Counting the Cost of Your Health Practices: Key Questions for Transformative Change

Taking stock of your current health habits is more than just a routine check-in. It’s a powerful way to understand what your lifestyle is costing you—not only financially, but in energy, happiness, wellbeing, and longevity. When you pause to assess your eating, exercise, sleep, stress, and social connections, you gain clarity on what’s working and what needs adjustment. This clarity helps you make meaningful changes that fit your life and goals.

Reflecting on health habits with a journal and tea

Why Assessing Your Current Health Status Matters

Many people focus on dreams, or future goals without fully understanding their current state, thereby not understanding the effort and pivot that will be required to reach the goal, nor really understanding the true value of achieving this goal. When the path, and value of the goal are not clear, as soon as there is an obstacle, the goal seems so shrouded in mist, too massive to contemplate, or just overwhelming, and therefore unattainable, and progress stops.

Assessing your current health practices reveals hidden costs and benefits. For example, regularly skipping sleep to work late might seem productive but could be draining your energy, increasing stress, and affect relationships. Eating convenience foods might save time but could be affecting your mood and digestion.

Regular check-ins create accountability and allow you to recalibrate your habits. This ongoing process helps you stay aligned with your values while adapting to life’s changes.

Key Questions to Ask About Your Health Habits

To get a clear picture, ask yourself these questions about five core areas:

Eating

• What types of foods do I eat most days? Are they nourishing for me?

• How do my eating habits affect my energy and mood?

• What is my current food budget, and how does it impact my choices?

  
  

Exercise

• How often do I move my body in ways that feel good and build strength?

• What barriers keep me from exercising regularly?

• What benefits do I notice when I am active?

  
  

Sleep

• Am I getting enough restful sleep each night?

• What habits help or hinder my sleep quality?

• How does poor sleep affect my day-to-day life?

  
  

Stress

• What are my main sources of stress?

• How do I currently manage stress, and is it effective?

• What emotional or physical toll does stress take on me?

  
  

Connection with Others

• How often do I connect with friends, family, or community?

• Do these connections bring me joy and support?

• What is the cost of isolation or strained relationships?

  
  

Understanding the True Cost of Your Habits

When you consider change, consider the immediate financial implications, as well as the financial implications of not changing. What is your current health trajectory, and if it leads to chronic health conditions, what will that cost be? For example, investing in healthier food might cost more upfront but can reduce medical bills and improve your mood. Starting an exercise routine may require time and effort but can increase your energy and reduce stress. What value would improved mood, energy and reduced stress bring to your life?

On the other hand, maintaining unhealthy habits might feel easier now but could cost you peace, joy, and long-term wellbeing or longevity. Reflect on what your current habits are costing you emotionally and physically.

A Framework to Decide Where to Start

1. Identify the biggest drain: Which habit costs you the most in energy, mood, or money?

2. Choose a manageable change: Pick one habit that feels doable to improve.

3. Set a clear goal: Define what success looks like for this change.

4. Plan for support: Consider who or what can help you stay accountable.

5. Schedule regular check-ins: Every 4 to 6 weeks, review progress and adjust.

   
   

This approach helps you focus on changes that bring the most impact without overwhelming yourself.

The 5 Most Important Questions Before Finalizing Your Goal

Before you commit to a health goal, ask yourself:

1. Why do I want to make this change? Is it meaningful to me?

2. What will this change cost me in time, money, or effort?

3. What benefits do I expect, and how will I notice them?

4. What obstacles might I face, and how can I prepare, or strategize to navigate them?

5. How will I measure progress and celebrate success?

   
   

Answering these questions builds a strong foundation for lasting change.

Inviting You to Explore Deeper

Understanding the cost of your health practices is the first step toward transformation. If you want to explore your habits more deeply and create a personalized plan that fits your life, I invite you to join me in this journey. Together, we can uncover what matters most to you and build a path to greater joy, peace, and wellbeing.

Taking time to reflect and act on your health today can change your tomorrow.