Take a Breath
Do you ever just hit the wall? I mean out of no where, hit the wall? Someone asks you a question and you burst into tears, or snap at them, and then wonder...Where did that come from?
I would venture to guess that every person reading this right now can identify with this on some level. We go through our days making sure everything gets done and setting goals for the following days. If our lists get checked off it's a win and if we don't get things checked off its a fail. We push and plan and then out of "no where" we hit the wall. Why? I'm fine? I should be able to handle this...I have to get it together...How am I suppose to get anything done...Focus!
We humans are pretty good at producing. We are always thinking and planning and doing. Our focus can be so concentrated on the outward process of doing, that we forget to look inward at the feeling part of us. As frustrations, or fatigue comes up we can just push it off and keep moving forward producing. Eventually our pushed off feelings build up to a breaking point and we hit the wall. We are like a pot of water on a stove. We can simmer for awhile, then the steam starts to rattle the lid a bit, and eventually the water begins to boil until it spills over the side.
So, how can we prevent hitting the wall or boiling over? We have to take the lid off and let some steam out. Take a Breath, and check in with yourself.
Here are 5 questions you can ask yourself on a quick self check in:
What is going on around me?
Where are you?
What do you hear?
Who are you with?
What are you doing?
What do you smell?
Notice what is happening around you and how it may or may not be effecting you.
How am I feeling?
Take a moment to breath and really notice what you are feeling: calm, anxious, nervous, stressed, happy, grateful, angry, etc.
What is going right?
Take a quick mental note or write a list of all the things going right for you. (a 30 sec gratitude list)
What do I need?
We need many different things: rest, quiet, encouragement, love, acceptance, affirmation, validation, nourishment, etc.
What do you need and how can you fill or express that need?
How can I be kind to myself?
Most of the time we find it much easier to be kind to others than ourselves. Practice being kind to yourself. (an encouraging word, notice your wins, take time for self care, exercise, eat good food, notice the wonderful qualities that make you unique, allow yourself to feel whatever you feel without judgment.)
When you take a breath and do a self check in, it allows you to let some steam out before you boil over. You might notice that you need to spend more time for yourself than you have at that moment. Good, then put it on your schedule! Choose to make the time to check in and care for yourself. You will be glad you did and all the other areas of your life will notice the happier, calmer, and more productive you. You are a precious resource to the world...Take care of it!
-Cheers to the One Amazing You
