Using mind-body wellness and mind-body connection approaches to modify behavior.

Behavior Modification programs provide a process to PERMANENTLY change destructive and negative emotions and replace them with positive ones that will lead to greater health and well-being. The behavior modification program included in this series of workbooks contains several critical components:

Motivated Behavior Modification (MBM) Components

STEP 1: Self-Assessment – The first step in modifying behavior utilizing mind-body wellness techniques involves determining the frequency, circumstances, and outcomes of the emotions to be altered or enhanced. MBM relies on objective self-assessment to determine each participant’s unhealthy emotions and to establish a baseline for their strengths and limitations. Once a baseline is established, facilitators can use the data collected to track a participant’s progress in changing unhealthy emotions to healthier ones. The self-assessments contained in this workbook are referred to as “formative assessments.” They can be used to assess participants’ current functioning levels and measure emotional change over time. In this stage, people acknowledge that they have a problem and consider making healthier lifestyle changes. They want to explore in depth the level of their difficulties in changing negative emotions. Self-assessments are potent tools for helping participants learn more about themselves to gain valuable insights into their constructive and destructive emotions. Participants use self-assessments to understand themselves better and gain valuable insights into their thinking, feelings, and behaviors. Self-assessments allow facilitators to gather information about participants to get a complete picture of each person.  

STEP 2: Support System – The next step in behavior modification involves participants recognizing who is in their support system and identifying which people are supportive of which topics. This requires participants to consider who can support them through each particular behavior modification, what their supporters can do, and how they will help. Support people may vary for each behavior. The person being supportive about low self-esteem can be different from the one being supportive about balancing work and personal life.

STEP 3: Journaling – The next step in behavior modification is journaling answers to specific questions.

Journaling can be very effective in helping people to think critically about themselves and the issues they are coping with. Reminding participants not to concern themselves with grammar or spelling is wise. Free-writing thoughts and ideas is the purpose of the journal.

STEP 4: Goal Setting – The next step in behavior modification is to set goals to modify behavior. Goals initiate an action plan and are necessary to motivate behavioral change. Participants will set goals to replace their old, negative habits with new, healthier ones. It is crucial to help participants determine which specific behaviors they want to change. This will help to give order and context to the change process. Goals provide participants with direction, priorities and a well-conceived action plan for MBM.

STEP 5: Monitoring – The next step is to monitor behaviors until desired outcomes are reached. Sections will be included for participants to keep a regular record of their activities and progress. Motivation is the intrinsic drive that pushes participants into action and makes permanent behavioral changes. Motivation is enhanced when participants work toward specific goals and monitor their progress as they continue to make motivated behavioral modifications. By watching their progress as they move toward goals, participants reinforce MBM.

STEP 6: Rewards – This step defines rewards for accomplishing behavioral goals. Healthy rewards will vary from person to person. Participants will benefit by rewarding themselves for positive steps to change unhealthy behaviors.

STEP 7: Tips – This final step provides insights into ways people can deal with unwanted behaviors.

The bottom line is that you can improve your health by understanding and using a mind-body wellness approach.