Self-Care Check In

Let's be transparent, 2020 is not what we expected.  These past few months have been a lot and I am not just talking about the pandemic. From socio-political issues to financial concerns, these situations can allow for self-care to fall by the wayside. "We will not have it!" (I said this in my M'Baku voice from Black Panther). I just wanted to share a quick way to help you get back on track with your self-care practice.

What is Stress?
Stress is a catch all word to mean that "something is going on." Granted, that is the stripped down version of the term. The National Institute of Mental Health defines stress as how " the brain and body respond to any demand."  Not all stress is bad stress. Some feelings of stress can keep you safe because it activates the fight/flight/freeze response. The issue is when your stress moves from helpful to harmful. The harmful stress is called distress.  Distress can lead to the development of unhelpful coping strategies.  It can lead you feeling overwhelmed, overworked, and over it. 

Self Check-In
One way to make sure that you are managing your stress is to do a self check-in. Take time out of your day to ask yourself these questions:

1. When is the last time you took a deep breath?
2. Are you holding tension in your body?
3. Are you still staying connected to your support system?
4. When was the last time you took a mini mental break?
5. How are you doing?

Taking time out of your day to do a self check-in will help you take stock in how you are managing life stressors. It is a way to be a gentle reminder for you to engage in your self-care practices. 

Times maybe challenging right now, but that does not mean that you cannot stop to care for yourself. Taking care of your needs first (physical, mental, and emotional) does not mean that you do not care for others less. The time you take out for yourself allows for you to fully present in the moment later.  If you need additional tools regarding self-care check out my "What is Self-Care" post.

Stay safe everyone.