In today’s fast-paced and hyper-novel world that our biology is still catching up to, it’s easy to feel burnt out, overwhelmed, exhausted, depressed and anxious.
Modern Western culture is normalising all of these mental and physical health issues, but being always under pressure, being constantly sick or suffering from chronic metabolic issues is not the new normal.
This is why measuring your mental health and well-being by doing a regular check-in is critical. We often think the body and mind will take it all; I just need another pill. Again, this isn’t normal.
Here are some essential questions that you should ask yourself to determine how you’re doing. I will let you figure out the best scoring system for yourself.
How do you feel when you first wake up in the morning?
Upon waking, take a moment to assess how you feel. Are you excited about the day ahead or dreading it?
Are you able to manage your emotions well?
Can you cope with negative emotions such as anger, sadness, and frustration? Can you recognise when you need to implement coping mechanisms such as deep breathing and mindfulness?
How do you manage stress?
Do you have specific strategies in place to manage high-stress triggers? Are you taking regular breaks to rest and rejuvenate?
Are you sleeping well?
A good night’s rest sets the tone for the day ahead. Do you have enough sleep, and are you waking up rested?
Do you feel connected to people around you?
Having a strong support system is essential for good mental health. Do you feel connected to people you can talk to and rely on when needed?
Are you taking care of your body?
Regular exercise and good nutrition play an essential role in mental health. Are you taking care of your physical health and well-being?
Are you doing things you enjoy regularly?
Engaging in activities you love can boost your mood and give you a sense of accomplishment. Do you take out time for hobbies, passions and regular activities that you enjoy?
Are you setting realistic goals?
Goals give us a sense of purpose and provide direction. Are you setting realistic goals, breaking them into smaller steps, and tracking your progress?
Do you take time for self-care?
Self-care isn’t an indulgence but an essential activity for mental health. Do you make time for yourself regularly for activities such as a warm bath, reading a book, or taking a long walk in nature?
Are you taking action to address any mental health concerns you may have?
Mental health concerns are common and aren’t a sign of weakness. Take action by consulting a therapist, counsellor or coach who will help to address any mental health concerns you may have.
Your mental health and well-being are just as crucial as your physical health. By asking yourself these ten essential questions, you can assess how you’re doing mentally and determine areas for improvement. Remember to set realistic goals, take breaks, connect with people, sleep well, take care of your body, and, most importantly, prioritise your mental health. By doing so, you’ll be able to live a fulfilling life and manage any challenges that come your way with greater ease.
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Want to chat about any of this? Let’s connect. Here is the link to my booking page.
Looking for breathwork and other alternative preventative therapies, please check out Kaylo.
Has meditation been tough to get going? Try Sam Harris’ Waking Up app.