Self Actualization and Health

It is impossible to be completely happy if you are not healthy.  It is impossible to be productive if you are not healthy.  Most importantly, it is impossible for you to reach your full potential, if you are not healthy.  Regardless of gender or socio-ecomonic background, we all have one thing in common: a hierarchy of needs.

As described by Maslow (1954), a hierarchy of needs is a pyramid which can be divided into basic (or deficiency) needs and growth needs (cognitive, aesthetics and self-actualization). He stated that human motivation is based on people seeking fulfillment and change through personal growth.  Maslow described self-actualized people as those who were fulfilled and doing all they were capable of.  We understand this in others as "reaching potential."

If you desire to grow in any area of your life, your basic needs must be met before you can move up to the higher level of needs. Whether you aspire to achieve higher career goals, successful relationships, or personal accomplishments, the needs are the same.  One must satisfy lower level basic needs before progressing on to meet higher level growth needs. Once these needs have been reasonably satisfied, one may be able to reach the highest level called self-actualization.

Problems are created and steps are taken backward in this process when the lower (more basic) needs are disrupted.  For example, job loss or divorce can send someone back to the first two levels of needs that will then affect all of higher growth areas.  We have seen this time and time again in our own lives as well of those around us.  We get frustrated because we think we should be achieving success, (many times as defined by others) however our security and survival must always come first.  Among this first level is your health.  

If you are not functioning physiologically at an optimal level, it affects your sense of self esteem and personal success, which in turn makes it impossible to move up the hierarchy.  Most of us have our food and shelter provided, but what about sleep, medical conditions, aches and pains?   These are ground floor needs!  Taking care of your needs means taking care of your self mentally and physically. Only then can you begin to realize your full potential.  

Take a look at the following diagram.  Where do you fit?  Where would you like to be?  Can you organize your life in such a way that you put the bottom level needs higher on the priority list?  We all want to be happy, some of us want to achieve a self actualized state, however only 1 in 100 people successfully obtain and maintain that status.  Why?  Because American society has taught us to focus on "things as needs."  

'What we have' has become more important that 'who we are.'  We are more concerned with accumulating wealth and power than cultivating relationships and understanding what makes us feel secure.  I could write all day on this subject, but I think it is up to each one of us to individually decide what we want and who we want to become.  Then simplify life in such a way that ensures our base of support is healthy so we can grow into the self actualized individual that we all admire.

Characteristics of self-actualizers:

1. They perceive reality efficiently and can tolerate uncertainty;

2. Accept themselves and others for what they are;

3. Spontaneous in thought and action;

4. Problem-centered (not self-centered);

5. Unusual sense of humor;

6. Able to look at life objectively;

7. Highly creative;

8. Resistant to enculturation, but not purposely unconventional;

9. Concerned for the welfare of humanity;

10. Capable of deep appreciation of basic life-experience;

11. Establish deep satisfying interpersonal relationships with a few people;

12. Peak experiences;

13. Need for privacy;

14. Democratic attitudes;

15. Strong moral/ethical standards.

There are no perfect people, but there are people who seem to just stand out from the rest.  They have the basics in place and have worked hard to live life authentically.  I think we all have that potential.  It starts at the bottom.  What can you do today to ensure that you physiological needs are met?  You would be amazed at how quickly you can move up from there!

Clutter

We hang on to a lot of stuff.

Receipts litter our drawers, old mail sits on our counters, clothes we haven't worn for years hang in our closets, and emails with no further purpose clog our inbox.  Check the garage. or the basement..oh my!

What is it about stuff that is so hard to let go of?  Hanging on to things we will never use, and information that is outdated has some negative repercussions that extend far beyond just being messy.  Is it just throw back to our post depression era parents, or is there something else going on?

It's called baggage.  Physical clutter leads to distraction and clouded thinking.  Having things that don't matter keeps us from maximizing the present and focusing on the future, because the past surrounds us on all sides.  Most of the time, we don't even realize it is there.  It weighs us down and keeps us from moving forward, literally and figuratively.

Perhaps we don't want to let go because at one time we hung on to those things.  They brought us joy and they are a reminder of better times.  Perhaps we don't want to let go of the person associated or the era that is long gone.  Everyone has different reasons for hanging on to stuff.

At some point, we realize it is too much, but the task is overwhelming and it isn't until we move that we realize how much stuff we have.  Some people just carry it from place to place.  It is unhealthy.  Moving through life efficiently and with purpose becomes impossible.

Clearing the clutter takes effort.  It starts with the decision to begin the task.  Here are some tips for how to work toward a life that is full of abundance, but not full of stuff:

1. Pick one room or area at a time.  Give yourself a certain amount of time to clear it.   Stick to it. I recommend starting with you email boxes.  It's easy and there is a tremendous amount of freedom that follows.  File the important stuff in clearly marked files for easy access.  Check the boxes for all the rest and do it...hit delete.  Let it go.  If it is negative mail you have been hanging on to, this is probably the healthiest thing you have ever done for yourself.  DELETE IT.

2. Get organized.  Put a box somewhere prominent that is marked "give away" first.  As you go through each room.  Fill it with things that are in good condition and useful to others.  It feels good to know that someone else will benefit from your ability to let go.

3. Throw it away.  We feel wasteful if we throw stuff away.  Garbage is garbage.  If you are not going to use it or wear it, and no one else will want it either, pitch it.  You can do it.  If you can't, get someone else to do it for you.  Rule of thumb, if you haven't used it in several years, the chances are you won't ever again.  It may have seemed like a good idea and you may have spent a lot of money on it, but everything loses value over time, accept it.

4.  Eliminate paper.  Grab the recycling bin.  Scan copies of important documents or create hard copy folders and organize 1 filing cabinet to keep it in.   Get rid of the rest.  If it isn't taxes or legal documents, you don't really need it in paper form.  Start getting your bills electronically, and keep sticky notes only until you can get that address or to do list into your planner or smart phone.  Then pitch it.  Get someone to put your pictures in albums or scan them on to your hard drive.  Any pictures of ex's should be tossed.  Your current love will thank you.

Do not underestimate the power of letting "stuff" go.  It isn't useful and it is downright harmful for many of us.  Getting rid of things and moving on doesn't minimize the importance of people, times, events, and places that are precious to you.  It means you are a grown up that understands that memories are in your head, not your closet.

Hang on to the memories, get rid of the junk!

Be well.

In order to once again become a strong nation, we must be a smart one...it starts with YOU!

Health Literacy

October is designated as Health Literacy month. For the last 13 years, the message worldwide has been stressing the importance of understandable health information.

Health Literacy is a person's ability to process and understand basic health information in order to determine how to self-manage certain conditions, grasp general illness prevention, and make educated decisions about health and well being.

People that have difficulty understanding health information that's commonly available have a hard time managing chronic diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes, and tend to visit the emergency room more frequently. To turn this around, the hope is to provide everyone with accurate health information, delivering health information and services personally, and supporting learning and skills for a lifetime of good health.

Educating yourself and your loved ones about common illnesses and lifestyle related diseases is important! Taking responsibility for the Nation's health care crisis starts at home!

Here are some helpful tips to help you get started:

1. Know your data! When the nurse or PA checks your blood pressure, ask what it is. Remember that number and be sure to mention it to the doctor. Ditto with blood lab results. Ask for a copy and do some homework to find out what those numbers mean.

2. Ask questions! If you aren't sure about something, get clarification. Be proactive about looking up health care info. It is important to double check facts and make sure your information is coming from reliable sources.

3. Know your family history. There is a genetic link to most lifestyle related diseases. This information shouldn't be an excuse, but a call to action. If high cholesterol runs in your family, it is YOUR responsibility to take action.

4. Discuss alternatives. Doctors are trained to treat disease with medicine, not prevent it in the first place. If your doctor prescribes something, ask about all side effects and whether there are healthier ways to combat the issue. Don't be afraid to get several opinions.

5. Pass it on. Information is only useful when you share it and only valuable when you use it. Discuss your health with people you trust and share what you know with them! This is especially important with your children.

The United States is sick, poor, and uneducated. Sad, but true. In order to once again become a strong nation, we must be a smart one...it starts with YOU!

What does it take to motivate a nation?

This was my response to a post on Linked In that posed the question:

How do we (as health professionals) reach the majority of the population that is not currently active and are at risk for life style related diseases?

After reading posts from world renowned health professionals from across the country...I figured I would go on record with my answer...I posted the following...

What I find interesting is that we all have the same goal...reach the majority of the population that is draining this country's bank account due to poor lifestyle choices. The solutions are long term and complicated.

First of all, we need to focus on the kids. The nation's teenagers are on the fast track to lifestyle related disease in their LATE 20's! Unless pop superstars start getting on TV and saying "stop eating crap!" this country is in big trouble.

With that being said, educating parents on how to raise a healthier generation also starts with media attention. There is way too much conflicting information and sadly we are a "quick fix" society with a herd mentality. It needs to become "cool" to be healthy and "uncool" to eat junk.

In addition, back in the day in suburban Chicago, hospitals had wellness/fitness centers that funneled the lifestyle related disease population into the cooperative fitness centers and were personally addressed by well qualified trainers. When the economy tanked, apparently so did this concept. Out in AZ where I am now, there are no hospital based fitness centers at all. Ditto on corporate fitness centers. Insurance companies as the driver? It very well could be...

Regardless of economic or social standing, unless young children are educated on human body basics, parents are educated on how to healthfully feel a family on a budget, and our baby boomers are given consistent and correct information by reliable sources, we can chit chat on forums all day long.

As professionals, it is time for us to coordinate and mobilize in unity. President Clinton has an initiative already started, Beyonce is showing up in gym classes, the possibilities are within our reach and it is the fitness industry's responsibility to grab that brass ring (and be ready!)

Anyone care to add to this??

3 days ago

Get moving!

On the days that you feel the least motivated to exercise are usually the days that you need it the most!

I have always said that the hardest part of any workout is getting started...

Think of it like this: A freight train moves very slowly at first, but as it begins to build momentum, it moves faster and more efficiently. If you are just getting started or restarted with exercise, you must start slow at first to avoid injury. Do not place pressure on yourself to do anything other than show up. So show up.

As you develop a consistent, healthy plan, you will begin to notice changes in every aspect of your life. You eat better, you sleep better, you manage stress better, you FEEL better. All because you got started and kept going.

Just go. Yep you are tired, so are we all. Yep, you could be doing other things and you don't have time. Join the club. An hour of your time most days of the week, however, pay dividends that increase exponentially over time.

You definitely don't have time for a heart attack or back surgery...last time I checked those things were preventable...just sayin...GET MOVING!!