World Health Day is a global campaign, inviting everyone – from global leaders to the public in all countries – to focus on a single health challenge with global impact. Focusing on new and emerging health issues, World Health Day provides an opportunity to start collective action to protect people's health and well-being.
No matter where you live, World Health Day is a good reminder that taking care of your physical and mental health should be a top priority. Open your journal, warm up your writing muscles and take a look at how you can make your daily activities happier and healthier.
1. Talk to your journal about your average day during the work week. What are your healthiest habits? What are your unhealthiest habits? What do you wish you had more time to do that would improve your energy or overall well-being? Can you think of any small changes you could incorporate into your daily routine that would be an investment in your long-term health? For example:
Healthiest habit: I make and bring my lunch almost every day. Unhealthiest habit: I hardly ever exercise during the week, even though I have a gym membership. I wish I had more time to go for walks or play sports. I would like to incorporate small periods of exercise into my day – walking at lunch or heading to the gym before work – because I always feel better when I’m active.
2. Reflect on your long-term health goals. Where do you want your personal health to be in five, 10, 20 years? What are your health concerns for the future? What lifestyle changes can you make to put you on track for your goals? For example:
I want to be active and healthy when I have grandchildren later in life. I want to be able to play with them and take them to do the activities my children loved when they were younger. I worry about my heart health, so diet and exercise are priorities for me.
3. Write down the best health advice you’ve ever received. How old were you when you heard it? Who told you these words of wisdom? How has this advice shaped your life or helped you make decisions? Have you passed it on to anyone else? For example:
The best advice I ever got was from my mother: “Eat your vegetables.” It seems obvious, but it’s amazing how many people don’t get enough fresh veggies and fruits! I try to make sure I get plenty every day, and I base my meals around vegetables instead of any other food group. I’ve instilled the same respect for fresh food in my own children.
Share your responses to the World Health Day journaling exercises in the comments section.