We live in a world now, where healthily alternatives are not only becoming more attractive but more widely available. I’ve been blessed to grow up learning the benefits of alternative medicine and the ways of holistic health. From massages to acupuncture, my family raised me to see the good in holistic healing and now it’s the way I try to live my life. So what exactly is holistic health and why is it so attractive?
According to Suzan Walter an MBA grad, “Holistic Health is actually an approach to life. Rather than focusing on illness or specific parts of the body, this ancient approach to health considers the whole person and how he or she interacts with his or her environment. It emphasizes the connection of mind, body, and spirit. The goal is to achieve maximum well-being, where everything is functioning the very best that is possible. With Holistic Health people accept responsibility for their own level of well-being, and everyday choices are used to take charge of one’s own health.”
I LOVE this explanation of holistic health because I know a lot of people think it just has to do with food – and it doesn’t. It is an overall lifestyle that you take on to find balance in the everyday.
For me, since my faith is my top priority in my life – it’s been fun for me to mix holistic living with my relationship with God and bring Him into those spaces. Since holistic health is based on the laws of nature (which God created) it’s allowed me to tap into a deeper understanding of creation and how it is so valuable to us.
I wanted to share with you some ways I have changed my lifestyle to holistic living, and added it into my everyday practices. Along with a lot of prayer, this has brought balance and peace to me: mentally, spiritually, emotionally and physically. It really is about changing your lifestyle to be more plant + natural based all around ☺
INCORPORATE YOGA INTO YOUR EXERCISE ROUTINE:
I’m a huge advocate for yoga and have been practicing for over 3 years. I think a lot of people think of yoga as “stretching” or “toning” but it is actually a very technical and emotional practice that brings peace to you mentally, spiritually, emotionally and physically. I also love working out and it’s become a major daily part of my life. But, it can also be very strenuous and stressful on the body. Being able to balance your hard-core workouts with a peaceful yoga session brings you back to your center. I highly recommend adding yoga into your exercise routine.
START USING ESSENTIAL OILS:
Guys – I can preach about essential oils for days. The reason I love them so much is because it’s extracted straight from the plant or source you need so you are getting the purest form of it – no added chemicals. Essential oils can be used for a plethora of different things, from stomach aches, stress, sleep issues, concentration, etc. its just a healthy alternative to help aid in healing processes. For example, when I’m sore from the gym I rub peppermint all over my body and it helps me sleep and I know there aren’t any added chemicals being thrown into my body!
READ THE LABELS:
You’d honestly be SO surprised the stuff that is added to our foods, lotions, toothpaste, and even water bottles! Holistic living for me is trying to cut out all that added junk and find the purest forms. This is a main reason why I am vegan / plant based, I think what we put into our bodies highly effects our overall well-being. I want to feel as healthy as possible. For example GUM, there is so much junk they put in gum and you swallow it by swallowing your spit. You probably wouldn’t think of it, but that’s going into your body. Trying to cut out added additives will actually make you feel healthier mentally, spiritually, emotionally and physically.
CONSIDER ALTERNATIVE HEALING:
What does this mean? Well, I think we are all wired to think, “When we are sick we go to the doctor, they will heal me and give me medicine.” And this thought definitely is not wrong. I firmly believe in the knowledge that doctors have but that there are other ways to heal. For example, I recently went to the doctor for an earache – he prescribed me intense eardrops, they didn’t work. I then went to wholefoods and took the holistic route, not thinking about it in the first place. I bought some garlic oil mix and dropped it into my ears. BAM – cured. I think retraining our minds to consider holistic alternatives actually brings balance to our health instead of pounding our bodies with unnatural medicines.
PRAY:
I think I’m going to incorporate prayer into every blog post because it is the most important aspect of life. If you are a Christian or what not, invite God into those spaces with you. Ask for healing or for guidance on healing and understanding of how this different approach to life actually gives us access to a healthier lifestyle.
SOME GUIDES ON HOLITIC HEALING:
Acupuncture
Massage therapy
Chiropractor
Fresh squeezed juice – no additives
Cutting out meats + dairy products
Yoga
Running / hiking
Prayer
Read / write to reduce stress
Buy natural healing products: Essential oils etc.
To sum it up – holistic health is a way of living. It’s a lifestyle that allows you to get the most out of life. I strongly believe that God created plants + nature for us to enjoy and to use those basic, not man made things to heal us is quite extraordinary.