Daily Check Ins - What They Are and Why You Need Them
Two key ways to manage stress are to do a daily check-in and to notice periods of downtime throughout the day and use that downtime to practice stress reduction techniques.
Daily Check-in
A daily check-in helps to form new habits in managing your stress. Ask yourself a few questions each day this week to notice what is currently causing stress and to notice what is helpful in reducing stress:
- What was stressful for me yesterday?
- Was I able to notice my stressful thoughts?
- Did I then focus on what I could see, hear, feel or smell?
- If so, how did this help the situation?
- If not, do not be hard on yourself - this is a learning process. Instead, suggest to yourself that you can do this today.
Use Downtime Wisely
Throughout the day there are often moments of downtime. Using these pauses during the day to take a deep breath (or better yet three deep breaths) can reduce your overall level of anxiety and cultivate calm focus within. Breathe in and out through your nose, filling your belly with your inhalation. This week, try taking three deep breaths whenever you:
- Hear the first ring of your phone
- Sit down in a new location
- Leave a meeting
- Sit down for a meal
- Take a restroom or beverage/snack break
- Get in the car
- Arrive at your destination
As you get comfortable checking in with yourself daily and using downtime for your benefit, you soon learn how to manage your stress and remain calm during difficult situations.
About the Author: Jacqueline Ryan Brodnitzki, RYT leads stress reduction and team effectiveness programs. As a coach she helps clients experience greater calm, reduce stress and increase effectiveness and success at work and at home. Find out more about working with Jacqueline on her website http://www.conscioussuccess.net.