The demands of motherhood are plenty. From making sure your children’s many needs are met to keeping the house afloat and making sure that your relationship with your spouse is maintained and your duties at work are fulfilled, there is so much that can take your mental energy away from yourself and your own needs. That is why self-awareness in motherhood is so important. 

Self-awareness sounds simple, but it can actually be quite a challenge to cut through the noise of life and really listen to yourself and your needs. But even still, working towards self-awareness should be a priority. 

What Is Self-Awareness?

Before we get too far into the details of why self-awareness in motherhood is such a necessity and how you can become more self aware, we need to talk about what self-awareness actually is. 

Simply put, self-awareness is the ability for a person to look inward and understand their traits, feelings, and thoughts. It can be thought of as being “in touch” with one’s self. A person who is self-aware is able to identify their emotions and understand how their emotions affect what goes on externally. They are able to be conscious of their needs and know that those needs going unmet can negatively impact their mood and behaviors. 

Why Self-Awareness In Motherhood Matters

Self-awareness is arguably an important skill for any person. However, the importance of self-awareness in motherhood is amplified. 

Motherhood requires a lot of attention to things outside of the self. Moms need to be on top of their children’s needs. These include physical, emotional, and mental needs. That alone can be overwhelming. Add responsibilities in the home and at work. Then add building and sustaining relationships with partners and other important people. With it all, there is so little time left to develop and maintain self-awareness. 

But moms cannot fulfill all of their responsibilities if they are not taken care of. That’s it, end of story. No one can run effectively on an empty tank. No one. 

With so much at stake, it is absolutely vital that moms make time to become aware of and understand their own needs. This must happen with intention. If it is not made to be a priority, it will not happen. In the chaos and commitments that come with living as a mother, moms have to purposefully prioritize themselves. 

What Self-Awareness In Motherhood Looks Like

When a mom does take the necessary actions to prioritize her own self-awareness, she is better able to make sure that her own needs are addressed. She can make sure that she is giving herself what she needs to be a fulfilled, healthy person. 

And in turn, she is better able to show up in all other areas of her life. She is able to be a more fulfilled, happy, and patient mother. She is able to better meet the needs of her children. And importantly, she is able to model for her children how to give yourself love and respect. 

Also, she is better able to be present in her other relationships. She can be a more content, present, and supportive partner. She can be a more caring and engaged friend. 

And she can do better when it comes to her job. She can do better with taking care of the home. All without burn out and resentment. 

It is so important to recognize that developing self-awareness is the only way to ensure that you know what needs you have. You can only strive for these needs to be met if you are actually aware of what they are. 

By taking care of yourself through making sure your own needs are met, you can be the best mom and happiest person that you can be.

How To Gain Self-Awareness

When it comes to gaining self-awareness, you have to find ways to look inward and to process what you see. Doing things that help you engage in self-reflection can help with this process. These activities can help develop self-awareness, especially when done in combination with one another. 

Journal

Journaling is one of the most powerful tools for the type of self-reflection that can lead to self-awareness. When you journal with intention, you can really uncover a lot of what is going on underneath the surface of yourself. Get started, and you might be surprised what comes to life on the pages. 

Get Outside

Something about being outside and taking in the sights and sounds of nature can allow you to get in touch with yourself on a deeper level. Whether you go for a walk in the trees or sit on a a beach listening to the waves crash on the shore, there is self-discovery to be had when spending time outside. 

Take Long, Thoughtful Showers

So this might sound silly, but hear me out. Sometimes it is in the shower that you are able to completely lose yourself in the deepest thought. As a mom, you likely don’t have the most peaceful showers most of the time, so using your “shower time” intentionally could actually make a difference.

Engage In Personal Development

When you spend time growing as a person, it is a perfect opportunity to look within and gain a better understanding of yourself. While this is more broad than a single activity, it still is worth adding to this list because it really can be incredibly beneficial for cultivating self-awareness. Find some podcasts or books that encourage you to look inward for the purpose of self-growth. But don’t stop at consumption – make sure you are also putting in the work.

Open Up To Friends

Talking things out is a great way to get in touch with what’s going on inside of you. Sometimes, long, honest talks with a close friend are the perfect way to get yourself to open up and process how you are feeling and what you are needing. This isn’t the best option for everyone, but if you have someone you can share your deepest thoughts and feelings with, it can at least be a starting point. 

Practice Yoga and Meditation

Dr. Natalie Nevins states, “The purpose of yoga is to build strength, awareness and harmony in both the mind and body.” Did you catch that? Building self-awareness is literally part of the purpose of engaging in a yoga practice. Yoga and meditation provide you with an opportunity to listen to what your body and mind needs in a mindful, calming way. 

Go To Therapy

Therapy can be one of the absolute best ways to gain a better understanding of what you need. Your therapist can help you become aware of your needs, and even help you address how to make sure you are taking steps to get your needs met. While therapy is super important if you are dealing with true mental health struggles, you don’t have to have an official diagnosis to benefit from time with a therapist. 

Sit In Stillness

Yes. I am suggesting that sitting still in a quiet, distraction-free environment can possibly be enough for you to become more self-aware. Put your phone down, turn off the TV, and sit for a while. Make yourself a cup of tea and be your own company. Let your thoughts lead you where they want to go. You may be surprised how much you learn about yourself. 

Seek Self-Awareness In Motherhood 

Having self-awareness in motherhood has so many benefits, both internally and externally. It is well-worth going on your own journey to truly and deeply understand yourself to be able to in turn do the work it takes to get your needs met. Cultivating self-awareness in motherhood is one of the best things you can do to lead a more fulfilled, satisfied existence. 

If you are a mom who has been swept up in motherhood and are left seeking your own identity, check out these secrets for rediscovering yourself.