Using Health Information: Life-changing action

Information educates and motivates, but action changes your life.

I have recently been reflecting on what action I do and what it means. Many of my ​actions are routine, monotonous, and sometimes boring. Even still, almost everyday I look at social media, drink a coffee, and listen to music. I gravitate towards these routines that give me a boost of dopamine.

But there are also other daily routine things I do without the same instant gratification: trying to drink at least 8 cups of water, cleaning my teeth, washing my hands, and charging my phone outside the bedroom. These less gratifying actions are inspired by health information. Hydrating, maintaining hygienic practices, and reducing screens and blue-light exposure are all linked to better health outcomes. I implemented them because of education I received.

Using health information requires both finding and understanding it within context. My context is largely influenced by my beliefs about health which were shaped by my own upbringing in a western colonial mindset.

Further thoughts and details about understanding health information can be found on my blog post: Understanding Health Information: Embracing Curiousity

Perhaps ask yourself: Do I trust any sources of health information? Is health a physical state, is it how I interact with the world, or does it mean something else entirely?

Taking action

So how do you go from finding and understanding health information to using it?

Pause
To start, meet yourself where you are - the current moment. Take a breath to think about what you have learned and what you consider is needed for your situation. We are always ​changing. Introducing conscious actions will change the course of our lives.

Perhaps ask yourself: Am I considering taking action? Is this based on fear or inspiration?

Baby steps
I recently heard a podcast on The Jesse Chappas Show about skills to detach from overthinking and anxiety, where the expert, Dr. Julie Smith, shared insights. I've linked it for you here. Julie began by sharing five foundational elements for supporting your mental health that she considered non-negotiables: good quality social connection, nutrition, movement, sleep, and routine.

One strategy she shared to support maintaining these non-negotiables is to write them on a sticky note somewhere you will see daily. Then everyday look at the note and ask yourself if there is one thing that you will do that day to improve one of those things. This was a wonderful suggestion for me, especially for times when mental health and motivation are low.

Being gentle with yourself and choosing to act (even in small ways) everyday is enough.

Intentions over resolutions
My own personal life has taught me I don’t stick to one thing very easily. I need constant reminders and an internal drive to continue for something to become routine. Even some of my routine daily habits have gone through periods of neglect. Setting it as an intention to do daily has been a way to help myself not be as discouraged and continue to practice even if I don’t do it everyday.

Another part of intention is why you want to act. Reminding myself of the reason I am choosing to take care of myself – self respect, longevity, releasing internal tension, or being more present for my loved ones – can help me make the choice to act less overwhelming and sparks deeper meaning.

Appreciate yourself
Taking action is self-love. It can be difficult to figure out how to adjust and discouraging if things are difficult or don’t go as planned. Show yourself appreciation as often as you can. There are different ways to show yourself this and it might vary day-to-day. Here are some possibilities for acts of love and appreciation to yourself:

• Whispering encouraging words to yourself (you’re amazing, thank you)
• Taking a few deep breaths
• Pushing yourself in a workout to get the endorphins and blood pumping.
• Practicing a slow, yummy, yoga practice (here are some ​free guided practices)
• Going out to a forest path or beach and listening to the birds and wind.
• Going for a social run (with a friend or a public run-club)
• Getting a massage or a facial
• Washing your face – even just splashing it with water

In a world where information flows fast and achievements are tied to worth; we can break the norm. As I grow to be proud of my intentional actions and reinforce compassion in my choices – even when I am not perfect - my life has been changed for the better.

A ​compassionate mindset and clear view of your beliefs can support choosing ​small actions for your health that improve your life.

Subscribe so you don't miss my next post. I look forward to sharing more about health information in my own life. Including how I personally interpet and discern what health information I action.

Comment if you have questions or reactions to this post. Thanks for reading!