Checking in

Check in is the single most important thing the app does — and the lightest. Five large, calm targets, not a form. Tap the state that fits. You can stop there, or take one more gentle step to add an intensity (1–5) and a context tag or two. One tap is always enough.

Why it’s here. A check-in writes the “current state” that the rest of Gentleward reads from — the home screen, the toolbox, gentle suggestions all follow from it. But its deeper purpose is the noticing itself. The act of pausing to ask where am I? is regulation, before anything else happens.

The psychology. Naming an internal experience reliably lowers its charge (“affect labeling”). And because the app never nags and a missed check-in costs you nothing, there’s no shame loop to avoid — which is what makes it sustainable for a nervous system that’s allergic to pressure.

A contemplative thread. This is a tiny sati practice: stop, feel, name, let it be true. No verdict, no fixing — just an honest hello to yourself.

Using it. Check in whenever you remember; a few times a day is plenty. Scheduled nudges live under Daily rhythm, and every check-in flows into History so you can see your weather over time.