Appendix #3: Mapping Your Path to Enhanced Wellness
A Self-Assessment and Personalized Planning Tool for People with MS
SEE ALSO:
Cover Story: Enhanced Wellness – Healthy Strategies for People Living with MS
Appendix #1: Resources for Pursuing Enhanced Wellness
Appendix #2: Healthy Food Choices for Individuals with MS
Most of us could benefit by re-examining different aspects of our health and well-being, with the goal of working on those areas that you feel may need improvement. To get off to a strong start, it makes sense to initially concentrate on just one or two areas.
Where are you now – and how difficult or easy will it be to make changes? Using the values of (1) very good, (2) good, (3) fair, (4) needs work, or (5) not good, rate each of the following health-related areas according to where you currently are:
- Exercise/physical activity
- Diet/nutrition
- Sleep
- Emotional well-being
- Social interaction
- Other aspects of well-being important to you
Consider where you want to begin. A good “first focus” might be an area where you can achieve real gains without having to overcome particularly daunting obstacles. In other words, identify those areas that perhaps have a difficulty level of “3” (fair) or better, so making the desired change will be easier to accomplish.
After selecting an area to work on, write down your “why.” Having a clear sense of your reasons for wanting to improve certain areas of your well-being is critical for finding the determination to keep going when the going gets tough.
Spell out your “what.” This is what you hope to achieve. List not just the outcome you want to see but your process for reaching it. For instance, if your goal is to make healthier meal choices, you might pursue this by speaking with your family about meal choices, removing unhealthy snacks, and reducing how often you order fast food.
Identify potential pitfalls – and ways around them. You’ll need to look at what attitudes, physical challenges, and other factors of your own that you need to address, and can others around you either help or hinder your plans? Other questions to ask yourself is if you’ll be able to incorporate your plans into your current daily schedule, and are any resources needed – such as information or equipment?
Consult your MS provider. Great job! You’ve identified your areas of priority, your motivation, and your plans for proceeding. But before you start, share this plan with your healthcare providers and make any modifications based on their guidance.
And, finally, consider three important points: What is your plan for getting back on track promptly if you need to take a break? What is your plan for periodically assessing your progress and making adjustments, if needed? And, what can you do periodically to acknowledge and honor the commitment you have made to enhancing your well-being?
Good work! You’re now ready to make positive changes to your life.