Mental Health is important for people to live a full and meaningful life, cope with everyday stressors, and be able to work productively. This month is a month to raise awareness for mental health and wellbeing – the first step you can take is to reflect on yours. Here are 4 things to do to help you check in with your mental health and wellbeing.
1. Check in with your feelings every day:
Checking in with yourself is a helpful way to reflect on how you have been doing. Spend 5-10 minutes every day to check in with yourself. What was your overall mood for the day? Did you experience any stressors? Did you work through the stressors? Oftentimes, when we give ourselves the chance to reflect on our day, it can help us in the long term. Not checking in can lead to feeling overwhelmed and stressed out.
2. Check in with your support system:
Checking in with friends, family and trusted adults can help alleviate everyday stressors. Checking in with people in your support system can also help you feel more connected and less lonely. Ask your support system if they have an ear to lend or if you want advice on something that you are experiencing!
3. Reflect on your basic needs:
Food, water, rest, and physical activity are basic needs that you can check in on and reflect on. Are you eating 3 meals a day? Are you drinking the recommended water intake? What does your caffeine intake look like? How are you sleeping? Do you engage in physical exercise? These are some questions that you can ask yourself when reflecting on your basic needs. It is recommended to eat a balanced diet and drink 11.5-15.5 cups of water a day. It is also recommended that you get up and move your body every day, whether that is through a walk, a yoga video, or lifting weights. Checking in with your basic needs is also important because mental illness can impact appetite as well as sleep. If you check in with yourself and notice a change or shift in sleep patterns or appetite, this can be a warning sign of a mental health disorder.
4. Check in with your hobbies/interests:
Check in with yourself and see if you have anything scheduled that you enjoy. This can be anything, from taking a walk, having a game night with friends, or reading a book by yourself. Making sure that you set time aside for your hobbies/interests is important in the long term for your mental health. If you don’t have time to engage in anything that interests you, it can feel like you are going through the motions of life. Additionally, it can also help you realize if something is off. Sometimes people with depression can tend to withdraw from their hobbies, interests, and other people. Keeping an eye on yourself and checking in with your hobbies and interests can also help you identify if you are currently struggling.
Resources:
Chestercountyhospital.org. (n.d.). Retrieved May 16, 2022, from https://www.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month: AHA. American Hospital Association. (n.d.). Retrieved May 16, 2022, from https://www.aha.org/mental-
What is mental health? What Is Mental Health? | MentalHealth.gov. (n.d.). Retrieved May 16, 2022, from https://www.mentalhealth.gov/
