When people ask how we are, we often respond “good” or “fine” without even thinking about it. Once I realized this, I decided to take these common greetings as moments to check in with myself and answer the question honestly. At times, this has led to weird looks, but I’ve learned not to mind and remember I’m not obligated to explain my feelings.
We spend so much of our lives on autopilot, not considering how we’re feeling, that it’s important to take little moments like these to be mindful of our emotions. Checking in with yourself is beneficial for both negative and positive emotions. If you realize you’re feeling tired, angry, or sad, you can take a break. I often employ this tactic before going out since I am introverted and have anxiety. It’s important for me to notice when I’m at my social limit so I don’t worsen my mood by going out. An evening-in can be very healing.
In addition, I use mindfulness to recognize when I have reached my limit with work. Even when met with deadlines and expectations, it’s important to take a break when we’re overworked. A tired brain cannot produce quality work, and it can actually be harmful to fight through exhaustion. When I was in school and reached my limit while studying for an exam, I would go to bed knowing I should keep my brain fresh for the next day.
If you realize you’re feeling happy, relaxed, or excited, you can practice gratitude and embrace the emotion. Also, you can recall these positive moments during not-so-positive times. Last summer break, I was sitting on my bed and doing nothing because I had no responsibilities. I thought to myself, “In this moment, I am relaxed.” When I feel stressed or uncomfortable, I return to that moment. By being mindful of my emotions, I created a safe space in my brain.
For another example, the other day I returned from a long trip. I found joy in cooking and just existing in my home, so I paid attention to those emotions and had gratitude for them. We often dwell in sadness but forget to notice when we’re happy. I encourage you to pay attention to the little pockets of happiness in your life and hold onto them.
In short, your emotions matter and it can do much for your mental wellness to be mindful of them.