Worksheet: How to Keep Your Sanity!

Sanity isn’t just the absence of stress; it’s the presence of intentional habits. Use this worksheet to audit your current "Sanity Strategy" and identify where you can strengthen your mental and emotional resilience.

Section 1: The Daily Foundations

“Take care of the old equipment.”

1. The Health Checklist: How often are you meeting these "maintenance" basics? (Circle one)

• 7 Hours of Sleep: [ Never / Sometimes / Always ]

• Regular Exercise: [ Never / Sometimes / Always ]

• Nutritious Meals: [ Never / Sometimes / Always ]

• Healthy Habits (No smoking/excess alcohol): [ Never / Sometimes / Always ]

2. The Optimism Kernel:

• Reflect: Who is an optimistic role model in your life (or history) who remains upbeat even under pressure?

  • Name: _______________________________________________

• Apply: What is one "cheerful" trait they have that you can practice today?

  • _______________________________________________

Section 2: Relationship Nurturing

“Great friendships are like great wines.”

• The Inner Circle: Identify two "intimates" in your life—people who know your "shadow" and with whom you can let down your guard.

  • Person A: ________________________

  • Person B: ________________________

• The Friendship Audit: Which long-term friendship have you neglected lately? How will you reach out this week?

  • Plan: _______________________________________________

Section 3: Joy vs. Striving

“Avoid the trap of joyless striving.”

• The Joy Factor: What is one thing you truly like to do that has nothing to do with your professional goals?

  • _______________________________________________

• Assertiveness Check: Are you standing up for your rights without losing your temper?

  • Recent Scenario: ___________________________________________

  • Better Response: __________________________________________

Section 4: Future & Perspective

1. Leisure Practice: School teachers are successful retirees because they practice leisure every summer. How are you practicing for your future leisure years right now?

   • _______________________________________________

2. The Humor Filter: Think of a current stressor. How can you look at it through a lens of humor or perspective to make it feel smaller?

   • _______________________________________________

3. Willingness to Change: Write down one habit you previously thought you were "too old" or "too set" to change.

   • The Change: __________________________________________

Final Commitment: Seeking Support

"Believe you can change. Get help if you need it." If you are feeling overwhelmed, remember that seeking counseling or medical advice is a sign of strength, not vulnerability.

One goal for my sanity this week: ______________________________________________________________________

Do you have a specific area of your routine that feels most cluttered right now?