HOW TO HELP YOURSELF TO HEALTH

Each theme of this guide (Releasing Stress, Physical Exercise, A Peaceful Mind,...), contains one of the elements of the HELP format, providing an introduction to the subject, as well as practical instructions and guidance on how to incorporate it into your daily life. These are presented in a multimedia format for you to enjoy videocasts and audio files embedded in the text of each theme.

Feel free to watch and listen while online or just download the text from the "Download Resources" section and read offline. We start off with an audio overview of the subject (just click on the button at the start of each theme page and adjust the volume) to help you understand or if you prefer read the text or watch a videodcast like this one below on Meditation to get some understanding on why this component may be a powerful one for you.

Before making a commitment to the HELP, it is essential to understand each of the components fully, to reflect honestly on your current lifestyle approach, and then to develop an action strategy to integrate the program into your daily life. Understanding, reflection, and action are thus the three key mental directives when reading each theme.

Understanding

Given the entrenched nature of our current lifestyle patterns, it is vital to fully understand each component of the program before making any changes. It must make sense to you in relation to your present life. You should feel confident in explaining each component to other people who might challenge, question, or be interested in finding out more regarding the changes you are making in your life. HELP is an action-oriented program. While there is not a great emphasis on the theory behind each component, there is a tremendous amount of research that has been done on each aspect of the program. If you would like to pursue this information further, please make use of the Further Reading section at the end of each theme.

This is not a program to be taken on faith, and that is why understanding HELP is so important. Only through being aware of the validity of each component, and seeing how the components complement one another, will it be possible to make a commitment to the program and derive full benefit from it. This is a dynamic and interactive program, which will bring greater benefits to you as your understanding of and commitment to each element of the deepen.

Reflection

Once you fully understand the particular component described in each chapter, take time to reflect on your current daily lifestyle and the degree to which this aspect of the program is a vital part of your life.

This is a very important stage, as it is an indicator of your starting point for the program and of where change needs to take place. Some of you may already be incorporating some elements of the program in your daily life to varying degrees, and may need to make fewer changes than others. A period of honest reflection will enable you to evaluate the specific changes that can be made to derive full benefit from that component.

A HELP Journal

When going through the reflection section of each theme, you will find it useful to establish a HELP journal in which you can write down your reflections. The journal will be a record to allow you to monitor your progress, record your current state of health, allow you to express feelings that arise, and uplift your spirits. Either use the "HELP Journal" section included here or perhaps create your own journal with your understanding notes, reflections and actions steps. Organize your journal according to the appropriate components of HELP:

• Releasing Stress
• Physical Exercise
• An Easeful Body
• A Quality Environment
• Food Awareness Connection
• Mind Body Harmony
• Breath of Life
• A Peaceful Mind
• Creative Expression and Learning
• Group Support and Communication
• Service
• Planning Health Enhancement

When recording your reflections, begin each entry with the date, time of day, your location, and any specific thoughts regarding your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being on that day. You will find this information helpful when examining your journal over a period of time. Feel free to be creative and incorporate drawings, memories, objects from nature, or anything else that comes to mind. A personal HELP journal is a catalyst for the creative process and it can take many forms. Let your imagination run free. Use the journal to keep track of your personal health goals, and refine and evaluate them over time.

Once you have been involved in the program for some time, it is often easy to lose track of the dramatic changes that have taken place as you fine-tune your lifestyle; the changes become more subtle. When glancing back through your journal after some time you will be reminded of your base point, and it will be a motivating tool to keep you on track. Do not underestimate the importance of reflection and recording your insights in the journal - it is an essential part of your progress and an investment in the future.

Action

The final step is the development of an action-oriented strategy for implementing the program. Each chapter includes detailed instructions on how to incorporate that component into your daily life, with practical steps and HELPful hints that are easy to implement given dedication and commitment. Putting the program into action will naturally follow from an understanding of each element, reflection on where you are starting from, and the setting of realistic goals.

Remember the SAME rule when setting goals. Each goal should be:

• Specific
• Achievable
• Measurable
• Enjoyable

There is no quicker way to lose momentum than to set up a rigorous program that requires a complete upheaval in your daily schedule and is too ambitious to achieve in your current circumstances. This will leave you with a sense of disappointment and failure. Remember, it is better to achieve 75 percent of your potential regularly than 100 percent inconsistently. In addition to the suggestions at the conclusion of each chapter, the planning section at the end of the book will assist you in developing a schedule that works for you.

In each section of your journal, set up an achievable daily "to do" list that includes a practical step from each chapter (e.g. “I will do 25 minutes of walking daily"). If for some reason you do not have the opportunity to implement all of the items on the list, do not chastise yourself incessantly. Rather, see to it that this commitment is carried forward to the following day to gain both the benefit as well as a sense of completion. It may take some time before you can incorporate all components in your life. Achieving small quality steps is the key to a successful long-term program.

As available time and your ability allow the "to do" list to grow, occasionally expand your goals. Remember to be realistic, writing down any changes required for these new goals. This approach will ensure steady progress with a cumulative impact on your overall quality of life that will be lasting in its transformational effects. To maintain motivation and share the benefits you may wish to set goals with family members and friends, or join a local group.

The degree to which you apply these principles of understanding, reflection, and action will determine your success in developing a health-enhancing lifestyle. This is not a competition, and your action strategy should not leave you feeling as if you are in an endurance test. Even if the changes are small and slow to begin with, remember that they are headed in a positive direction. Enjoy the journey. Challenge yourself, but do not strain or put yourself under such pressure that the program loses its sense of fun and adventure.