I’m exploring a topic today that one of my friends introduced me to a while ago. She told me that whenever she feels like she’s in a bad mood or just isn’t thinking in the most productive way about herself or her life, she checks in with her “plant needs.”

This means before she allows herself to spiral into a pit of negativity, self criticism, or self pity she asks herself these questions:

Have I had anything to eat

Have I had anything to drink

Have I gotten outside

Have I gotten enough sleep

These four simple questions can help us to stop identifying so strongly with our negative emotions and, instead, recognize when we simply need a little self care. Pausing this way and identifying your plant needs will help you pause before entering that spiral or “tornado mind” as I like to call it.

Give this a try next time you’re feeling overwhelmed.