not a sprint. The pandemic has become a way of life.
Our “new normal” is spending much more time with loved ones than ever before. Whether you’re staying at home with family, a significant other, or alone, we’re willing to bet you’ve learned new things about yourself, good and bad. Maybe you’ve discovered a new hobby, or on the other hand, maybe you’ve learned something much deeper about yourself and believe you may benefit by meeting with one of our licensed psychologists and therapists in Tampa or other mental health professional to discuss it.
Read on to learn more.
Is It You or Them?
According to an article on Positive Psychology, self-awareness is the ability to see yourself clearly and objectively through reflection and introspection. Consider the following:
- Are your spouse’s habits that annoying, or might you feel differently if you practice using better communication skills in your relationship?
- Is your child’s tantrum that overwhelming, or could you exercise more patience?
- Is your world really falling apart, or would it be preferable to learn to handle stress more effectively?
These are questions to ask yourself while doing your best to become more self-aware. Taking a step back to examine how you interact with others, understanding why you react a certain way to something or someone, and learning what you can do to improve certain behaviors can help your relationship with others and yourself.
Self-Awareness Can Be a Good Thing!
According to an article published by Wright State University, it’s suggested that the self-awareness we’ve experienced during the pandemic or wish to achieve can be incredibly beneficial. We couldn’t agree more. It also discusses the key areas that we need to better understand to fully become self-aware. This includes our:
- Personality traits
- Values
- Habits
- Emotions
- Psychological needs
Once we become aware of these, we’re more likely to make better decisions, motivate ourselves more effectively, understand our strengths and weaknesses, and learn how to positively handle stress. But how can we reach this point? Using this period for reflection can help us learn and grow. A few steps to work on your self-awareness include:
- Writing in a journal daily. Note how you’ve changed, what you like about yourself, and what you need to work on.
- Paying attention to what’s bothering you about others.
- Talking to loved ones and asking for feedback. But know that you may hear criticism. Be prepared so you can handle it better.
- Trying to learn something new every day.
- Being mindful or meditating. Click here to read a blog about this by our own Dr. Ashley Diehl.
- Brainstorming and thinking about where you are and what you want in your future.
- Scheduling an online session with us to talk.
We Are Always a Work in Progress
Learning new things about yourself can be rewarding, but it can also be scary and a bit overwhelming. Our Tampa psychologists and therapists are ready to talk about anything you’re going through. Contact us to schedule an online session today!
