“Expanded Health Inventory”
Note from Jae: why am I sharing this? As a massage therapist, I work very hard to stay within my scope of working with the soft tissues of the body. So why am I bringing up “health” in a broader sense? Because my work is a part of health-care, and I want to promote resources that are holistic, anti-diet, and supportive of person-centered and affirming healthcare. Enter the amazing Talia Cooper.
As you scroll through this post you may be thinking: dang, that is a lot of writing. And that is the point! Health is so much more than our individual choices about our diet and exercise, as explained in this quote from Christy Harrison (about writing the book The Wellness Trap):
“I knew I wanted to cover social determinants of health, because wellness operates on the idea that you’re in charge of your health and well-being, and it’s the individual’s responsibility to figure out what works for them. In other words, you’re responsible for doing you because nobody else is gonna help you.
Socioeconomic status, race and discrimination, financial insecurity, job insecurity, food insecurity, housing insecurity — all of that plays a huge role in people’s health that’s not at all accounted for by this individualistic view.
Seventy percent of population health is attributable to social determinants, and only 30 percent is individual health behaviors. Food and exercise combined accounts for only 10 percent.
American individualism and capitalism fit right in with wellness culture. Our health-care system makes so many people feel dismissed and unheard, and they feel the need to take things into their own hands.
The Expanded Health Inventory
Health is often reduced to “diet and exercise.” But it’s so much more! We talk about health like it’s: a) an individual thing everyone has full control over, and b) a moral thing that you have if you’re good, and don’t have if you’re bad.
The reality is that health is complex, and has a lot to do with the society we live in, which means we are all collectively responsible for our health and the health of others.
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER about the categories below:
Which categories feel strong?
How did you learn to care for your health in those categories?
Which categories do you want to give more attention to? Why?
Can you ask for support?
How are you defining health?
EMOTIONAL
I have enough emotional support (from friends, therapists, coaches, family etc.)
I have access to a full range of human emotion and a safe place to express myself
I have a full toolkit to help me come back from hard times
MOVEMENT
I move my body on a regular basis in a way that feels good and brings me joy
I know how to stretch and strengthen my body to give me the mobility I desire
I don’t shame myself for times when I choose rest over
IDENTITY
I know who I am. I understand the different parts of my identity. I can name at least 3 role models who share aspects of my identity
HEALTHCARE
I have health insurance
I go for regular check ups with my doctor/healer
I know how to advocate for my body’s needs
If I deal with chronic pain, I have emotional support and healers who believe me
AUTONOMY
I get to make most major decisions in my life. My input is valued at work. I know that my body belongs to me
NOURISHMENT
I eat when I’m hungry
I trust my body to tell me what, when, and how much it needs I drink enough water. I see food as more than fuel.
I have access to a full range of nutrient-rich foods.
I don’t shame myself when I decide to eat a lot of food
I enjoy foods that connect me to my cultural heritage
ENVIRONMENT
I live in a home that feels safe. I live in an area that has adequate transportation and is accessible for my needs. I live where the quality of the air, water and soil are clean. I am involved in community efforts to slow the effects of climate change
COMMUNITY, FRIENDSHIPS & FAMILY
I have community. I feel loved and am loving. I feel connected with my family of origin / my family of choice. I feel connected to my ancestors. I have at least one person I can call in the middle of the night if things get hard
SPIRITUALITY
I have a religious or spiritual practice that sustains me. I have the relationship I want with G-d or a higher power
CREATIVE SELF-EXPRESSION
I have a regular creative practice that brings me joy. I have time to experience art and creativity in my community
TECHNOLOGY
I have access to the technology I need to participate in society. My use of technology supports me in living my best life and does not dominate my time
MONEY
I have enough money to support myself and my family. I feel adequately compensated for my work. I know that my self-worth is not connected to my earnings
CONTRIBUTION & PURPOSE
I feel clear about my unique purpose on this planet. I am working towards my purpose everyday. I am connected to other people who are fighting for the rights of all humans
TIME OFF
I have adequate time off to rest and recuperate. I can take time off if I’m sick, caring for others, want a vacation, or have medical appointments
TIME IN NATURE
I regularly spend time outdoors I feel connected to my local landscape
PLEASURE
I experience pleasure, joy and playfulness in my daily life. I practice safe and consensual sex, with myself and others, if desired
ALIGNMENT
What I believe, what I say and how I act are mostly in alignment, and I know how to repair when they are not
EMERGENCY
I have a place to go and people to call in an emergency. My family has an emergency plan I have a store of backup food and water
GROWTH
I have a sense of myself as someone who has overcome obstacles. I have mentors who encourage me. I have a positive vision for my future and the future of my community
FLEXIBILITY
I bring fresh thinking to every new situation. I let go of perfectionist tendencies. I remember that the point of life isn’t to get it right, but to keep learning and connecting
ABOUT TALIA COOPER
I am a Body Liberation Coach. I partner with clients who have negative body image and are ready to move towards body acceptance. I am not a doctor and this worksheet does not reflect medical recommendations, but it is (in part) a response to people's concerns that taking a weight-neutral approach means neglecting health.
taliacoopercoaching.com | @entirelytalia | talia.cooper@gmail.com
