Words that always light up my brain – simplify, organize, streamline, essentials…you get the idea. I love anything that can make my life easier. I especially love anything that helps me keep track of all the things that we are expected to remember every single day. It’s a full-time job, literally, remembering and implementing all the things that keep us running, or at least walking into our futures.
When it comes to health, I feel the same way. I want to stick to the basics, be consistent, and follow what actually moves the needle, not trends. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love knowing what the trends are, I love testing all the things. But when it comes time to decide what I can actually fit into my daily life, I can’t do everything. And I suspect you may feel the same way, or you may be looking for permission to let go of “all the things” and focus on what truly matters most.
Or you may be on the other side and feel overwhelmed with it all, having given up on everything, but now you feel like you are falling apart and don’t know where to start. Welcome, I understand all of these feelings.
Typically, people assess their health habits and needs at the beginning of the year, but by March, they have all but forgotten what they intended to do. We love to make resolutions, but we often forget the main component of those resolutions – tracking and revisiting them. We have to keep paying attention. And in this world, where everything is vying for our attention, we tend to give our greatest commodity, our attention, over to the shiniest object outside of ourselves.
To set yourself up for success in the upcoming year, start now. Below, I am outlining a simplified and streamlined action plan for our health. The first several require some legwork, but the rest are easy to implement and follow through.
KNOW WHAT YOU WANT.
Most of us are so busy we don’t even know what we need, or what our bodies need. Grab a notebook and find a quiet corner where you can be distraction-free. Take as much time as you need to sit in silence and ask yourself where you are now, and where you would like to be. How do you feel? When was the last time you talked to someone about how you are feeling? How do you want to feel? What do you need to do to continue feeling good, or to get back to feeling good? Then I invite you to visualize what your definition of health is. What does that look and feel like to you? How are you showing up for yourself? How are you making yourself a priority in your life? What does your ultimate healthy life look like?
YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
Using your notebook, create a list of your board of directors.
Your BOD are the people who you surround yourself with. They are some of the most important people because they are helping guide you and your health.
PCP, GYN, Dentist, Ophthalmologist
Speciality physicians such as Rheumatologists, Dermatologists, and Endocrinologists.
Alternative specialists such as acupuncturists, chiropractors, massage therapists, and nutritionists.
Mental health specialists.
Lastly, that one friend who you can trust to guide you to the best answers when needed, or who will help you work out anything you are processing. The one who has the best advice is never preachy and is always supportive.
Make sure everyone on this list has your back. Fire anyone who doesn’t take your calls, never listens to your questions or concerns, belittles you in any way, or is just not on the same page as you. Remember, we go through seasons of life, and that includes seasons of health. You may be in a season where you need a lot of information, attention, and guidance. Make sure you are getting that from your board of directors. If you are not, now is the time to change! It’s October, and most businesses are beginning their Open Enrollment process for the new year. This is typically the only opportunity to change your coverage. At the very least, review your benefits to ensure you have everything you need and can afford at this time.
ORGANIZE YOUR HEALTH LIFE.
I learned this from Maria Menounos a million years ago. She calls it her black book for running her life. If something were to happen to her, this book she created would allow anyone to run her life. The book itself was extensive and contained every detail in every area of life. It’s a brilliant task for when you are up for it. However, for these purposes, let’s focus solely on health. Take your BOD list and organize it: name, address, phone numbers, date of your last visit, and all your prescriptions. Include your medical record number, power of attorney information, or health care proxy if applicable. And if you have not designated a health care proxy, do so immediately. Include any necessary passwords for trusted loved ones who may need to access your records.
REVIEW YOUR SUPPLEMENTS & MEDICATIONS.
We all have that cabinet(s) full of vitamins, supplements, and the random anti-inflammatories and cold medicines. It’s time to gather every last bottle and tincture and place them all out on the kitchen table. First, check the expiration dates on everything. Obviously, throw away anything that has expired. This includes those just in case antibiotics! Please don’t risk it and toss anything expired. But, if you are a little rebel, at the very least, check here for the efficacy of expired medications.
Separate the ones that you take daily. If you were asked why you take these particular supplements/medicines, you should be able to explain it. Taking something because an online influencer takes it and has a discount code is not a reason to take it. And the same goes for medicines and doctors. I can’t tell you how many patients I come across who have no idea why they are taking a particular drug, and a shocking number of people don’t even know the names of their medications.
Now I know this isn’t you, but I want to be clear that I am not just picking on people who are easily influenced (believe me, we have all been there). But this behavior runs the gamut of people who just don’t pay attention to what they are doing, and they put all their trust in what others (influencers AND medical doctors) tell them to do. And when this happens in the trendy online supplement world, it’s easier to overdose on certain vitamins/minerals because we are taking all these random things without knowing what’s in them all.
Once you have your edited lineup of vitamins, supplements, tinctures, and herbs, review the ingredients to ensure you are not overdosing on any one vitamin/mineral. For example, if you are taking a multi-vitamin, a hair supplement, and a single dose of vitamin D, you are probably overdosing on vitamin D and are getting too much of a good thing.
The point is this – know precisely what you are taking and why you are taking it. This is your responsibility because no one else is looking out for you.
Plus, who the hell wants to waste money!
NUTRITION
How are you eating? Are you nourishing yourself as best as you can? Are you eating fruits and vegetables, or pounding protein powders? Supplementing can be very helpful and convenient, but not all the time. There is a time and place. Aim for real, whole foods over powders and packaged food.
How many times a week are you at a loss with what to eat or cook?
Create a go-to book that holds all your favorite foods and nourishing recipes. This may take more than a few hours, but taking the time to do this will be so worth it.
Ok, now that the heavy lifting of this end-of-year health check-in is complete, let’s move on to the easier steps.