What Health Means to Me
- 3 mins“Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
I’ve come to the realization that I have been conditioned to put my work and academics before my health and well-being. Lack of balance has led me to cycles of burnout and loss of what truly matters in life. At the end of the day, there will always be more work, and I am the only person who will put myself first. Our capitalistic and inequitable society is deeply unfit for living a healthy life, so we need to make institutional changes that serve us all while taking control of our own health and wellbeing.
By taking two classes related to China this semester, I’m gaining not only a deeper understanding of ancient Chinese medicinal practices, but also a greater perspective on the last century of turmoil that has made China what it is today. The course on ancient Chinese art has made me reflect on how Western/modern beliefs of health have arisen and how we can use traditional understandings of qi (vital) energy and yin-yang energy to live healthier lives, while the course on modern Chinese history has helped me see how my family’s journey has influenced my life as a Chinese-American woman.
I believe health is the single most important thing we possess, which is why the lack of adequate healthcare is often a tool to subjugate marginalized populations. Since health is one of the most important aspects of life, here is what prioritizing my health means to me:
Mental
- Check in with myself and stay in tune with my emotions
- Feel all of my feelings, even (or especially) when it is hard. Not numbing or using apathy as a shield.
- Take breaks when I need to
- Do things that fill me up and energize me
- Form habits for necessary tasks I don’t enjoy as much
- Read books that nourish the soul and feed my curiosity
- Seek opposing perspectives and keep an open mind
- Go beyond surface level to truly understand, start from first-principles
- Continually learn, unlearn, and relearn–be flexible and child-like
- Stay in my lane and listen to my inner voice rather than being swayed by others
- Have a positive and optimistic outlook on life despite the inevitable challenges
- Wish the best for myself and others
- Re-parent myself by providing internal validation, compassion, and discipline
- Use healthy coping mechanisms when stressed
- Be mindful of content consumption, whether it be TV shows, videos, media, news, books, music, etc.
Physical
- Take deep breaths to activate the parasympathetic nervous system
- Move and sweat daily
- Build strong, flexible muscles
- Feel comfortable and confident in my body and sexuality
- Eat balanced foods for wellness and nourishment
- Feed my gut bacteria (which is important for mental health)
- Stay hydrated to feed my organs, especially the brain
- Sleep at the same time every day and follow a routine based on my natural cycle
- Tune in to my hormonal menstrual cycles
- Take care of personal hygiene, including skincare and grooming
- Be grounded in my physical body
- Wear clothes & present myself in a way that feels true to who I am
Spiritual
- Protect my energy and put my needs first
- Tap into the larger consciousness (of people, the environment, and nature)
- Serve, empower, and show up for myself and others
- Live lightly and love deeply
- Be unattached to the ego and recognize its existence
- Foster strong and secure relationships with people who lift my energy and have good vibes
- Create things that bring me joy, and find fulfillment in the process
- Have purpose and feed the passion
- Foster an abundant mindset
- Live below my means and understand the currencies of our society
- Heal generational wounds by connecting with family histories and cultures
- Do shadow work and be unafraid of my demons
What does health mean to you?