N3335 PROMOTING HEALTHY LIFESTYLES

Module 5 – Journal Analysis

Objective:

Discuss the purpose and efficacy of journaling for health promotion.

Journaling is the process of recording personal thoughts and reflections on specific topics, often on a piece of paper. Research has proven that writing about traumatic events or ideas helps a person come to terms with them, thus reducing their impact on a person’s physical health. The idea is that writing allows a person to use their brainpower to understand themselves better. Writing about painful emotions like anger and stress reduces the intensity of the feelings thus making a person feel better. In addition to that, writing also prompts the brain into creativity, thus giving room for solution ideas. Finally, a journal allows a person to keep track of growth and improvements. Therefore, people with health issues are advised to keep journals because journaling is the cheapest therapy ever.

Analysis Questions

Thoroughly describe the health issue you chose to work on during this course as listed in your Health Promotion Contract. (5 points)

The polycystic ovarian syndrome is a hormonal disorder that causes the enlargement of ovaries with small cysts on the outer edges. The condition may be caused by the secretion of excess insulin causing ovulation difficulties. It is also hereditary. Complications associated with the state include infertility, endometrial cancer, depression and in worst cases it might cause cardiovascular diseases.

For your issue, at what stage of the “Stages of Change” Model (in Module 1 Readings) were you in by the last week of the course? Thoroughly describe below. (20 points)

During the last week of the course, I was at the Action stage, where I have realized tremendous improvement. I have been working on reducing stress by focusing on positive energy and shunning all negative energy. I have managed to cut my alcohol intake, eliminate soda intake as well as high carbohydrate foods. I have also noticed a significant loss of weight, and even after completing the course, I shall continue taking walks around the neighborhood.

What was your most significant motivator? Thoroughly describe below and include two examples from your journal. (15 points)

Having polycystic ovarian syndrome means that my chances of contracting heart diseases are very high. Therefore, my motivation is the fact that I want to be healthy again. I have many goals in life that can only be reached in perfect health. Also, I have children to fend for and ensure that their future is secured. Hence I am willing to go the extra mile to achieve perfect health.

What was your most significant stumbling block? Thoroughly describe below and include two examples from your journal. (15 points)

The most significant stumbling block that I have encountered is a lack of sufficient time to exercise. Even though I work from home, I have hardly enough time to spend with my children, let alone taking walks to work on my weight. However, I came up with a schedule to take turns around the neighborhood with my children. These walks create an ample opportunity to bond with my children in addition to teaching them the importance of physical exercises to health and fitness.

Did your journaling help you stay focused on the issue on which you were working? Thoroughly describe below, explaining why or why not, and give two examples from your journal. (10 points)

Yes, my journal helped me stay focused on my fitness objectives. Writing about my accomplishments at the end of each day gave me a sense of satisfaction. In addition to that, putting my feelings down on paper helped me relieve stressful emotions which are among my objectives. I have had a hard time accepting my condition, hence working on improving my health has been helping me reduce depression.

Did you find yourself journaling on topics other than your issue? Thoroughly describe below. (5 points)

Sometimes I found myself writing about other topics other than working on my fitness. I once wrote on an argument involving my two daughters. They were arguing about which one the dresses they were wearing was more beautiful than the other. This gave me the idea that in future I should buy similar clothes to avoid such misunderstandings.

In your attempts to reach a goal (intermediate or end-goal), what was your self-talk? (Self-talk is defined as your ongoing internal dialogue with yourself. Self-talk can be accurate, positive and supportive, or exaggerated and negative.) Give two examples and thoroughly described below. (10 points)

I told myself that I was optimistic that my efforts toward achieving fitness were not in vain. I was convinced that I had the courage and determination it took to reach my goal. Most importantly, I told myself that I had everything it makes to conquer polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Will the results of the JAMA article (in Module 1 Readings), as to the efficacy of journaling, influence you to continue to journal? Why or why not? (Be honest with yourself in answering this.) Thoroughly describe below. (10 points)

The results to the efficacy of journaling have influenced me to continue journaling. Writing about my condition has helped me come to terms with myself, as well as helping me relieve heavy emotions. My journal has also helped me keep track of my desired accomplishments.

Would you take a medication that purported to have similar health improvement benefits as journaling? Why or why not? Thoroughly describe below. (10 points)

I prefer journaling overusing medicines because writing has helped me get rid of anxiety and stress which would not go away with medication. Journaling also makes one get in touch with their feelings and accept that they need to make changes in life to heal better. Medicine only takes away the physical pain, yet emotional wellbeing is also vital to achieving perfect health.