Living Holistically

is probably easier than you think…

As you may have learned in Holistic Health 101, holistic health fundamentally takes the whole person into consideration- mind, body, spirit, emotions and environment. It looks at the root cause of disease, and believes you are an active participant in your health. Overall, holistic health is a way of life - it’s about making conscious decisions everyday to prioritize all aspects of your health (Eliopoulos, 2017).

Although this may sound intimidating, living more holistically does not mean you have to drastically change your life, turn into a total “woo-woo” spiritual yogi, or break the bank. Moreso, holistic health simplifies and brings it back to basics. By bringing awareness and adopting small changes to your everyday routine, a holistic approach of the body, mind, and soul can redefine your health and transform your overall well-being.

If you are ready to embrace a more holistic life, here are some ways to start. I promise, it’s not as far-fetched as you think.

1. EAT REAL FOOD, ESPECIALLY PLANTS

I didn’t say start an expensive juice cleanse. I didn’t say count your calories. I also didn’t say start the newest fad diet that promises weight loss and “health”. Instead, focus on incorporating REAL food- fruits, vegetables, whole grains into your choices every day. Listen to your body and ask what does it need? Give it something nourishing, meaning something that was not processed, came in a package or box, or has added sugar.

For me, I like a big bowl of greens with rice, beans, veggies, avocado - lots of flavor, full of nutrients and antioxidants to strengthen your immune system. Like I said, nothing fancy.

2. MOVE

Your body was designed to be active, so get moving. Regular activity improves cardiovascular function, lowers the risk of cancer, increases your immune system, and helps strengthen and clarify the mind (Eliopoulos, 2017). Do something that makes your body feel good and something you actually ENJOY doing. Whether that’s a group fitness class, yoga, weights, dance or better yet get outside go for a walk, jog or bike ride.

3. PRIORITIZE SLEEP

If you asked my personal opinion this would be my #1 most important factor to change your health right now. I hear you...busy schedule, constant demands, no time. Think of it this way- by prioritizing your sleep you will be more productive during the waking hours. Start planning on 6-9 hours a night (whatever your body needs to feel rested) and set your grown-up bedtime.

our baby moose! not such a baby but he knows how to sleep!

If you are making the time but your sleep is disrupted, look at your caffeine intake, put technology away at least an hour before bed, or come up with a relaxing night routine before bed.

4. MANAGE STRESS

The data is out. Current research now states between 50-90% of health problems are linked to stress (Steward, 2013). The natural stress response of our adrenal glands during fight-or-flight is a evolutionary gift when you are in real danger- i.e. a lion sprinting at you in the wild. But what happens when this roaring lion is your boss? Your unpaid bills, or toxic relationship that is putting your body under constant stress? WIth your sympathetic nervous system constantly on and coping skills exhausted, your body and mind are now at the hand of chronic stress.

Start identifying your sources of stress, and more importantly how you can better cope. That leads me to my next point….

5. GIVE YOURSELF SOME “ME TIME”

Meditation, exercise, journaling, therapy, or spending time in nature. Did you know a holistic approach to your health actually requires self care (Eliopoulos, 2017). Deliberate time dedicated to your health- whether physical, mental, emotional or a combination, is crucial to relax your nervous system. For plenty of ideas, check out my post 20 Self Care Examples That Meet YOUR Needs.

6. THINK BIG PICTURE

We say body, mind, and spirit for a reason. Not to be confused with religion, spirituality is the common thread through all religions and belief systems. It implies a connection with all living creatures and to something greater than our physical beings and self here on earth. Try to find what that means to you- think about starting a meditation or prayer practice, or simply establishing a daily quiet time for reflection, letting go, opening perspective, and just being. We all must remember, we are human-beings, not human-doings.

7. CLEAN UP YOUR ENVIRONMENT

So far everything has touched on your internal environment, however our external environment can play just as big of a role in living a holistic lifestyle. Disruptors in the home or workplace including chemicals, heavy metals, toxins, and pesticides can enter the body through air, food, or water and reach toxic levels in the body disrupting hormones and causing inflammation and disease.

The switch doesn’t have to be drastic or break the bank. Check out my post on How to Transition to Clean Beauty, or consider a few DIY Non-Toxic Cleaning Supplies that are not just better for your health, but usually better for the environment and your bank account.

8. LOOK AT YOUR RELATIONSHIPS

Check-in on your relationships with friends, family, and partner(s). Is there mutual respect, trust, caring, and equal time exchanged? Support in relationships filled with non-judgement and unconditional love is crucial to overall health, whereas undermining relationships can lead to stress and poorer health choices. Just like toxic cleaning supplies, cutting out toxic relationships can be hard and inconvenient. Establish boundaries to create space for healthy relationships, abundance, and growth. Easier said than done, but far worth it in the end.

9. CONSIDER AN ALTERNATIVE HEALTHCARE PRACTICE OR PRACTITIONER

If you feel you are lacking resources and your health is not being fully addressed or advocated for, consider a holistic medicine practitioner instead or in conjunction with your current provider. They may use a variety of conventional western practices, but also takes lifestyle - diet, exercise, sleep, stressors, environment, relationships, mental health, and spiritual practices into consideration.

They may also refer you to complementary and alternative therapies such as massage, acupuncture, yoga, reiki, or naturopathy. As a future family nurse practitioner (FNP) I am very biased in using nurse practitioners for holistic care.

10. STOP BEING SO HARD ON YOURSELF

Empowering yourself to be an active participant in your health is at the foundation of holistic health, but being overly judgemental or hard on yourself is detrimental to your wellbeing! Focus on the positive changes you ARE making and keep evolving from there.

I hope this provides a broad introduction to start considering your health through a holistic lens. Changing your health can feel overwhelming, but take a deep breath, smile, and pick a few of these points to start making small, realistic changes.

If you liked this post, check out my 10 Essential Grounding Practices to Reconnect or 25 Mental Health Tips to Beat the Winter Blues.

What are your favorite holistic practices? Comment below or share on social media!