Mental health is something we all need to keep an eye on, just like our physical health. I would also argue that mental health and physical health are one in the same. More on that later as we delve into nutrition soon!
But while it’s easy to know when your body needs care, it can be harder to gauge where you’re at mentally. This is where a simple check-in can help.
Below are ten questions to help you reflect on your mental well-being. Be honest with yourself—this is just a tool to give you insight into how you’re feeling right now. No right or wrong answers, just an opportunity for self-awareness.
Grab something to write with, and let’s go.
Scoring Key
3 points: You feel strong in this area, things are going well.
2 points: You’re managing okay, but there’s some room for improvement.
1 point: This area is challenging, and you could use support or focus.
1. How do you respond to stress?
Stress is unavoidable, but how you handle it makes a big difference. Do you have effective ways to cope, or does stress often feel overwhelming?
2. Are you satisfied with your life overall?
Take a moment to think about your relationships, work, personal goals—are you mostly content, or do you feel like things are missing?
3. How often do you feel happy or content?
Positive emotions like joy, happiness, and contentment are signs of mental well-being. How frequently do you experience them?
4. Do you feel connected to the people around you?
Relationships are key to our mental health. Do you feel a sense of connection to your friends, family, or community, or do you often feel isolated?
5. How do you handle setbacks or challenges?
Life can be full of obstacles. When something goes wrong, do you recover quickly, or do you find yourself stuck and struggling for longer periods?
6. Do you have a sense of purpose?
Feeling a sense of direction or purpose can have a huge impact on mental health. Do you feel like you’re working toward meaningful goals, or do you often feel lost?
7. How well do you take care of your body?
Our mental and physical health are deeply connected. Are you giving your body the care it needs—exercise, nutrition, sleep—or does that often fall to the bottom of your priorities?
8. How do you cope with negative emotions like anger or sadness?
Negative emotions are part of life, but the way we handle them matters. Are you able to process and move past them, or do they tend to linger and weigh you down?
9. Do you feel in control of your life?
Feeling a sense of control over your decisions and direction is another key part of mental well-being. Do you feel like you’re steering your life, or does it often feel like you’re just along for the ride?
10. Are you doing things that bring you joy?
Activities that make us happy help recharge our mental health. Are you regularly engaging in hobbies or activities that bring you joy, or is that something you rarely find time for?
Scoring Key
Now, take a look back at your responses. How do you feel about what you’ve written? Here’s a simple scoring system to help you reflect further:
As a reminder, here’s how you score each question:
3 points: You feel strong in this area, things are going well.
2 points: You’re managing okay, but there’s some room for improvement.
1 point: This area is challenging, and you could use support or focus.
Add up your score to see where you stand.
24–30 points: You’re likely in a very good place mentally. You’re handling life’s challenges well and are overall feeling balanced and content.
16–23 points: You’re doing alright, but there are a few areas where you could focus on making improvements. Consider which areas need more attention.
Below 16 points: You might be struggling in several areas. This could be a signal to seek support, whether that’s reaching out to a professional or making self-care a priority.
What’s Next?
If you’re feeling great—wonderful! Keep doing what works for you. If some areas could use improvement, think about one small step you can take today. Maybe it’s reconnecting with a friend, getting outside for a walk, or carving out some time to pursue something that makes you happy.
Remember, mental health isn’t static. It’s something we all need to nurture over time. Whatever your score, the important thing is recognizing where you are today and knowing that change is possible.
You’re not alone in this—if you ever need more resources, ideas, or just someone to listen, feel free to reach out.
Becky Gosky, Neuro Shift