3 Ways to Check In with Yourself

Now that warmer weather is on the horizon, it’s time to slow down and really take control of things. My social calendar has been filling up, now that we can finally see light at the end of the tunnel! But we all know that as life starts to get hectic, it can be hard to carve out extra time for yourself.

I’ve always believed in setting aside time to take care of myself, and it’s something that I refuse to compromise on. It should be sacred—a reflection of self-love. Some may consider these acts superficial, but I believe you should do whatever makes you feel most confident. The image I portray to the world is incredibly important to me. When I was younger and shy, fashion and makeup were how I expressed my true personality. Over time, they helped me grow into the vibrant woman I am today. No longer am I afraid to show how much I love myself or who I am. Taking time to pamper myself and carefully craft my image makes me proud of what I’m saying to the world. Here’s how I practice self-love when I need to hit pause:

LISTEN

Our world is so chaotic, and it’s important to take a moment to shut out the noise and listen to what your body is trying to tell you. Have you been sleep-deprived? Feeling sluggish, like you’re just going through the motions? Are you slipping into unhealthy habits? We’ve all been there. We reach burnout because we neglect ourselves. Taking time to listen is essential.

GIVE CREDIT

Don’t discredit the work you’ve already done. I used to be terrible at this, never giving myself credit for things like graduating college with honors, building a future for myself, or the determination I had to create a life of my own. Look back and acknowledge the steps that brought you here. You put in the work—no one else. So, take a moment to give yourself a pat on the back.

REFLECT

Reflection is crucial. It allows you to see how far you’ve come and how much further you want to go. When was the last time you really asked yourself what you truly want out of life—not what the media or society says you should want, but what would genuinely make you happy? I’ve fallen into the trap of thinking my goals weren’t good enough when I compared them to those of others, so I kept pushing my goals higher and higher until they didn’t even feel like mine anymore. We all want different things, and that’s okay. You have to define success for yourself—not by anyone else’s standards.

Taking the time to pause and check in with yourself can make all the difference in maintaining a balanced, fulfilling life. It’s about listening to your body, recognizing your progress, and reflecting on your personal desires. Don’t forget to honor yourself.