Over the next several weeks there will be an article series exploring different levels of health. This is a play on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (Physiological needs, safety needs, love and belonging, esteem, self-actualization). The topics will be explored individually on a weekly basis.
Values/Spirituality
Financial Security and Relationships
The 4 Doctors
Self-Actualization
Enough
Legacy
At the base is the determination of your individual values and identifying who you are. The reason this is the base is because it is challenging to implement change if you don’t believe that you have intrinsic worth. Living a life that is discordant from your individual values will lead to anxiety, depression, guilt and resentment.
Financial security and secure relationships are the most protective factors for long term health. The majority of divorces are caused by financial strain. A secure financial position can significantly reduce stress and increase individual autonomy. Relationships are protective during high periods of stress and allow for us to get out of our own head. Strong relationships make our lives enjoyable.
The Four Doctor’s was a concept developed by Paul Chek. They are Drs. Diet, Quiet, Happiness, and Movement. This category is about the individual responsibility we have for maintaining our own health. By improving these factors the vast majority of chronic disease can be mitigated. This is where this practice and Lifestyle Medicine place the majority of the emphasis. Are we routinely taking care of the minimum of eating whole foods, getting adequate sleep, finding time to do the things we enjoy and moving our bodies on a consistent basis.
Self-actualization in this context is defined as you doing what you want to be doing. Many of us work jobs that we hate for money. If your job does not bring you fulfillment, this can be mitigated by participating in tasks or activities that bring you joy. This can be volunteering or giving back to others while participating in an activity that you enjoy or with people that you want to spend time with.
Enough is an individual topic. We are programmed to always want more. More money, more muscle, more material objects, more friends. Continuing to strive for more when there no longer is a need to do so brings unnecessary stress. We often take on unnecessary risk in pursuit of perfection which can be damaging to ourselves and the people we care about. The earlier you start to pursue your health goals, the less risk you need to take on over time.
It’s never too early to start thinking about your legacy. This is obituary or funeral eulogy planning. While that concept may seem morbid. We need to remember that we often cannot remember the names of our great grandparents. It’s likely that we will be forgotten within 2-3 generations. Thinking about how you want to leave a positive mark during your time on earth can provide clarity on what you should be focusing your attention on today.
I’m hopeful that this series is beneficial to you.
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