Moving on from mindful meditation, it's time to talk about self-reflection. Getting caught up in the busyness of daily life can make it challenging to turn inward and reflect on our thoughts and feelings. But introspection — or self-reflection — can spark insight, which can alter the way we see ourselves and those around us.
Studies show 'turning inward' can strengthen our emotional intelligence, which can make it easier for us to cope with life's challenges.
Tips for self-reflection
Wondering where to direct your self-reflection? Here are some thought-provoking questions to get you started:
- How does fear show up in my life? How does it hold me back?
- What's one way I could be a better friend or partner?
- What's one of my biggest regrets? How can I let it go?
Another useful tip, according to social psychologists, is to examine more distressing thoughts and feelings at a distance.
To accomplish this, try talking to yourself in the third person. This 'third person self-talk' can lessen stress and temper negative emotions.
Tomorrow: Go on, take a walk.
Juli Fraga is a licensed psychologist based in San Francisco, California. She graduated with a PsyD from University of Northern Colorado and attended a postdoctoral fellowship at UC Berkeley. Passionate about women's health, she approaches all her sessions with warmth, honesty, and compassion. See what she's up to on Twitter.