Recently, I found myself pausing, finger hovering over LinkedIn’s ‘Post’ button. Posting to social media was a task I used to enjoy but now felt like a hurdle. Can you relate? Have you recently hesitated or second-guessed over something that used to come quickly?
Usha Maharaj CA(SA)
Passionate about women empowerment and human potential
This seemingly small moment made me realise that sometimes the hidden signs of mental well-being challenges are right in front of us, disguised as everyday hesitations. And the more resilient we are, the easier it is to overlook these subtle cues, mistaking them for mere quirks or temporary phases.
Here are seven subtle signs that your mental well-being may need a recharge:
- Reduced social interaction − You avoid social events or casual conversations more than usual. Think about a time when social interaction came more naturally to you and consider what has changed since then.
- Procrastination − Tasks that once excited you now sit untouched on your to-do list. Reflect on when you last felt motivated to tackle your responsibilities and what might be holding you back now.
- Change in communication − Conversations that used to flow easily now feel like hurdles in expressing yourself. Pause and remember when communication felt effortless and explore what may have shifted.
- Struggle to find joy − Activities or hobbies that used to light you up now barely spark an interest. Disengagement from things that complete you makes finding joy a challenge. Reflect on the last time you felt genuine pleasure in doing something you love and consider what’s been holding you back.
- Reduced creativity − Noticeable decline in your ability to think outside the box or solve problems creatively. Reflect on when your creative juices flowed freely and consider what might be stifling that creativity now.
- Increased sensitivity − You are more emotionally reactive or sensitive to comments and situations than usual. Think back to when you felt more emotionally balanced and consider what’s contributing to this heightened sensitivity now.
- Decision-making anxiety − Feeling unusually stressed about making even small decisions is a sign worth noting. Reflect on when decision-making felt less burdensome and consider what’s adding to this anxiety now.
These seven signs are your mind’s subtle alerts that something is off balance. In a fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook these subtle signs as temporary setbacks or quirks. But ignoring these signs won’t make them go away: it only delays the essential work of self-care.
If you recognise yourself in any of these signs, consider it a call to action. Your mind is signalling that it is time to reassess and recalibrate. Acknowledging that your mental well-being needs to recharge isn’t a sign of weakness: it’s an act of self-respect and wisdom.
Three tips for a mental well-being recharge
- Declutter your mind − End your day by quickly reflecting on crucial moments − what went well and what didn’t. Jot down actionable steps for improvement, then mentally close the chapter on the day.
- Uplift your mood − Spend quality time with people you like, read a book, watch a motivational video, exercise, cook a healthy meal, engage in a creative activity, or soak in a bubble bath.
- Find your tribe − Seek out and activate the power of a like-minded, positive, inspiring tribe. Find a close community of people you can trust and allow yourself to recharge with them.
Author
Usha Maharaj CA(SA)
Passionate about women empowerment and human potential
