There is a lot of research that links mental and physical health practices to life satisfaction and enjoyment. So what is a yearly health check-up?
We have all heard of the yearly physical where you see your general physician and they record your weight, height, blood pressure, heart rate and all of that fun stuff. And while that is very important, it isn't the only recordable health measure and once a year may not actually satisfy all of your health concerns.
Why a yearly checkup?
It's easy to be on autopilot. To get up, follow a routine built of necessity, address concerns that pop up and continue on our way. I have found, however, that when I live like that I don't feel like I have growth or traction. Days blend into weeks and soon a year can pass without executing any necessary change. A yearly checkup ensures that you are evaluating your needs and making necessary accommodations to give yourself the best life possible!
Areas of health
The areas of health may differ regarding your individual focus. Below I've listed areas of health that I personally like to evaluate. You can pick and choose your specific areas of concern based on growth, interest or need!
PHYSICAL HEALTH
A physical health checkup is the one we are most familiar with. A physical health check can include a physical, a yearly melanoma check from a Dermatologist, a review of medications with your physician, a trip to the dentist to review oral health, and a visit with the optometrist to ensure your vision. It can also include scheduled reviews of how active you are. Did you know that physical activity is a marker of longevity and mental health as we age? If you are someone who isn't as active as you would like to be, find ways to set small and realistic goals to introduce more movement into your life! Unsure about your limitations or what to set as a personal physical movement goal? Talk to your doctor!
MENTAL HEALTH
A mental health checkup is a review of your mental state. Your family doctor or a mental health professional could help with this as well. This could look like a cognitive screening either online or with a professional regarding current feelings or moods. Ways to keep up with your mental health can include journalling and periodic or regular visits with your counsellor. A great way to stay on track is to create a mental health practice that is manageable at home! One of my favourite mental health practices is yoga and journaling.
SOCIAL HEALTH
Socializing is like a muscle, when unused it atrophies. For some, socializing comes easily and for others, it can be challenging. Humans are pack animals and research shows that socializing is a critical part of human experience. In fact, our interpersonal relationships directly impact our physical and mental health. Create small and manageable social expectations for yourself. That could include joining a book club, a church group, a sports and social group, weekly phone calls with friends, etc. If we don't schedule our social life and protect our time, this is one area that will often run a deficit sooner than others although it is just as critical as other areas!
INTELLECTUAL HEATH
Self-growth and learning help us to evolve. When we explore new ideas or new worlds through the words and ideas of others, we are more well-rounded and mindful. Intellectual growth provides perspective, improved brain function and clarity of thought and focus. Learning a new skill helps to create confidence and mastery! My favourite way to keep up with my intellectual health is by reading! To keep myself accountable I set goals for books read over a period of time.
FINANCIAL HEALTH
There is a cyclical link between financial health and mental health. It is no surprise that stress peaks at the time of spending (holidays, school starting) or tax time. Financial health has never been more easy to monitor with many online apps providing budgeting tools and online spending reminders. I encourage people to keep on top of their financial health once a year they do financial planning with a banker, investor or accountant but throughout the year they plan formal financial conversations with their partners. This is especially true for couples who don't share finances and couples who are not actively involved in their everyday banking. When it comes to finances, ignorance is not bliss and avoidance just postpones difficult conversations.
DIGITAL HEALTH
This is a new one but one that I find critical. I take my digital health seriously and I frequently cull through the accounts that I follow and make changes. This also refers to ads and other digital information that I may ingest. Perhaps one of the most poignant pieces of advice that I have received over the past few years is to pay attention to what it is that I digest and to nourish my spirit (in all areas). People are spending a significant amount of their free time digesting so much digital information, and it's more than appropriate to own your content and what you take in. Removing people, businesses, and other content that doesn't serve your higher purpose allows you to replace that time with something better!
Plan your yearly checkup! Mine usually aligns with my birthday. Pick a date that is meaningful to you and something that you will remember and start taking ownership of your health!
