Benefits of Using Self-Discovery for Personal Growth
(Guest post by Julia Morrissey)
Challenging times can take a serious toll on mental health. Now more than ever we must make mental health a priority. Since many of us have a bit more time, can we use some of it to work on improving mental health or even trying a new self-care technique? Can we potentially make lemonade out of this COVID-19 lemon?
You may already practice some great self-care techniques, such as meditating or journaling, but another way to improve mental health is to practice self-discovery. If you’re interested in becoming more self-aware, self-discovery is a great practice to start including into your self-care routine. This self-awareness technique can help you look at yourself more objectively, and start to really draw attention to the way you think, feel, and behave. Self-discovery helps you gain the insight needed to identify your passions, motivations, and purpose. Self-discovery can also help you:
Develop emotional intelligence
Get more organized
Gain confidence
Have a more positive outlook
Make more informed decisions
Set and achieve goals
Communicate with others effectively
The process of self-reflection can be healing and can aid you in strategically moving forward toward your goals. This process can enhance your understanding of what personal success means and looks like to you. It can also give you a better understanding of what types of people, environments, and routines are most beneficial to your mental health.
There are many ways to practice self-discovery. Asking yourself a set of questions is a great way to self-reflect. It is best to answer these questions as truthfully and non-judgmentally as possible. It can also be extremely beneficial to record your answers, because then you are able to review them at a later date. This can help you understand how you are evolving.
Below you can find some examples of personal self-discovery questions to use as well as a download button for a personal self-discovery printable by University of St. Augustine Health Sciences. Reflect on these questions and download the printable to start feeling more in tune and connected with yourself.
What or who makes me happy?
Is anything keeping me up at night?
Is there a person who matters most to me?
When was the last time I did something nice for someone else?
What are three things I’m really good at?
Julia Morrissey is a content creator who works to develop helpful guides and compelling stories. Her passion for creative writing has led her to cover unique topics ranging from business to lifestyle. She calls New York City home and enjoys spending time with her rescue dog, running in Central Park, and finding new vegan dining options around the city.