Caring for your health is called “self care”.  Self care requires effort and discipline. A positive outlook will always help you to move forward and take those necessary steps to improve your health.

Here are five simple steps for self care.

1.  Simplify your life

Get rid of the clutter in your life. Establish a bare minimum of what you and your loved ones need to live a balanced life. Don’t cling on to material things that give no meaning to your life or your health.

2. Be aware, be informed and connect

Understand yourself and your body. Be informed on ways that keep you happy and well. Connect with your community and share health information with others. Read, join a group, talk with people and seek professional advice. Good health often comes to those who are open, active learners.

3. Find your health goal

If you are worried about your health, talk to a professional. You might need to determine a health goal and work out a plan to achieve and maintain your desired goal. Your doctor or nurse can help you with this, especially if you have many goals and plans.

Some examples of health goals are: to lose or gain weight, to quit smoking, to lower blood pressure, to lower blood cholesterol, to breastfeed successfully, to be less anxious or depressed, to find the right birth control method, to relieve chronic pain or prevent disease or infection.

4. Prioritize

With health goals on board, your life will change, a little or a lot. You might have to depend on others or you might not. When facing change, know what is urgent and what isn’t and reorganize your daily routine, step by step. Don’t waste time on things that keep you away from achieving your health goals.

5. Adhere

To adhere means to stick to the plan that is helping you reach your health goal. With adherence, your new behaviour, treatment or lifestyle is well integrated into your life.