Doing realtiy checks like that isn't necessarily a bad thing, but you have to make sure you do them thoroughly, not half-assing it (for lack of a better term)

I've seen inception, but I've never really used a totem. I would just stick to the normal reality checks, such as plugging your nose and breathing in, checking your hands, and looking at a digital clock/text. A totem could add unnecessary complexity to simple things.

I hope you have many LDs!