Self-Awareness: The Secret Sauce for a Happier, Healthier, More Balanced Life
Self-Awareness for A Happier Life
Ever feel like life is a game where everyone else got the instructions and you’re just winging it? (Same.)
When we develop self-awareness, we start to see why we do what we do, what might be holding us back, and how we can make changes that actually stick. It’s like finally being handed the instruction manual — after years of pressing all the buttons and hoping for the best.
Self-awareness isn’t just about knowing that you like coffee more than tea or that you always lose your keys (because, let’s be honest, that’s just life). It’s about understanding your unique strengths and challenges, so you can make choices that align with who you really are.
And when we do that? Life gets a whole lot easier.
The ‘Ah-Ha!’ Moment: A Lesson from Young Entrepreneurs
I recently ran a workshop at the Business Wales Big Ideas ‘Bootcamp to Business’ weekend, where I helped young entrepreneurs explore their unique character strengths and weaknesses. One of them shared that he really struggled with pricing his services—he constantly undervalued his work.
I had a hunch and said, “I bet kindness, fairness, and love are in your top five strengths.”
Guess what? They were! And suddenly, it all clicked for him. His strong sense of fairness meant he found it hard to charge what he was worth. He didn’t want to feel like he was taking advantage of people. Ah-ha!
So, what next? I suggested he work alongside someone whose strengths include perspective and judgment — those more analytical qualities that would help him see his pricing objectively. Because self-awareness isn’t about changing who we are, it’s about knowing when to call in reinforcements!
Interested in finding out your own character strengths? Take the free test that I shared in last week’s workshop at the Big Ideas Wales BootCamp To Business.
Please note: I am not affiliated in any way with this test which is provided by the VIA Institute on Character.
Self-Awareness and Yoga: A Match Made in Mind-Body Heaven
This is where yoga comes in. Self-awareness is actually built into yoga philosophy — it’s called Svadhyaya, or self-study. And no, that doesn’t mean sitting in deep meditation for hours contemplating your entire existence (unless you want to, in which case, go for it).
It simply means paying attention — to how you move, how you react, what patterns show up again and again.
Yoga is also a brilliant tool for checking in with yourself.
Feeling totally overwhelmed? That’s often a sign your third-eye chakra (intuition, big-picture thinking) is out of whack. Struggling to speak up? Your throat chakra might need some love.
Yoga gives us physical, breath, and mindfulness practices to help bring everything back into balance — without needing to know all the Sanskrit names or memorise a textbook.
Get started with this simple 5-minute morning yoga challenge – free to download from the Happy Yoga Wales Store.
Why Self-Awareness Makes Life Easier
So, what’s the big deal about self-awareness? Here’s how it makes life so much smoother:
• Better Decision Making – When you know your strengths and weaknesses, you can make choices that actually work for you (instead of repeating the same mistakes and wondering why).
• Healthier Relationships – You start to see how you interact with others and why certain things trigger you. (Hint: it’s usually not actually about the other person.)
• More Balance & Less Stress – Instead of pushing through burnout, you notice the early signs and course-correct before you crash.
• Increased Confidence – You stop trying to be someone you’re not and start embracing what makes you brilliant.
And the best part? You don’t have to figure it all out at once. Small shifts add up — kind of like how doing just a little yoga regularly can make a huge difference in how you feel..
Ready to Build More Self-Awareness? Let’s Move!
If you love the idea of self-awareness but also love the idea of not overcomplicating it, I’ve got you.
My £10 per month Online Yoga Membership is packed with 20-30 minute classes designed to help you move your body, quiet the noise in your mind, and explore these ideas in a simple, accessible way. No chanting required (unless you want to).
Come join me and start noticing the small shifts that make a big difference. Because life feels a lot better when you actually understand yourself.
Get Started with your FREE 5-Minute Morning Yoga Challenge:
1. Watch the Video
Head over to YouTube and follow the 5-minute sequence. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for beginners. Don’t forget to hit “subscribe” to stay inspired!
2. Download the Tracker
Stay motivated by grabbing your PDF tracker from Happy Yoga Wales. Check off each day you complete the challenge and watch your streak grow
3. Take It Offline
Prefer practicing without distractions? Download the video from the Happy Yoga Wales Store and watch it anywhere—no Wi-Fi needed.
4. Join the Membership
If you’re ready to go beyond five minutes, my Online Yoga Membership has you covered. With a video library packed full of movement, mindfulness and more, you’ll find everything you need to stay consistent and feel your best.
About the Author
Hello! 👋🏼 I’m Paula Roberts, Head of Happiness at Happy Yoga Wales!
I am a passionate advocate for accessible wellness with over 20 years of experience in education, first as a fully qualified school teacher, and now as a 500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance International, a Level 3 Personal Trainer, and certified Laughter Yoga Leader.
With a busy mind that’s always buzzing, and as a self-confessed Recovering Perfectionist, movement has been my go-to for finding calm and clarity. Yoga has been my anchor, helping me slow down, reset, and thrive. It’s my mission to share that with you through my approachable and down-to-earth teaching style. Find out more about my journey here.
See you on the mat for Less Stress & More Yoga ✨
Paula 😃🙏
Practice with me live on Zoom! 😃
Before you go, I’d love to invite you to join my online movement & mindfulness classes!
Sunrise Stretch classes are donation-based live yoga classes with 20 minutes of movement followed by 10 minutes of mindfulness or other amazing well-being practices like Laughter or Face Yoga. You can also join me on replay by subscribing to the Online Yoga Membership for just £10 per month!
Whether you’re 8, 80, or anywhere in between, there is something for every busy mind at Happy Yoga Wales!
As well as diving into my guided practices on YouTube, you can join us live at classes and courses in North Wales and upcoming events throughout the UK!
And if you’re interested in bringing the benefits of yoga, laughter, face yoga and mindfulness to your community or workplace, get in touch for a private session tailored to your needs.
Did you see us on TV? 😃 Check it out!
