Here are the 4Ps to internalize health information into living habits.
First, perceive. Get accurate, science-based health information from a reliable information platform. In addition, look around, identify “health experts” with a discerning eye, and take the initiative to ask them about their health care tips. In short, broaden your knowledge.
Second, ponder. There is a deluge of information online. Whether you get your health information from the media or others, you should use some reliable websites or consult trustworthy professionals to fact-check the relevant information. After all, health is a priceless treasure, so you should be more cautious. Healthy living habits are about priorities. Even if you have to sacrifice time, energy, money, and relationships, you have to choose to do healthy things (such as getting enough sleep) and not unhealthy things (such as eating and drinking because of social activities). The ultimate question is: How important is health to you and your family?
Third, practice. The word “habit” is defined by repetition, accumulation and continuation. Healthy living habits include: eating healthy, exercising with correct posture, embracing nature, confiding in those you trust, etc. That means collecting good vibes every day. You will soon find that your worn-out organs have been repaired, your physical and mental abilities have grown. These daily efforts are a type of trial.
Fourth, prove. Facts speak louder than words. The most effective way to convince yourself of the health benefits of a certain lifestyle habit is to do personal experiments and carefully examine the evidence your body gives you. Different levels of evidence have different persuasiveness. Reliable medical data or observing health changes in others are all powerful evidence. But the most convincing evidence is the betterment of your own body.
One habit is to do abdominal breathing exercises every day. This habit could relieve the feeling of panic after a few days. Another habit is to look at the greenery every day and expose your eyes to natural light. It would make it easier to fall asleep after a few weeks. The above four steps came from the Buddhist practice method of “listening, thinking, practicing and attaining”. The wisdom of Buddhism does give us the best guidance for life.
Written by: Dr. William Chui
Originally posted on: Health HKEJ
Translated by: Cheuk Long Chan
