10 October is World Mental Health Day – an important reminder to check in with yourself and your loved ones. But how do we do a “self check-in”? What are the right kinds of questions we should be asking ourselves or actions we should be taking?
At this time of the year, many of us start to experience burnout-like symptoms – stress, fatigue, anxiousness, irritability and even depressive thoughts. Regular self check-ins help you assess the state of your mental health and allow you an opportunity to make lifestyle changes that you may need.
For example: prioritising quality of sleep over late nights with alcohol, reducing caffeine and sugar intake to lessen symptoms of anxiety, exercising more and spending more time in nature, to reduce stress and depressive thoughts. But this is just a small part of it. Taking the time to do these check-ins is already an act of self care and is invaluable for the maintenance of our well-being.
5 Self-Check-In Prompts
Grab a journal or note pad and consider asking yourself these questions, writing down the answers to help you process your thoughts. It’s important to be as honest as possible.
- Emotional Inventory:
- How am I feeling today?
- What emotions am I currently experiencing?
- Are there any particular situations or triggers influencing my emotions?
- Have I been practising self-compassion and addressing any negative emotions in a healthy way?
- Stress Assessment:
- Am I feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed?
- What are the main sources of my stress?
- How have I been managing stress lately?
- Are there stress-reduction techniques I can incorporate into my daily routine?
- Self-Care Evaluation:
- Have I been prioritising self-care and self-compassion?
- What activities or habits have been nurturing my mental and emotional well-being?
- Is there room for improvement in my self-care routine?
- How can I commit to taking better care of myself?
- Social Connection Check:
- Have I been maintaining healthy social connections?
- Do I feel connected to friends and loved ones, or have I been isolating myself?
- Have I reached out for support or shared my feelings with someone I trust?
- How can I strengthen my social support network?
- Goal Setting and Reflection: Consider your goals and aspirations:
- What are my current life goals and priorities?
- Am I taking steps toward achieving them?
- Have I celebrated my achievements and milestones, no matter how small?
- Are there any adjustments or new goals I’d like to set for myself to enhance my mental well-being?
If you find that you’re struggling with your mental health or need additional support, don’t hesitate to reach out to mental health professionals, counsellors, or support networks in your community. Mental health is a vital aspect of overall well-being, and seeking help when needed is a sign of strength and resilience.