Self Care Check: How are you really doing?
Blurb: With the beginning of the holiday season approaching, it’s easy to let health fall by the wayside as academics and obligations get overwhelming. Take this quiz to assess your overall health.
How much sleep do you get each night, on average?
Anywhere from 7 to 9 hours. I have the sleep tracker on my phone!
About 5 to 6 hours
I can never keep track, but it’s not a lot. It tends to vary night to night.
While the appropriate amount of sleep varies from person to person based on many nuances and factors, it is generally suggested that adults sleep anywhere from 7 to 9 hours per night in order to feel their best. It also helps to maintain a regular sleep schedule; going to bed and waking up around the same time every day.
How often do you exercise?
I make time to workout almost everyday.
Once a week
Almost never; honestly, who has the time?
While, like sleep, exercise needs can vary from person to person, many experts suggest a health adult tends to exercise about 150 minuets of moderate activity, or 75 minuets of vigorous activity each week.
What are your eating habits?
I eat on a regular schedule and make sure to choose food that makes me feel good.
I try to eat what makes me feel good, but sometime only eat what’s convenient, which is not always the best.
I don’t pay to much attention to what I eat; I mostly eat whatever is around or convenient.
Eating habits are extremely important when considering both mental and physical heath. It’s important to eat what feels right for you body and your dietary needs. If you feel uncertain about your diet, consider reaching out to a nutritionist, who may be able to suggest appropriate eating habits specific to you. Most primary doctors will be able to recommend a nutritionist in your area.
How much water do you drink each day?
About 8 8 oz. glasses
About 6 8 oz. glasses
About 2 8 oz. glasses
Like food, consuming enough water is extremely important to a person’s mental and physical health. Experts recommend that the average person drink about 8 8 oz. glasses of water per day, but the more the better.
Do you feel like your time is balances between academics/work and social obligations?
Yes! I make sure to schedule time for both.
Yes and no; sometimes I get overwhelmed and let one aspect of my life overpower the other, but I’m usually good about recognizing when this happens.
No. I am often overwhelmed and tend to prioritize one over the other.
As you may remember from your high school health class, creating a balance between your work and social life is essential to good mental health. It’s important to know when one needs to be prioritized over the other, and how to balance the two.
How often do you do something for yourself?
I usually do something for myself at least once a week.
When I need to; sometimes I get overwhelmed and stressed, and that’s when I know I need to practice some self care.
Almost never; there’s no time!
Taking time to self care is important. Even better than waiting until your’re stressed out to practice self care, doing something for yourself regularly to help prevent stress is best for good mental health.
Mostly A’s: You’re Doing Great Sweetie
You seem to be doing all of the little things that contribute to great mental and physical health. Keep up the good work!
Mostly B’s: Good, Not Great
You are doing okay, but may be creating habits that could contribute to poor health. Try picking one area of improvement; maybe make a goal to drink more water each day, or do something for yourself once a week. Once you’ve conquered one, move onto the next!
Mostly C’s: Time to Work on You
You may notice you’ve been overwhelmed and stressed lately. Pause, take a breath, and set small goals to help destress and reclaim your health. Maybe pick one area of improvement to begin-- getting more sleep, going to the gym more often, re-prioritizing yout time-- and stay motivated in achieving that goal; then, move onto another one. These basic components of taking care of yourself are important and worth the time.