When you think about holistic health what comes to mind?
Maybe you picture a mental to-do list with ‘drink more water,’ ‘get enough sleep,’ ‘try to meditate,’ and ‘eat those leafy greens’ all competing for your attention. Maybe your mind goes to breathwork on the beach followed by an ice bath to invigorate your body (If you didn’t take an ice bath selfie, did it really happen?).
But in all seriousness, for many of us, it’s the ever evolving journey to find balance in our busy lives and make healthier choices – even if the snooze button occasionally wins.
In the hustle and bustle of our fast-paced world, it’s easy to forget how closely linked our mind, body, and spirit are. Holistic health brings it all together, offering us a roadmap to complete wellbeing.
In this episode, we explore what holistic health is all about, its core principles, and how you can incorporate holistic health into your daily life to enhance your overall quality of life.
The term “holistic” derives from the Greek word “holos,” meaning “whole” or “complete.” In the context of health and well-being, holistic refers to an approach that views the individual as a sum of parts: physical health, mental well-being, emotional balance, and spiritual harmony.
Holism is rooted in ancient philosophical and cultural traditions and is applied across various fields, including medicine, psychology, and philosophy.
Holistic health goes beyond mere absence of illness; it acknowledges that multiple factors contribute to our well-being.
In simple terms, it’s about striving for balance in all aspects of our lives.
Prevention is the secret ingredient that makes holistic health shine. It emphasises proactive wellbeing management, making smart lifestyle choices, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and getting enough rest.
Regular check-ups with healthcare professionals become not just a necessary chore but a way to stay informed and proactive about your health. It’s like catching a cold before it turns into the flu – more manageable when caught early.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution in holistic health. Every individual is unique, with distinct genetic makeup, lifestyle, and preferences.
Holistic health takes these into account, creating a wellness plan tailored to the person’s individuality. It’s about fitting the puzzle pieces together to cater to one’s specific needs and goals, making the journey not only effective but personally meaningful.
Sometimes, conventional medicine doesn’t cover all health needs. Natural and alternative therapies open doors to a world of holistic treatments and practices.
These approaches range from acupuncture, herbal remedies, and chiropractic care to meditation, yoga, and aromatherapy. They focus on harnessing the body’s natural healing abilities, addressing root causes instead of surface-level symptoms.
If you’re eager to embrace holistic living, consider the insights gathered from the research of Dan Buettner, who explored the “Blue Zones,” regions where people commonly live well into their hundreds.
Four fundamental areas emerged from his findings, providing a starting point for holistic living:
In Blue Zones, there’s no frenzy for the gym or marathon running. Instead, they embrace a natural approach to physical activity. Whether it’s a leisurely walk to a friend’s house or to work, they seamlessly incorporate low-intensity, everyday movement into their lives.
The residents of the Blue Zones love their food! Their diet mainly consists of plant-based foods, occasionally accompanied by a glass of wine. But it’s not just about what they eat; it’s also about how they eat. They do so in moderation, often in the company of family, pausing to express gratitude before delving into their food.
Having daily practices for stress reduction are paramount for centenarians. Many are active members of faith-based communities, not solely for their benefit but also in service of others. They possess a profound understanding of their life’s purpose and values, serving as a compass for their daily existence.
Centenarians emphasise the importance of placing family at the forefront. They keep their ageing parents close, invest time and effort in nurturing bonds with partners and spouses to ensure lasting relationships. They actively invest in the wellbeing and growth of their children. Within their immediate social circle, they focus on cultivating lifelong friendships.
Building connections extends to finding the right practitioners to support your health journey. If you’re in search of the right practitioner but unsure where to begin, you can explore The Wholistic Collective Directory or if you’re looking for a community to support you along the way, join The Wholistic Life Podcast Community Facebook group.
Holistic health is a journey with no one-size-fits-all approach, so don’t be discouraged by challenges along the way. Start with one small step, and you’ll pave the way to a healthier, happier, and more balanced life.
Join The Wholistic Life Podcast Community Facebook group now!
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