How to Know Yourself Better Using Mindful Self-Care

Self-care is an excellent way to relax after a busy week and rejuvenate yourself. But did you know you can also practice self-care to learn more about yourself?

By putting yourself first and prioritizing your own well-being, you will reveal interests, traits and preferences you may have never known you had.

Here are six ways you can learn how to know yourself through mindfulness and self-care practices.

1. Stop Trying to Fit In

If you’re always trying to fit in with a group that doesn’t truly accept you, you’ll always be covering up certain parts of yourself to please other people. Don’t fall into this trap.

People say you’re lucky if you have a few close friends who genuinely know you, not a large group of acquaintances who don’t. By being yourself, you will attract people who appreciate your real personality and all your quirks.

2. Try New Activities

Trying something new can be scary, but it’s the best way to learn more about yourself. Even if you’ve never been a fan of sports, you could benefit from trying out kickboxing or martial arts as a form of exercise and stress relief.

Or, maybe you’re more talented at drawing than you’ve given yourself credit for in the past. Don’t be afraid to try out something new — you could have a hidden passion or talent you never knew of before.

3. Prioritize Your Health

When you take care of your health — mentally, physically and spiritually — you get all kinds of benefits, including the feelings of nourishment and love. Drink enough water, get enough sleep and remember to eat those fruits and veggies.

Your body will thank you, and you’ll feel more ready than ever to go out and conquer your fears. Plus, you may find that certain physical activities bring you joy, too, such as hiking, biking, swimming, running or practicing yoga.

4. Become Okay With Saying “No”

When someone invites you to do something, it can be difficult to say no even if you have something to do. Saying no is even harder if you don’t have a good reason other than “I don’t want to.” But what if we told you that was a perfectly valid reason?

By constantly agreeing to plans you don’t enjoy with people you’d rather not spend time with, you’re robbing yourself of precious time you could be devoting to yourself. Stop feeling guilty about saying “no” and allow yourself to use your free time doing things you truly enjoy.

5. Spend More Time Alone

If you want to figure out how to know yourself, you’ll need to spend some quality time alone. Whether you go to see a movie, go shopping or just take a bubble bath and relax, be sure to allow yourself a certain amount of time each week to just be alone with yourself.

When no one is around to judge you or sway your thoughts and opinions in a different direction, you will be able to express yourself more freely.

6. Find a Creative Outlet

Many people make the mistake of categorizing themselves as unartistic or uncreative just because they can’t draw or paint. But these aren’t the only creative outlets out there.

Something as simple as writing in a journal at night or doing a coloring book are excellent ways to open up and care for that side of your mind.

Learn How to Know Yourself With the Power of Self-Care

Self-care is more than lighting some candles and putting on a charcoal face mask. It’s about eliminating distractions, taking a break and focusing on yourself and what brings you true joy.

With these six self-care tips, you can learn how to know yourself better and be more mindful as you go about every day.