I think my mental health is generally pretty good, but maybe I’d be the last to know if it wasn’t.

This Thursday, October 10, 2024, is World Mental Health Day – a timely opportunity to check in and self-evaluate.

Socially Engaged:

Just so we are all on the same page, I think of this area of mental health as one of the necessary components. How do I monitor this for myself? If I had an emergency, do I have people I could call and be confident they would do what it takes to help? A simple example: if both my wife and I were suddenly incapacitated by a car accident, do I have at least one person I could call to look after our two cats? Does this person have access to my home? I have more than one person, so I’m fortunate.

Check.

Do I have people in my life who I love and who love me? This is a bit trickier as to what love is. But I won’t let that get in the way of defining it for myself and reflecting on this list of people. Again, I am fortunate with a long list. It does include folks who live nearby or far away. The list doesn’t include friends, but those who are more than acquaintances.

Check.

Do I regularly spend time with other people? This means at least an hour with others to count as ‘time.’ A chat with the parcel delivery person doesn’t count. First off, I love spending time with my wife. This is supplemented with time through scheduled get-togethers and unplanned coffee or wine chats with close friends and acquaintances.

Check.

Lastly, I checked with my wife to ensure my level of social engagement was good. I’m happy to report that she said it is ‘fine.’ “You are not grumpy and don’t want to be a hermit.” She freely gave me examples of my social engagement.

Check.

Upbeat in the Morning:

I’m a morning person. I’m at my best at the start of the day. A breakfast right after getting up is a must. Rarely is this behaviour and attitude not present. A review of my activities for the day is usually a list that is long enough that I must stay focused to complete them. Sometimes, I’m unsuccessful, and one or two items get put over for the next day. After all, I am retired and want to stop and smell the roses each day.

Check.

Daily Exercise:

I accept this as a given. I can’t think of any source I’ve consulted that suggested frequent exercise is not recommended. This consensus is convincing.

I do a cardio workout at the local recreation centre three times a week. I work out at home with a few weights and resistance bands for another 3 days weekly. Usually, Sunday is my day of rest.

I also pay attention to the small ways I can stay functionally fit. A simple example is getting into and out of chairs—the lower the better—without using my arms to lower or push off.

Please give this a bit of a think. How is your mental health? Can you check your answer with someone you trust to tell you the truth? Are there things you could do to maintain or improve it? Do you have someone who can support you with this? I am curious about your thoughts. Please share your bit of a think in the comment section below. It will come to me for approval before posting.

Photo by Fabian Møller on Unsplash

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glenn.walmsley@icloud.com