It can be very helpful to take a few minutes each day to listen to yourself, just pausing to check in and offer yourself the same kindness and wisdom you’d offer a good friend. You can do this as you walk to class, sit down for lunch, shower, whatever. Just take a moment to sincerely ask yourself these questions:
This simple practice of checking in can really help you care for yourself. Maybe it would be helpful to get some exercise, take a break, buckle down and get some homework done, have a snack, call a friend, put on some tunes, or do a mindfulness practice, like Rest (chapter 1), or the Befriending Feelings practice (chapter 24).
Perhaps there is something bigger to be addressed. Are you feeling overwhelmed and that it would be best for you to drop one of your courses? Do you want to be brave and ask that certain someone out? Do you want to stop playing soccer and try out for the musical? Do you need additional support?
When we’re busy and running on automatic, we’re often unaware of how we’re really feeling. And when we’re unaware of how we’re feeling, we often make poor choices—saying something that we regret, acting out, procrastinating, giving up, picking a fight, or just doing what we have always done because it is what we have always done…
So take a few moments every day to listen to yourself with kindness and curiosity. This will make it easier for you to choose your behavior and be the person you want to be.
For the next week or so, do the Rest practice (chapter 1) at least once a day, preferably listening to the downloadable guided audio. Most teens find that the best times to practice are after school, before homework, between homework subjects, before bed, or before a big event like a test, a basketball game, or an audition. Do your best to create a routine that works for you. Learning mindfulness is like learning to play a sport or an instrument. The more you practice, the more skilled you’ll become.
Mindfulness is ~
Paying attention, here and now, with kindness and curiosity, so that we can choose our behavior.