In a world where it’s far too easy to get caught up in important responsibilities and everyday tasks, it’s just as easy to lose sight of how you’re really feeling in the midst of it all. This is why it’s so important to check in with yourself occasionally to ensure that you’re on the right track, both physically and emotionally. Making yourself a priority is key to understanding what you need to feel better, be it an extended break from work or mental health services.

How to Check in on Yourself

1. Focus on Emotions

You might find you sweep your emotions under the rug when you’re busy, so much so that you might not pay close enough attention to the fact that you’re truly overwhelmed, exhausted, stressed, or burned out. All of these can take their toll on your mind and body in different ways, leaving you unable to perform to the best of your abilities. 

Think about how you actually feel as you go through your day, focusing on the emotions that seem to be most prominent. If you’re frustrated, irritable, angry, or anxious, it’s crucial to listen to your body and take it as your cue to break away from your routine, even for a few minutes a day, to recover.

2. Prioritize Self-Care

Self-care is what can help you feel stronger, both mentally and physically, to effectively handle whatever life throws your way. Everyone experiences stress, after all, and it’s not easy to avoid it regularly. But you can control certain areas of your life, such as how you tend to your needs. 

This might mean savoring a cup of tea with your favorite snack for half an hour each day or going for a head-clearing walk in the morning before you start your day. Treat yourself to a spa day at home, meet up with a friend for lunch, or schedule regular therapy appointments with a mental health service if you feel like you could benefit from an impartial third party.

3. Keep a Journal

Writing down your deepest thoughts and feelings may seem challenging at first, but you might find that the more you do it the easier it becomes. It will also turn into a special way for you to tune into how you’re really feeling — sometimes you may discover a solution to a problem or even something that you didn’t realize was on your mind. 

Journaling can also help you make sense of confusing situations, see challenges more clearly, and simply stay accountable of progress you’ve made as you continue down your path of self-improvement.

If you’re ready to take your personal needs to the next level, trust in the caring team at Central Iowa Psychological Services in West Des Moines. Offering mental health services, these professionals treat everything from anxiety disorders to depression. Visit the website to learn more about how they can help or call (515) 233-1122 to schedule an appointment.