Our subconscious dictates the majority of our actions. We cannot properly understand our actions when we are not in tune with our subconscious mind. First of all we need to be gentle with ourselves. Many of us are critical of our actions. If we are gentle with ourselves in assessing our actions, we can see the big picture more clearly and with self-awareness. Another way to gain self-awareness is by not acting on impulse. Nowadays, there is pressure to make quick decisions. However, feeling your emotions and connecting them with factual data, will help create better decisions, which in turn will have an impact on financial health.

There are different techniques that help people slow down and increase self-awareness. One is breathing. Breathing sends oxygen to the brain and takes away the brain fog. When a decision seems overwhelming, take the time to pause for a minute and take deep breaths using your diaphragm. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. A second self-awareness technique is writing. Journaling, or writing down situations, ideas, notes, and emotions provides a different perspective. It is recommended to journal whatever comes to mind for fifteen minutes a day. If you feel that your writing is very personal, you can always rip up the page when you are done. Last, a technique that has recently been gaining popularity is meditating. Meditation is exercise for the brain. Even doing 5 minutes of guided meditation, helps us clear the mind. The clearer our mind is, the more present we become in our lives.

Do not underestimate the power of our minds. We can drown ourselves in thoughts of despair or get lost in a sea of fantasies. Either of these situations prevents us from living our life in the present. Increasing self-awareness will help us be in tune with the present. Self-awareness will increase our self-love. Self-love centers on contentment, which in turn helps improve our financial wellbeing.

Editor: Melinda Kovacs