HEALTH, MENTAL HEALTH


What does it really mean to be healthy? For many of us, this question is a complex and nuanced one. Health is not just about diet and exercise – it also encompasses mental and emotional wellbeing, chronic illness management, and many other factors. Unfortunately, there is often a narrow cultural definition of what it means to be “fit” or “healthy”. This can leave many people feeling like they don’t fit the mold, or like they are not doing enough to take care of themselves. Here, we’ll explore how to advocate for yourself around what being healthy means, no matter where you are on your journey.


Start by redefining health on your own terms.


Take some time to reflect on what health means to you, beyond the societal or cultural norms. Does it mean being able to manage your chronic pain effectively? Does it mean prioritizing your mental health? Does it mean feeling strong and capable in your body, regardless of your size or shape? Once you have a clearer picture of what health means to you, you can begin to advocate for yourself around those values.


Communicate your needs and boundaries clearly.


This can be particularly important if you are working with a healthcare provider. Let them know what works for you, and what doesn’t. This might mean explaining how a certain exercise exacerbates your pain, or setting boundaries around what you are and are not willing to try. The more clear and assertive you can be about your needs, the more likely you are to receive care that is tailored to your unique situation.


Practice self-compassion.


It can be difficult to let go of expectations around what we “should” be doing in order to be healthy. But it’s important to remember that nobody is perfect, and we all have different challenges and limitations. When we approach our health journey with kindness and self-compassion, we are more likely to take sustainable steps towards positive change.


Seek out support and resources.


You don’t have to go it alone – there are many resources out there to help you advocate for yourself and your health. This might include finding online communities of people with similar health challenges, seeking out a therapist or counselor, or working with a kinesiologist like me who specializes in body neutrality or intuitive movement. Whatever support looks like for you, know that it is out there – and you deserve to access it.


Remember that your health journey is an ongoing process.


There is no one “right” way to be healthy – it’s a constantly evolving process that requires flexibility and openness. So, give yourself permission to experiment, try new things, and make mistakes.

By redefining health on our own terms, communicating our needs and boundaries clearly, practicing self-compassion, seeking out support and resources, and remembering that it’s an ongoing journey, we can move towards a more empowered and fulfilling relationship with our health. No matter where you are on your journey, know that you are worthy of care and support – and that it’s never too late to start advocating for yourself.







Jaime Glassman

Jaime has been helping individuals with pain, injuries and illness move better, feel good in their bodies and regain their independence. Jaime is passionate about teaching people how to integrate exercise and movement solutions into their lives to make it easier to be better more often.