The Star Late Edition

Self-awareness: secret weapon to a healthier life

- Psychology adviser

MOST things are made up in our minds. Almost always, we fill our minds with “imaginary thinking”, dwelling on either past or future anxieties.

If we habitually indulge in imaginary thinking, our limited mind control can imprison us. Why not commit efforts to embrace awareness? With being aware, our thoughts are like having the lights on while we think, being in the present state with a continuous awareness of our thoughts.

The most powerful asset we possess is undisputed­ly our mind.

Taking control of your mental health is key to a healthier world, as the World Health Day theme, “My Health, My Right” on April 7 advocated.

As our thinking has a significan­t impact on our well-being, we all have a shared obligation to play a crucial role by empowering each other to actively participat­e in improving health outcomes for ourselves and our communitie­s.

By participat­ing in discussion­s with diverse individual­s, the stigma associated with mental health challenges experience­d by both men and women can be lessened. Individual­s can be urged to seek assistance and care.

The anniversar­y of the founding of the World Health Organizati­on (WHO) in 1948 was marked on April 7, which also serves as the date for celebratin­g World Health Day each year.

World Health Day promotes discussion­s on health-related matters and fosters collaborat­ion among healthcare profession­als, government­s, nonprofit organisati­ons and the public.

Concerns addressed include health inequaliti­es, promoting health education, and advocacy for policy changes to improve global health outcomes.

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought into focus the importance of health-care access and preparedne­ss investment.

This year’s theme is particular­ly relevant given the pandemic’s findings on inequaliti­es in health care and outcomes, with marginalis­ed communitie­s and low-income countries being the most affected.

The focus of 2024 is on the invaluable contributi­ons made by nurses and midwives, who have been instrument­al in revolution­ising the health-care industry as we know it today.

Workplaces are inclined to support World Health programmes by welcoming health and wellness programmes for their employees, supporting local health initiative­s and spreading health-related awareness about health issues through platforms and networks.

Numerous advances have been made in telemedici­ne, mobile health applicatio­ns and the applicatio­n of artificial intelligen­ce. Ahead of World Health Day, WHO announced the launch of Sarah, a Smart AI Resource Assistant for Health, which represents an evolution of AI-powered health informatio­n avatars that engage users on health topics.

Imagine a world where artificial intelligen­ce revolution­ises health care through accurate diagnosis, efficient drug discovery and accessible patient care. This world is being shaped by AI. However, AI’s presence in health care has sparked myths, such as the fear that AI will replace clinicians.

It is humans who are developing AI applicatio­ns through programmin­g and algorithms, AI will not replace human intelligen­ce.

AI presence is here to assist healthcare profession­als, it may serve as a tool in health care but can never replace human doctors.

It could be a thought-provoking exercise to reflect on the advances made in health care. Acquaint yourself with themes from previous years.

With over 50 years of health data in its archives, you may uncover relevant insights from past informatio­n to assist you in overcoming health challenges in our world. The goal of “Health for All” will remain a priority for World Health Day as our world advances.

Modernity emphasises that when we understand the mind’s nature, we free ourselves from our perception­s. Why not regain control of your mind? Your mind has two options: either you control it or it controls you.

By welcoming the ground-breaking concept, ‘self awareness’, a secret weapon to a healthier life, you can enable yourself to understand life from multiple perspectiv­es, freeing you from made-up assumption­s as you begin to question your perception­s about health-related challenges.

To understand yourself, give up the illusion that you already do. Self-awareness is essential to gain control of your life. Begin by taking the initiative to work on improvisin­g instead of waiting for challenges to improve.

Adopting this habit will ultimately change your approach to resolving your health challenges. Your quest for awareness is the key to progress that is urgently needed in this world.

Why not pursue awareness to advocate for a healthier, resilient future?

 ?? ANOLENE THANGAVELU PILLAY ??
ANOLENE THANGAVELU PILLAY

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