Mental Health Maintenance Check
It’s really easy to get caught in the flow of day-to-day
routines. I totally operate on the speed of lightening most days! Mental wellness requires us to be purposeful and intentional in efforts for
good maintenance. What do you do to check your mental wellness? How do you know
if things are off for you? What do you use to gauge what’s healthy or
unhealthy? Yikes! I've often had to ask myself some of these very same
questions. If these are easy questions for you to answer then, you may be on
the right track! If these questions aren’t so easy for you to answer or these
questions have you thinking then, you’re on the right track too! I'm always on
the go and life doesn't wait for me to catch my breath. I've learned how to pay
attention to the cues my body and brain give me when I need a little
maintenance!
For example, when I feel lethargic or cranky
that's a sign something may be wrong. When my healthy eating habits escape me;
or, when unhealthy comfort foods cozy up to me too often in one week. I could go on and on but I'm sure you
understand my point. Look for your
broken routines. If you're co-workers or family members comment on how they perceive
you, listen to what they say. Often, people comment on how we look and
that is a cue! Perhaps, you haven't been getting enough rest and it shows! I
cannot count the number of times people have commented on the look of restlessness
that I’ve worn, when I was juggled my busiest schedule. I came across a blog on the Psych Central website written by a mental health consultant which highlights the effects of sleep deprivation. In short, lack of sleep does not allow us to function at our best. Sleep deprivation does influence both the mental and physical wellness of even the healthiest person. Occasionally, we need motivation or reminders to take care of ourselves. 
I made this cute little craft for my work space! It allows me to create my own motivational/inspirational
quotes for display. Two weeks ago, as we
moved into the New Year, I posted the quote to the right on my crafty bulb. This is just one way that I can maintain an
awareness about my mental, physical, and spiritual health. Seeing a little note prompts me to
walk, drink more water, read an article about mental health, or even say a quick
prayer.
If you’ve set any resolutions this year, consider adding routine mental health checks to your list. The goal isn’t to “fix” anything but to become more aware of your emotions, feelings and physical needs. A mental health check may also be an opportunity to identify things that may require more of your attention. Every now and then, we need more than motivation. Don't wait for something devastating to happen in your life before giving yourself a mental health maintenance check! So, if you’re like me, you may want to know how to do a “mental health check!” Recently, I came across a few websites that I thought were rather helpful. Please check out the links below to get started on creating your own checklist.
Better Health Channel,. 'Mental Health Problems - Early Care Helps - Better Health Channel'. N.p., 2015. Web. 1 June 2015.
Matta, Christy. '8 Effects Of Sleep Deprivation On Your Health'. PsychCentral 2013. Web. 1 June 2015.
Rossi, Carey. '12 Worst Habits For Your Mental Health'. Health.com. N.p., 2015. Web. 1 June 2015.
Smith, Melinda, Robert Segal, and Jeanne Segal. 'Improving Emotional Health: Strategies And Tips For Good Mental Health'. Helpguide.org. N.p., 2015. Web. 1 June 2015.
Taylor, Shelly. 'Macarthur SES & Health Network | Research'. Macses.ucsf.edu. N.p., 2015. Web. 1 June 2015.
Womenshealth.gov,. 'Good Mental Health | Womenshealth.Gov'. N.p., 2015. Web. 1 June 2015.
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