In today's increasingly busy society, traditional health measures can be ineffective. Holistic approaches to health combine the mind, body and spirit, caring for each aspect of an individual's life.
Men can particularly find this approach beneficial, as it means they can rely less on medicine and more on treating the underlying causes of health issues. The mind, body and spirit are all interconnected. When something's wrong with one aspect, another might suffer.
In this guide, we'll explore how a multi-faceted approach to your overall wellbeing can result in positive life changes.
The indisputable importance of holistic health and wellness
There's no doubt that medicine has made significant strides, and without the many inventions, many people could die.
However, our reliance on medication means we often don't consider the root causes of specific conditions and how they impact other areas of our health.
Holistic approaches are comprehensive, encouraging people to evaluate how their lifestyles might impact their health and make vital changes.
In many ways, this approach is empowering and allows you to find a balance between diet, exercise, self-care and preventative health measures.
People worldwide are turning to holistic health measures, with one in three adults exploring alternative therapies (CNN). Why? Because they focus on treating the individual as a whole instead of focusing on one problem.
Implementing holistic health into your life
A successful holistic approach to your health means focusing on your physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing.
In most cases, making behavioural changes can influence other areas of your life and enable you to focus on connecting mind and body with spirit.
Let's explore how you can make lasting changes.
Physical health
Physical health refers to how well your body performs and whether there are any conditions. However, most health issues are preventable through exercise and a healthy diet.
For example, heart disease, high blood pressure and even lung cancer have links to obesity and smoking. Focusing on your physical health can prevent a range of conditions and increase your life expectancy instead of waiting to treat a specific issue.
Research published by BMJ proves that holistic exercise can enhance physical literacy, which is particularly beneficial for inactive adults.
Here are some popular approaches to holistic exercise:
- Introduce Movement: Small changes often lead to significant lifestyle improvements, and replacing driving with walking or using the stairs can improve your overall fitness.
- Choose Fun: Exercise doesn't need to be boring, and you don't have to head to the gym. Play a sport you enjoy, or find a new hobby. Just do something that gets your heart pumping and burns those calories.
- Join A Class: Many people find maintaining an exercise routine easy when they add social elements to it.
- Track Progress: You can also track your progress by investing in a fitness watch, which helps you remain accountable.
Numerous studies prove that regular exercise can increase a person's life expectancy, making it a worthwhile change for a positive future.
Psychological and emotional wellbeing
Psychological wellbeing defines how someone handles stress and deals with life in general. Depression and anxiety are ongoing problems for men, but many choose to ignore their symptoms due to social stigmas.
According to the Mental Health Foundation, depression and anxiety can cause a range of physical symptoms, including headaches, stomach pain and palpitations.
By seeking support and accessing talking therapies, many people can deal with stress before it turns into something more serious.
Emotional wellbeing is when a person is aware of their mind and can find a place of happiness. People with low emotional wellbeing might have poor self-esteem, no sense of purpose and feel disconnected from others.
However, you can take a holistic approach to your emotional wellbeing by:
- Improving Emotional Intelligence: Understanding your emotional triggers can help you gain more control and form stronger relationships.
- Boosting Your Confidence: Many men choose to make changes to their appearance for a confidence boost. For example, weight loss, therapy and men's aesthetic treatments promote self-esteem.
- Self-Care: Taking time for yourself can help you destress and focus on emotions.
- Set Goals: Want to improve your life? Setting realistic goals ensures you remain accountable and can celebrate positive results.
Emotional and psychological wellbeing don't just happen overnight; focusing on yourself and dealing with stress can ensure ongoing positive changes.
Spiritual wellbeing
Spiritual wellbeing doesn't necessarily mean practising a religion because experiencing nature and being aware of the universe and its unknown mysteries is spiritual.
Humans want to belong to something and feel connected with the world around them, but many fail to experience the deeper meaning of life due to the demands of living in a society.
Enhancing your spiritual wellbeing can result in mental and physical changes. Here are some ideas on how to do it:
- Meditation: Meditation and mindfulness enable you to focus on the present and block everything out. It can be incredibly healing; anyone can learn to shut their mind off through breathing techniques.
- Yoga: As an exercise that combines mind and body, yoga can help you rediscover yourself and enhance your physical health.
- Being in Nature: Some people find that simply being in nature is enough to improve their mood and help them feel connected to the world around them. Whether walking or just sitting in the sunshine, getting outdoors is always beneficial.
- Volunteering: Another way to feel part of something bigger is by volunteering for a cause. You'll meet like-minded people and feel like you've made a real difference.
Begin your holistic health journey today
There's no time like the present to focus on yourself and make positive changes. Small steps in exercise, diet and connecting with your emotions can lead to a happier and healthier life with plenty to look forward to.
Once you know what's holding you back, you can put together a plan of action and focus on reaching various goals. If you need some help along the way, the Eden Clinic For Men is fully committed to helping you find a brighter future.
We have a range of diagnostic tests, weight management solutions and aesthetic treatments available, with a dedicated team of specialists who will support you along the way.
Please contact us today, and we'll happily answer any questions.
