Holistic Wellbeing

Holistic Well-being is a new state of health that combines physical well-being with the well-being of the mind, body, spirit, and environment This state of well-being is referred to as high-level wellness and is based on three principles (1) wellness is multi-dimensional (2) wellness is about balance and (3) wellness is relative, subjective, and perceptual. Holistic well-being at its core is achieving a state of complete peace and wellness across all dimensions within oneself. The idea of achieving a state of holistic well-being is inciting to many, but how does one take care of oneself to reach this state of holistic well-being?

Focusing specifically on the mind, achieving psychological well-being requires full self-acceptance. Self-acceptance requires acknowledgment of all facets of oneself including the good and the bad. Self-reflection on strengths and weaknesses allows for greater self-awareness, ultimately leading to self-actualization. Those who are self-actualized have a great capacity for love and deep friendships which are essential for a rich, positive, full life Additionally, when one has fully accepted who they are, they have a clearer realization of their personal growth potential and their purpose in life, which are key components to strong mental health.

Self-acceptance also plays a role in reaching holistic well-being spiritually. Self-acceptance involves recognizing the past experiences of one's soul and living in truth of the spirit that lives inside them Moreover, finding harmony between one’s intentional self-development and one’s personal values is important for spiritual health. By aligning one's actions with the core values about oneself, peace and spiritual harmony can be established.

The well-being of the body is the third component to achieving a holistic well-being state. Many parts go into achieving this state including quality of rest, quality of diet, and the amount of physical activity one partakes in. Increased levels of stress and emotional eating were caused by deficits in these three areas, resulting in people feeling overly tired and nervous. Looking specifically at the diet component, it is recommended to focus on only eating foods that are minimally processed combined with a high number of fruits and vegetables. The high sugar content in highly processed foods briefly enhances positive emotions in a way similar to addictive substances, promoting the cycle of eating highly processed foods that are bad for one’s general health.

Next, the quality of sleep has a huge impact on the body. Those who get 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep each night report having better general health overall while poor sleep habits are associated with worse mental health. Finally, incorporating physical activity into one’s daily life is important for the well-being of the body. Sedentary lifestyles are associated with not only obesity but also high levels of depression as well. Physical activity can take place in many different forms such as sports, gym, or even walking around the neighborhood.

In conclusion, holistic well-being represents a state of health that encompasses the well-being of the mind, body, and spirit. Achieving this state involves finding wellness in each component and recognizing their interconnectedness. Spiritually and mindfully, self-acceptance helps individuals align their actions with their core values, promoting inner peace and harmony. Physically, maintaining a balanced diet, ensuring quality sleep, and incorporating regular physical activity are essential for overall health. By addressing each of these components, one can achieve a state of holistic well-being, ultimately leading to a richer, more fulfilling life.