7 Ways to Measure Your Health that Don’t Include a Scale

For many of us, looking at a scale can be triggering. Body shame is so deeply ingrained in our culture that it’s easy to forget sometimes that that number has zilch to do with our worth. 

Not only can a scale be a toxic way to measure progress on a health journey, but it also doesn’t really give you any information about your actual health. 

As we continue to smash the patriarchy and all of the shame and weight that is put on women’s bodies and appearance, I wanted to offer some alternative ways to measure your health that have NOTHING to do with your weight or size. 

How you feel. 

This is the most important one. How does your body feel? Do you FEEL healthy? Does it feel vibrant, energized, full of vitality, well-fed, well-hydrated, well-rested, well moved? When we take off all of the layers of societal expectations, what is actually there in our physical form? This is what matters the most.

Your energy levels. 

Related to number one, what are your energy levels like in your day to day life? Do you feel drained at any point in the day, do you crash mid-afternoon, are you able to make it through a typical day with ease? Balanced, stable energy levels are an indicator of good physical health. 

Your mood. 

Our mood and mental state is also a good indication of our health. Are you feeling generally good, or have you felt more sad, angry, or depressed? Keeping track of our mood and how that shifts through our wellness journey is a great ear marker to track our progress, 

Your performance. 

If you’ve been exercising regularly, a way to track your progress is by checking in on your endurance. Are you able to run a bit further than last week? Did you bend deeper into your down dog? Or maybe lifting 10 lbs felt easy this week and you’re ready to add more weight. Another key indicator here is recovery time. Did you notice your breathing and heart rate returned to normal a lot faster? Keep track and celebrate your improvements.

Your sleep quality.

How are you sleeping? Are you feeling more rested when you wake? Waking up less in the night? Our daytime activities such as diet and exercise can have an impact on our sleep and therefore it provides a good method of assessment too. 

Your elimination.

No one likes talking about it-- but this is a sure-fire indicator of good health. Are your bowel movements regular? What shape and colour? Healthy stools are well-formed, medium brown, and sink to the bottom of the toilet bowl. Is your urine pale, or dark? Pale coloured urine indicates adequate hydration. 

Changing your diet for the better, or increasing your water intake will improve your elimination and is a tangible sign that your body is working well. 

Your habits.

How many days this week did you get enough water? Did you make it to your yoga mat 3 times like you said you would? When making lifestyle changes, it’s a good idea to keep track of how consistent you are in your new activities, and where your old habits arise. Remember to be kind and gentle with yourself and focus on progress, not perfection. 

However you decide to measure your progress on your health journey, please know that I’m proud of you. You’re choosing yourself, you’re putting in reps and making commitments to your wellness, and that’s huge. Go you!