Regular Self Check-Ins

July 6, 2025

Regular Check-Ins

Day-to-day life can easily put you in a cycle of despair. Being caught up in our regular routines. It gets to the point where we operate on autopilot. We worry about work, school, family, and friends. If we’re lucky, we get moments to have those in-depth conversations and check-ins with the people we care about. We listen to them vent about their struggles, help them solve problems, or celebrate their latest accomplishments. But what about ourselves?

When was the last time you did a regular check-in with yourself?

If you’re anything like me, you’re probably wondering what it means to do a check-in with yourself? That’s exactly what I asked my therapist the first time she suggested it to me. She described it as taking intentional time to focus on your inner well-being, asking yourself how you’re feeling emotionally, physically, and even spiritually (if that’s important to you). Concentrating on what’s been on your mind, what’s important to you, and what You need in this moment. For instance, you could ask yourself, ‘How am I feeling today? What are the things that are bothering me? What can I do to make myself feel better?’

So often, we’re so focused on others that we forget to turn inward. This neglect of self-care can stem from a society that has taught us that doing so is selfish. But here’s the thing, in order to give our best to others, we must first be our best selves. Self-care is not selfish; it’s a necessary part of maintaining healthy relationships. Regular self-check-ins can help you gain a deeper understanding of your emotions, physical well-being, and even your spiritual needs. It’s a powerful tool for personal growth and self-care. Remember, you are important, and taking care of yourself is a priority. I challenge you to set an alarm once a month for regular self-check-ins.

Here is an example my therapist used with me: Take 5-10 minutes to breathe and ask yourself…

Emotions:

1. What emotions am I feeling right now?
2. Have I been avoiding or suppressing anything lately?

Physical

1. How does my body feel? Tired? Energized? Tense?
2. Am I getting enough rest, water, and eating the right foods?
3. Am I getting enough exercise?

Spiritual

1. Am I taking enough time to pray, meditate, or reflect?
2. Do I feel grounded and connected?

Needs

1. What do I need more of right now?
2. What do I need less of?
3. Are there boundaries I need to set or reinforce?
4. How can I show myself love today?

This is just one example to get started. You can adjust and ask yourself the necessary questions you deem fit or appropriate for you.