Questions to Ask Yourself When Everything Feels Off

Self care isn't selfish

If you’re feeling the effects of social distancing, try running through this list of questions. They won’t fix everything, but they’ll help take care of the low-hanging fruit. The questions address physical, psychological and social factors, all of which can affect your state of being.

The author, Sinope, published these questions as part of a list of 16, originally posted here, but they may help with how you're feeling in these unprecedented times.

Are you hydrated? If not, have a glass of water.

Have you eaten in the past three hours? If not, get some food — something with protein, not just simple carbs. Perhaps some nuts or hummus?

Have you showered in the past day? If not, take a shower right now.

If daytime: are you dressed? If not, put on clean clothes that aren’t pajamas. Give yourself permission to wear something special, whether it’s a funny t-shirt or a pretty dress.

If nighttime: are you sleepy and fatigued but resisting going to sleep? Put on pajamas, make yourself cozy in bed with a teddy bear and the sound of falling rain, and close your eyes for fifteen minutes — no electronic screens allowed. If you’re still awake after that, you can get up again; no pressure.

Have you stretched your legs in the past day? If not, do so right now. Just walk around the block, then keep walking as long as you please.

Have you said something nice to someone in the past day? Do so, whether online, in person or by phone. Make it genuine; wait until you see something really wonderful about someone, and tell them about it.

Have you moved your body to music in the past day? If not, dance around the room for the length of an upbeat song.

Do you feel ineffective? Pause right now and get something small completed, whether it’s responding to an e-mail or loading up the dishwasher.

Do you feel unattractive? Take a selfie. Your friends will remind you how great you look.

Do you feel paralyzed by indecision? Give yourself 10 minutes to sit back and figure out a game plan for the day. If a particular decision or problem is still being a roadblock, simply set it aside for now, and pick something else that seems doable. 

You’ve made it this far, and you will make it through. You are stronger than you think!