What is Holistic Health and Why is it Important?

Holistic health or holistic healing is often defined as a form of healing that looks at the whole person: body, mind, and spirit. This kind of holistic healing often involves complimentary medicines and alternative practices, but goes beyond the singular treatment of symptoms to support more than just the body.

Holistic health also takes into account the many external and environmental factors which could be supporting or impacting our overall health and wellness. We are experiencing chronically high levels of stress and fatigue, are consuming nutrient depleted foods, and are exposed to hundreds of potentially harmful chemically through our air, water, cleaning, and personal care products daily. 

When it comes to holistic health we are looking beyond the physical body and are addressing physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and intellectual health. All of these 5 aspects of holistic health are what enable a person to truly live each day in the healthiest, happiest way possible.

Physical

When it comes to supporting your physical health there are few key practices that everyone can benefit from and can make a huge difference on your overall well-being:

• Sleep for 8 hours each night to allow your body to truly rest and repair from the day.
• Eat a nutrient dense diet that is high in plant-based foods and organic/pastured animal products. Limit processed foods and hydrogenated oils which are highly inflammatory and can increase risk of chronic disease.
• Maintain a balanced blood sugar by eating meals and snacks that contain fat, carbohydrates, and protein.
• Move your body for at least 30 minutes each day.
• Do not smoke, and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.

Emotional

While often overlooked, our emotional health is just as important as our physical health — especially because our emotional health can affect our physical health if it is not prioritized. Here are ways you can support your emotional health:

• Seek out therapy, if needed. Therapy is an essential part of supporting our emotional health.
• Practice mindfulness and stress reduction habits that can help you better manage life’s daily stressors. 
• Keep a journal to record you thoughts and feelings. Use this to record what you are grateful for as it can help bring positivity into times of stress.

Social

Research has shown that the happiest people on earth have deep connections with their friends, family, and community. Here are a few ways that you can support your social health:

• Make time for in-person connection. Virtual connection still does not provide us with the same level of happiness as in-person connection does.
• Get involved in your local community. This is one of the best ways you can support your social health and improve happiness.
• Set boundaries with people in your life that may increase stress or bring about toxic energy. Also do not be afraid to walk away from friendships and relationships that are negatively affecting your health.

Spiritual

Your spiritual health should focus on how you are connecting with your inner soul, and the greater world around you. Here are ways you can support your spiritual health:

• Spend time in nature
• Spend a few minutes each day meditating
• Take the time to practice your faith

Mental

Mental health often overlaps with our emotional and physical health. The big distinction between our mental and emotional health though is that while our emotional health refers mostly to our daily mood and emotions, our mental health refers to our cognitive abilities that affect how our brain functions. Here are a few ways that you can support your mental health:

• Seek out learning opportunities and problem solving practices that challenge your brain.
• Consume nutrient dense foods that are high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids that will help reduce overall inflammation and support cognitive function.
• Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking
• Improve gut health with gut healing foods like bone broth and prebiotic and probiotic rich foods.