In our fast-paced busy lives, it’s easy to lose touch with our own well-being. It’s even easier to lose touch with our own wellbeing when we are focussed on a loved one’s battle with addiction, or when we are focussed on protecting others, especially our children. Taking a moment to check in with ourselves regularly can provide invaluable insights into our emotions, needs, and overall state of being. By consciously practicing self-check-ins, we can enhance our self-awareness and empower ourselves to take proactive steps towards self-care. In this article, we will guide you through a simple step-by-step process for how to check in with how you are feeling to help you foster self-awareness and prioritise self-care in your daily life.
Step 1: Find a Quiet Space
Begin by creating a calm and quiet environment where you can focus on yourself without distractions. It can be a cozy corner of your home, a peaceful park, or any place where you feel comfortable and at ease.
Step 2: Settle into the Present Moment
Take a few deep breaths, allowing yourself to release any tension or worries. Focus on the sensations of your breath, letting it ground you in the present moment. Close your eyes if it helps you to tune inwards.
Step 3: Observe Your Physical Sensations
Scan your body from head to toe, noticing any physical sensations or discomfort. Are there areas of tension, pain, or uneasiness? Acknowledge these sensations without judgment, simply noting their presence.
Step 4: Recognise Your Emotions
Shift your attention to your emotions. Ask yourself, “How am I feeling right now?” Allow any emotions to surface, whether they are positive or negative. Name each emotion you experience—joy, frustration, contentment, sadness—and acknowledge them with kindness.
Step 5: Reflect on Your Thoughts
Become aware of your thoughts without getting caught up in them. Notice any recurring patterns or themes in your thinking. Are there any persistent worries or preoccupations that may be impacting your well-being? Observe your thoughts with curiosity, understanding that they do not define you.
Step 6: Identify Your Needs
Ask yourself, “What do I need in this moment to take care of myself?” Listen attentively to your inner voice. It could be rest, connection with loved ones, time alone, engaging in a creative pursuit, or anything else that nurtures your well-being. Recognise that your needs are valid and deserve attention.
Step 7: Practice Self-care
Based on your observations and identified needs, do something for your own self-care. It could be scheduling a relaxation session, engaging in a hobby, reaching out to a friend, or taking a walk in nature. Chose something, and do something.
Step 8: Practice Regular Check-Ins
Self-check-ins are most effective when made a regular practice. Set aside time each day, even if it’s just a few minutes, to check in with yourself. Consistency is key to developing self-awareness and maintaining a proactive approach to self-care.
Taking the time to check in with ourselves is an act of self-compassion and empowerment. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can cultivate self-awareness, nurture your emotional well-being, and create a foundation for practicing self-care. Remember, self-check-ins are an ongoing journey, and each time you engage in this process, you deepen your connection with yourself. So, make it a habit, prioritsze your well-being, and embark on a path of self-discovery and self-care.
Kim Moore is the Founder of Blossome CIC. She lost her husband Chris to alcoholism in 2017. She faced a difficult journey while raising 2 children alone, with her family living on the opposite side of the world. Kim founded the Blossome Community and The Pathway to Peace healing journey so no one would have to feel alone while enduring the trauma of a loved one’s battle with alcoholism or addiction. She is also on a mission to end the generational cycle of alcoholism and addiction in families.
