Self Check-in + Reflection
Mental health and your overall well being is what makes up the heart of When Life Wynnes, it’s the reason this site even began. It is so important to recognize where you are mentally (In your own mind, space, and person) so that you can take care of yourself before things get overwhelming and feel out of control. Everyone has a limit of what they can intake (good & bad), everyone processes things differently, and everyone needs different things to unwind/decompress.
If you are an introvert your self care will look very different from someone who is an extrovert. If you are a hybrid of these two categories, your self care will also look different than someone who falls into one or the other. (It’s more common than you might think to be some sort of combination. I myself am an introverted-extrovert. Simply meaning that I am an extravert in the sense that I am a people person, I feed off of energy of a group, and I am definitely the type to never meet a stranger. My introvert qualities require me to isolate from outside stimuli to wind down. I need to be at my house, with only immediate family, doing something that makes me feel recharged. Examples being, working in the garden, drawing/painting, or watching a TV show.)
No matter where you fall on the introvert - extrovert scale, something important for all of us is to slow down, check-in with yourself, and evaluate how you are feeling. Sometimes you might only need to physically stop for a second and take a deep breath. Other times you may need more of a mental brake. And that is ok. What’s important is that you recognize where YOU are and what YOU need.
I am going to share some general wind down + recharging tips, as well as provide a guided way to decompress + reflect.
TIPS:
Grounding - Step outside and plant your bare feet in the grass. Close your eyes and feel the warmth & energy from the ground and sun.
Light a calming candle or incense - Taking a few minutes to stop and breathe in a scent you find comforting can sooth the mind and help you feel recharged.
Journal - Write down anything in your mind. It can be your thoughts, feelings, a to-do list, or whatever helps you feel calm and settled once it’s out of your brain and on paper.
Quality CBD - CBD oil has been linked to feeling less stressed and anxious. It can be added to coffee, placed under the tongue, or taken in capsule form. Relief and dosage varies person to person. Equilibria is my personal favorite CBD and when you order through them you get your own dosage specialist. (I also love CBD cream for muscle pain and menstrual cramp relief.) *Use code REFBRITTANYWYNNE for $30 off your first order.
Exercise - This is not a one size fits all. Working out for your mental health doesn’t have to look the same as a normal workout. It also doesn’t have to be your favorite thing to do. Find what relaxes you. A brisk walk may do the trick. For my husband, it’s all about the weights. For me, I want to run until I can’t. (My favorite workouts are boxing related. I am NOT a runner, but running my a@$ off makes me feel less stressed.)
Prayer - Spending some one-on-one time with the Guy upstairs is a great way to slow down, hand over the reins, and just let Him take control. There’s nothing He can’t handle so lay it all out.
Meditation - This doesn’t have to be anything special and there is no right or wrong way to do it. Meditating just requires finding a place without distraction. You can stand, sit, lay down, or whatever makes you feel most comfortable. You can listen to soothing music or be in complete silence. Just take 5 + minutes for your person to be still and quiet, filling your lungs with air as you focus on breathing in and out. (There are lots of great guided meditations available if you want help getting started.)
Self Check-in
Take a moment to take a few deep breaths. Slowly filling your lungs with air and then releasing your breath.
Today I feel ___________________ (Ex. tired, stressed, overwhelmed, happy, satisfied, etc.)
What happened, or what have I experienced, to make me feel this way? ___________________
What is one thing I can do for ME today? __________________________________ (Ex. Taking a walk alone, calling a friend to catch up, baking, working in the garden, etc.)
When can I fit this activity into my schedule? __________________ (Write it down, add it to your calendar, make time for you today. MAKE A COMMITMENT TO SHOWING UP FOR YOURSELF.)
Today I am grateful for ________________________ (Ex. friends, family, sunshine, being able to move my legs, the fact I breathed in air…)
Today I am strong because __________________________
One positive thing about myself ______________________
One thing I like about myself _____________________
One good thing I can do for someone else today______________________ (holding the door open, smiling at someone, helping a family member, giving a compliment, etc.)
Find a mirror or quiet space and tell yourself this today:
I am important & I am enough.
My feelings are valid.