The Hierarchy of Tools for Mental, Physical, and Performance-Related Health

Behavioral tools are the foundation of all mental, physical, and performance-related health. These are specific actions that we take and particular actions that we avoid. Examples of behavioral tools include getting morning sunlight and exercise. These tools don't cost anything or require ingestion, but they can significantly enhance our mental, physical, and performance health. Additionally, there are specific actions to avoid, such as avoiding bright light exposure to your eyes between the hours of 10 PM and 4 AM or avoiding caffeine too late in the afternoon, as it can disrupt the architecture of your sleep.

The hierarchy of tools for health starts with behavioral tools, followed by nutritional tools, supplementation, and prescription drugs. Each instrument plays a vital role in maintaining and improving one's mental, physical, and performance-related health.

1. Behavioral tools: The first step in improving your mental, physical, and performance-related health is to adopt healthy behaviors. This includes getting enough sunlight and exercise and avoiding behaviors that can negatively impact your health, such as exposure to bright light at night and caffeine consumption late in the afternoon.

2. Nutritional tools: Nutrition is fundamentally essential for macronutrients for the storage of energy in the form of glycogen, fats, and phosphocreatine stores and for obtaining critical nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients. No amount of supplementation or non-prescription compounds can compensate for poor nutrition, at least not for very long.

3. Supplementation: Supplementation is typically used to compensate for food deficiencies or to enhance the number of nutrients you can get from food. Some compounds are non-prescription that can be used for a variety of different purposes and many of which are not available in food.

4. Prescription drugs: Prescription drugs prescribed by a board-certified MD can serve a vital purpose in treating or auguring mental, physical, and performance-related health goals. These drugs can include antidepressants, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication, and sleep-related disorders medication. However, it's essential to remember that not everyone will need to use all of these tools, and it's necessary to consult a medical professional to determine the best course of action for an individual's specific needs.

The hierarchy of mental, physical, and performance-related health tools includes behavioral tools, nutritional tools, supplementation, and prescription drugs. Each instrument is vital in maintaining and improving one's overall health. It's essential to consult with a medical professional to determine the best action for an individual's specific needs. Using the right tools and following a comprehensive approach can improve your mental, physical, and performance-related health and help you live a happier, healthier life.