Navigating Chronic Health Challenges with a Holistic Wellness Approach

For working adults and professionals, managing chronic health conditions goes beyond mere survival—it's about balancing home, work, health, and life. It is about learning how to thrive and become the VIP of your health journey. In this article, we'll delve into the mighty realm of holistic well-being, where lifestyle choices, mindfulness, goal setting, and collaborative healthcare form the pillars of empowerment.

Unveiling Lifestyle Choices: Your Pathway to Well-being

When you visit your GP, they will discuss making certain lifestyle choices to improve your health outcomes and reduce the potential for complications or worsening of your chronic health conditions. They are much the same as those discussed with any individual when setting goals for preventative health care.

The focus will be on what are known as the six pillars of Lifestyle Medicine and include:

-  Healthy Eating

-  Exercise

-  Restorative Sleep

-  Positive Social Connections

-  Minimising Risky Substances

-  Stress Management

You will be asked to set goals around these and work towards improving your overall health.

Goal-setting can be challenging, and you might feel you need more time or energy for many of these. Please focus on one goal at a time; you can break it down into specific and manageable bites.

For example:  Increasing your exercise.

Your barriers may be:

Where am I going to find the time to exercise for 30 to 60 minutes on most days of the week, on top of getting the family ready for school and work, working a full day, and then coming home to cook a meal, do all the household tasks, spend time with my family, help the children do their homework, and prepare for the next day? Phew!

It is about finding the time, so break it down to focusing on one type of exercise, such as a daily walk. Remember, you start exercising from the first step that you take.

-  You could get up 15 minutes earlier each morning and take a short walk.

-  Encourage your family to pitch in with chores, and then you could all go for a short walk at the end of the day.

-  Or at lunchtime, instead of eating at the desk or sitting in a canteen, pack a light lunch and go for a short walk.

Do this for one week and then slowly build up week by week until you reach your goal. Before you know it, you have reached your goal and look forward to going for your walks, not only for the physical health benefits but also for the natural endorphins released, the reduced stress you feel and the increase in energy this brings.

Remember to celebrate each milestone that you achieve.

 Mindfulness Matters: Cultivating Mental and Emotional Resilience

Delve into mindfulness—this is a game-changer in holistic wellness. Uncover how mindfulness contributes to mental and emotional resilience, fostering a positive mindset amidst health challenges.

Here are some examples of simple mindfulness exercises that you might like to try.

 -  Mindful Breathing: Take a few minutes whenever you feel stressed or overwhelmed to focus on your breath. Inhale deeply, feeling your chest and abdomen expand, then exhale slowly. Repeat, concentrating solely on each breath. Allow each breath to centre you. As you breathe in, feel your lungs expand; as you breathe out, do so with a gentle sign; feel how these releases all your built-up tension.

 -  Mindful Eating: Engage all your senses while eating your meal. Notice the colours, textures, tastes, and smells. Chew slowly, savouring each bite, and be present at the moment.

 -  Reflection Journal: Spend a few minutes daily to write down three things you're grateful for. Reflect on these and the positive aspects of your life, no matter how small.

 -  Walking Meditation: When taking that walk we gave as an example above, pay attention to each step and the sensation of your feet touching the ground. Take the time to notice the sounds, smells, and sights around you. (Preferably when walking in nature; please take care if you are walking on a busy street!)

Setting Sail with Purpose: The Art of Goal Setting

Navigating the importance of goal setting in your health journey is vital to taking charge and becoming ‘The VIP’. Understand how setting clear, achievable goals can propel you forward and create your roadmap for success. Gain insights into the S.M.A.R.T health goal-setting framework (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, time-bound) and discover how to tailor it to your unique health aspirations.

Sound familiar? We have all used this mnemonic at some stage in our professional lives, no matter what field we work in.

Did you know that George T. Doran first proposed the term in November 1981 to set business goals? [1] 

Collaboration for Health: You as the Active Participant

Recognising the power of collaborative healthcare, where you are not just the patient but an active participant, empowers you to drive the goals and choices. Explore ways to engage with your healthcare team, making informed decisions about your health.

Don’t be afraid to speak up.

By practising the art of effective communication, you will soon become the driving force behind your health goals and transform your journey.

 Tools and Tips for Your VIP Wellness Arsenal

 -  Wellness Journaling: Kickstart your wellness journey with a journal to track lifestyle choices, mindfulness practices, and progress toward your goals. It should also have space for you to write a daily or weekly reflection.

 -  Health Apps: Many user-friendly health apps assist in monitoring nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness, keeping you on track with your well-being goals. Find one that is easy to work with and resonates with you.

 -  Community Engagement: Research and consider joining online forums or local groups to connect with others facing similar health challenges. This will foster a sense of community and shared experiences.

Conclusion: Your Journey, Your Empowerment

As you embark on this holistic wellness journey, remember that the ‘VIP’ of your health story is none other than you! By embracing lifestyle choices, mindfulness, goal setting, and collaborative healthcare, you are not just navigating challenges but mastering them. Take charge, set your course, and let your health journey become a testament to your resilience and empowerment.