Reality Check

1. an occasion that causes you to consider the facts about a situation and not your opinions, ideas, or beliefs

2. an occasion when someone must consider the unpleasant truth about something rather than trying to ignore it

“reality check.” dictionary.cambridge.org. Cambridge Dictionary, https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/reality-check. Accessed 31 Aug. 2022.

When it comes to taking a moment for a reality check, this is not about our ability to see into the minds of others or to have a deep understanding of all we just witnessed or experienced. Instead, we’re talking about the helpful practice of paying attention to what’s going on within ourselves and taking a moment to allow ourselves to be fully present in the moment without being overcome by the moment. A commonly used term for this practice is mindfulness. While there are many resources on the topic, we’ve identified a very simple introduction presented by The Mayo Clinic.

Research shows that mindfulness practices help us reduce rumination (deep and increasing attention to negative thoughts) and stress. In this way, we can untangle the knot of thoughts in our heads so that we can see increases in helpful thinking skills like focus, problem-solving, memory, and more!

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, there are people who can help you. Please call or text 988 or go to 988lifeline.org where you can find more information and even chat with someone 24 hours a day.

Learning to make these mindful reality checks a habit takes some time and intentional practice, but the results can have a very positive effect. Fortunately, there are many simple ways interested individuals can get started.

General practices include the following (with many more specific examples on the Starting Point Sites below):

  • Gratitude
  • Breathing
  • Focus
  • Nature
  • Daily Routines
  • Movement

Starting Point Sites*

*We’re not promoting these above others; they’re helpful sites that we’ve found. Please share your favorite sites with us!

Leap Early Learning Partner RECHARGE content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician.