Here’s why Self Introspection is good for your mind
And there it was! Hiding in the pile of clothes that were jumbled up in my cupboard. My favourite neckpiece that had somehow managed to get lost in the mess of my clothes and it took me two hours to find it! It took a lot of time and effort but in the end, it was all worth it and if I hadn’t gone through this entire process, I wouldn’t have found something really important for me.
Come to think of it, this is what self-introspection also looks like! You need to spend some time for yourself, think about your own thoughts, emotions and responses, ask yourself some important questions and allow the answers to emerge from within. Self-reflection and introspection allow you to:
-
Pause and examine: What’s happening in your internal and external world. Until and unless you hit the pause button in between all this running and juggling of roles and responsibilities, you will lose sight of what is it that truly matters to you.
-
Build self-awareness: When we lead a life without an understanding of what we do and why, we are always at the mercy of outside forces and circumstances. It’s only when you tune in, you realise that it’s you who has the power to change your life in ways that resonate with you.
-
Tune out: the external world and all the noise that surrounds you and your life. Whether you get lost in your thoughts, journal, paint, doodle – you create these moments where you connect with yourself.
-
Declutter: Taking out time to introspect, and reflect is like decluttering your cupboard to arrange all the clothes and accessories, discard what is outdated or doesn’t fit you anymore and find the missing items that are valuable to you!
-
Choose clarity over chaos: When you reflect on your experiences and emotions, you gain clarity about what’s working for you and what’s not. It allows you to focus on what needs your attention and focus in this moment and enables you to align your thoughts and actions accordingly.
Think of it as having a heart-to-heart with yourself; a conversation that brings you back to yourself.
As Socrates said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” By reflecting regularly—even for 15 minutes a day—you can uncover insights, make conscious choices, and align with your values. Remember, everything starts with you. Here are two prompts to help you start your journey of self reflection:
-
What is one area of your life that needs clarity, and how can you start reflecting on it today?
-
How can you create a small, consistent ritual to reconnect with yourself?
Damini Grover
Psychologist, Life Coach, Author
Founder, I’m Powered-Centre For Counseling & Well-Being, Delhi