Reality Checks for Beginners

As we go through our daily lives, it’s easy to fall into autopilot mode and just go through the motions of our routine. But what if there was a way to tap into our subconscious and become more aware of our surroundings? Reality checks may just be the answer. These checks involve questioning whether or not we’re currently dreaming, allowing us to differentiate between reality and the dream world. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of reality checks, techniques to perform them, and tips for making them a consistent part of our daily routine.

Why Do Reality Checks Work?

Reality checks are an effective technique for achieving lucid dreams, but what makes them work? There are two main factors: increasing self-awareness and establishing reality checks as habits.

Increasing Self-Awareness

One of the primary ways that reality checks work is by increasing self-awareness. When we are awake, we often operate on autopilot, going through our daily routines without much thought. However, by integrating reality checks into our routine, we begin to question our surroundings and become more consciously aware of our environment. This heightened sense of self-awareness can carry over into our dreams, making it easier to recognize when we are in a dream and take control.

Reality Checks as Habits

Another reason that reality checks work is that they become habits. By performing reality checks throughout the day, we create a habit of questioning our reality. Eventually, this habit transfers over into our dreams, and we instinctively perform a reality check when we notice something strange or unusual. By turning reality checks into habits, we are not only increasing self-awareness but also setting ourselves up for success in achieving lucid dreams.

The effectiveness of reality checks stems from their ability to increase self-awareness and become ingrained habits. These two factors work together to create a powerful tool for achieving lucid dreams.

Increasing Self-Awareness

One of the beneficial effects of reality checks is that they can increase self-awareness in individuals. By performing reality checks throughout the day, you can train your mind to be more conscious of your surroundings and question the reality of what you see. This can lead to greater mindfulness and attentiveness in all areas of your life, not just the realm of lucid dreaming. As you become more familiar with your daily habits and routines, you may discover patterns and opportunities for personal growth that were previously hidden from your awareness.

Reality Checks as Habits

Becoming habitual with performing reality checks is one of the key aspects of making them effective. Consistency with reality checks helps to train our minds to become more aware of our surroundings and our own mental states.

One way to make reality checks a habit is to incorporate them into your daily routine. This could mean performing a reality check every time you enter a new room or every time you check your phone. Associating reality checks with specific actions or events can help to make them a natural part of your routine.

Another strategy is to set reminders throughout the day to perform reality checks. This could be as simple as setting an alarm on your phone or placing a sticky note in a visible location. Repetition is key to establishing habits, so the more often you practice reality checks, the more automatic they will become.

It’s also important to make sure that your reality checks are varied. Repeating the same technique over and over again can actually decrease its effectiveness as your mind becomes accustomed to the routine. Incorporating a variety of different techniques can help to keep your mind engaged and alert.

Ultimately, the goal is to make reality checks a natural reflex. With regular practice and consistency, performing reality checks will become second nature, and you’ll be more likely to perform them even in the midst of a dream.

When to Do Reality Checks?

It’s important to know when to do reality checks if you want to incorporate this technique into your daily routine. There are two specific times to do reality checks: throughout the day, and during dreams.

Throughout the Day: You should perform reality checks often throughout the day, especially at times that you have set as a reminder. This might be every hour, or every time you walk through a doorway. You want to be sure that you’re asking yourself whether you’re dreaming or not, and really taking a moment to assess your surroundings each time. This will help you become more self-aware and create the habit of performing reality checks.

During Dreams: Another time to do reality checks is when you’re dreaming. It can be difficult to remember to perform a reality check while you’re actually dreaming, but if you begin to incorporate the habit during the day, it may become more automatic at night. If you’re dreaming and you perform a reality check and find that you’re able to breathe through your nose while holding it shut, for example, you’ll be able to recognize that you’re in a dream and potentially take control of the dream.

Throughout the Day

One of the key aspects of incorporating reality checks into your daily routine is the frequency at which you perform them. It’s important to make them a habit throughout the day. This means including them in your normal routine and making them a part of your daily life. In this section, we will explore different times during the day when you can perform reality checks and how to make them a more consistent part of your routine. So, let’s delve into the importance of performing reality checks throughout the day.

During Dreams

One of the most effective times to do reality checks is during your dreams. This is because when you’re dreaming, you’re often in a state of heightened self-awareness, and you may be more likely to notice when something is off or unusual. However, it can be difficult to perform a reality check in a dream, since you may not be able to distinguish reality from the dream.

To help combat this, it’s a good idea to make it a habit to do reality checks throughout the day. This can help train your brain to automatically do a reality check when you’re dreaming. Additionally, you can use dream signs to help you recognize when you’re dreaming. Dream signs are recurring themes or events that often occur in your dreams. By becoming aware of your dream signs, you can be on the lookout for them in your dreams, which can help trigger awareness.

When doing reality checks during your dreams, it’s important to use a technique that is easy to perform and that will not wake you up. The nose pinch technique is a good option, as it can be done quickly and discreetly. To perform this technique, simply pinch your nose and try to breathe through it. If you’re able to breathe through your pinched nose, then you’re likely dreaming.

Another good technique to try during dreams is the finger through the palm technique. This technique involves trying to push your finger through your palm. In a dream, your finger may actually be able to pass through your palm, which can be a sign that you’re dreaming.

It’s important to remember that in order for reality checks to be effective during dreams, you must first train yourself to do them regularly throughout the day. With practice and consistency, you’ll be better equipped to recognize when you’re dreaming and perform reality checks in your dreams.

How to Do Reality Checks?

One of the most important aspects of lucid dreaming is practicing reality checks. But, how exactly do you perform a reality check? Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Choose Your Reality Check
The first step is to decide which reality check technique you want to use. There are many to choose from, such as the nose pinch technique, finger through the palm technique, and checking your digital devices technique.

Step 2: Become Mindful
The second step is to become mindful of your surroundings. Take a moment to focus on your physical environment and your state of being. Ask yourself if you are dreaming or awake. This level of mindfulness can help to increase the effectiveness of your reality check.

Step 3: Perform the Reality Check
Perform your chosen reality check technique. For example, if you’re using the nose pinch technique, close your mouth and pinch your nose together. Attempt to breathe in through your nose. If you can breathe through your pinched nose, that may indicate that you are dreaming.

Step 4: Reflect on the Results
Take a moment to reflect on the results of your reality check. Did you experience anything unusual or unexpected? Did the results of your reality check reveal that you were in fact dreaming? Take note of what you experienced during this reality check, as it can help to inform future checks.

Step 5: Repeat Often
Repeat these reality checks regularly throughout the day. The more often you perform reality checks, the more likely you will be to notice when you’re in a dream. It’s recommended to do at least ten checks per day.

By following these steps, you can enhance your ability to have lucid dreams and increase your chances of becoming aware that you’re dreaming. Remember to always remain mindful, choose a reality check technique that works best for you, and perform the checks consistently throughout the day.

Choose Your Reality Check

One of the most important steps in learning how to do reality checks is choosing the right technique that works best for you. With so many different reality check techniques out there, it can be overwhelming for beginners to decide which one to try. However, taking the time to experiment with a few different techniques can help you find the one that resonates with you the most. Let’s dive into some tips and considerations for selecting your reality check.

Performing Reality Checks

After choosing a reality check technique that works best for you, it’s important to perform it correctly in order to increase your chances of lucid dreaming. Follow these steps to perform a reality check:

Step	Description
1.	Stop and ask yourself whether you are awake or dreaming. This step is important because it activates your self-awareness.
2.	Perform your chosen technique: If you chose the nose pinch technique, plug your nose and try to breathe through it. If you chose the finger through the palm technique, try to push your finger through your opposite palm. If you chose the check your digital devices technique, look at the time or text on your phone and then look away for a few seconds before looking back at it. If you chose the read something twice technique, read a sentence or phrase twice and see if it changes. If you chose the look at a mirror technique, look at yourself in a mirror and observe any unusual or distorted features.
3.	Ask yourself again whether you are awake or dreaming. This step is crucial because it reinforces the habit of questioning reality.
4.	Pay attention to the results: If you were unable to perform your technique or if you noticed something unusual, then you are likely dreaming. If everything seemed normal, then you are likely awake.
5.	Repeat your reality check technique throughout the day, especially during times when you might forget to question reality, such as when you are engrossed in a task or routine.

Performing reality checks correctly and consistently can help to increase your self-awareness and habit of questioning reality, leading to greater chances of achieving lucid dreams.

Reality Check Techniques

Reality check techniques are the different methods you can use to perform a reality check. These techniques are designed to help you question your reality and determine whether you are dreaming or not. Here are some popular reality check techniques that you can try:

Nose Pinch Technique
The nose pinch technique involves pinching your nose shut and trying to breathe through it. If you can still breathe, then you are dreaming because in real life, your nose would be blocked and you wouldn’t be able to breathe.

Finger Through the Palm Technique
The finger through the palm technique involves trying to push your finger through the palm of your other hand. In a dream, your hand will be more pliable, and your finger will pass through the palm. In real life, this is impossible.

Check Your Digital Devices Technique
The check your digital devices technique involves trying to read something on your digital device, such as a clock or text message. If the text or numbers keep changing, then you are dreaming because in real life, they would be stable.

Read Something Twice Technique
The read something twice technique involves reading a sentence, looking away, and then looking back to read it again. In a dream, the sentence will have changed or will not make sense when you read it again.

Look at a Mirror Technique
The look at a mirror technique involves looking at yourself in a mirror. In a dream, your reflection may appear distorted or unusual.

It is important to choose a reality check technique that works best for you and to perform it consistently. You should also try different techniques to keep your mind engaged and make sure you are not missing any potential dream signs. Remember that the purpose of a reality check is to get into the habit of questioning reality, so it is essential to perform them regularly.

Nose Pinch Technique

One popular technique for reality checking is a simple action that involves blocking one’s nostrils and attempting to inhale through their nose. This technique may seem a bit odd at first, but it is actually one of the most effective ways to determine whether or not you are dreaming. By temporarily restricting the flow of air through your nose, you are testing the reality of your environment and gaining valuable insight into your current state of consciousness. Let’s take a closer look at how the nose pinch technique works and how to incorporate it into your reality checking routine.

Finger Through the Palm Technique

The Finger Through the Palm Technique is one of the most popular reality check techniques which involves pushing your index or middle finger through your opposite palm. The idea behind this technique is that in a dream, your finger will pass through your hand without any resistance, while in reality, it will not.

How to perform the Finger Through the Palm Technique

To perform this technique, follow these steps:

Step 1	Take a moment to pause and ask yourself, “Am I dreaming?”
Step 2	While looking at your hand, attempt to push your index or middle finger through the palm of your other hand.
Step 3	Focus on the sensation of the push and try to observe if the finger passes through the palm or not. If your finger goes through your hand, you are likely dreaming!

It is important to practice this technique both in your waking life and in your dreams to increase your chances of becoming lucid. It can be helpful to repeat the process a few times during a reality check to ensure that the finger does not pass through the palm.

Tips for using the Finger Through the Palm Technique

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when using the Finger Through the Palm Technique:

• Try to make the reality check a habit, so it becomes automatic for you to perform it multiple times a day.
• Be consistent with your reality check technique. Using the same technique every time will help you become more familiar with the sensations associated with it either in your waking life or in a dream.
• When using this technique, try to focus on the sensation of the push and be present in the moment. This will help you avoid distraction and false observations.

The Finger Through the Palm Technique can be an effective way to increase your chances of becoming lucid in your dreams. By incorporating this technique into your daily routine and being consistent and mindful while performing it, you can boost your self-awareness and increase your chances of having a lucid dream.

Check Your Digital Devices Technique

One of the most effective techniques for performing reality checks in the modern age is the “Check Your Digital Devices” technique. This technique involves using something that most people carry with them at all times – their digital devices. By regularly checking your digital devices and questioning whether or not they make sense, you can increase your self-awareness and improve your chances of achieving lucidity in your dreams.

Here are some steps to follow for the “Check Your Digital Devices” reality check technique:

1. Choose a device:Select a device that you use frequently. This could be your phone, laptop, tablet, or any other digital device that you have with you often.
2. Check the time: Look at the time on your selected device and make a mental note of it.
3. Look away: Look away from the device and then look back at it again. Ask yourself, “Does the time still make sense?” If the time has changed significantly or doesn’t make sense, it may be an indication that you are dreaming.
4. Question other details: In addition to checking the time, you can use this technique to question other details on your digital device. For example, you could check your emails and question whether or not the details make sense or if the device is behaving in a way that seems unusual.
5. Repeat throughout the day: To make this technique effective, it’s important to repeat it often throughout the day. This will train your brain to perform reality checks habitually and increase your chances of achieving lucid dreaming.

By incorporating the “Check Your Digital Devices” reality check technique into your daily routine, you’ll increase your chances of becoming aware of when you’re dreaming. This technique is especially effective due to the ubiquity of digital devices in modern life – you’re practically guaranteed to have your phone or laptop close at hand at any given time. With a little practice and consistency, this technique can help you gain greater control over your dreams and unlock new possibilities for exploration and self-discovery.

Read Something Twice Technique

One effective reality check technique is the “Read Something Twice” technique. This technique involves reading a piece of text twice and checking if the words are the same both times.

To perform this technique, follow these steps:

1. Find any printed text, such as a book, poster, or sign.
2. Focus on the text and read it carefully, paying attention to the words and their order.
3. Look away from the text for a few seconds and then look back at it.
4. Read the text again and compare it to what you remember from the first reading. Make sure the words and their order are exactly the same.

This technique works because it tests your ability to observe details and to remember them accurately. It can also help you notice when your perception is altered, which can be a sign that you are dreaming.

It’s important to note that this technique may not be effective for everyone. Some people may find it difficult to focus on printed text, or may not have access to printed materials throughout the day. In these cases, other reality check techniques may be more suitable.

The “Read Something Twice” technique can be a useful addition to your reality check routine. By practicing this technique consistently, you can increase your self-awareness and improve your chances of recognizing when you are in a dream state.

Look at a Mirror Technique

One technique for reality checking is to look at a mirror. This technique can be especially effective as it provides a clear and immediate visual cue for determining if you are in a dream or reality.

To perform this technique, simply find a mirror and look at yourself. Pay attention to any inconsistencies or abnormalities in your appearance. For example, does your reflection look how it should in reality? Are you wearing clothes that you don’t own or that are out of place? These are indicators that you may be dreaming.

It’s important to approach this technique with mindfulness and focus. Take a moment to really study your reflection, and ask yourself if what you are seeing makes sense in the context of reality. This will help to increase your self-awareness and likelihood of recognizing a dream.

It’s also helpful to combine this technique with a mantra or affirmation. For example, as you look in the mirror, repeat to yourself “this is reality” or “I am awake.” This can help reinforce the habit of reality checking and increase its effectiveness.

The mirror technique is a simple but powerful tool for reality checking. By paying attention to the details of your appearance and surroundings, you can increase your awareness and improve your chances of lucid dreaming.

Tips for Effective Reality Checks

Effective reality checks are essential for successfully inducing lucid dreams. Here are some tips to improve the effectiveness of your reality checks:

Belief and Expectation: The most important factor that influences the success of reality checks is the belief and expectation that they will work. You need to genuinely believe and have an expectation that the reality check will show you are in a dream. This belief and expectation will increase the chance that the reality check will work.

Variety and Consistency: It is necessary to perform reality checks regularly and habitually, both in waking life and during dreams. You should perform them consistently and regularly in order to train your brain to habitually check reality. Additionally, it is important to vary the reality checks you perform, as your brain may become accustomed to the same reality check, making it less effective over time.

Reality Check Triggers: Having triggers to remind you to perform reality checks is necessary. These triggers could be anything, such as every time you see a red car or a specific word is said. The more triggers you create, the more you will perform reality checks, increasing the likelihood of having a lucid dream.

By following these tips, you can improve the effectiveness of your reality checks, and increase the chances of achieving lucid dreaming. Remember, belief and expectation are key, and naturally incorporating reality checks into your daily life is crucial for success.

Belief and Expectation

One crucial aspect of effective reality checks is the presence of belief and expectation. Without these, the act of performing reality checks may become mundane and may not produce the desired results. It is important to understand the connection between belief, expectation, and the success of reality checks. Let’s delve into this topic further and explore why it is essential for individuals to have trust in the power of reality checks.

Variety and Consistency

In order for reality checks to be effective, variety and consistency are crucial. It’s important to not get stuck in a routine with your reality checks because your mind will adapt and start to ignore them. Instead, try to switch up the techniques you use every few days to keep things fresh and interesting.

One way to add variety is to incorporate different senses into your reality checks. For example, instead of always doing a visual reality check, such as looking at text twice, try doing one that involves touch, such as the finger through the palm technique. You could also do a reality check that involves smell or taste, such as smelling your surroundings or taking a sip of water and paying attention to how it tastes.

It’s also important to maintain consistency with your reality checks. You want to make sure you are doing them frequently enough to create a habit, but not so frequently that they become tiresome, and you start to lose interest. Most experts recommend doing reality checks at least 10-15 times per day.

To ensure consistency, try setting reminders on your phone or computer to do a reality check every hour or so. You could also link your reality checks to certain triggers, such as walking through a doorway or hearing a specific sound. This will help make them feel more natural and less forced.

Remember, the goal is to form a habit of questioning your reality throughout the day, so the more variety and consistency you can bring to your reality checks, the more effective they will be at helping you become more self-aware and lucid in your dreams.

Reality Check Triggers

One effective way to make reality checks into a habit is to use reality check triggers, which are specific events or situations that automatically remind you to do a reality check. Here are some examples of reality check triggers you can use:

• Entering a Room: Whenever you enter a new room, ask yourself if you are dreaming.
• Meeting Someone: Whenever you meet someone new, ask yourself if you are dreaming.
• Hearing a Loud Noise: Whenever you hear a loud noise, ask yourself if you are dreaming.
• Feeling Strong Emotions: Whenever you feel intense emotions, like fear or joy, ask yourself if you are dreaming.
• Seeing a Specific Object: Choose an object, like a clock or a mirror, and every time you see it, ask yourself if you are dreaming.

By using reality check triggers, you are creating a habit of questioning your reality and increasing your self-awareness. Remember to choose triggers that are meaningful and relevant to you, and to use them consistently. Over time, the triggers will become automatic, and you will find yourself doing reality checks without even thinking about them.

How Often Should You Do Reality Checks?

The question of how often to do reality checks is a common one among beginners. The truth is that there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Some experts recommend doing reality checks as frequently as every 30 minutes, while others suggest a more relaxed approach of 5-10 reality checks per day. Ultimately, the frequency of your reality checks should depend on your personal goals and how quickly you want to achieve them.

Personal Goals: If you are aiming for more frequent lucid dreams or a higher success rate with your reality checks, then you’ll want to do them more often. This will increase the odds of catching a reality check during a dream and becoming lucid. On the other hand, if you’re just starting out and want to take a more leisurely approach, you can do them less frequently and still see some results.

Consistency: The consistency of your reality checks is also important. It’s better to do fewer reality checks regularly throughout the day than to do a lot of reality checks a few times a day. Doing them regularly helps them become a habit, and the idea of doing a reality check will come more naturally to you.

Success Rate: Keep track of your success rate with reality checks. If you begin to feel like your current frequency isn’t working, try increasing or decreasing the number of reality checks you do per day. You can also experiment with different reality check techniques to find which ones work best for you.

While there is no definitive answer to how often you should do reality checks, it’s important to remember that consistency and personal goals are key. Even just a few reality checks a day can help increase your self-awareness and lead to more lucid dreams over time. Experiment with different frequencies until you find what works best for you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, incorporating reality checks into your daily routine can greatly increase your chances of experiencing lucid dreams. By performing these simple techniques, you can train your brain to become more self-aware and recognize the difference between reality and dreams.

It’s important to remember that reality checks are not a guaranteed method for achieving lucid dreams, but they can be an effective tool when used consistently and with intention. A key factor in making them work is belief and expectation – you need to truly believe that they can work, and expect them to work.

Consistency and variety are also important for effective reality checks. By varying your techniques and practicing them consistently throughout the day, you create a habit that can help your brain distinguish between dreams and reality.

It’s recommended to perform reality checks at least 10-12 times a day, but the exact number will vary depending on the individual. It’s important to find what works best for you and incorporate reality checks into your daily routine in a way that is sustainable.

In the end, reality checks are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to achieving lucid dreams. But by combining them with other techniques such as dream journaling and reality testing, you can greatly increase your chances of experiencing the incredible world of lucid dreaming.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are reality checks?

Reality checks are techniques used in lucid dreaming to distinguish between dreams and reality by checking whether you are dreaming or not.

Why should I do reality checks?

Reality checks can help you achieve lucid dreaming, overcome nightmares, and improve your overall self-awareness and mental clarity.

When should I do reality checks?

You should do reality checks throughout the day, and especially during times when you are likely to be dreaming, such as when waking up or going to bed.

How do reality checks work?

Reality checks work by training your brain to recognize when you are in a dream state. By consistently asking yourself whether you are dreaming or not, you are increasing your self-awareness and making it more likely for you to become lucid in your dreams.

What are some common reality check techniques?

Some common reality check techniques include the nose pinch technique, finger through the palm technique, checking digital devices, reading something twice, and looking at a mirror.

Do reality check techniques work for everyone?

Reality check techniques may take time to work for some individuals, but with consistent practice, they can be effective for most people.

Are reality checks a guaranteed way to lucid dream?

No technique can guarantee lucid dreaming. However, reality checks are a proven method and can greatly increase your chances of achieving lucid dreaming.

How often should I perform reality checks?

You should perform reality checks consistently throughout the day and whenever possible, especially during times when you are more likely to be dreaming.

Do reality checks interrupt normal sleep patterns?

No, reality checks should not interrupt normal sleep patterns. It is recommended to do reality checks during natural waking periods, such as when waking up or going to bed.

Can reality checks be combined with other lucid dreaming techniques?

Yes, reality checks can be combined with other lucid dreaming techniques such as dream journaling, meditation, and reality testing to increase the chances of achieving lucid dreams.

References

• How To Do Reality Checks Correctly (guide) –
• List of Step by Step episodes