Holistic health doesn’t solely look at the physical body. Holistic health combines five aspects of health, including physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and intellectual. When combined, these five areas enable a person to live their life to its happiest and fullest. If one area is compromised, there is a chance that another area will be affected. Today we will look at the five aspects of holistic health and how you can support each one with simple yet effective practices.
Physical Health
Our physical health is what we associate the most often with the word health. The reason being is that signs and symptoms that the physical body is hurting or performing can be pretty obvious. Physical signs are easier to measure compared to non-physical signs and are not as abstract.
Supporting your physical health starts with incorporating a few key practices. Start by getting at least 8 hours of sleep every night. Getting a full night’s rest will allow your body to relax and repair. Another key practice to implement is to be active for at least 30 minutes a day. Everyone’s exercise routine may be a little different, but everyone will benefit from at least 30 minutes of activity. Limiting your intake of processed foods is an additional practice. Committing to eating less processed foods and hydrogenated oils will help decrease your risk of chronic disease.
Emotional Health
An overlooked area of our wellbeing is our emotional health when, in reality, it just as important as our physical health. Neglecting our emotional health can lead to detrimental effects and end up affecting our physical health.
A great way to support your emotional health is seeking therapy when needed. Another way to process your emotions is by keeping a journal. Here you can record your thoughts, feelings, and highlight the good moments in your life. You will be grateful to look back on the good times in times of stress.
Social Health
People who have fostered a connection with family, friends, and their community are often happiest in life. Having an in-person connection allows us to feel more interconnected with the world. A great way to continue to support your social health is by becoming involved in your local community. Try volunteering an organization or becoming engaged in a club.
Forming relationships is only one part of supporting your social health. Sometimes you may have to leave relationships to prevent them from negatively affecting your health. Don’t be afraid to separate yourself from those you bring toxic energy or increase your stress levels.
Spiritual Health
You don’t need to be religious to support your spiritual health. There may be a few overlapping areas, but the main focus to improving your spiritual starts with connecting with your soul and the world around you. Getting in touch with the world and yourself can be done by spending time in nature or meditating. If you have a religion, feel free to practice your faith.
Mental Health
The last aspect of holistic health is our mental health. This area will often overlap with our emotional and physical health. While emotional health refers to our mood emotions, our mental health refers to how our brains function. Excessive drinking, smoking, and drug usage can lead to a decrease in our cognitive abilities. To support your mental health, keep your brain active with learning opportunities and healthy by consuming foods that are nutrient-dense and are high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids.
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