First, what is autonomy? It can be defined as:
- The right or condition of self-government, or
- The capacity to act objectively rather than under the influence of desires, or
- Self-directing freedom and especially moral independence – personal autonomy.
So what is personal autonomy in health, these are the choices which you make as an individual to move toward health. Being healthy is a personal choice; the choice one makes to live better and longer. How do you make these choices. Only by learning what choices are available to you, can you make educated and objective choices.
Attitude
The first choice is your attitude. Ask yourself daily, “What kind of attitude do I have today?” Is this attitude one of positivity – that you will have a positive attitude daily about choosing to eat a healthy diet, or do you just say, “I don’t feel good today, I can start on my healthy diet tomorrow.” With that attitude, you will procrastinate your healthy diet to a far off future time that may be too late.
What about exercise? Is that a decision made early in the week, which days you will exercise and for how long and then stick to it? If not, revise your attitude to be positive about your decisions to take good care of yourself.
Education
Educate yourself more every day. Learn something new about eating a healthy diet or which supplements may help with lower energy. Educate yourself spiritually, by reading the word of God daily, even for 15 minutes and talk with God daily. Read more articles about how you can maintain your health, like this blog. Learn specific exercises that are the correct exercises for your age, your strength, and your goals.
Actions
Actions speak louder than words. Nothing happens until we take action. In other words, if you know that a healthy body, healthy mind, and healthy spirit will give more living to your life and more enjoyment of the time you have, and do not act upon all three. Your healthy life will not happen.
We must all act upon our self-directed freedom to take action and do those things which can lead to a healthier life with more happiness.
Kind Regards,
Dr. Mike
References:
Oxford English Dictionary https://languages.oup.com/dictionaries/