Chapter 1-Healthy Change

In the first chapter of our My Health textbook began with information and tips on how to take the first steps in changing your life in a healthy manner. Right off the bat, The 6 dimensions of health was interesting and new to me, as I always thought there were just two dimensions of health: mental and physical. By having 6 dimensions, It allows us to evaluate our health much better as we look at each dimension and recognize where and what’s going wrong and how to improve. Us humans should consider all 6 equally as important to create all around health. The next thing that I learned about that stuck with me was the Transtheoretical model. When thinking of making a change, personally I think of just doing the change. With the Transtheoretical model, it provides an outline with the best chances of succeeding their goal. For example, If someone relapsed when they wee trying to quit drinking, they can view the model and see what stage they are at and what the next step should be. Another thing that I found shocking but helpful was the ABC News video in the module about life changing resolutions. First, The fact that getting proper sleep is the number one life changing resolution was surprising and certainly will change my sleeping patters. Secondly, The fact that hanging with friends and family boosts mental health is great. I always thought it was just me that felt less stressed around my family and friends, but knowing this is a fact is reassuring.

My health aspect and goals are off to a great start! However, I am not super excited about that since its only the first week. You need to start somewhere, but its always easy to stick with something new at the beginning, but consistency is my goal. So far, I have done everything i have hoped to which included eating 3 healthy meals a day with no late night snacks. For breakfast I have been eating either 3 eggs or just a supplement shake, including a banana for both. Lunch has been either tuna or cold cuts, with dinner being a meat with vegetables and rice. Like I said, things for me are easy when its new, so i do fear down the road I will pig out and order pizza when I’m too lazy to cook. So far so good though!

The exercise aspect has also been going great so far. I went to the gym 5 out of 7 days last week which i was happy with. What I am not happy with and hope to improve is my stamina and time at the gym. I have good workouts, but when i return home I always think to myself “you easily could have stayed for 30 more minutes”. I think I just need to let myself know that I’m not missing anything at home and should stay until my body physically cant take it. Although my aspect is regarding physical health, I am going to factor in the 6 dimensions of health and make sure I am not just zoned in on 1. Mindfulness also caught my attention as i want to enjoy the moment rather than always looking ahead as i always do.