I was chatting with a client recently about how I've picked up a new habit of checking in on myself every day. It makes sense right? My besties and I check in on each other almost every day. Same with my mom. So why wouldn't I check in on one of the most important people in my life, me, in the same way?
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With all that adulting entails, it's so easy to put yourself on the back burner. I decided that at least once a day, I would ask myself what do I need and how am I feeling. Sometimes it's fresh air, other times it's food or water. Other days it's a long stretch or to process feelings that have been distracting me all day. And others it's a guided meditation or just a quiet 30 minute screen break. The need is rarely the same day to day.
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This all sounds so sweet and simple, but it's. so. hard. I was waking up every day with the intention of doing these midday check ins, but wasn't actually following through until I finally set a recurring calendar reminder on my phone.
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Like everything else in my life, if it's not in my calendar, it's probably not getting done. This now includes scheduling time to check in on how I'm feeling emotionally and physically every day at 1:30pm in addition to my daily movement.
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The midday mindfulness has been successful for me because I set it at a time when my body and mind could use a mini reset and I'm typically not booked during that time of day. This means I can be consistent while building this new habit. 1:30 in the afternoon might not work for you, but perhaps early evening before dinner or right after you wake up does. The time of day is not nearly as important as the actual act of self care and showing yourself some much needed love and attention. Bonus: it's totally FREE!
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Do you pencil in time during your day or week to check in with yourself? How can you make this a more regular habit?
