Feeling checks: Self-compassion in the Present

Over time whether it's because we are too engrossed with daily events that demand our attention or because we don't think we can afford to cater to ourselves, we often lose touch with what we are feeling, especially if no time is spent processing them. Feeling checks are an effective tool often introduced in therapy but that can be applied any place by anyone looking to get in touch with themselves. It is a quick tool for self-awareness in the present moment. Cultivating self-compassion requires active participation. Respecting your feelings begins by acknowledging them, patiently and non-judgmentally.

Try this 1-minute exercise:

"What am I feeling right now?"

Take a moment and let yourself explore what you're feeling. Identify a feeling word. Don't stop at pleasant or unpleasant, good or bad. Go deeper. If it isn't immediately popping up to you, take the help of the feelings words list and see which feeling you can most connect with.

Tip: To inculcate this as a daily habit, you could set 4 alarms on your phone spaced throughout the day, reminding you to ask yourself what you're feeling whenever it goes off. You can also do this anytime you are finding it difficult to "feel" what you're feeling or experience a feeling that can only be described as empty or numb.

Do: take a moment to yourself to check in with yourself, no matter how busy you are. This is an act of self-care.

Do not: feel that you have to analyse the reason behind your feelings. Start just by identifying them; the reasons tend to organically surface when you're in tune with your emotions.