TIROC: Self-Awareness and Self-Expression as Keys to Emotional Well-Being

Hand holds a cutout of a brain with the word trauma, centered within a chalk outline of a head. San Jose Public Library logo.

TIROC (Trauma-Informed Resilience Oriented Care) Blog Series

This blog is part of a series that focuses on understanding trauma and its effects on our lives while also strengthening and building personal and collective resilience as part of the library’s efforts to embrace trauma-informed principles while creating safety in our physical spaces and in our interactions with our co-workers and the community we serve.

Why Self-Awareness and Self-Expression are Important

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to lose touch with ourselves. The demands of work, family, and daily life can leave us feeling drained, disconnected, or even overwhelmed. But what if simple practices like tuning into our own emotions or expressing ourselves creatively could help us feel more grounded and resilient? Research shows that self-awareness and creative self-expression can be powerful tools for emotional well-being.

Understanding Self-Awareness

Self-awareness is the foundation of emotional intelligence. It means recognizing our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors as they happen—without judgment. When we’re self-aware, we can better understand our triggers, manage stress, and make decisions that align with our values.

How Do We Build Self-Awareness?

One of the most effective ways to build self-awareness is through mindfulness, the practice of observing our thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them. Whether it’s through meditation, deep breathing, or simply pausing to notice what our five senses are perceiving, mindfulness helps us stay grounded and achieve greater clarity and self-understanding.

The Power of Self-Expression

Self-expression is how we communicate our inner world to the outside. Whether through art, writing, music, movement, or conversation, expressing ourselves helps process emotions, release tension, and connect with others. Creative outlets like drawing and journaling can be especially uplifting.

As Brene Brown reminds us, “Art has the power to render sorrow beautiful, make loneliness a shared experience, and transform despair into hope.” Research from Utah State University Extension shows that engaging in art and other creative activities can reduce anxiety, increase happiness, and improve emotional regulation. Expressing and processing your thoughts and feelings through daily journaling has also been linked to many benefits to mental health, including improved self-confidence and reduced stress and anxiety.

Mindfulness and Creativity: A Powerful Duo

When we combine mindfulness with creative self-expression, the benefits multiply. Mindfulness helps us tune in to our emotions; creativity gives us a safe way to express them. Together, they spark joy, foster resilience, and boost our overall sense of well-being.

A Few of the Benefits of Self-Awareness and Self-Expression

Improved Emotional Intelligence: Understanding our emotions helps us respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.
Enhanced Creativity: Engaging in creative activities opens new pathways for problem-solving and self-discovery.
Better Decision-Making: Greater self-awareness leads to choices that reflect our true selves and values.
Greater Well-Being: Mindfulness and self-expression are linked to lower stress, higher life satisfaction, and improved mental health.

Try It Out: Your Path to Well-being

We invite you to explore practices to enhance your self-awareness and creative self-expression. Try a new mindfulness exercise, pick up a journal, or join SJPL’s Graphic Novel Making Contest. Remember, every step toward self-awareness and self-expression is a step toward a healthier, happier you.