Holistic health is more than a prescriptive approach to wellness; it encompasses the whole person – body, mind, and spirit.
Holistic practitioners understand that when any part of the whole person is out of balance, not working properly, damaged or sick, the entire body is affected in some way. Holistic practitioners look for the root cause or imbalance, rather than just addressing symptoms.
Optimal health includes addressing all aspects of a person using a variety of healthcare practices, approaches, and lifestyles. A holistic approach is considered to be more effective because change occurs on all levels and as a result, positive changes are more likely to last long-term and improve a person’s overall quality of life.
Living a holistic lifestyle simply involves eating a nutrient-dense diet, moving purposefully, moderating stresses, and attending to the self – physical, mental, and spiritual. These factors will vary from person to person. But, foundationally, this can include:
Nutrition
No matter how you approach the other components of a holistic lifestyle, it can be difficult to begin to feel better if food, eating habits, and nutrition is ignored. Individualized nutrition understands that each body is bio-individual (biologically unique), and nutrition should be appropriate for the unique needs and preferences of the individual.
Movement
Engaging in activities that you enjoy leads to holistic integration of movement. Moving your body in a positive and realistic way keeps you centered and confident. Experiment with various physical activities, from yoga to boxing to resistance training and beyond, to discover what you enjoy most – and don’t be afraid to try new things.
Lifestyle
A holistic lifestyle includes the appropriate balance of self-care, social connections, and daily habits that facilitate vitality, energy, and healing. Adopting a holistic lifestyle is not a fad or a trend, but a life-long journey of choices that we make to create balance in our lives and to achieve the highest potential of well-being for our body, mind, and soul.