Proaction or Reaction?
Camping in the Pacific Northwest, especially in Spring, means you expect rain. In addition to preparing for rain, spending an extended period of time outdoors highlights the importance of proaction.
The cumulative benefit of being mindful of small tasks and taking action before you need to cannot be overstated. Things like washing your dishes after dinner so you have clean plates for breakfast, putting the fly on your tent before it starts to rain, bringing dry wood and keeping it dry, and storing food safely to prevent or deter wildlife from noshing your lunch are examples of being proactive. Sometimes you can get away with neglecting these tasks, but how much more stress and effort are experienced when you have to react to predictable events that could put a damper on your trip?
I think, in fact I know, that the same rules apply to self-care.
Doesn’t it make more sense to consistently promote health, to position yourself to be as adaptive as possible to current stressors, and to employ measures now that prepare you for strains that will challenge you in the future?
In my line of work I often encounter folks who are reacting to signs and symptoms, which accompany an interruption in their ability to perform the tasks they need to or want to do. This is the functional definition of pain. I understand this and it is usually the entry point for people to seek help from a healthcare provider. There is nothing wrong or bad about this approach. If, however, you value being able to live a full and healthy life, reaction as a strategy is simply not as effective as proaction - action that initiates positive change.
My work focuses on helping people reorganize the neural patterns that govern whether they react or respond to stress, and how efficiently they can do so. This approach to health and wellbeing is incredibly effective to help people reacting to pain, but it is even more powerful as a proactive tool to add more life to your years.
In closing, be proactive, get outside, and take care of yourself...now.
