How to begin to know your needs.
Today is the last blog of the theme series. It was fun to write and reflect on these themes, how they showed up, and different ways to focus on shifting them. I hope you have enjoyed the series!
In today's fast-paced and demanding world, it's easy to lose sight of our own needs. We often get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life and forget to take care of ourselves. Some of us were also never taught how to know what are needs are and how to support our needs.
Mind, body, and soul are not usually how society operates. We were taught to think but not taught how to listen to our bodies and needs. Many people walk around disconnected from their bodies. And the body is a great source of information and has an inherent knowledge of our needs. Knowing what our needs are is essential for maintaining a healthy and fulfilling life.
In this blog, we'll explore five tips for figuring out your needs.
1. Start by Tuning in to Your Feelings: Our feelings can provide valuable insight into our needs. Take the time to tune in to your emotions and try to identify what you're feeling. Are you anxious, overwhelmed, or stressed? These emotions could be a sign that you're not meeting a particular need, such as the need for rest or relaxation.
2. Identify Your Triggers: Sometimes, our triggers can reveal our unmet needs. For example, if you get irritable or angry when someone interrupts you while you're working, it could be a sign that you need more uninterrupted focus time. Pay attention to the situations that trigger negative emotions or behaviors and try to identify the underlying need.
3. Reflect on Your Priorities: Reflecting on your priorities can help you identify your needs. Make a list of the things that matter most to you in your life, such as your health, relationships, career, or personal growth. Then, think about how you're currently meeting those needs. Are you spending enough time on the things that matter most to you?
4. Pay Attention to Your Body: Our bodies can also provide clues about our needs. Do you feel tired or run down? Is your stomach always in knots? Do your shoulders feel tight all the time? It could be a sign that you need more rest or self-care. Or that your body needs to move. Pay attention to your body's signals and try to identify what your body needs to feel better.
5. Seek Feedback from Others: Sometimes, it can be challenging to identify our needs on our own. Seek feedback from trusted friends, family members, or a therapist. Ask them what they see as your strengths and weaknesses and what they think you need to feel happier and more fulfilled.
In conclusion, figuring out your needs is a crucial step in creating a fulfilling and healthy life. By tuning in to your emotions, identifying your triggers, reflecting on your priorities, paying attention to your body, and seeking feedback from others, you can gain a better understanding of what you need to feel your best. Remember that it's okay to ask for help and that everyone's needs are different. So take the time to figure out what works best for you and prioritize your needs for a happier and more fulfilling life.
If this is a topic that interests you, reach out today. As a therapist in Ogden, Utah I am available to help you get in touch with your body, your needs, and help you understand your triggers. By utilizing EMDR therapy, Brainspotting therapy, and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy we are able to stay connected to sensations and emotions in the body which has helped many increase their awareness of what they need. I look forward to hearing from you.
