The world we live in today is full of distractions. On a daily basis, we’re bombarded with information and our senses are flooded with a myriad of things. Our minds are constantly being influenced by things around us, whether it’s advertisements we watch, magazines we read, or social media we follow. We’re also influenced by color, tones and even a slight gesture in someone’s eyes. We might not realize it’s happening but all these things make us spend our time, energy or money on things we don’t really want or need.

Have you found yourself looking forward to the next gadget you want to buy, the next episode of a TV series you’ve just can’t miss, or feel the compulsion to avidly follow a certain persons social media news feed? There’s so much going on in your life that you’ve got little time left to reflect or ponder. If you do find yourself looking inward all you feel is a sense of fear and emptiness. You don’t know what to do and try to fill the gap with external sources of gratification. What you should be doing instead is reconnecting with yourself. If you’re more connected, you’ll be more capable, strong, confident, loving and compassionate.

Here are some ways you can find that connection with yourself again.

Sit with Yourself on a Daily Basis

Start your day with a few minutes meditation. It’s an excellent way of connecting with yourself. Each day is going to be different because you’re going to face a variety of situations, feelings and emotions. However, starting your day in the same way helps you understand where you stand, how you’re feeling and prepares you for the day.

Journaling

Does it feel like there’s so much going on in your mind that you’re always losing track? When there are lots of different thoughts going on in your mind, it’s going to make you feel completely overwhelmed and disconnected from yourself. There is something you can do to stop yourself feeling this way. Journaling is a tool that can help you feel clearer and more connected. Spend a few minutes in the morning simply free-writing your thoughts. It’s a great way of letting it all go.

Notice and Name Your Feelings

For many people, noticing and acknowledging feelings can be very difficult. It’s not something people tend to do very often. Imagine yourself in the following situation. You’re rushing for an appointment and feeling very stressed. Pause, take a deep breath and think about where you’re holding your stress. Once you’ve decided, focus on breathing into it and feel more connected.

Naming your feelings can also help. It might just be a word or two but by identifying and describing your feelings you’re acknowledging them and giving them less importance.

Accept Your Thoughts and Emotions

This is something that might seem counterintuitive to begin with but accepting your thoughts and emotions without being judgmental is going to help you let go of stress, feel more grounded and alive in the world. Don’t spend time judging yourself but focus more on observing your feelings and the sensations that are happening. You don’t need to do anything or try to fix your feelings, just accept that you’ve got them.

Disconnect from Technology

You might be feeling disconnected from yourself but have you thought that maybe you’re too connected to your technology? The modern world is technology driven so it’s important to take time away from your screens, giving your eyes and mind a break. Take an hour out of every day and enjoy a digital detox.

Spend Time in Nature

Nature is all around you, even in you live in the middle of a city. Take some time out of your day to enjoy it and you’ll be amazed how much better you feel. Being with Mother Nature can be a very comforting experience, whether you’re taking a walk in a local park, heading to the beach or even sitting in your own garden.

Move Your Body

Movement and exercise can have a positive effect on your physical and mental health. Don’t think of it as a chore but think of it as a form of self-love. Listen to your body more and go with what it wants rather than forcing yourself to do something you don’t want to. It’s possible to move your body and exercise in a variety of ways. Hit your local yoga class, take a run, turn up the music and dance around your living room. Find ways to exercise that feel expansive and are a way of freeing your body.

Do Things That Make You Happy

Are there certain things that really make you smile and your heart sing? Is there’s something you really enjoy doing? It might be painting, singing, getting creative or gardening. It doesn’t really matter what it is as long as you enjoying doing it. Find time to do these things more often. If you’ve got a to-do list, take a critical look at it as there’s bound to be something you can drop so you’ve got room in your schedule for activities that make you happy.

Smile

A great way to start the day is by smiling at yourself in the mirror. Look into your own eyes and feel that connection. If you smile at yourself, you’ll feel your vibration rise. Positive affirmations and mantras can also help as they are a way of acknowledging your own presence before you go out and take on the day.

Try these small actions on a daily basis and you’ll feel a deeper connection within yourself. You’re helping yourself to stay grounded, gain confidence and live a life that’s in line with your values. Connecting to yourself is a daily process and it requires you to focus on your feelings, let go of judgment and be kind, not just to yourself but those around you. Take it one step, one thought and one feeling at a time.