AnimusHealth

You’re no-doubt wondering why Animus right? What does it mean? It’s probably the weirdest and most random word anyone could possibly think up and yet unsuspectingly perfect when talking about health, fitness and general wellbeing altogether. I won’t keep you in the dark or force you into doing your own research for the answer, which would be quite counter productive to this blog.

The meaning of Animus is:

‘Animus (Latin) meaning: The human mind, expressed with a variety of meanings: the rational soul in man, intellect, consciousness, will, intention, courage, spirit, sensibility, feeling, passion, pride.’

See how perfect it is! Your health is more than how much weight you can lift and how far or fast you can run.

Health is so much more than what you can see and feel physically. A lot can have an effect on your wellbeing: diet, emotion, environment, everything and anything can have an impact on your health. That rough break-up or that job at work that seems to becoming more and more impossible to complete; both will have an impact on your health, mainly your mental wellbeing but why should that be disregarded and considered less important?

“Shit happens, it’s unavoidable.”

I agree, I can’t stop eating McDonald’s and that is literally my go to excuse every time I walk into the restaurant – couldn’t be avoided.

Doesn’t necessarily have a direct impact on my health in that present moment but it was unhealthy regardless and consistently being subject to the fatty food will definitely take its toll on my health, just as depression or anxiety would equally.

(Very simplistic example but it’s 4am and I’m craving McDonald’s – not only that but I am comfortable enough in the knowledge that in future posts more specific to these types of issues we will be comparing between and identifying similarities and consequences of mental and physical illnesses to our health)

Your mind is unarguably your strongest asset; it’s been put through intense workouts and exercises all your life, from maths class at school to every disappointment you’ve ever had to deal with. I think maybe that is why we have come to find it easy to quite simply say ‘get over it’ or ‘It can’t be that bad’ when we are or see someone who is, genuinely stressed or upset about something; It seems to create a false sense of understanding of how badly affected someone might be by a situation that is causing stress or sadness because everyone thinks they’ve had it or got it equally, maybe even worse than, anyone else could possibly have had it.

The goal for AnimusHealth is to maybe not remove the stigma towards mental illness but point out the hypocrisy of focusing attention on the more physical aspects of health when the two come hand in hand. So overall the aim is to create a platform where both will be considered with equal care and consideration.

The idea is complex and difficult to follow but I will break it down:

• Firstly we need revenue & that means creating a product or service. Let’s do both.
  • General well being – Fitness App (Dime a dozen)
  • Email registry = basis for email marketing campaigns of products/services
  • Services:
    • Connecting personal trainers with clients
    • Meal prep & delivery services (work with a currently in this field)
    • Offering GP’s an easy way to connect with level 4 qualified PT’s for diabetic patients, etc.

• Secondly we need to go ahead with our main aim. Providing the right information and support for people suffering with illnesses both physical and mental. Introducing ways that altering your diet and including exercise consistently to your lifestyle can have a positive affect on what it is you’re suffering with.

• Website where information provided by professionals in the relevant fields have uploaded video content on specific issues.
• Online tests – people will realise how much they understand. Also a good educational tool for schools to be able to access and utilise
• Webinars for people to sign up to and learn in-depth about illnesses
• Assisting doctors with after-patient care and reduce the need for people to book another appointment to discuss ways they can aid their treatment and overcome their illness.

• Thirdly we need to educate about diet. How much of a contributing factor that is on not only physical but mental health and target fresh parents and young kids with this information.
  • Tips on how you can replace ready cook meals without putting in extra energy and time.
  • Open up health centers where we can physically provide support to those in need.
  • Activity centers for children to help inspire them to become more active
  • Visit schools to create interest and understanding on how important both mental and physical health is and how it is effected by both diet and exercise.
  • Work with charities in hosting and participating charitable events.

• .. Social media trends and tags through these charitable services and fresh perspectives should do a lot of the marketing. Creating an environment people can post their stories for others to take inspiration from and also for people to be proud of. Openly talking about mental illnesses and physical conditions to ultimately rid them of their stigma.