What is Holistic Health?

Holistic health is basically an approach to life that focuses on the well-being of an individual as a whole. It suggests that things should be studied as a whole, and not just in parts. So, it is more concerned about the overall health and well-being of the individual, and not just parts of the body. So, a holistic health goes beyond just eliminating symptoms.

Holism also has its origin in the Greek word holos, which means “whole.” Holism is not about any cult or religion, rather, it is an approach that looks at things in a total perspective. (Patwardhan, 2015)

The 5 aspects of holistic health are.

Physical Aspect

When we think about our health, the first thing that comes into our mind is our physical health. Because we can usually see and know what is happening to our physical health. Like if we constantly feel tired, or have a bad headache, we immediately go and see a doctor or think about making some changes to our daily routine. Similarly, if we are full of energy and feel good (physically), we automatically assume that our physical health is in a good condition. Moreover, we can even track our physical signs, and symptoms of our health.

There are a number of things which you can do to keep your physical health in check and thereby, maintaining a healthy balance in this aspect. Some of these have been mentioned below:

1. Diet: One of the most important things to do for having a good physical health is to have a healthy and a balanced diet. Have a nutrient rich meal. Cheat days are important as well, but make sure that you find the correct balance. It’s also very important to note that one must not skip meals, you need to fuel your body in order to strive. Avoid heavy drinking and drug usage.

2.Exercise: It is also equally important for a person to exercise. Go for a walk/run for half an hour, every day. Plan your workout in a way which helps you to stay healthy and fit, and also makes you feel good at the same time. Do not pressurize yourself, motivate yourself. You got this.

3. Sleep: Getting 8 hours of sleep every day is highly important for our body to function. If our sleep cycle is not proper, we fight feel tired the next day thereby reducing our motivation to do anything. Our body needs time to rest and get ready for the next day, thereby making us feel productive and refreshed.

4. Hydration: It is also very important for us to have lots and lots of water throughout the day. It helps to flush out the toxins from our body, and gives us energy, and it helps relieve fatigue. It will keep us refreshed, and will also keep our physical health in check.

Emotional Aspect

People often tend to overlook the fact that our emotional health is just as important as our physical health. It is an important part of our overall health. If our emotional health is out of balance and we fail to prioritize it, then it can severely hamper our ability to carry out day to day activities, and can affect our overall health as well. People who are emotionally healthy are aware of their emotions, thus having a control over their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Some of the things which we can do to support our emotional health are as follows:

1. Social support: If you are having a bad day, turn to your close friends and family for help. Talking about the things which trouble you, with someone whom you trust, and know would never judge you, makes you feel good and light. Always talk about your feelings with your loved ones, otherwise it will make you more anxious, and cause you immense amount of stress.

2. Therapy: Sometimes our emotions, thoughts, and feelings can be overwhelming but if it reaches a point wherein, we feel trapped, and cannot concentrate on anything, then seek therapy. Professional help is very significant, and we must utilize it in order to support our emotional health.

3. Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness. Become aware of your emotions, and what exactly are you sensing at a given point of time. It will help you to focus, and deal with things in a constructive manner. Stress reducing habits should also be practised in order to deal with various life stressors. In stress inducing situations try to stay calm, and maintain a positive attitude.

4. Journal: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can prove to be a very good technique to support your emotional health, and it can be insightful at the same time. Write about what upsets you, it may help you to find what exactly is triggering that particular response. At the same time, keeping track of whatever brings you happiness can also be used when you are in stress.

Social

Having good and meaningful relations with people is highly significant. You will always have people to rely on when you are going through a bad time and require help. Being around people, who make you happy automatically puts you in a good mood.

Some of the things which you can do to support your social health are:

• Community work/clubs: There might be a lot happening in your community so get involved in that, help people, and interact with them for the betterment of your community/society. Even in schools and colleges, there are many clubs and societies, explore them and you might find something which interests you.

• Cut off ties with toxic people: It is very important for you to recognize who your true friends are. Spend time with people who make you happy, and with whom you feel comfortable. For your own good, cut off ties with people who bring about toxic energy, and have a negative impact on your health.

Spiritual

Spiritual health emphasizes on a deeper connection with our inner self. It basically refers to having a purposeful life, and how we perceive the world around us. When we are spiritually healthy, we feel more connected to our true selves, and also with others. It also gives us more clarity and makes us consistent.

Some of the things which you can do to support your spiritual health are:

1. Meditation: Meditation helps us to focus and increases self-awareness. It helps us to focus on the present, and we gain a new perspective of the world around us, while at the same time also being aware of what is happening within us.

2. Nature: Spend time in the nature, you may go to a quiet and a peaceful place. It will help you to collect your thoughts, and also contemplate the meaning of life. You will also feel peaceful and calm.

3. Religion: If you are religious, then take some time out to follow your faith. Read more about it, practice it. It will help you on your spiritual journey.

Intellectual

Intellectual health focuses on being open to new ideas, and to seek out new opportunities. It also refers to being creative and open to new challenges. It is extremely important because our knowledge expands, and we also acquire skills which are required to have a successful life.

Some of the things which you can do to support your intellectual health are:

1. Engage in scholastic activities: Try to engage in more and more scholastic activities, in which you have a genuine interest in. This will give you a lot of exposure while at the same time, giving you an opportunity to interact with people which will definitely help in expanding your knowledge, and will broaden your perspective.

2. Challenge your brain: Keep your mind active, challenge your brain by engaging in problem solving activities, and being open to new challenges and learning opportunities.

3. Keep yourself updated: It is very important for you to know what is happening around the world, and keep yourself updated. This will help in broadening your knowledge.

4. Diet: Try to consume more nutrients and foods which will help in improving your cognitive function.

Holistic health also points out to the fact that all these aspects have an effect over our mental health and overall well-being, and being unwell in one aspect has an effect on the other aspects as well. It emphasizes the connection of mind, body and spirit.

References

• https://guidingwellness.com/wellness-and-holism/what-is-holistic-health/

• https://oraluxdental.com.au/the-5-aspects-of-holistic-health-and-why-they-are-so-important/

• https://www.dignityhealth.org/articles/what-is-holistic-health-care-anyway

• https://www.modernholistichealth.com/what-is-holistic-health-definition/

• https://www.rwu.edu/undergraduate/student-life/health-and-counseling/health-education-program/dimensions-wellness

• https://www.wcsu.edu/ihhs/what-is-holistic-health/

• Patwardhan, B., Mutalik, G., & Tillu, G. (2015). Integrative approaches for health: Biomedical research, Ayurveda and Yoga. Academic Press.