Personalising Your Wellness Journey: Finding What Works for You

At the start of every year, many of us set ambitious health and wellness goals, only to struggle to follow through. Despite having the best intentions, maintaining these goals can feel overwhelming or even impossible. Why? Often, it's because we're trying to fit ourselves into a one-size-fits-all model of wellness, rather than crafting a plan that truly aligns with our unique needs. Personalised wellness is the key to sustainable, meaningful change, taking into account your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to personalise your healthcare and wellness journey, making it more attainable and meaningful.

What is Wellness?

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Wellness, then, is “the optimal state of health of individuals and groups” and is expressed as “a positive approach to living.”

Your wellness journey extends beyond short-term health resolutions. It is a holistic approach that encompasses different aspects of life, including:

Physical health: Exercise, nutrition, and medical care.

Emotional well-being: Managing stress, mental health, and self-care.

Social connections: Building healthy relationships and community support.

Spiritual balance: Personal beliefs and mindfulness practices.

Understanding where you currently stand in these areas can help you curate a wellness plan that suits your personality and leads to lasting positive change.

4 Key Steps to Personalising Your Wellness Journey

1. Find the Right Healthcare Professional or Conduct Personalised Research

Not every healthcare professional will be the right fit for you. Choose a doctor, therapist, or wellness expert who:

* Understand your unique health concerns and background.

* Makes you feel comfortable discussing your wellness goals.

* Respect your cultural, emotional, and physical needs.

If you prefer a self-directed approach, research wellness strategies that resonate with you. Look for evidence-based health solutions rather than generic advice that may not align with your circumstances.

2. Identify Your Boundaries and Health Considerations

Health is not one-size-fits-all—factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and cultural background play a crucial role in determining what works best for you.

For example, disparities in health outcomes highlight the need for personalized approaches. As mentioned, studies show that African American women, while statistically less likely to develop breast cancer than Caucasian women, are more likely to die from the disease due to late diagnoses. This underscores the importance of individualised healthcare strategies, as different groups experience unique health challenges. According to the CDC, racial and ethnic groups experience different rates of health and illness. This further emphasizes the need for personalized care.

By working with your doctor, you can determine the most effective wellness approach based on your personal health risks, environment, and lifestyle.

3. Be Intentional and Stay Consistent

After consulting with a healthcare expert and creating a wellness plan, commit to it. However, if you find it challenging, don’t hesitate to speak up—health plans should be flexible enough to adapt to your needs.

To stay accountable, consider:

·        Seeking support from family, friends, or a wellness coach.

·        Tracking progress using a journal or mobile app.

·        Making small adjustments to ensure your wellness plan fits into your daily routine.

Being intentional means making health-conscious choices that align with your lifestyle while ensuring they are sustainable.

4. Set Actionable and Achievable Goals

Your wellness journey should include clear, actionable steps tailored to your health needs. Identify changes that can enhance your well-being, even if they require adjustments to your routine or habits.

For example, if you are diagnosed with diabetes, your doctor may recommend portion control to maintain stable blood sugar levels. Making this adjustment a priority can significantly improve your health outcomes.

Practical tips for setting achievable health goals:

• Start small: Focus on minor but impactful changes.

• Be specific: Instead of saying, “I want to eat healthier,” set a goal like, “I will eat five servings of vegetables daily.”

• Monitor progress: Track your improvements to stay motivated.

• Stay flexible: Be open to modifying your plan as needed.

• Taking consistent action will make your wellness journey effective and rewarding.

Conclusion

Personalising your wellness journey is about recognising that your health goals should be tailored to your unique physical, emotional, and cultural needs. Following generic health advice may not always address your specific challenges, which is why a personalised approach is far more effective.

By choosing the right healthcare professional, setting clear actionable goals, being intentional, and respecting your individual boundaries, you can create a wellness plan that works for you—one that is not only sustainable but also enriching.

Your well-being is in your hands. Take the time to personalise your health journey, and you’ll find it easier to stay committed, motivated, and on the path to a healthier life.