How to become aware of your needs?

Take the time to reflect and be very honest with yourself. How? Ask yourself the important questions which you find in this article, in order to become aware of your needs.

A few years ago, my life was very different. I felt like I had to attend 100s of things, my calendar was always full, I was rushing from one activity to the next and I almost never took time for myself. Time to rest. Time to feel what my body actually needed at that moment. I’ve gone from feeling exhausted, stressed and overwhelmed to slowing down and to enjoying life more – even the days that are full of work, new experiences and emotions.

I will take the topic of work as example: Self-awareness and mental balance – for me – doesn’t mean to only work when I feel like it. It means working differently. It means taking moments to pause and reflect. Creating space in a busy day to drink a glass of water or to watch the sky for a moment. To sit a moment in the sun. To eat without rush or have a chat with a colleague or friend. Being more conscious of every task and thinking: Is this really necessary now? How urgent is this? Do I still have enough energy to do this today?

And yes, when you become more aware of your needs, this affects all areas of your life – in the best, possible way. I personally love spending time with my friends and family and I am there for them, especially if they need me. At the same time, I have learnt that I need to be there for myself, in order to be the best version I can for them. When I’m balanced, I can listen and react better to them, I can help them with what they need. I enjoy spending time with myself and I love having time to let my thoughts flow, especially in the morning on a day I don’t have to get up directly, I sometimes just stay in bed thinking, reflecting. I’m generally taking more time to decide what I want to do with my time. I have sooo many ideas, interests and projects I would love to start, but the day has only 24 hours. What do I really feel like doing? And on my off days: How do I want to spend my free time? What recharges me the most?

Here are a few general, important questions for you, that might be helpful to ask yourself and answer very honestly:

1. What are my priorities – professionally and privately?
2. What are my dreams?
3. What professional tasks do I really love and enjoy?
4. What hobbies do I really love and enjoy?
5. What people do I really want in my life?

And then ask yourself: How much are my answers matching with my reality?

Whatever you do: Take time to reflect.
Take time to pause and breathe.
Try to find balance from within.
Yoga, meditation, and mindfulness can help you. (See: What is mindfulness?)
Or any other hobby or practice that helps you to reconnect with yourself. 
To become aware of your feelings and needs.
If you need help, let me know.
Because a balanced mind can think better.
And enjoys life more.

I hope you find these moments for yourself and I would love to read your question or comment.