Mental well-being and personal balance have become major concerns in today's busy world. In France, almost 4 out of 10 people say that their mental state is excellent or very good, but this also means that the majority experience tension or stress on a daily basis. To maintain or regain this balance, it is crucial to adopt a structured approach. Regular self-assessment is a key method for measuring your inner state and adjusting your actions accordingly.
Self-assessment involves an honest analysis of how you feel, your strengths and limitations in a number of key areas: sleep, stress, relationships, personal activities and work.
It differs from ad hoc introspection in that it is a structured approach, based on precise indicators and monitoring over time.
In a professional context, self-evaluation is often used to measure performance. This method is just as relevant in the personal sphere. By establishing a clear framework, a vague feeling becomes usable information.
Regular self-assessment
Regular self-assessment refers to the practice of questioning oneself at defined intervals in order to measure one's personal balance.
It enables early identification of warning signs such as fatigue, irritability or reduced motivation, and action to be taken before they get worse.
The frequency must be adapted to each individual.
- A monthly review enables general trends to be observed.
- A lighter weekly review facilitates rapid adjustments.
- A quarterly assessment may be appropriate in more stable contexts.
Research into stress shows that monitoring too far apart limits the ability to react, whereas monthly or fortnightly monitoring improves the early detection of imbalances.
Tools for effective self-assessment
Simplicity promotes consistency. Several tools can be used:
- Personal diary with regular notes on mood, stress and sleep
- Validated questionnaires such as the WHO-5 for your well-being
- Printed cards or applications with scales from 1 to 10
The decisive factor is the regularity of the measurements, rather than the tool itself.
Indicators to monitor
Clear indicators structure regular self-assessment. Examples:
- Sleep quality: duration, night-time awakenings
- Level of stress felt
- Overall energy and motivation
- Work-life balance
- Relationship satisfaction
- Ability to deal with the unexpected
These indicators can be adjusted according to individual priorities. They cover the physical, mental and social dimensions of well-being, in line with WHO principles.
Acting on results
When the self-assessment reveals gaps or weak signals, adjustments need to be made:
- Daily routines: stable bedtime, fewer screens in the evening
- Stress management: breathing, meditation, walking
- Work organisation: scheduled breaks, prioritisation, delegation
- Relationships: time for social interaction and support
- A healthy lifestyle: a balanced diet and moderate physical activity
These actions are based on analysis of the data collected and a detailed understanding of personal needs.
The contribution of technology
Technology can facilitate the process without complicating it.
Monitoring applications, automatic reminders, progress graphs and tools for measuring sleep and physical activity provide additional data. The choice should be pragmatic, to avoid any additional mental burden.
Feedback
Feedback from users shows that monitoring your well-being on a monthly basis helps to reduce stress and improve decision-making. By comparing results over time, you can quickly identify sensitive periods and proactively adjust your habits.
Anchoring practice over time
To make regular self-assessment sustainable, it is advisable to plan it.
Blocking a fixed time slot in the diary, noting the key points and defining one or two concrete actions to be implemented before the next review reinforces the effectiveness of the approach.
Summary
Regular self-assessment is a structuring lever for adjusting your personal balance over time. Appropriate frequency, simple indicators and rapid reaction to weak signals reinforce resilience and well-being. Integrated as a routine, this practice encourages better alignment between professional demands and personal needs.
