ask Dr. LJ - Complaince?

[goddessfarmer]

I have various things that I know work to help me feel better. But I am having difficulty complying with both the recommendations of my health care team and my own self. I would think that I would be highly motivated just by the simple fact that I will feel better if I comply, but alas, no. Does anyone have any thoughts on what has worked for you or others you know in this situation?

Comments

[unclebooboo.livejournal.com]

Is the "feeling better" something subjective or something directly measurable? Is this a case where "feeling better" will occur immediately or over the longer term?

For me, having elevated blood sugar is something that is bad for my health but that I can't feel directly and it's something that will only hurt in the long term, not the short term. On the other hand, the decisions I have to make that will effect my blood sugar are very short term, so there's a big gap between making those choices and the long term results.

To deal with this, my first strategy is to get as much factual information (measurements) as possible. If I've been checking regularly, then I can't lie to myself and say that things are OK when they really aren't. However, it's important to avoid the trap of beating myself up for not getting the "right" readings. Having a higher than normal reading doesn't make me a bad person, it just means that I need to take steps to get things back under control.

My second strategy is to set long term and short term goals, with the short term goals designed to move me towards the long term goals. I use the SMART (SMART stands for "specific", "measurable", "attainable", "realistic", and "timely") approach to setting these short term goals.

[chocorua.livejournal.com]

I think the "log of things I ate" is an example of this kind of factual info.

[unclebooboo.livejournal.com]

Absolutely. As I was working on losing weight, keeping track of exactly what I had eaten (and getting information on how many calories were in it) was really helpful.

ALthough it's controversial, I'm of the "weigh yourself every day" school of thought. Although my weight has been stable for a couple of years, stepping on the scale is still the first thing that I do every morning.

[wren13.livejournal.com]

This was exactly what I was going to recommend. I've had a daily log for years for diet, medications and activity level. I find it very helpful.

[roozle.livejournal.com]

I find it's helpful to have a plan for the day. What are the goals? What are the things you're supposed to do? Get very specific, you're going to do X after you shower and before you eat breakfast, for example. True with food, but also with other things, exercise, flossing, whatever habit you're trying to establish.

[klingonlandlady.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I'm with roozle... i tend to try and set down a definite plan and have a firm intention of sticking to the plan. Setting that intention in your mind seems key; not just "i'd be better off if i did this" but "I WILL do this, today." Current one: drink a big glass of water each morning before having my coffee. Some people write down a checklist, sometimes that works for me.

[chocorua.livejournal.com]

The problem with plans is what happens when they make contact with reality. I would call J. plan-oriented already, sometimes to the point that she's seriously distressed if weather or other people or whatever disrupt them.

[klingonlandlady.livejournal.com]

grr- yeah, everyone's brain is different. What works for me may be inconsequential for another. All i can do is wish her success, then!

[jbsegal.livejournal.com]

If you figure it out, let me know. :/

[sweetmmeblue.livejournal.com]

I usually work on this backwards and ask the following questions:
What I'm getting by not doing these things?
What are the blocks that keep me from doing them?
Why am I not allowing myself to have time focused on myself?

Then I look at those things again see if they are easier to do.

[wren13.livejournal.com]

And don't forget the ever ubiquitous post it notes!