Boost Your Mental Health with the “Daily Check-In” Tool: My Chat with John Nash (A Beautiful Mind)
- Bruce Schutter
- Apr 24
- 5 min read
Yesterday, an ordinary sandwich led to an extraordinary encounter. I was at a local sandwich shop, struggling to calculate the tip—because, let’s face it, math isn’t exactly my strong suit. As I fumbled with the numbers, a hearty laugh broke the silence.
I looked up, and to my astonishment, it was none other than John Nash—the mathematical genius himself! You know, the guy from A Beautiful Mind.
He offered to help, and, well, I wasn’t about to turn down math advice from a Nobel Prize-winning mathematician. We chuckled over my lack of math prowess and bonded over the absurdity of the situation—me, needing a mathematical genius to help me leave a tip.
But then, the conversation took an interesting turn. John noticed the book I had open on the table: 84 Tools of a Mental Health Warrior. His eyes landed on one tool in particular—"Daily Check-in with You." Intrigued, he pointed at it and asked, “How does this help someone stay in control of their mental health?”
I leaned in and shared my story. For 20 years, I battled Bipolar, Alcoholism, Anxiety Disorders and PTSD. My challenges ran my life, leaving me feeling so powerless that I tried to end my life. But with a second chance, I uncovered something life-changing: Mental Health is the key to overcoming any challenge.
Armed with that knowledge, I created the Mental Health Warrior Program—a new SELF-HELP approach designed to help YOU take charge of your emotions, triumph over challenges and build the life you really want.
This book—and the tools within it—are all part of the warrior program!
Warrior Tool: "Daily Check-in with You"
I explained to John that the "Daily Check-in with You" tool is designed to help us reconnect with ourselves—especially on those days when emotions feel all over the map. It’s a simple daily habit: take a few moments to pause, check in with your mental state, and make a plan for what comes next!
But this tool isn’t just about checking a box. It’s about building a stronger connection with ourselves—because how can we triumph over life’s challenges if we don’t even know where we stand?
John nodded, clearly intrigued. Then, to my surprise, his eyes lit up with excitement. “You know,” he said, “I can think of three ways I could use this tool in my own life…”
Example 1: Clarity Before Chaos
John believed this tool could be particularly helpful in the mornings. “I often wake up feeling overwhelmed by the thoughts racing through my head. But if I take just a few minutes each morning to check in with myself and get emotionally centered, I’ll be more motivated and better organized to tackle the day’s challenges," he mused.
Our Turn:
You don’t have to be a mathematical genius to benefit from this strategy. Take just a few minutes each morning—perhaps over coffee or while brushing your teeth—to check in with yourself.
Ask yourself:
✔️ "How am I feeling today?"
✔️ "What do I need to accomplish?"
This simple practice sets a positive tone for the day, helping you feel clearer, more in control, and mentally prepared for whatever comes next.
Example 2: Midday Mental Reboot
John admitted that his thoughts often spiral by midday—especially when he’s deep in complex problem-solving.
“Around lunchtime, I pause and ask myself, ‘Am I on track? Do I need to adjust my approach?’ It helps me avoid mental fatigue,” he explained. “It’s like hitting the mental refresh button before I waste energy going down the wrong path.”
He added that even a short pause—standing up, stretching, or stepping away for five minutes—can be a game-changer. “It’s not about quitting for the day. It’s about recalibrating so I can finish strong!”
Our Turn:
Midday is prime time for a mental reboot. Whether you’re working, studying, or juggling life at home, taking a few moments to pause and reassess helps prevent burnout and keeps your energy aligned.
Ask yourself:
✔️ “Am I still focused?”
✔️ “Is my energy where it needs to be?”
If the answer’s no—this is your cue to take a short break, refuel, or shift gears. That small check-in can power you through the rest of your day like a true Mental Health Warrior.
Example 3: Warrior Wind-Down
John saw value in using the tool at the end of the day to celebrate his triumphs and create a starting plan for tomorrow.
“Before I go to bed, I could take a moment to reflect on what I accomplished and what I could improve on tomorrow,” he said. “It’s like tying up loose ends in my mind, so I can rest better.”
Our Turn:
An evening check-in can be a powerful way to unwind and clear your head before sleep.
Just before bed, ask yourself:
✔️ “What went well today?”
✔️ “What challenges did I face, and how did I handle them?”
This simple reflection helps you acknowledge progress, release stress, and set the stage for a more mindful tomorrow. Bonus: it may even improve your sleep by quieting racing thoughts and offering mental closure.
Embrace the Quirkiness
I shared with John that, at first, the "Daily Check-in with You" tool felt a bit awkward—almost like I was trying to date myself. I’d sit there, asking myself, “Hey, how are you feeling today?” and half expect an answer back. It was weird, no doubt.
But like any relationship, the more I used it, the more natural it became. It stopped feeling like forced small talk with myself and turned into a real conversation—one that actually helped. Now, my daily check-in is a grounding ritual, especially when my mental health challenges try to knock me off course.
The truth is that mental health tools don’t have to be serious all the time. They can be quirky, personal, and even a little weird—as long as they work. And this one? It works!
Wrap Up
As our conversation wrapped up, I handed John my copy of 84 Tools of a Mental Health Warrior. He smiled and said, “You know, managing mental health is a lot like solving complex equations. It takes patience, persistence—and sometimes, a little help from others.”
As John got up to leave, I couldn’t help but reflect on his words. Whether you’re a mathematical genius or just someone trying to calculate the right tip, the “Daily Check-in with You” tool can be a game-changer. It’s a simple yet powerful way to stay emotionally grounded, build resilience, and take charge of your day.
So next time life feels overwhelming, pause and check in with yourself. Then take the next step forward as a Mental Health Warrior—because the power to take charge of your emotions and triumph over challenges all begins with YOU!
Bruce Schutter
Comments