Journaling With Your Health in Mind
Key things to journal for optimal care.
Coach Latrice
6/18/20262 min read
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Journaling for your health can make navigating any diagnosis easier. It allows for more open, honest and effective communication with your self, your inner circle, your physicians, employers and disability care professionals. Here are some key points to document.
Symptoms
Journal any and everything that is not typical for you. Recently my ankles have been cracking like popcorn. LOL That is definitely new and something I will discuss at my next appointment.
Seriously though, make sure you document any changes in your body or discomfort that you experience, even if you think it is insignificant. Document the duration, level of discomfort (create a scale, i.e. 0-10), frequency, and if need be, what you were doing when you experienced the pain or discomfort. This is all information that will help your care provider determine the most useful path to your care and recovery.
Medication
Document any medication you take including any thing that is prescribed, over the counter, vitamins and/or supplements. Medications can often have side effects or negative interactions with other meds you are taking. Letting your provide now upfront what you are taking will help them chose the best medication for you. They may also offer alternatives. This holds true with new medications as well.
Movement
When documenting movement, identify what is not the norm for you. For example, on a good day, I walk with a normal gait. On a not so good day, I may walk with stiffness or spasticity, I may b unsteady on my feet or experience imbalance when I rise to standing. Sometimes there is pain present when I move. Again note these instances for care
For movement, I also document the type of exercise I complete for the day. Now with many of us working in a stationary position (computers, phones, driving), we should be adding regular exercise to our lifestyle. Documenting exercise will provide additional info for you and your physician. It can highlight additional limitations and abilities.
Mindset
When documenting mindset, you want to document how you are feeling about the changes in your life. Write about your anger, frustration, depression, joy, faith and all the things. Document why you are feeling angry, frustrated, depressed, joyful… And then document, if you can, what you can and will do aid in moving through the distressing feelings, or what you can do to maintain the joyful feelings.
Write the scriptures or words of encouragement that get you through each day or moment. Aside from your journal, you can even post your scriptures and mantras on the wall, mirror or in your planner.
If you are not sure which method to use, just pick one and get started. Only through practice will you discover which method works for you.
Feel free to reach out if you need help.
Sending cyber hugs and love.
Stay Fabulous,
Coach Latrice