How Self-Reflection Can Improve Your Mental Health

Greater sense of control: Self-reflection involves practicing mindfulness and being present with yourself at the moment. This can help you feel more grounded and in control of yourself, says Francis.

Self-reflection can help you improve your communication skills, which can benefit your relationships. Understanding what you’re feeling can help you express yourself clearly, honestly, and empathetically.

Deeper alignment with core values: Self-reflection can help you understand what you believe in and why. This can help ensure that your words and actions are more aligned with your core values, Wilson explains. It can also help reduce cognitive dissonance, which is the discomfort you may experience when your behavior doesn’t align with your values, says Francis.

Self-reflection can help you make better decisions for yourself, says Wilson. Understanding yourself better can help you evaluate all your options and how they will impact you with more clarity. This can help you make sound decisions that you’re more comfortable with, says Francis.

Self-reflection can help you hold yourself accountable to yourself, says Francis. It can help you evaluate your actions and recognize your personal responsibility. It can also help you hold yourself accountable for the goals you’re working toward.