What are you paying attention to? So many of us spend our days checking our blackberries and tv shows. We are constantly paying attention to so many different things that it can be overwhelming. Have you ever checked in with yourself during the course of the day?

It sounds like a strange question, but where and physically starts to dissapate. We actually become more productive as a result of reduced stress levels.

When I checked in to what I was paying attention to I noticed how narrowly focused my thoughts were. I tended to worry about every detail and all of the opportunities that are available to us. For many people the idea of checking in with themselves is completely foreign.  Here are some tips on how to get started:

• Instead of jumping out of bed to turn on your blackberry, take one minute to check in with yourself. What are your thoughts? How does your body feel?

• Look at areas where you feel you are reacting instead of creating. At work, are you just reacting to the tasks put in front of you trying to get it done in the most timely fashion or are you creating new ways of getting things done by working with others or making suggestions to your boss?

• Stop for a minute and assess what is going on internally. Is your heart beating fast? Are you feeling tense? Become aware of what may be causing you to respond this way. Take some breaths or do some stretches to release the tension.

Checking in is a matter of becoming aware of your circumstances and using your attention more effectively.