Dare to Take the Self-Care Test

Taking care of yourself and being responsible for your happiness are key Mixonian themes that resonate with so many readers. A few have asked, how can you assess your own level of self care?

Answer the following questions and then see the incredibly insightful explanation below.

1. Do you feel healthy and energetic, though not necessarily hyperactive?

2. Do you frequently take pain medication?

3. Most of the time, do you feel relaxed about things?

4. Most of the time, do you feel optimistic?

5. Do you feel comfortable with what you do for others, compared to what they do for you?

Question 1: Do you feel healthy and energetic, though not necessarily hyperactive?

If you feel healthy, and fairly energetic, that is good. That is how you should feel. Keep it up. Otherwise, see the explanation below the next question.

Question 2: Do you frequently take pain medication?

If you frequently take pain relief for headaches or other body aches, you may be stressed out. Probably it's a good idea to work on taking better care of yourself, or think about how to be really nice to yourself.

Question 3: Most of the time, do you feel relaxed about things?

If you mostly feel relaxed, you're in good shape. If you're uptight, stressed out, you need to take action. Allow Mixonian to remind you that if you don't take really good care of yourself, it's unlikely that someone else will. Furthermore, the way you treat yourself tells others how to treat you.

Question 4: Most of the time, do you feel optimistic?

Feeling optimistic, most of the time, is the normal and the ideal state. If you are worried about future events or conditions, you have taken responsibility for things that are beyond your control and maybe you should focus more on things more clearly within your circle of influence.

Question 5: Do you feel comfortable with what you do for others, compared to what they do for you?

Not that you're keeping score, this question revolves around feeling appreciated. Mixonian has heard many sad tales of people doing for others, who in turn, do not show appreciation. If your appreciation factor is wobbly, the first thing you need to do is to appreciate yourself. Then take a fresh look at the things you do for others. If these tasks and favors are optional, only do them if you absolutely want to, with no expectation for a payback of gratitude. If you must do the thing, like changing baby's diapers, just do it as one of those things that has to be done. Doing it is the pay-off, consider the consequences of not changing the diapers!

Mixonian wishes all a restful Labor Day Monday.