Hello again lovely people, I have been away for a while but I am so excited to be back! Having been through a couple of very hectic and stressful months, I thought this post on the anatomy of a positive lifestyle would be a great way to get back in check with myself and help you do the same!
I have *tried* to link a few different areas of what I think constitutes a positive and healthy lifestyle to areas of anatomy. After all, this is medical Zoe!
Please note this is all my interpretation and a positive lifestyle means something different to everyone. I hope this post helps you to look at your own life and appreciate the areas that make it great and think about how to improve the other areas if you like!
1. The Cerebellum- balance:
Balance is one of the most important elements of the anatomy of a positive lifestyle that feeds into every area of our lives. Reflect on your work life and personal life, are weighted appropriately for you or are they weighted in a way that is uncomfortable or harmful in the long run?
Balance in our spending habits, it’s important to treat ourselves well and to enjoy the pleasures in life that money can afford. Nonetheless, ensure that you are enjoying the pleasures of life that come freely too, such as fresh air, family, friends and creativity. I know that for me the pandemic has enhanced the importance of all of these things, and I appreciate them now more than ever.
Thirdly, balance in our diet and movement routines. I will never be one to promote diet culture or lecture you on how to be healthy, that isn’t my job. Equally, I think it is important to spend time thinking about the way that we treat our physical bodies, how you should do that is different for everyone but make sure you are in tune with what your body needs and that you are providing it with as much love and balance as you can.
2. The anatomy of a positive lifestyle: The foot- groundedness
Even though I am not sure that is a real word, it explains what this point is all about!
I for one, know that when my life is grounded on the wrong things, I begin to feel a bit like I am floating around aimlessly and I feel as though my time, energy and love are being poured out of an empty cup.
What grounds you? Is it time spent alone? Or maybe time spent with family? For me, I feel grounded when I spend time reading the bible and praying, but also reflecting on my thoughts and feelings through yoga. A positive lifestyle in my opinion comes from a palace where you have clarity and a stable foundation on which to build.
3. The arms- Stretching yourself
The arms remind me of my enormous wingspan with my lanky arms!
There are a few different things I will say about stretching yourself.
Pushing myself a little bit further than I have gone before, whether it be with medicine, studying, or something else gives me a sense of accomplishment.
As humans, we seek validation and the feeling of achievement and pride and joy in our hard work coming to fruition.
Perhaps challenge yourself to do something today that is out of your comfort zone and gives you a little sense of accomplishment. Sometimes I think this can be one of the best ways to implement self-care.
Maybe start with some challenging wider reading!
Or maybe read up on some inspirational black figures in medical history and stretch your Anti-racism work!
4. The anatomy of a positive lifestyle: The heart- Friendships and relationships
This has been an incredibly difficult time, especially with the recent announcement. Please do not forget to reach out to loved one and get together virtually if you can. Humans need that interaction and we should continue to get around and support each other in the best way that we can during this time.
TW: eating disorder recovery.
5. The gut- moving toward a healthy relationship with food.
Especially over Christmas, the idea of all the food can be super overwhelming. Building a healthy food relationship whether we are surviving an eating disorder or not is extremely important for a positive lifestyle. Food is fuel, it is also fun and it allows us to meet and love others. It forms a huge part of keeping healthy and happy.
I know that I am still working towards a good relationship with food, and this looks different for everyone.
So all I will say on this is, whatever progress you are making, keep going!
If you need help, here is the eating disorder charity ‘Beat’.
6. The anatomy of a positive lifestyle: The mind
Mental health has been overlooked for years and I think it is vital to a positive lifestyle that we look after our mental health.
Remember that everyone has mental health and you don’t have to be unwell to talk about it. Take care of it from day-to-day. I am now reminding myself to check-in and assess my mental health in the same way that I will do for future patients and in the way I care about the mental health of my friends and family.
You matter too.
So…
I hope this has been insightful and this once over anatomical-ish chat about keeping up a positive lifestyle has helped you. I know that writing things like this helps me to look at my lifestyle and see where I can make little changes to the way I live in my body and with those around me.
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Have a lovely week, keep healthy and safe.
-Zoe.