The Mechanics of Making Changes in Health

Everyone wants to make changes to improve their health, and everyone can probably agree that change is uncomfortable. Making the changes you need to become your healthiest is attainable if approached gently and with care. Take a good look at the mechanics of making changes in these 5 steps, and begin your journey towards a healthier you!

Step 1 - Know What You Want to Change

Your car starts to make a funny noise. It is telling you that there is something wrong with your car, but you don’t know what the problem is!

You feel under the weather, yet you are unable to define the problem. Begin your investigation by asking yourself these questions: Do you wake in the morning, feeling refreshed after a sound sleep? Are you energetic and free of pain?  Do you feel mentally and emotionally at peace ? What does optimal health look like for you? Find what is missing or what you need to eliminate in your life in order to allow health and well being to come in. As well, pinpoint the motivation that fuels the desire for change.  For example, “I want to sleep better so I can wake early to play a game of squash”. The more specific you can be, the better. This way, you will be more likely to stay focused on the prize…reaching your health goal! 

Step 2 – Find the Source of the Problem

A mechanic will open the hood of your car, take a good look at the engine and find the source of the noise, and fix it. He does not give you earplugs! 

In order to achieve your optimal health, you need to know why you are experiencing your health issues in order to address them directly. Today’s health care largely depends on giving pharmaceuticals to treat the symptoms of your health issues. Treating symptoms is not treating the source of the problem! The problem still exists and over time will cause other symptoms in the body to appear as the disease process continues to progress.

Step 3 – Educate Yourself! 

How do you change an alternator in a car when you don’t even know what it is, what it does, and what tools to use?

It is important to understand your body and the processes it goes through. You are unique with your own set of health needs and goals. It is important to learn which health treatment options work best for you. Listen to your body, read books on the health topics that pertain to you, and seek the expertise of a health care professional. As you learn about your body, you will understand how to go about making the changes you want, and prevent old habits and illnesses from returning. 

Step 4 – Seek Out Support! 

Your car stalls along the Highway! Who is the first person you would call?

Change is undeniably hard work but it gets a lot easier when we have support to keep us on the right track. Friends, support groups, and physicians may already be apart of your team. Include a health care professional who is knowledgeable in holistic care and who addresses the whole person in their treatment plans. They will not only support you to overcome your health issues by working closely with you every step of the way, but also help you to reach your optimal health.

Step 5 – Remember the Big Picture

Take care of your car! Otherwise… you might be riding the bus!

Reaching your health goal might be a lot of work and take a lot of time.  Know that you are worth it, and that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. When you feel the pursuit of making your health changes is becoming too much work, ask yourself this question “What is more difficult?  Working to reach my health goals, or living the rest of my life with the consequences of not reaching them?"