What Is Holistic Health and Why Is It so Important?

Holistic health has become a popular topic lately. Many medical practitioners and self help gurus are adopting the holistic approach, but it is more than just an ephemeral trend. Holistic healthcare is an integrative approach to health and wellbeing, which sees the person as a whole, not just a symptom to treat.

1. What Is Holistic Health?

Holistic health is an approach to wellness that views the human being as a whole. To achieve holistic health, a certain harmonious interaction is needed between the body, the mind, the soul, the emotions, the environment, and all the other factors that influence living. Holistic health doesn’t believe in curing one symptom, instead it aims to elevate the whole living system, which is traditionally made of 8 key components. They are known as the 8 pillars of holistic health:

1. Physical health: It involves taking care of the physical body, by making sure to get enough sleep, to move and to exercise regularly.

2. Nutritional health: You are what you eat. Nutrition influences physical, emotional and intellectual health. It’s important to consume a diet rich in vegetables and fruits, and low in processed products. Pure and clean drinking water is also a must.

3. Intellectual health: Making sure to challenge the brain daily is essential, either by completing puzzles, or by constantly learning something new.

4. Emotional health: It means developing emotional awareness and intelligence. Allowing emotions to be expressed, recognized and honored. But also being aware of one’s emotional tank, what fills it up and what drains it.

5. Spiritual health: This pillar may mean different things to different people, but we all have that feeling of longing for more in common. Tending to our spiritual side gives us a sentiment of belonging and of purpose.

6. Environmental health: It means being ecologically conscious, honoring the blue planet and its resources while being aware that we are only visitors of this earth.

7. Social health: Humans are naturally social creatures. Tending to our social side makes us feel a part of a pack and a community. Having a trustworthy support system and a fulfilling social life are important aspects of social health.

8. Financial health: Money is an important resource for security and goal-attainment. Financial health means cultivating a positive relationship with money, and mindfully managing financial resources.

2. Why Does Holistic Health Matter?

According to the World Health Organization, health is defined as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.  

Conventional medicine only cares about disease and infirmity and doesn’t guarantee the full spectrum of health as defined above. In order to achieve this state of complete wellbeing, a holistic approach is mandatory, hence the importance of holistic health.

No one can contest with how much life has improved thanks to conventional medicine. But at the same time, we cannot deny the feelings of dissatisfaction, void, and loneliness that conventional medicine alone isn’t able to fix. Holistic health matters because conventional models of care are no longer enough.

3. What Is Holistic Medicine?

Holistic medicine is an approach to healthcare that uses both conventional western medicine and alternative medicine as tools to ensure optimal health and wellbeing. Alternative treatments include nutrition and lifestyle interventions, therapies derived from traditional Chinese or Indian medicine, hypnosis, phototherapy, aromatherapy, meditation, and various self-development techniques.

Furthermore, in holistic medicine, the goal isn’t to cure a symptom, but rather to elevate the whole system. As a result, not only is the person healthy, but they are also the best version of themselves.

4. The Holistic Approach to Work Life Balance During the COVID 19 Pandemic

Having a healthy work life balance is an essential part of healthy living. This has become even more important during our current situation.  During the pandemic, many of us will continue to work from home, taking on multiple roles at the same time. Consider these tips to stay healthy and productive.

The COVID 19 pandemic has changed so many things in our lives. It has pushed us out of our comfort zones, and it made us face our doubts and deepest fears. Furthermore, since most people are either working or studying from home, it has made the line that separates life and work blurrier than before, hence the need now more than ever, to set healthy boundaries for work life balance.

Most people have already heard the mainstream advice about keeping a healthy work life balance, but the holistic approach would be to examine each health pillar individually. By adopting the holistic approach to work life balance, the goal isn’t simply to avoid burnout or disease, but it’s rather to become the most healthy, vibrant, and ideal version of yourself.

5. How to Build Our Own Pillars of Holistic Health and Wellness While COVID-19 We Are Stuck at Home

We are living in unprecedented times. The current lockdown means that we are forced to live differently and work differently. Coronavirus can stir up all sorts of feelings, like fear, anxiety or stress. In this scenario, destress technique becomes crucial. This is the best time to find simple destress technique and build your own pillars of holistic health. Here are 11 tips to get holistic health. Keep reading to find out what they are.

Instead of viewing this time of quarantine and working from home as a period of boredom and loneliness, we can view it as a chance to learn and start practicing holistic wellness.

Whether you work or study from home, there are some common pillars for holistic wellness. First you need to take care of your physical body, by taking breaks during the day, going for walks, working out and keeping a healthy sleep schedule. Being stuck at home is also a great opportunity to cook healthy meals made from fresh in season ingredients. It’s helpful to be mindful of the environment you spend most of your day in, and to ensure it is clean and tidy. Keeping in contact with friends and family is important, since spending all day at home can make us long for human warmth. Emotionally, it’s essential to be aware of how you’re feeling, and to take the necessary steps to prevent burnout and mental health issues. Keeping a steady spiritual practice can immensely help with the doubt and uncertainty that plague us all. And last but not least, it’s important to be financially aware, and to avoid overspending (or overeating for that matter) to fill any emotional void you may carry.

If you work from home:

Prioritize self care! Tend to your needs before you take care of your job, because what good is a salary at the end of the month if you feel bad about yourself?

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more people are working from home than ever before. Whether you are new to working remotely or just want to upgrade, these tips from remote working professionals can help you stay productive and keep your balance.

If you study from home:

We have all seen the news and are currently understanding the world situation, so we need to find effective ways to study or work at home. Take this time to reflect on your future and the things you want to become. Remember that studying is just one way to make your dreams come true. Also take this time to learn other skills that will help you in your career.

Studying at home does not have to be boring or unnecessarily complicated. Here are 5 study tips and you can combine with your own tips and tricks and set a schedule to make the most productive entrepreneurs jealous.

Remember to take regular breaks and use your free time to do things that will make you smile and feel good. There are many things you can do during the quarantine period, including cooking, playing video games, completing online courses, etc. So this is an excellent time to develop on all levels.

6. Conclusion

Holistic wellness is an approach to healthcare that sees the person as a whole and not just a symptom. The goal of holistic wellness is to ensure optimal wellbeing and not just being free of disease. Being stuck at home because of the COVID 19 pandemic is a great opportunity to become more aware of our health, and to learn and incorporate more holistic wellness into our daily life.

Use the Wellness Wheel Worksheet to help you to identify what areas of your life are fulfilled and healthy and what areas need improvement and attention