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 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

Looking after our wellbeing can be harder when money is tight. Financial barriers can compound other challenges, making it more difficult to access the resources and support we would like for maintaining our well-being.

The cost of quality healthcare, including therapy sessions and other appointments, and in the UK, waiting times to receive appointments, can pose a significant financial challenge. Reduced work productivity or increased healthcare costs can in turn exacerbate financial difficulties.

A study published in the Journal of Health Economics examined the financial barriers people can face when accessing healthcare. The study found that out-of-pocket healthcare expenses and financial strain can be significant for some individuals. The authors emphasised the need for improved access to affordable 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 access to care. The article highlighted that financial constraints can lead to delays in seeking help. The authors called for policy changes and increased funding to ensure equitable access to services for all individuals, regardless of their financial status.

6. Everyday Wellbeing Challenges

Everyday wellbeing challenges and life pressures can also interfere with our ability to prioritise our health. When we feel low on motivation or overwhelmed, it can be harder to engage in healthy behaviours like exercise or self-care, or to feel on top of decisions about our daily routine. Recognising these pressures is an important first step in finding ways to work around them.

A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders explored how mood can influence an individual's motivation and engagement in physical activity, and the role that motivation plays in everyday activity levels.

A review article published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry discussed the importance of overall wellbeing as part of a healthy lifestyle.

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 approaches can help us prioritise health and well-being.

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, 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 incorporating mushroom extracts into our routine, here are some positive, practical solutions that can help us address some of the barriers mentioned:

1. Lack of Time - Incorporate Functional Fungi into your daily routine

Find what works for you - Functional 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 so that time is not a factor in choosing mushroom wellness.

Have you started integrating functional fungi extracts as food 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 goals can help us stay motivated and on track. For example, starting with a small goal, such as taking a fungi food 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 journal for you to start to observe and track over time how you get on with your routine day to day, for lack of a better name, we can call it ‘dialling in’ to yourself. Some people prefer to introduce mushroom extracts gradually and keep them as a consistent part of their daily routine over a number of weeks. Take your extracts consistently and note how they fit into your daily routine as they become an integral part of it.

3. Lack of Knowledge - Seek education about functional mushrooms

Educating oneself about functional mushrooms can help us understand more about how they have traditionally been used and how they can fit into our daily routine. 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

• Fantastic Fungi

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. 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 a long history of traditional use in Asian and South American cultures, where they have been valued for centuries. We can bridge the gap and educate others about their rich history and cultural significance in these regions.

Some functional fungi are traditionally described as adaptogens, a category of plants and fungi with a long history of use in traditional medicine systems. Adaptogens feature prominently in traditional practices such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, where they have been used for centuries as part of cultural approaches to health and vitality. Today they continue to be of interest to researchers studying how the body responds to everyday stressors.

We need to be aware of our pre-conceived ideas around mushrooms and assess if they create a barrier towards prioritising 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 made to a higher specification, helping 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 routine.