How healthy are you? (Why you need to consider your holistic health)

Now more than ever it’s important to stay healthy. But when we think of health we most often think of things like avoiding getting sick with a cold or other illness. Or maybe some of us think about being thin, fit, or having six pack abs. But health is actually so much more than just our physical health. Health is multi-dimensional. When thinking about your health you need to consider your holistic health when deciding just how healthy you actually are.

What is holistic health?

Holistic health is looking at a person’s health and wellness as a whole. Instead of just focusing on a specific illness, body part, or impairment we want to look at the complete person and how they interact with their environment. Holistic health emphasizes the importance of the mind, body, and spirit being in sync. Each system supports one another and in order for a person to be their best possible self all these systems need to be functioning well. 

The 5 typical components of holistic health 

1. Physical Health 

When thinking of health, physical health is usually what comes to mind. Physical health is how your body moves and performs. It includes the wellness, function, and efficiency of all your different body systems. (musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, integumentary, cardiovascular, etc) 

2. Social Health

Social health is your ability to build meaningful connections with others and adapt to various social situations. Did you know that studies have found that those with close friendships tend to have reduced stress and lower blood pressure?

3. Mental Health

Mental health is related to cognitive, behavioral, and emotional well-being. It affects your ability to think and process emotions and experiences. Our mental health is responsible for how we respond to different situations and what choices we make. 

4. Spiritual Health

Often people think spiritual health means being religious. And while spiritual health can involve religion, health in this area means being connected to your inner soul and the world around you. 

5. Emotional Health

Emotional health is very closely related to mental health. It is our ability to feel, respond, and react to different life events or situations. Emotional health can be impacted by demographic, economic, and situational factors. Being in touch with and recognizing our emotions can aid in making other healthy decisions.

Why a physical therapist (& all healthcare providers) should look at holistic health

Again each of these components has an impact on all the other areas of health. For example if you are feeling stressed you may develop a stomachache or headache. Or if you are feeling lonely or disconnected from others you may develop sad feelings which may cause more lethargy. Holistic health is like a web and all the parts need to be strong. Also, it is important for healthcare providers to treat holistically. We should see the complete picture and always treat the whole you. As a physical therapist I am always asking questions about lifestyle, home environment, emotions, work status, family relationships, so on and so forth, because these all play a HUGE role in our overall physical health and well being.  

“Holistic Health is an ongoing process. As a lifestyle, it includes a personal commitment to be moving toward the right end of the wellness continuum. No matter what their current status of health, people can improve their level of well-being” – The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Body-Mind Disciplines, Walter Suzan

Ways you can improve your holistic health

• Practice yoga
• Practice mindfulness or meditation
• Have a balanced diet and good nutrition
• Stay hydrated
• Participate in community groups, church groups, clubs or programs
• Place a phone call (not a text) to a loved one
• Organize or participate in a group zoom call or google hangout with friends
• Read or listen to books or podcasts
• Journal
• Rest or take a nap
• Exercise
• Join online special interest groups, book clubs, etc
• Practice good sleep hygiene
• Therapy (all the kinds)
• Spend time in nature
• Practice your religion
• Take a digital detox

Ways other Moms work on their holistic health

Below you can check out some other great ways mamas work on their holistic health.

What’s next?

There are many different ways to work on your total health. And it can seem overwhelming and maybe even just downright stressful to work on all the areas of holistic health. So just pick one or two things a day to make you a happier and healthier you. After all, self care is the best care.

–Monica