When was the last time you genuinely checked in with your emotions and explored how you’re truly feeling? For many, the default response to “How are you?” is a quick “I’m fine, thanks,” often given without much thought. Our emotions can sometimes feel unfamiliar or challenging to identify, for various reasons. Instead of brushing them aside, we can learn to acknowledge and understand our emotions, using them as a guide to better care for ourselves and address the needs they reflect.
Checking In: How Are You Really?
That’s a vital question. Becoming aware of how you’re feeling allows you to better understand how your emotions might be influencing your decisions and actions. Paying attention to your emotions provides valuable insights into your needs, empowering you to respond to them and prioritize your well-being.
As you go about your day, taking a moment to check in with yourself can be psychologically beneficial. You can do this by asking:
- At this moment, how am I really feeling?
- What need might be driving this feeling?
- What is one small thing I could do right now to support myself?
- What is the best action I could take today for my overall well-being?
Recognizing and addressing your needs is essential for self-care. As you go through your day managing tasks and responsibilities, remember to pause and check in with yourself—it’s just as important.
Bring It to Coaching
Developing the ability to tune into your emotions and understand what they may be signaling is a skill that can be continually refined. Working with a coach can provide valuable support in building strategies to strengthen this skill, helping you prioritize your well-being and care for yourself more effectively.