Mental Health Check-In: The Power of Intentional Commitment in Your Mental Health Journey
- Sandy Ische
- 17 hours ago
- 4 min read
Why is checking in with your mental and emotional health so vital?
Taking time to check in with yourself is a powerful, intentional habit that can significantly impact your mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It helps you enjoy life more fully, improves self-awareness, and creates space for compassion and grace.
When we pause to acknowledge our feelings - where they show up in our mind and body - we're better able to respond rather than react to the world around us. This reflection decreases emotional reactivity, reduces stress and anxiety, and helps us avoid burnout and feeling overwhelm.
The Power of Self-Compassion
One simple way to show yourself compassion is to speak to yourself the way you would a dear friend - with grace, patience, and kindness. Ask yourself: "What do I need right now that could bring me peace or relief?" It can be something small, like a few quiet moments to yourself or something more tangible - like asking for help. Maybe it’s reaching out to a friend to talk or asking your spouse to take over dinner duty.
I remember when my sister was navigating the challenges of being a single parent. I’d remind her to give herself grace and stop being so hard on herself. Parenting is challenging enough with two adults juggling work, school drop-offs, and extracurricular activities. Doing it alone is heroic! We all need reminders that it's okay to ask for support.
Grace Comes in Many Forms
Checking in with yourself regularly helps you become more emotionally grounded. It gives you the ability to challenge negative thoughts and replace them with God's truth.
Ask yourself: Are these thoughts from God or are they lies meant to steal my peace? Let go of what doesn’t serve you and hold on to God’s truth instead.
“Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.” – Proverbs 30:5
Scriptures to Ground You
By remembering scripture, we acknowledge that we are children of God. Here are just a few scriptural reminders of God's love and strength for you:
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13
I am a child of God. - "Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God" - John 1:12
I am forgiven. - "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." - 1 John 1:9
I am chosen and called by God. - "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." 1 Peter 2:9
"I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." - Psalm 139:14
And you are complete in Him. - "in Christ you have been brought to fullness." Colossians 2:10
"You are the light of the world." - Matthew 5:14
"The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:7
"We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works." - Ephesians 2:10
These verses remind us who we are and who God is.
7 Powerful Questions to Check-In With Yourself And Build Self-Awareness
How am I feeling right now?
What do I need to feel better emotionally?
How am I being intentional with my self-care?
What self-care action can I take today?
Am I setting and communicating healthy boundaries?
Where can I extend grace to myself?
Is there anything I need to surrender to God?
12 Self-Care Action Steps to Support Your Mental Health
Spend quiet time with God.
Write down three things you're grateful for.
Set self-care goals for the week.
Reflect on scriptural affirmations.
List the people who support you and have your best interest in mind.
Journal your emotions and thoughts.
Create a peaceful space at home to decompress and unwind.
Choose a favorite activity and commit to doing it this week.
Spend time outdoors in nature.
Volunteer your time to a cause you care about.
Send a thoughtful note to someone.
Spend time with a furry friend!
What’s Working - and What’s Not?
As you begin to check in with yourself more regularly, take a moment to reflect:
What is working well with your self-care routine?
What needs to shift or improve?
What practices are drawing you closer to God and helping you feel more balanced?
Celebrate your progress, however small, and ask: Where is God inviting me to grow deeper in care, peace, and connection?
A Few Of My Favorite Self-Care Practices
Listening to KLove
Devotionals on RightNow Media and YouVersion Bible App
Dancing while cleaning (it's surprisingly therapeutic!)
Long walks in the sunny San Diego weather with my furry companions
Friday after breaks with my better half to order my favorite acai bowl
Time with family and good friends
Sunsets and beach time
Fresh flowers on my kitchen table
Reading uplifting books
Weekend getaways and vacation time
“Promise me you’ll always remember: you’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” — Christopher Robin from Winnie the Pooh
Final Reflection
What makes you happy?
How are you being intentional with your mental health?
What is one action step you can take today to better care for yourself?
