HALT
While I generally consider myself patient and approach situations with respect and kindness, there are times when I experience irritation and overwhelm. This negatively affects my emotional state, behavior, and decision-making. When I respond from this place, I might mistakenly cause damage to a relationship, my work, or even to myself.
That’s where HALT comes in. HALT is an acronym used as a reminder to pause and be aware of four basic human needs that can impact our emotional state, temperament, and disposition:
- Hungry: When our blood sugar drops, we can become irritable, anxious, and struggle to focus.
- Angry: Anger can cloud our judgment and lead to impulsive reactions.
- Lonely: Feeling isolated can lead to sadness, withdrawal, and cravings for unhealthy coping mechanisms.
- Tired: Fatigue can make us less patient, more prone to frustration, and hinder our ability to think clearly.
The idea behind HALT is to pause and consider these basic needs before reacting to a situation or making a choice. How do I know when to pause? When I don’t feel like myself. For me, one of the indicators is when I notice the loss of my sense of humor.
When I feel out of sorts, HALT is a simple but powerful reminder to take care of myself by being mindful of these basic needs. By addressing them, I can improve my overall well-being and navigate life’s challenges more effectively.
ACTION: When you feel overwhelmed, take a moment to check in with yourself and see if you’re in HALT. If any of these needs are contributing to your feelings, take a step to address them.
