Self Check-In for Mental Health

Are you taking care of your mental health? Going through this daily checklist will help you prioritize your mental wellness, identify stressors, and develop healthy coping methods for dealing with life’s challenges.

1. How Do I Feel Today?

Checking in with your mental wellness begins with understanding how you're feeling. Are you experiencing stress, anxiety, sadness, or other difficult emotions? Consider rating your feelings on a scale from 1 to 10 at the same time each day. If you notice your number decreasing, it could indicate that your mental health requires attention.

It's also helpful to assess how you feel physically. Mental health struggles also manifest in ways such as headaches, muscle tension, stomach issues, or fatigue.

2. What’s Been on My Mind?

Think about what’s been bothering you lately. Is it work, relationships, money, or something else? It's helpful to pinpoint your stressors and understand how they affect you so that you can manage them more effectively.

For example, if you are feeling overwhelmed at work, try recording the situations that cause you the most anxiety. This will help you identify patterns and develop helpful coping strategies, such as taking short breaks or setting boundaries.

3. Am I Taking Care of Myself?

In the hustle of daily life, it's easy to neglect the self-care basics, such as nutritional meals, frequent exercise, and adequate sleep. Keeping healthy habits is vital for both physical and mental health.

Make sure to give yourself enough downtime to recharge. Planning healthy meals, moving your body daily, and setting aside time for relaxation and hobbies will help you prevent burnout and improve your overall well-being.

4. What Brings Me Joy?

It’s easy to push joy and fun aside when you’re overwhelmed with responsibilities and the grind of daily life. However, taking time for happiness is essential for your mental health.

Reflect on what activities bring you joy and make an effort to carve out more time in your routine for them. If you’re struggling to even think of anything that lifts your spirits, it could be a sign that you’d benefit from further mental health evaluation.

5. Who Can I Turn To For Support?

A solid support system is vital for mental well-being. Think about the people in your life who you can turn to when you need help or simply want someone to listen, such as your partner, close friends, family, therapist, or spiritual leader. Reminding yourself of who you have in your corner every day will help you feel supported in maintaining your mental wellness.

6. What am I Grateful For?

Practicing gratitude is a powerful tool for promoting mental wellness, reducing stress, and boosting happiness. Take a moment to reflect on the things you’re thankful for, such as your health, loved ones, or even a beautiful day. Focusing on gratitude will help you shape a more positive outlook overall and cultivate a sense of peace.

7. How am I Handling Challenges?

Life is full of obstacles that we often cannot control, but you can control how you react to and deal with them. Consider whether you’re relying on healthy coping mechanisms, such as problem-solving, seeking support, or practicing mindfulness. If not, it might be time to explore better ways to manage the tough situations in your life.

Mental Health Support at LiveWell Counseling

If you think you may benefit from some additional support in maintaining your mental wellness, LiveWell Counseling can help. From your first appointment at LiveWell, you’ll receive personalized, compassionate care in a welcoming, nonjudgmental setting. To learn more about how LiveWell can help you, please call (201) 848-5800 or visit ChristianHealthNJ.info/LiveWell.