#4 What is Holistic Health? - honouring the mind-body connection

What is holistic health? The term may conjure up all kinds of otherworldly ideas. Do you think of alternative medicine, naturopathy, or other Eastern-inspired health trends? If so, you’re at least partly right. However, this is not a kooky-spooky ideal; conversely, Holistic health and Mindfulness is a scientific, intelligent approach to health and wellbeing. Therapeutics for holistic health which includes mindfulness, has been scientifically proven to work, and like alternative medicine, it focuses on wellness and prevention rather than just treating the problem. It gets to the ‘root’ of the cause and heals from the inside out. The holistic approach allows the body to maintain its health and heal itself as it is equipped. Holistic health is about caring for the whole person by providing for your physical, mental, spiritual, and social needs. It is important to consider yourself holistically for health because your mind and body are linked and affects your overall health. Therefore, when I coach women, my approach is holistic. That’s why in my book Nothing Good about Grief- (link below), I include a holistic, mindful experience. A long time ago, I learned that any method that separates our three parts is only putting a band-aid on the problem, and healing cannot manifest because of it. Therefore, it makes sense to address the whole, to gain wholeness for our being. Dealing With Stress Stress is a psychological response. It can also cause physical symptoms, such as headaches, trouble sleeping, weight gain, and muscle pain. Physical illness can cause you to feel mentally anxious or depressed. When you feel really worn out, how do you deal with the stress? You may not realise it, but your relationships can boost your mental and physical health. So, when you feel totally stressed, instead of withdrawing from your social circle, reach out and go have some fun! Studies show that having close friendships lowers your blood pressure, reduces your stress levels, and can even improve your chances of surviving cancer. The Role of a Holistic Health Care Provider Medical doctors who take a holistic approach to health don’t just ask you about your symptoms. Instead, they ask you about your overall health and your life — they can make personalised recommendations to improve your wellness. If you’re experiencing chronic pain, a holistic health care provider might prescribe medications or recommend surgery to repair an injury, but they’ll also recommend that you increase your endorphins naturally by getting more exercise. They’ll ask about your diet and discuss how certain foods contribute to inflammation. They’ll ask you about stress, anxiety, and depression — all of which can cause pain or be caused by it — and refer you to a therapist if you want one. They might also recommend massage to relax your muscles, acupuncture to help with nerve pain, or mindful meditation to help with pain management and stress relief. Simply put, rather than treating the pain, they’ll treat the ‘whole person. Think Holistically You an exceptional being, comprising of a Mind, Body and Spirit- that’s how you were made. So, in understating that, looking after yourself takes on a new perceptive- doesn’t it? That how you maintain health and healing. You need to be well to function independently in this life. Wellness is a big, important goal; however, it can feel overwhelming at times. You know you should eat healthier foods, drink more water, exercise seriously more often, sleep eight hours a night, give up your vices, and make more time for rest, meditation, and relaxation. But the busyness of work and life can make it hard to prioritise self-care, and the more you think about what you “should” be doing differently, the more daunting wellness can seem. Holistic health is about taking responsibility for your own health. If you are doing something destructive to your healthy- being, recognise it for what it is, and endeavour to replace it with healthier habits of mind, body, and spirit. Begin Somewhere In my coaching practice, I empower you with education and motivation to make better choices. For example, rather than suggesting a long list of lifestyle changes, I include you in the conversation and help you to determine which changes would make the most significant impact on your health. I help you to set wellness goals and then provide you with resources — whether that’s a personalised plan or an, if you need to go deeper - a counselling session. Does the idea of living holistically interest you? Perhaps you would like more information? Contact me. I am happy to help you with any queries. So, what is holistic health and wellbeing? It’s about honouring the mind-body connection by treating your whole person.

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Your Best Life is Yet to Come!