JOMO KENYATTA UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES

SCHOOL OF FOOD AND NUTRITION SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN NUTRITION SCIENCES

B.SC. HUMAN NUTRITION AND DIETETICS

AGF222-OO94/2019

MARTIN KIMEU

AFD 2407 LIFESKILLS

TAKE-AWAY CAT TWO

KNOWING AND LIVING WITH ONESELF SKILLS

Skill of knowing oneself and living with oneself

The skill of knowing and living with oneself is often referred to as "self-awareness" and "self-
acceptance." These concepts are fundamental to personal growth, emotional well-being, and
healthy relationships. The skills include;

1. Self-Awareness: Self-awareness involves understanding your thoughts, emotions,

behaviors, strengths, weaknesses, values, and motivations. It's about having a clear and
accurate perception of who you are. Developing self-awareness can help you make more
informed choices, handle challenges more effectively, and improve your relationships
with others.

Ways to cultivate self-awareness:

 Reflection: Take time to think about your experiences, feelings, and actions.
Journaling can be a helpful tool for this.

 Mindfulness: Practice being present in the moment and observing your thoughts
and feelings without judgment.

 Feedback: Seek feedback from trusted friends, family members, or mentors to

gain insights into how you're perceived by others.

 Self-assessment tools: Use personality assessments, strengths assessments, or

emotional intelligence tests to gain deeper insights into your traits and tendencies.

 Therapy or counseling: A mental health professional can guide you in exploring

your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in a safe and supportive environment.

2. Self-Acceptance: Self-acceptance involves embracing and loving yourself as you are,

without judgment or comparison to others. It's about acknowledging your imperfections
and recognizing your inherent worth and value. Self-acceptance doesn't mean you stop
striving for growth and improvement, but rather that you treat yourself with kindness and
compassion along the way.
Ways to cultivate self-acceptance:

 Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness and

understanding you would offer to a friend facing a challenge.

 Challenge negative self-talk: Notice when you're being overly critical of

yourself and replace those thoughts with more realistic and positive ones.

 Celebrate achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, no

matter how small they may seem.

 Set realistic expectations: Understand that perfection is not attainable, and it's
okay to have limitations and make mistakes.

 Focus on strengths: Recognize and appreciate your strengths and unique

qualities.

Using the skills of knowing and living with oneself

Developing self-awareness and practicing self-acceptance can indeed be valuable tools in

preventing or managing depression. While they might not serve as a guaranteed solution, they
can contribute significantly to your overall mental well-being. Here's how these skills can help:

1. Early Detection and Awareness: Self-awareness involves being attuned to your

emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. By staying in touch with your emotional state, you
can recognize signs of stress, anxiety, or sadness early on. This awareness allows you to
take proactive steps before these feelings escalate into full-blown depression.

2. Identifying Triggers and Patterns: Through self-awareness, you can identify patterns in
your life that contribute to your well-being or trigger negative emotions. By recognizing
these triggers, you can work on avoiding or managing them more effectively, reducing
the likelihood of sinking into depression.

3. Seeking Support: Self-awareness helps you realize when you're struggling and might
need help. If you notice persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or other depressive
 symptoms, you'll be more likely to reach out to friends, family, or mental health
professionals for support.

4. Developing Coping Strategies: Self-awareness allows you to understand which coping

strategies work best for you. By knowing your personal preferences, you can engage in
activities that lift your mood, reduce stress, and promote a sense of well-being.

5. Practicing Self-Compassion and Acceptance: Self-acceptance is crucial in preventing

depression. When you practice self-acceptance, you're less likely to engage in negative
self-talk and self-criticism, which are common features of depression. Instead, you treat
yourself with kindness and understanding, reducing the emotional burden on yourself.

6. Building Resilience: Self-awareness and self-acceptance contribute to building

emotional resilience. This means that when you face challenges or setbacks, you're better
equipped to navigate them without being overwhelmed by negative emotions.

7. Creating a Supportive Lifestyle: By knowing your needs and preferences, you can
build a lifestyle that supports your mental health. This might involve nurturing positive
relationships, engaging in hobbies you enjoy, practicing relaxation techniques, and
prioritizing self-care.

8. Setting Realistic Goals: Self-awareness helps you set achievable goals that align with
your values and strengths. Accomplishing these goals can boost your self-esteem and
sense of accomplishment, which are protective factors against depression.

References

(i) Brewer. (2017). Meditation. American Record Guide, 80(4)

(ii) Riggio L. (2017) 1-minute Mediation for Insomnia Prevention, 69(5)
(iii) Allaya Cook-Campbell, (2022), The Importance of Knowing yourself. Your key to
fulfilment.