Why Start a Health Journal
You probably already have a regular journal, and perhaps you also have another separate journal dedicated to your dreams or night notes or creative writing exercises, so why would you need to start yet another? Some people find it is useful to segment their journaling into different books for different purposes so they can focus more closely on specific themes in their lives.
Keeping a personal health journal helps you stay informed about your own body, understand what influences your health issues and take better care of yourself.
Your First Entry
Don’t feel pressured to make your journal a lengthy medical record, outlining every illness or problem you’ve ever had. Start in the present, doing a “check-up” of where you are at the moment, then fill in the blanks from the past as necessary.
1. Spend a few minutes sitting quietly and being present in your body. How would you grade your current health on a scale from 1 to 10? Why?
2. Open your health journal and write a one-page evaluation of the state of your health at this moment. Are you feeling any pain or tension in your body? Any tiredness or stress? What words would you use to describe the way you feel? Which parts of your body are in the need of the most attention right now?
3. Now think back to the highlights in your health history. What were your major illnesses or injuries or conditions in the past? Are there any lasting effects from these issues? Do you have any recurring problems?
4. What does your idea of perfect health look like? What needs to happen for you to achieve this ideal state?
5. Conclude by writing one positive health goal for the next week and one sentence of encouragement for yourself.
Congratulations, you just finished your very first health journal check-up! And you’re on your way to becoming your own Primary Care Provider. You’ll be able to nip physical ailments in the bud and see how you and your own home remedies can save you time (doctor visits) and money (unnecessary prescription drugs). By Journaling about your physical health,you'll come up with natural cures (like attitude adjustments and behavior change and healthier food choices) to achieve Holistic Health.