The 7th of April this year will mark the 69th World Health Day. Originally started in the 1950’s, this day is meant to raise awareness of the need to improve global health.
I’m not a health expert and I don’t claim to be, but I 100% understand the importance of health and the impact ill health (physical or mental) can have on one’s life. After all, in the words of Augusten Burroughs ‘When you have your health, you have everything. When you do not have your health, nothing else matters at all’.
This year marks 10 years of my eternal gratitude for going to the doctors straight away when I started feeling that something wasn’t right…had I put if off for 6 months I wouldn’t be here to write this article today.
This year marks 10 years since I truly understood the words ‘when you do not have your health, nothing else matters at all’.
This year is also the year when it’s easier than ever for all of us, global citizens to connect, support each other and raise awareness of the need to improve global health.
Although the world seems to finally be waking up to the importance of health (in theory we of course understand it, in practice it’s all too easy to take for granted), the battle between living in 6th gear, striving to ‘have it all’ and finding time to look after ourselves continues.
I know that ‘your body is a vehicle’ sounds so cliche, but it really is true. And since you take your car for an MOT at least once a year, and since you have to fill it up with the correct fuel for it to work – why wouldn’t you do that with your body?
Today I call you to slow down, take a moment to reflect and realise the importance of your body and mind.
Today I call you to book that doctor’s appointment you have been putting off because you are too busy.
Today I call you to take at least one action that will be focused on you and your health only.
I titled this article “When I is replaced with We even illness becomes Wellness” because together we truly can look after each other’s wellness and help to improve global health.
Here is a few simple and quick ideas for what you could do for your own and others’ wellness:
Give a Random Act of Kindness to someone you know or a stranger!
There is nothing more rewarding than being able to put a smile on someone else’s face, and according to Researcher, Barbara Fredrickson “compassion and kindness reduce stress, boost our immune systems, and help reduce negative emotions such as anger, anxiety, and depression.”
One act of kindness can release a massive chain of positive events, as the amazing thing about kindness is that it is contagious, so it can create a domino effect and really help us to make the world a better and healthier place!
Go for a walk and Talk it out!
What is it: “Talk it Out is a human, simple way to develop positive mental well-being.” Chris Barez Brown
How to do it: All you need is a buddy and a place to meet where you can go for a walk, and in just 60 minutes you can both gain a clearer perspective on life and connect more deeply with who you are and how you are living. You can find out the exact ‘how to guide’ here:https://www.uppingyourelvis.com/talk-it-out
Commit to a full body MOT
According to Tamsin Kelly (Commercial Health Writer) “A regular full body MOT is one of the best ways to put you back in charge of your wellbeing”. As I mentioned above, you make sure your car is fully assessed and any niggly bits are being sorted so why not have the same routine for your body for the ultimate peace of mind?
Connect and don’t be afraid to ask for help
Build meaningful relationships. It’s important to have a support network around you and with the whole world at our fingertips (literally) now it’s easier than ever to surround yourself with likeminded people.
Don’t be afraid to share your worries and ask for help, you are not alone and the chances are that if something is worrying you or if you are experiencing some challenges, there are people around you who feel the same/are going or have been through a similar experience and can help you (a problem shared is a problem halved!).
Be mindful
Spend a few minutes each day considering how you are feeling and what’s going on in your body and mind.
Being mindful can have a positive effect on the way you feel about life and help you face any challenges you might be experiencing.
TAKE ACTION!
Before you close this article and tell yourself that from now on you will start looking after yourself and people around you, commit to one action right now.
What are you committing to do TODAY?