We all go through tough times, but they don't define us. More importantly, they certainly don't keep us down. Life will throw all sorts of challenges your way, but just in case you've forgotten, we want to remind you that your mental well-being is just as important as the work you do. Taking time to reflect on how you're feeling can improve every aspect of your life. This is because what you feel affects what you put out into the world. The journey to better mental health starts when you begin to reflect on how you think, feel and live.
Ask yourself these six questions and quickly assess how you're doing.
1. Have I been feeling overwhelmed by everyday responsibilities?
Feeling like you have too much on your plate from time to time is normal. However, when you're juggling work, personal life and all the other worries that life brings, it can become hard to focus. It can even be difficult to know where to start checking things off. If you're feeling stressed by your to-do list, it might be time to take a step back and reassess how much you're carrying.
Prioritize what's most important and start from there. Just as long as you start, you should feel the momentum shift in your favor.
Learn to say no to additional tasks until you feel like you're ready.
2. Am I having more negative thoughts about myself?
Negative self-talk usually starts small. Whether it's a remark about yourself or a single moment of self-doubt, it can quickly snowball into your confidence. If you're constantly putting yourself down or feeling like you're not enough, it may be a sign of deeper emotional struggles that could use your attention. You may not feel like it, but you are enough.
Try to replace negative thoughts with positive or realistic ones.
Remind yourself each day that you've got strengths! Jot down three things you like about yourself to build self-esteem.
3. Have my eating habits changed recently?
Eating food for comfort is something many people do, but it can sometimes signal emotional or mental stress if you find yourself eating much more or less than usual. Overeating, especially unhealthy foods, can also affect your physical health. While occasional changes in eating habits are normal, make sure to watch out for any consistent pattern changes. If it starts affecting your quality of life, it might just be a reflection of your mental stress.
Create a routine where you can eat at regular times instead of snacking too much. This is to avoid emotional eating and start practicing mindful eating.
Aim for meals that bring you more nutrients than the other options. That includes protein, fiber and healthy fats!
4. Do I feel physically drained or low on energy regularly?
Energy is the key to doing your best, whether at work or at home. If you're constantly feeling tired or drained, it could be a sign of burnout. Take a moment to ask yourself: Are you getting sufficient sleep? Are you eating well? If the answer is yes, the fatigue might be linked to stress or an underlying health issue. Pay attention to your body and try to determine whether it's stress or something else that could be much more alarming.
Try to get 8 hours of quality sleep each night. Quality sleep means going to bed earlier, rather than staying up until 2 a.m, as late nights can negatively affect your rest.
Working out in the day, whether it's light exercise or weight lifting has been shown to play a significant role in having better sleep.
5. Am I avoiding social situations that I generally would enjoy?
Social withdrawal is one of the bigger signs of emotional anxiety and exhaustion. When you're feeling disconnected from others, it makes perfect sense to want to avoid these events. Anxiety in social situations can also make it harder to engage if you're not feeling yourself. Remember, humans are social beings. So don't overthink it when you're not in the mood to be social.
Sometimes, showing up is just enough. Don't worry about being the life of the party. Being around people who you like can help reduce the stress of everyday life.
Remember to reach out for support from family or friends. Talking about your feelings can help you feel some release.
6. Do I make time for myself?
When life gets going, it 'really' gets going. So if you get caught up in whatever responsibilities or obligations you have, you may feel like you don't deserve those precious times of rest. The problem is that neglecting your own needs will make you feel resentful and lose your sense of identity. Making time for yourself isn't selfish!
Just as important as regular team meetings or appointments for your business, schedule a time for yourself where the only thing you have to focus on is doing things you enjoy. Treat yourself.
Mindfulness is important. Take a few moments each day to meditate and take deep breaths.
Here at Stingray Advisory Group, we want you to know we're rooting for you! It's okay to have tough days, but it's important to acknowledge when those days are adding up. Don't forget that you don't have to go through it alone; it's okay to ask for help. If you're feeling like things are getting harder to handle, please don't hesitate to reach out for professional support. Your mental health deserves the same care and attention you give to other aspects of your life.
You are always worthy of a healthier, happier you.
If you're at work and feeling stressed, learn some relaxation techniques to try right at work. Read more here.
Author: Gary Wong
What's one small change you could make today to improve your well-being?
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About Stingray Advisory Group LLC: Stingray Advisory Group LLC is based in Grand Rapids,
Michigan, and is a proud member of People First Economy and the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. We help businesses thrive. By improving our client's sales over 60%, reducing their expenses and boosting their engagement by 40% or more, we enable our clients to refocus on what they love.
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