Take Notice!
Today the sun is back shining after days of pouring rain. After a couple lazy days due to the uninviting rain, the beautiful crisp fall weather is making its return and now is a good time as any to check in with yourself. Checking in with yourself to become aware of your internal state is something that can be beneficial to do frequently. It can help you understand and organize your thoughts/feelings, help you discard any thoughts/feelings/beliefs that do not serve you in the near or long-term future, and can also help calm your nervous system back down to its baseline equilibrium state. The key to becoming aware of our internal states rests in taking the time to be in tune with ourselves and our intuition. It is certainly a practice, but one that will get easier and benefit you with time! Below I have included three great ways to become aware of your internal state.
1. Intentionally take the time to check in with yourself
Whether this be to check in physically, emotionally, or both, taking the time to listen to your body and notice/attend to how you are feeling is a great place to begin getting in touch with your internal state.
2. Notice the general theme or tone of your inner dialogue
Pay attention to if your inner thoughts/dialogue feel more upbeat, or if they feel more heavy and tense. If you are constantly fixated or gnawing on the same issue, noticing this pattern is a great place to start in breaking that cycle and interrupting that negative thought process.
3. Change your state in order to change your mind
Changing your internal state can go a long way, and you can begin doing so in making a change in your daily life and trying something different. Whether you go for a little walk, meditate, journal, watch a light-hearted/feel good movie, etc., taking action to break away from negative thoughts can be really helpful in preventing them from spiraling and shifting your internal state.
