Checking In With Yourself and Keeping Your Emotional Health on Track

When was the last time you answered honestly when someone asked, “How are you?” There’s a certain stigma around expressing negative emotions, and most of the time it’s easier to say we’re doing well instead of acknowledging that we’re not okay. Sometimes, we’re so busy that we don’t even notice when we’re feeling down or stressed. How can we monitor our emotions and deal with problems head-on, rather than pushing them off and letting the tension build? Here’s how to check in with yourself daily and keep your emotional health on track with 3 quick and easy exercises.

Listen to your body

Emotional distress can take a serious toll on your physical health. Tune into your body and pay attention to any discomfort you’re experiencing, especially back pain, neck pain, and headaches. These are some of the most common symptoms of stress. When you are experiencing symptoms that may be caused or intensified by stress, don’t just take medication and move on. Brainstorm ways to reduce your stress and take care of your mental health. 

Notice how you feel after certain activities

A good time to tune into your emotions is after you’ve completed a task or spent time with someone. How do you feel after carrying out certain errands at work or school, or after going out with a friend? Do you feel satisfied and fulfilled, or depleted and unhappy? By taking a few moments to check in with yourself, you can identify stressors more easily throughout your day. Once you identify factors that are contributing to your stress, you can take steps to alleviate your anxiety. If you know that studying for a certain course or taking on a specific task at work stresses you out, you might consider taking more breaks than usual or implement breathing techniques to stay calm and productive. 

Release shame and be honest with yourself

Sometimes our emotional wellbeing gets put on the back burner because we simply don’t have the time or energy to deal with it. But it’s important to be honest with yourself and recognize when you are not okay, instead of ignoring it and pushing on. Another way to keep your emotional health on track is to create a basic self-care routine that’s easy to stick to so that it doesn’t interfere with your other priorities. Don’t feel guilty about setting aside some “me time” every once in a while. You need to recharge regularly so that you can perform your best!

I hope these quick tips help you check in with yourself and prioritize your mental health. If you take one thing away from this article, it should be that your mind and body will tell you exactly what it needs. All you need to do is take a few moments and practice the tips above to get in tune with your emotions.