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Many individuals think that optimal health implies perfect health or successfully finding a cure for a specific illness. Perhaps this can be true, but sadly, it is not what it usually means. Truth be told, the meaning of optimal health depends on the particular circumstance and the corresponding health condition that you’re facing, which means that what may be impeccably healthy for me may be entirely different for you.
Being The Best Version Of Yourself
Yes, that is the closest definition of optimal health, being the best version of you. It is to achieve your paramount level of wellness physically, spiritually, and emotionally. It is to live to the fullest amidst any mental or physical health illness, trauma, or undesirable situation that you may be facing.
“The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has identified eight dimensions of wellness to focus on to optimize health. The eight dimensions include: emotional, spiritual, intellectual, physical, environmental, financial, occupational, and social,” writes Marjie L. Roddick, MA, NCC, LMHC.
Remember that, again, your best may not be another person’s best, as it may differ from person to person.
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What Affects Optimal Health?
A person’s level of health that he can attain depends on different factors. Availability of money is one of those factors. Perhaps you need to undergo a procedure to heal fully, but you can’t go through it because of financial restraints. Other factors include the type of impairment, stress level, age, individual compliance, barriers, knowledge of health providers taking care of the individual, genetics, and his commitment to recover.
Optimal health does not always mean that you are cured. Sometimes, it may mean that you can manage your condition and are capable of taking necessary actions that ensure the prevention of further complications. With the appropriate measures and therapies, progress can be achieved and optimized, and the person can once more live a meaningful and happy life.
Journey Towards Acceptance
Being optimally healthy doesn’t precisely mean that you have surpassed all health restrictions. At times, it may also mean that you can live day by day as fully as possible, notwithstanding your existing condition. It is about experiencing joy and inner peace, and ultimately finding the confidence to accept where you are in your journey towards aspiring to be healthier than you are now.
“When we’re self-accepting, we’re able to embrace all facets of ourselves—not just the positive, more ‘esteem-able’ parts,” writes Leon F. Seltzer, Ph.D.
On the other hand, the positive change is not seen on the outside sometimes, but rather internally, where your emotional and spiritual sense has caused you to move up to the next level from within instead of seeing a physical change.
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Achieving Optimal Health
There are different ways to attain that state of optimal health for you, but the first line of defense would be consuming nutritious food and living a clean lifestyle that is, of course, compatible with being healthy.
Drew Ramsey, M.D. explains, “What you feel, how you perceive things, and how focused you are is a reflection of brain chemistry—and you have some control over that chemistry based on what you eat.”
The primary elements that you should have in place that would make up the structure of your healing plan include living green, following a paleo diet, taking deep breaths, and practicing mindfulness.
When you have achieved these elements, you will move to the next level and include other more essential techniques, like exercising, committing to your plans, and identifying your triggers for stress. Other things are equally important to address, such as social support, relaxation, and positive thinking, among others.
Conclusion
The journey towards attaining optimal health is never-ending. It is a life-long process that needs your commitment and effort to focus on your goal. From time to time, get back to your goal and ask yourself what it means to you to achieve it. Remember that health is a vital part of your life. It should matter to you if you achieve it or not.
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