Give your mind, body and wallet the same attention you give your motor.
Every year, we take our cars to an expert to make sure they have everything they need to run efficiently and to ensure they don’t break down.
You wouldn’t ignore a warning light on your dashboard, skip a service for years, or wait until your car breaks down completely before topping up the fuel or checking the tyres. So why do we do it to ourselves?
Life in construction can be full on. Long hours, physical demands, financial pressure and constant deadlines can mean personal wellbeing slips further and further down the priority list. Small issues get ignored, stress builds quietly, and before you know it, you’re running on empty.
That’s why we’re launching Personal MOT Month (UK) / Personal NCT Month (Ireland).
This campaign is all about taking a step back and checking in with yourself before small problems become bigger ones. Not just mentally, but physically and financially, too – small problems have a habit of affecting other areas of your life as the strain spreads.
Think of this as a routine service for your wellbeing.
You don’t need to overhaul your entire life overnight. Sometimes it’s the small checks and adjustments that keep things running smoothly.
Your Personal MOT/NCT Checklist
Just like you’d regularly check your vehicle to keep it running smoothly, taking 15 minutes to check in with yourself each week can help spot small issues before they become bigger problems.
Complete a few questions to check in on yourself*:
Results
Sounds like you’ve got a decent grasp on your emotional, physical and financial wellbeing. There are always things we can work on, keep servicing your body and looking after yourself.
See our pillars of support on our homepage for advice on a huge variety of wellbeing topics and reach out before a situation becomes a crisis.
Sounds like you might be struggling with a few areas.
Please visit our pillars of support on our homepage for advice on a huge variety of wellbeing topics. Please use the Live Chat icon to speak to a member of our helpline team or call us on:
Reach out before a situation becomes a crisis.
#1. Have I noticed any unusual physical changes, aches or symptoms?
#2. Am I lacking sleep, proper rest and regular exercise?
#3. Do I need to book overdue health check-ups or screenings?
#4. Am I relying too heavily on alcohol or caffeine and energy drinks to cover tiredness?
#5. Do I need to do a better job of budgeting properly and keeping up to date with bills?
#6. UK Only – Do I need to complete my Making Tax Digital (MTD) updates?
#7. Am I feeling stressed, overwhelmed or run down?
#8. Do I struggle to properly switch off from work?
#9. Am I overdue to check in with a friend or loved one?
*This quiz is a chance to reflect on your wellbeing. Even if you answer most of the questions and are on top of most areas, there are always ways we can be healthier, happier and better in control of our money. It is always best to address underlying issues early before they develop into something you cannot control, as you would with your car.
Have you answered strongly yes to one or more of the above? If something doesn’t feel right, it might just be time to ask for support. Just like you’d see a mechanic for your car, the Lighthouse Charity can guide you through all aspects of your wellbeing.
A quick check-in now could help prevent a bigger breakdown later. Don’t let a situation become a crisis.
Keep yourself roadworthy
This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about paying attention to the areas of life that often get ignored until something goes wrong.
Just like a vehicle runs better with regular maintenance, so do we. Here is a list of advisories to keep you running smoothly:
So this month, take a little time to check in with yourself. Top up where needed, deal with warning lights early, and remember that support is always available if you need it.
Need support?
If you’re struggling emotionally, physically or financially, our free and confidential support services are here for you 24/7.
No problem is too big or too small. Help is here.
UK – Download our ‘Personal MOT’ assets, including graphics and social media copy.
IRE – Download our ‘Personal NCT’ assets, including graphics and social media copy.
How we can help
We provide free and confidential wellbeing support to everyone working in construction and their families across the UK and Ireland.
No matter the challenge, no matter who you are, support is here when you need it.
Click through the slides below to find out more about the free, confidential support services available to you.
