Stress is an inevitable part of life, but how we manage it can make all the difference in maintaining our physical and emotional well-being. At the centre of our stress response is cortisol, often referred to as the “stress hormone.” While cortisol plays a vital role in our fight-or-flight response by providing energy and focus in short bursts, chronic stress can lead to consistently elevated cortisol levels, which negatively impact our sleep, mood, digestion, and even immune function.

One of the keys to mitigating chronic stress is self-awareness. However, for individuals with poor self-awareness, recognising stress levels can be challenging. Self-check-ins are simple yet powerful tools that allow you to gauge your stress and anxiety, even if you’re not naturally attuned to your emotions.

The Link Between Stress and Cortisol

When you encounter a stressful situation, your body releases cortisol to help you react quickly. While this is beneficial in the short term, prolonged stress keeps cortisol levels elevated, leading to harmful effects such as fatigue, brain fog, and even physical illnesses like high blood pressure. Recognising these signs early can help you take proactive steps to manage stress effectively.

Self-Awareness Checks: Questions to Ask Yourself

For those who struggle with self-awareness, here are 10 simple self-check-in strategies:

1. Body Scan: Notice physical sensations. Is there tension in your neck, shoulders, or stomach?
2. Breathing Check: Is your breathing shallow or irregular?
3. Mood Assessment: Do you feel more irritable, sad, or overwhelmed than usual?
4. Energy Levels: Are you experiencing fatigue or restlessness?
5. Routine Changes: Have your eating, sleeping, or social habits shifted?
6. Focus and Productivity: Are you finding it hard to concentrate or stay on task?
7. Thought Patterns: Are your thoughts overly negative or repetitive?
8. Future Worry: Are “what ifs” or a sense of dread dominating your mind?
9. Social Interactions: Have you been withdrawing or feeling overly sensitive?
10. Stress Scale: On a scale of 1 to 10, how stressed do you feel right now?

By regularly pausing to reflect on these questions, you can build a stronger connection to your body and emotions. Over time, this self-awareness can empower you to take action—whether it’s through mindfulness, physical activity, or seeking professional support—to manage stress and maintain balance.

Your mental and physical health deserve your attention, and self-check-ins are a great place to start.