We do not need to change everything all at once. A positive
change in one area will have a ripple effect and changes will show up in
other areas of our lives.
We can think about ourselves as an integrated whole made up of important
aspects of the self. This approach gives us a structure for self-understanding
and self-improvement.
The three important elements of each person are the
mind, the body, and the spirit. This article will help you understand each
of these elements and begin a plan to enhance your mind-body-spirit health.
If we tell ourselves that we are unlovable and
that our efforts to form relationships are doomed, we are likely to feel
depressed and neglect ways to build relationships. However, if we smile,
emphasize our strengths, and entertain the possibility that we can form loving
connections, we will probably feel more optimistic. We will be more likely
to take effective actions to build relationships and will be more likely
to succeed.
The following important skills and attitudes help us use the power of the
mind to improve our lives:
Self-image - Most of us have a basic thought
about ourselves and our value. Ideally, this should be positive yet realistic.
A healthy self-image might be reflected by the thought, "I have many
strengths that are clear to me and to others. I do have some weaknesses and
I can work on improving them."
Problem-solving ability - Breast
cancer may be the biggest problem you have ever faced, but we constantly
deal with the many challenges of life. Feeling empowered, rising to meet
those challenges, and having strategies to solve problems can greatly reduce
our stress.
Decision-making - This is another skill that is essential
for our health. Endless ruminations about decisions can sap our emotional
and physical energy. However, if we can identify our choices, ask for help
and information, and make decisions efficiently and effectively, we probably
can limit our stress and enjoy more rewarding lives.
Self-awareness and empathy - Being
tuned into ourselves, as well as to others, is an invaluable skill. This
ability helps us become aware of how we come across, enables us to connect
with and be supportive to others, and enhances our relationships. Devote
time and effort to understanding yourself as well as the feelings and reactions
of others.
 Life purpose - Each of us needs a reason to live. It need not
be a profound goal like finding a cure for cancer. Goals like raising healthy
children, starting a new business, and graduating from college are more than
enough. Once one goal is achieved, we need another to keep us going. People
with a reason to live are more likely to be healthy and satisfied with their
lives.
Self-care - breast
and other self-examinations, regular medical check-ups (e.g., dental, dermatological).
Regular exercise (e.g., three times a week
for at least 30 minutes) that involves both strength training and cardiovascular
exercise.
Nutrition - including
a balanced intake of healthy foods, emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole
grains; at least eight glasses per day of healthy liquids such as water and
herbal tea; no use of tobacco products; healthy use of alcohol; and healthy
use of vitamins, calcium, and other supplements.
Balance
in our daily lives - Lives full of constant, unrewarding stress
take a toll on us, both mentally and physically. We need to help our bodies
to stay healthy by crafting our lives in ways that are balanced and rewarding.
This means that we have work time and leisure time, stressful time and relaxing
time, time for growth and time for consolidation, and especially time for
rewarding and nurturing relationships.
Belief
in a higher power - This may be a God or may be a life force such
as the power of nature or the spirit of humanity. Whatever our vision of
that higher power, most of us need to believe that something greater than
ourselves exists.
Involvement in spiritual practices - Prayer is important
and powerful. Prayer can help us even if we don't know we are being
prayed for. Our own use of prayer can be empowering. Prayer provides comfort,
relaxation, and support. However, prayer is only one of many spiritual practices.
Others include visual imagery, becoming closer to nature, and listening to
uplifting music.
Helpful use of our spirituality - Spirituality is an active process
in which we use our spiritual practices to strengthen and comfort us. To
maximize the physical and emotional benefits of spirituality, we need to
embrace our spirituality and find ways to use our spiritual beliefs for our
own good as well as that of others.
Now that you have been introduced to the importance of the
mind-body-spirit connection, as well as its three individual elements, you
can plan to improve your mind-body-spirit-health. As you begin to see improvement
in your mind-body-spirit health, I hope you will expand on and refine your
plan.
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