We check our phones and our emails every day. But how often do we check in on our mental health?
It often feels like we have time for everything in life. We have time for work, errands, social media, and even endless scrolling. However, we rarely have time to take care of our mental health. Too often, it quietly takes a backseat until something pressing happens. For many, it takes burnout, anxiety, or a severe mental health scare to realise just how important daily care really is.
It’s easy to think of mental health as something to deal with only when there’s a crisis, but the truth is, it’s like any other part of our wellbeing; it needs daily care. So by making small, intentional choices every day, you can prioritise your mental health rather than letting it become an afterthought.
Practical ways to make your wellbeing a daily priority
Here are some incredible ways to check in with yourself daily.
1. Start with a Mind Check-in
Before you rush into the day, take 2–3 minutes to ask yourself: How am I feeling? You can jot it down in a journal, speak it into your phone, or simply notice your emotions and physical sensations. This small pause sets the tone for a more mindful day.
2. Move Your Body
Movement is one of the fastest and most powerful ways to boost your mood. One of these ways is exercise. You do not necessarily have to do a full workout; however, things such as a simple stretch in the morning, a walk around the block, or even dancing while making coffee can release those feel-good endorphins.
3. Nourish and Hydrate
Your diet and the food you eat can become key contributors to your mental health. As your brain runs on what you feed it. Therefore. eating balanced meals, drinking enough water, and avoiding extreme sugar or caffeine highs can keep your energy and mood steady.
4. Create a Calm Moment
Find time to slow down in your day, even if it’s just five minutes. It’s a way of hitting the “reset” button for your mind. You can do this through deep breathing, prayer, meditation, or simply sitting quietly with your thoughts.
5. Connect with People
Humans are wired for connection. Reach out to someone every day, even if it’s just a quick message to say hello or a warm smile to a stranger. Small moments of connection can lift your spirits more than you realise.
6. Limit Mental Clutter
Information overload can be exhausting. Try reducing your time scrolling through social media or consuming negative news. Give your mind the space to breathe and think without the consumption of other people’s opinions and information sharing.
7. End the Day with Gratitude or Reflection
Before you go to bed, list 1–3 things you’re grateful for or proud of from your day. This simple mindful practice can help shift your focus from what went wrong in your day to what went right.
Closing Remarks
One thing that I believe we all need to understand is that mental health isn’t a quick“fix it when it’s broken” project. It’s actually something we need to intentionally take care of every day. The small steps you take now can build resilience for the harder days and bring more joy to the easier ones. So start small and start today.
Taking care of your mind is one of the most important investments you’ll ever make in life, so don’t miss out on that opportunity.
