Checking in with your mental health:
Life can feel like it's moving at such a fast pace that sometimes we forget to check in with how we're doing. Distractions in life can cause us to become completely disconnected from ourselves which in turn can lead to self neglect.
That is why it is so important to make it a daily or weekly practice to intentionally take a moment to check in with ourselves. Here are 3 avenues we can explore to help us really tune into how our mental health is doing.
Before we begin I want to address the piece of intentionality. Because this practice is meant to bring awareness of ourselves I want to share some tips to ensure that we are able to do just that.
Set a reminder on your calendar so you don't forget to check in with yourself
Find a quiet space
Limit interruptions -Put your phone on do not disturb -Find a private space -Move away from any devices that may be distracting like your computer or TV
1. Level of content with daily functioning:
Here are some questions to help you get curious about your daily functioning.
Have I felt joy (today or this week)?
Am I feeling proud or accomplished?
Am I feeling overwhelmed by my typical roles and priorities?
Have I had moments of playfulness or creativity?
If I were to complete this sentence: "I am ________." What would that descriptive word tell me? For example: "I am strong", "I am defeated", "I am happy", "I am calm", "I am overwhelmed" Your answer to this question varies from day to day- sometimes even moment to moment. It is a great way to gauge our mental state, and potentially identify something that we may be needing.
2. Checking in with the body:
Our body holds so much insight about how we are doing both physically and mentally. If our physical needs are not being met, how can we expect our emotionally needs to be met. Here are a few questions to help listen to what your body is trying to communicate.
Are my immediate needs being met? i.e.: Am I sleeping enough? Have I had enough water? Am I hungry?
Is there any tension, tightness or discomfort that I need to tend to?
Am I neglecting any of my hygiene or self-maintenance routines?
Is there any movement that my body is craving?
3. Social Connection
Regardless where you land on the spectrum of introversion and extroversion, we all can use our feelings toward social connection to measure our mental health. Here are some questions to help you check in with yourself.
Have I had enough social connection? (today or this week) or Have I had too much?
Am I noticing that I am more irritable around others?
If I were to finish this sentence: "People are ___________." For example: "People are kind", "People are scary", "People are needy", "People are patient" What does the word that comes to mind first tell me in relation to what my mental health needs are at this time?
You mental health is extremely important to living a fulfilling and easy life. Checking in and see how you are doing is helpful to keep a pulse on your needs and ability to shift what needs to be shifted.
Mental Health Matters- You Matter!
Annabella Lipson is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor at Peaceful Living Mental Health Counseling in Scarsdale, NY.
She enjoys working with young adults & adults who are dealing with grief, constant sadness, anxiety, PTSD and other heavy emotions that make it difficult to enjoy the present moment.
Annabella has an innate ability to make her clients feel comforted and cared for as they confront their grief and loss. She incorporates a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), EMDR Therapy, Ego-state Interventions and Mindfulness practices in her counseling sessions