Your emotional health quietly shapes how you think, connect and cope every day, but sometimes we just simply forget to take care of it. Here are some emotional self-care practices from experts in psychology that can help you reflect on your emotional health.

Check in on your emotional well-being starts with asking about your mood

• How would you describe your mood most days?
• Is it generally positive, generally negative or a mix?
• Do you tend to feel more positive or negative emotions throughout the day?

People who feel mostly happy or have more positive emotions than negative ones tend to be doing better overall. Feeling a mix of emotions is part of being human and negative feelings aren’t bad. 

Turning to self talk

• Is your inner monologue more self-critical or self-compassionate?
• When trying something new, do you think you’re going to succeed, or are you sure you’re going to fail?
• If you make a mistake, do you beat yourself up afterward, or do you give yourself the benefit of the doubt?

The way we talk to ourselves has a big impact on how we feel. If your inner voice is harsh or critical, it’s hard to see yourself clearly or feel confident. 

And then asking yourself about physical health

• How is your physical health, generally?
• How often do you sleep for seven to nine hours a night?
• How much physical activity do you do each week?

Our physical and emotional health are deeply connected. Lack of sleep or movement can quickly affect our mood, making us feel more anxious, low or disconnected. 

Ask yourself about relationships

• Do you feel like you have strong relationships with family, friends, neighbors or co-workers?
• How often do you see people socially every week?
• Do you have someone you could call in an emergency?

Strong relationships are one of the biggest predictors of happiness and well-being. Research shows that both the quality and quantity of our social connections matter deeply.

Then turning about meaning and purpose questions

• Are there things in your life that give you a sense of meaning or purpose? (This could be through work, volunteering, hobbies, a religious community or caring for others.)
• Do you have a sense of responsibility to something or someone other than yourself?
• Do you feel that your contributions matter?

Having meaning and purpose in life is strongly linked to happiness, resilience and overall life satisfaction. Reflecting on your values and what truly matters to you can reveal purpose in even everyday tasks. 

Next is competency questions

• Do you feel like there are things in your life that you’re good at?
• Are there parts of your life that give you a sense of accomplishment?
• Do you feel like you are generally a capable person?

Feeling capable helps us handle daily challenges and builds a sense of accomplishment. In work settings, struggling with competence may signal burnout, which can lead to self-doubt and low motivation.

“Flow” questions

• How often do you feel completely absorbed in what you’re doing?
• Do you ever lose track of time while you’re working or doing a hobby?
• Do you look forward to participating in those activities?

The key to happiness is “flow” – feeling of being fully immersed in a task that’s meaningful, challenging and rewarding. Flow boosts joy and satisfaction, overall well-being.

“Control and Autonomy” questions 

• Do you feel like you are generally in control of your life?
• Do you feel like you have autonomy and agency, at work and at home?
• Do you make the major decisions about your life, or does someone else?

Feeling out of control can lead to stress and dissatisfaction. Lack of autonomy is a major cause of burnout. Having a sense of control and the ability to make decisions helps support overall well-being.

Next is money and resources questions

• Do you have enough financial resources to support yourself and your family?
• Do you ever have to worry about necessities, like food or housing?
• Do you have the resources and support you need to do your job well?

Your environment matters as much as your mindset. Meeting basic needs like financial stability helps make well-being more attainable. 

 Finally, ask yourself about fairness

• Do you feel like the world is generally a fair place?
• Are there systems that stymie you?
• Do you feel like you have as many opportunities as the next person?

Fairness shapes our well-being on both personal and societal levels. When people feel unfairly treated, it can lead to stress and burnout. A just environment that rewards effort makes it easier to thrive.

At LOTUS, your trusted NDIS provider Gold Coast, we also offer a variety of supportive workshops designed to bring you joy, connection and confidence. Contact us for more information and check in on your emotional well-being!