Article: 6 Reasons why we don't prioritise our health and how to integrate Functional Fungi into our daily routine
6 Reasons why we don't prioritise our health and how to integrate Functional Fungi into our daily routine
Reasons why we don't prioritise our health
Prioritising our health can be a challenge. We all know the importance of healthy habits such as getting good sleep, exercising regularly or eating well, yet why do so many of us put them off? It's important to acknowledge that barriers exist and that they are complex and can vary from person to person. While there may not be a single, or simple solution that works for everyone, there are ways to overcome these obstacles and integrate wellness into our daily lives.
In this article, we explore some of the reasons why we struggle to prioritise our health and provide tips and motivation for integrating functional fungi wellness into our daily lives.
1. Lack of time
We lead busy lives, and many of us feel we don't have enough time to prioritise our health. Between work, family, and other responsibilities, finding the time to exercise, cook healthy meals, or even relax and de-stress can be challenging.
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that perceived lack of time was a significant barrier to physical activity among adults. The study found that individuals who reported higher levels of perceived time constraints were less likely to engage in physical activity than those who reported fewer time constraints.
A review article published in the Journal of Health Psychology found that time constraints and competing demands can significantly impact an individual's ability to engage in healthy behaviours. The article suggests that addressing time constraints through time-management skills and reducing competing demands can help promote healthy behaviours and improve health outcomes.
2. Lack of motivation
Many of us may struggle with finding the motivation to prioritise our health, especially if we don't see immediate results. Sticking to a healthy routine can be difficult, particularly when faced with temptations or distractions.
A study published in the Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology found that intrinsic motivation (i.e., motivation that comes from within, such as enjoyment or personal satisfaction) was a significant predictor of physical activity among college students. The study found that individuals who were more intrinsically motivated to engage in physical activity were more likely to do so than those who were motivated by external factors (e.g., appearance, social approval).
A review article published in the Journal of Obesity found that motivation is critical in promoting healthy behaviours, particularly weight loss. The article suggests that addressing motivation through goal setting, self-monitoring, and social support can help individuals achieve and maintain healthy behaviours over the long term.
3. Lack of knowledge
Some of us may not prioritise our health because we lack knowledge or education about what steps we can take to improve our well-being. Without proper information or guidance, making informed decisions about diet, exercise, and other health-related behaviours can be challenging.
A study published in the Journal of Health Communication found that low health literacy (i.e., limited ability to understand and use health information) was a significant barrier to engaging in healthy behaviours among adults. The study found that individuals with low health literacy were less likely to engage in physical activity and more likely to have poor dietary habits than those with higher health literacy levels.
A review article published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that nutrition knowledge is critical in promoting healthy dietary habits among adults. The article suggests that addressing nutrition knowledge through education and counselling can help individuals make informed decisions about their dietary habits and improve health outcomes.
4. Cultural Barriers
Culture plays a significant role in how we perceive and prioritise our health. Different cultures have different values and beliefs about health, wellness, and the role of healthcare. For instance, some cultures prioritise work or family over personal health, while others may view certain health practices or interventions as taboo or unnecessary. Additionally, language barriers, lack of access to culturally appropriate healthcare services, and stigma can also create cultural barriers to health prioritisation.
A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that language barriers can significantly impact an individual's ability to access and navigate healthcare services, leading to poorer health outcomes. The study found that patients with limited English proficiency had higher rates of hospitalisation, longer hospital stays, and increased healthcare costs compared to those who spoke English fluently.
A study published in BMC Health Services Research found that cultural beliefs and practices can impact a patient's decision-making about healthcare, particularly around end-of-life care. The study found that cultural differences can create misunderstandings and miscommunications between patients and healthcare providers, leading to suboptimal care and increased stress for both parties.
5. Financial Barriers
Mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders, can also interfere with our ability to prioritise our health. Financial barriers can often compound these challenges, making it even more difficult to access the necessary resources and support for maintaining our well-being.
The cost of quality healthcare, including therapy sessions and other treatments, and in the UK, waiting times to receive appointments and treatment, can pose a significant financial challenge. The economic impact of mental health conditions, such as reduced work productivity or increased healthcare costs, can exacerbate financial difficulties.
A study published in the Journal of Health Economics examined the financial barriers faced by individuals with mental health disorders. The study found that compared to individuals without mental health disorders, those with mental health challenges had higher out-of-pocket healthcare expenses and were more likely to experience financial strain. The authors emphasised the need for improved access to affordable mental health services to reduce financial burdens.
Furthermore, a review article published in the journal Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research discussed the impact of financial barriers on mental health treatment. The article highlighted that financial constraints can lead to delays in seeking help, inadequate treatment, and an increased risk of relapse. The authors called for policy changes and increased funding to ensure equitable access to mental health services for all individuals, regardless of their financial status.
6. Mental Health Challenges
Mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders, can also interfere with our ability to prioritise our health. For instance, someone with depression may struggle with feelings of hopelessness and lack of motivation, making it difficult to engage in healthy behaviours like exercise or self-care. Likewise, someone with anxiety may find it challenging to manage stress or feel overwhelmed by making decisions about their health. Additionally, substance abuse or addiction can also impact a person's ability to prioritise their health, as they may be more focused on obtaining or using drugs or alcohol than taking care of their physical and mental well-being.
A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that depression can significantly impact an individual's motivation and engagement in physical activity. The study found that depressed individuals were less likely to engage in physical activity and had lower fitness levels than non-depressed individuals.
A review article published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that substance abuse and addiction can significantly negatively impact an individual's physical and mental health. The article highlights the importance of addressing substance abuse and addiction to promote overall health and wellness.
How to integrate Functional Fungi into our daily routine
These studies and research articles suggest that these barriers can significantly impact our ability to prioritise our health effectively. Addressing these barriers through targeted interventions can help prioritise health, assure health equity and improve health outcomes for all individuals.
Some of these challenges can be deemed systemic public health issues, or not always in our direct control, such as providing culturally appropriate healthcare services, addressing stigma and discrimination, providing education and resources for mental health challenges, and creating safe and supportive environments for individuals to engage in healthy behaviours.
But there is a lot we can do and that we are in control of. So when it comes to taking Mushroom Extracts, here are some positive solutions that can help us prioritise our health while addressing some of these barriers mentioned:
1. Lack of Time - Incorporate Functional Fungi into your daily routine
Find what works for you - Medicinal mushrooms can be added to food, taken in the form of powders, tinctures or as capsules. The key is finding the right format for you. For example, Lion’s Mane and Chaga powders are great in Coffee, so if you drink coffee, they can easily be incorporated into your daily routine by integrating them as your first coffee of the day. Cordyceps can have a strong mushroom flavour, so it may be best taken as capsules along with your other daily supplements. Reishi which can be very bitter can also be taken as capsules or as an evening tea with honey. Finding what works for you and integrating it into your routine will help you stay on course and not ensure time is not a factor in choosing mushroom wellness.
Have you started integrating functional fungi extracts as nutritional supplements into your daily routine? Please feel free to share your struggles or successes in the comments section.
2. Lack of Motivation - Set achievable health goals.
Setting realistic and achievable health goals can help us stay motivated and on track. For example, starting with a small goal, such as taking a fungi supplement every day for an initial 30 days, can lead to larger goals. One thing you can do initially or ongoing, is to create a mini health journal for you to start to observe, track and measure over time how you feel on a daily basis, for lack of a better name, we can call it ‘dialling in’ to yourself. For some, feeling the effects and benefits of mushroom extracts can take days and even up to a couple of weeks. Take your extracts consistently over at least two to four weeks and observe the effects of the mushrooms as they become an integral part of your daily health regimen.
3. Lack of Knowledge - Seek education about medicinal mushrooms
Educating oneself about the benefits of medicinal mushrooms can help us understand the importance of prioritising our health. This can be achieved through reading books, watching documentaries, or attending workshops on the topic. Here is a short list of resources that we highly recommend.
Quick Resources
Our Starters Guide to Mushroom Extracts
Books
- Paul Stamets - Mycelium Running
- Tero Isokauppila - Healing Mushrooms
- Martin Powell - Medicinal Mushrooms - A Clinical Guide
- Merlin Sheldrake - Entangled Life
Video
4. Cultural Barriers Towards Functional Fungi
In the European and North American cultures, when we speak of mushrooms, we think of either cooking mushrooms or magic mushrooms. There is still a big gap in people understanding and openness to functional fungi as a source of functional well-being. It's important to differentiate functional mushrooms from magic mushrooms, as they serve distinct purposes. Functional mushrooms, such as Reishi, Lion's Mane, and Cordyceps, have been used in Asian and South American cultures for centuries as adaptogens. These mushrooms possess unique properties that help the body adapt to stress and promote overall well-being. We can bridge the gap and educate others about their potential benefits by highlighting functional mushrooms' rich history and cultural significance in these regions.
Some Functional Fungi extracts are Adaptogens, a unique class of natural substances that help the body adapt and respond to various physical and mental stressors. These substances modulate the body's stress response system, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Adaptogens help balance and regulate this system, enabling the body to better cope with stress, promote resilience, and restore homeostasis. Unlike conventional stimulants or sedatives, adaptogens have a normalizing effect on the body, which means they can help bring imbalances back to optimal levels. They support overall well-being by enhancing the body's ability to handle stress, improving energy levels, promoting mental clarity, and supporting immune function. Adaptogens have a rich history in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and other cultural practices, where they have been used for centuries to promote health and vitality.
We need to be aware of our pre-conceived ideas around mushrooms and assess if they create a barrier towards prioritising own them in our daily routine.
5. Financial Barriers
Financial barriers can pose challenges when it comes to integrating functional fungi into our daily lives. However, there are strategies that can help overcome these barriers and make it more accessible. Buying functional fungi in bulk is a cost-effective approach that allows individuals to save money in the long run. You can often take advantage of discounts and lower per-unit prices by purchasing larger quantities. Additionally, opting for higher-quality functional fungi can be a wise investment. While they may come at a slightly higher cost upfront, high-quality products tend to be more potent and effective, ensuring you get the most out of each serving. Another option is subscribing to a reputable supplier like Pure Fungi. Subscription services often provide discounted rates and the convenience of regular deliveries, making it easier to incorporate functional fungi into your routine without breaking the bank. By implementing these strategies, individuals can navigate financial barriers and make functional fungi an integral part of their wellness journey.
6. Mental Health
Mental health challenges can present significant barriers when it comes to prioritizing our well-being. At Pure Fungi, we recognize the importance of mental health and its impact on our ability to engage in health practices. Humanity is an interconnected mycorrhizal network, much like the symbiotic relationship between fungi and plant roots. Just as the mycorrhizal network supports the growth and vitality of plants, we believe that by fostering a sense of community and togetherness, we can create a supportive environment for individuals to prioritize their health. By engaging in health practices together, we can establish a sense of accountability and follow-through. This collective approach encourages individuals to stay committed to their well-being goals, even when faced with challenges. Whether it's sharing experiences, providing support, or celebrating milestones, our aim is to cultivate a community that promotes holistic wellness and mental health. Through this interconnectedness, we can navigate mental health barriers and empower each other to make positive and sustainable changes in our lives.
In Conclusion
Overall, incorporating medicinal mushrooms into daily routines, setting achievable health goals, seeking education about medicinal mushrooms, considering cost-effective options, incorporating medicinal mushrooms into cultural practices, and seeking professional support for mental health challenges can all be positive solutions to help individuals prioritise their health. Remember always to evaluate and verify the credibility of the resources you explore, and consult with healthcare professionals for personalised advice and recommendations.
Written by David Mishra-Newbery, CEO of Pure Fungi.
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.