top of page

Is Your Life Spiraling Out of Control? Discover the 13 Warning Signs Before It’s Too Late!

We all have moments when life feels a bit overwhelming. Whether it's work pressures, family responsibilities, or just the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to let things slip. That’s where the Personal Craziness Index (PCI) comes in. It’s a tool designed to help you monitor your well-being and catch those early signs that things might be going awry. Let me share a personal story to illustrate how powerful this tool can be.


A Day in the Life: Recognizing the Signs

A few years ago, I found myself in a whirlwind. My days were packed from dawn till dusk—managing work, homeschooling my kids, and trying to keep up with household chores. I was constantly exhausted but pushed through, thinking it was just the way life had to be. One day, I realized I couldn't recall a five-hour coffee date with a friend from two weeks before. Anyone who knows me knows that is SCARY because I have a phenomenal memory. It was a wake-up call that I needed to start looking at my own life.


That’s when I remembered the Personal Craziness Index. I decided to sit down and honestly evaluate each aspect of my life using the PCI checklist.


The Personal Craziness Index Checklist

  1. Sleep Patterns: I noticed I was having trouble falling asleep and waking up multiple times during the night.

  2. Eating Habits: My meals had become erratic, often skipping breakfast and overeating junk food.

  3. Physical Symptoms: Frequent headaches and stomachaches had become my norm.

  4. Emotional State: I was more irritable and anxious than usual.

  5. Cognitive Function: Concentration was a struggle, and I often felt forgetful.

  6. Social Interactions: I was withdrawing from friends and family, preferring isolation.

  7. Daily Routine: My once organized routine was now chaotic, and I was procrastinating more.

  8. Self-Care Practices: Personal hygiene and self-care had taken a backseat.

  9. Work/School Performance: My productivity at work had plummeted.

  10. Substance Use: I found myself reaching for sugary snacks more often.

  11. Financial Management: Bills were piling up because I kept forgetting to pay them.

  12. Relationships: There was noticeable tension with my kids and ex-husband.

  13. Physical Environment: My home was cluttered and disorganized.

Turning It Around: Practical Steps

Seeing it all laid out was both overwhelming and enlightening. I realized that small changes could make a big difference. Here’s what I did:


  • Sleep: Established a bedtime routine, reducing screen time before bed.

  • Eating: Planned balanced meals and kept healthy snacks handy.

  • Physical Symptoms: Scheduled regular check-ups and started light exercise.

  • Emotional State: Practiced mindfulness and journaling to manage stress.

  • Cognitive Function: Used lists and reminders to stay on track.

  • Social Interactions: Made time for friends and family, even if it was just a quick call.

  • Daily Routine: Created a structured but flexible daily schedule.

  • Self-Care: Prioritized small acts of self-care like a relaxing bath.

  • Work Performance: Broke tasks into manageable chunks.

  • Substance Use: Reduced sugary snacks and stayed hydrated.

  • Financial Management: Set reminders for bills and tracked expenses.

  • Relationships: Opened up communication and spent quality time with loved ones.

  • Physical Environment: Decluttered one area at a time.


By keeping an eye on my PCI, I was able to regain control and find a healthier balance. It’s not about perfection but progress. Regularly checking in with yourself using the PCI can prevent minor issues from becoming major crises. Remember, self-awareness is the first step to self-care.


By regularly using the PCI and being honest with yourself, you can catch those early signs of imbalance and take proactive steps to maintain your well-being. It’s a journey, not a destination, and every step counts.


At The Guided Change, we specialize in helping individuals navigate their well-being journey. Our tools and resources, including the Personal Craziness Index, are designed to support you in recognizing and addressing the early signs of imbalance. Our goal is to empower you to take proactive steps towards a healthier, more balanced life. Visit our website for more information and discover how we can assist you in your personal growth and mindfulness journey.


Journal Prompts

  1. Reflect on your current state: Look at each PCI indicator and write about where you feel you're thriving and where you might need some attention.

  2. Set small goals: Choose one area from the PCI to focus on this week. What small changes can you make to improve this aspect of your well-being?


2 views0 comments

Comentarios

bottom of page