Reality Checks For Lucid Dreaming
 

So, how does Reality checks help you with for lucid dreaming?

The idea is to get in the habit of checking if you are awake or dreaming.

It didn't help me at all.

Based on the same idea, the method I used was to keep a list of everything that only happens in dreams (not when awake). Note that everyone has different dreams and dream symbols, so make your own list. Some example son my list are 'teeth falling out' and 'flying without wings'. Just before going to sleep, I would read the list to remind me of all the items. When one of those things occurs I would automatically know I was dreaming.

If I may ask, what are dream symbols?

A lot of the imagery in dream is not literal (same in waking life as the thing you see in the dream). A lot of the key elements are symbolic representing an idea or concept.
For instance your car might represent freedom, adulthood, or escape. A teddy bear might represent safety, childish reaction, or comfort. These symbolic images/objects are drawn from your life experience. Once chosen, they tend to stay the same. As each person has different experiences, their dream symbol are different (personal).

FYI there are dictionaries of common dream symbols. I am suggesting they are not very accurate for a particular person.

Because once you do a reality check in a dream you can achieve lucidity.