Every day it seems like there’s a new healthy lifestyle that promises to be better than the last. Everyone talks about them, your friends try them, and you always find yourself disappointed when you do the same. You stick to your new fad diet or follow your workout schedule to a T, but it doesn’t change the fact that something in your life is left feeling unfulfilled.
Many people are living holistically for this very reason. People pursuing a healthier, happier approach to life through holistic practices are aware of the world and their role in it. A holistic lifestyle involves more than clean eating and going to the gym — for the individual, it means living in a way that is natural to you. This can vary from simplifying your morning routine and creating space in your life for meditation and moments of peace amid the chaos to eating cleaner foods.
There’s no black-and-white way to start living holistically when everyone’s needs and wants are different, but there are some tips and tricks for getting started. There are, however, a few ways to help find out how to benefit your mind, body, heart, and soul by living a healthier life.
Recognize Your Needs
You’ve probably already heard this, but it bears repeating: no one will know you as well as you know yourself. Whether you’re sick, tired, hungry, or sad, only you can acknowledge these things and work to alleviate the situation.
Communication between your mind, body, and soul connects these aspects of your life together and allows for a deeper sense of self-awareness. Self-awareness is key to seeing your pebble in the river of life and understanding how you connect with the world around you.
If you need words of affirmation, speak to those close to you. If you’re anxious, use relaxation techniques to ground yourself in the here and now.
Focus on the Positive
Negativity feeds on your energy, creativity, and ability to remain present mentally and physically throughout your day. Intrusive thoughts prevent you from pursuing what you need to be content. Searching for the positive in any situation is an important step as you work towards a healthier lifestyle, but it isn’t something that comes naturally to everyone. Learning how to transform your negative thinking is the hardest for some.
When you acknowledge the good with the bad, you broaden your perspective and can see the larger picture. Negativity limits what you can see and feel, making it difficult to be mindful. Not only that, but keeping an open mind allows you to roll with the punches. Life is beautiful and unpredictable, but we tend to focus more on the latter.
Keeping an open mind and staying positive will help reduce stress while improving your quality of life. You are a capable person who will get to the end of any dark tunnel you find yourself in.
Nourish Your Body & Mind
Thoughts and emotions can cause a visceral reaction within our bodies. We’ve all heard of broken hearts or butterflies in our stomachs. This just goes to show that nourishing your mind can also improve how your body feels.
Eating a nutritional and balanced diet gives your body the facilities it needs to function. Without proper food, we tend to become sick or depressed. The same goes for our minds: positive and engaging mental stimulation impacts our bodies and spirit.
Spending time with the ones we love makes us feel better than spending time with people we are uncomfortable with. Meditation and mindfulness also serve to nourish our minds, just as developing a good nighttime routine can heal our bodies. Following good life habits in general can make a huge difference in your overall health.
Realize It’s All Connected
As you move forward in life, take a step back and see how it’s all connected. The earth impacts its inhabitants as we change our planet. We have an effect on those around us, just as a harsh word can upset our mood or a compliment can make our day.
Respecting yourself and the life around you makes the world a better place. When the world is a better place, it’s easier to see the good around and within you.
Within our own spheres, it’s important to understand how all aspects of your health rely on one another and contribute to your overall health and wellness.
Get Started Today
Changing the way you live is never easy and there’s bound to be some bumps along the way. We all need guidance when trying something new. It’s important to realize you’re not alone during your holistic transformation. Plenty of other people are still growing into the best versions of themselves. There’s an entire community out there ready to celebrate your successes and listen to your story.
For support, American Holistic Health Association is a great resource. Seek out a holistic professional with the help of AHHA’s list of practitioners and healing centers. AHHA also offers free access to self-help tools and articles for anyone needing direction on their wellness journey. Create your new self today and start thriving with a more holistic life!
About the Author
Tess DiNapoli is an artist, freelance writer, and content strategist who has written for several publications, blogs and websites, including Koko Kratom. She has a passion for yoga and often writes about health and wellness, but also enjoys covering the fashion industry and world of fitness.
