Essential Holistic Health Practices
Holistic health is a comprehensive system of practices for promoting optimal health. It focuses not only on physical health but also on the non-physical aspects of wellness. Holistic health encompasses much more than just diet and exercise.
The goal of holistic health is to foster and nurture the whole of you, and keep you at your healthiest and happiest. Whether you’re a beginner to holistic health or have been practicing it for some time, consider these 7 essential practices. They’re vital for creating a sustainable, holistic health lifestyle and will have the most significant impact on your overall health and wellbeing.
- Keep a Symptoms Journal
Holistic health is partly a preventative healthcare system that minimizes the risk of illness and disease. Keeping a symptoms journal will enable you to notice and address early warning signs.
We typically ignore minor health symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, or sore throats. But when these symptoms recur, there could be a more serious underlying problem.
Record any abnormal symptoms you experience in your journal and monitor them. Note how often they occur and whether they’re getting more severe or frequent; get them checked out.
- Opt for Natural Remedies
We think nothing of gulping down over-the-counter drugs for a variety of health issues because we think they’re safe. After all, you can walk into a drugstore and buy them, right? However, you’re missing the point behind the holistic health philosophy.
A holistic health mindset always opts for natural whenever possible. This includes remedies for colds and flu, cough, sore throat, allergies, joint pain, and many other conditions.
Natural remedies include everything from essential oils, herbal brews, poultices, and massage. Always try natural home treatments first before rushing to the drugstore.
- Train Your Taste Buds to Love Real Food
Let’s be honest. We all know what real food is. The list starts with nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables, followed by whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products. We also know that pizza, fast food, and frozen desserts are not real food.
We think of real food as bland or not filling, and struggle to make it the staple of our diet.
But a salad of fresh, leafy greens drizzled with a garlic-lemon dressing is anything but bland. A lean turkey breast baked with assorted vegetables and aromatic herbs can easily become your favorite meal! Real food is so versatile that, with a bit of creativity, you’ll learn to love it.
- Let Nature Heal You
Getting back to nature and spending time outdoors is the ideal way to release stress and foster spiritual and mental well-being. Communing with Nature is a powerful healing practice that washes away your petty worries and fills you with a sense of peace and tranquility.
- Exercise Your Brain
Treat your brain like any other muscle in your body and exercise it regularly to keep it healthy and fit. Learn new and stimulating things, solve puzzles, or engage in creative activities to keep your cognitive functions sharp.
- Put Structure into Your Life
A structured life promotes both mental and physical well-being. Mentally, structure gives you a sense of stability and calm amidst a hectic, busy life. Physically, it keeps your body processes balanced and regulated.
Plan your day so that you eat meals at fixed times. Structure your bedtime routine as well so that you go to bed and wake up at the same time. A balanced inner rhythm is an essential part of sustained health and wellbeing.
- Treat Yourself like a Baby
Pamper your inner child by being kind to yourself. Don’t beat yourself up when you mess up. Forgive yourself and move on. Always make time for the things you love, and reward yourself for small achievements with special treats.
Your self-worth is an essential part of strong emotional resilience and inner peace.