In a world where nearly one-third of the population suffers from obesity and various physical and emotional diseases, finding a lifestyle that balances your body, mind and spirit has become an increasing priority. Switching to a holistic lifestyle will bring balance to your state of being and ensure you live a healthier, happier life.
What does it Mean to Live a Holistic Lifestyle?
Holistic living focuses on restoring the mind, body and spirit to a balanced state of energy and well-being. Natural therapies for pain relief and illnesses are the core practices of someone adopting a holistic lifestyle. Some of these practices include massage therapy, acupuncture and proper nutrition. However, holistic practices are not merely limited to times you are in distress. Holistic living is a lifestyle that includes exercise, proper nutrition and meditation to instill an inner peace and calm that will open the pathways to improved thinking, creativity and enhanced mood.
Consistency is key in living a holistic lifestyle. Making wise choices every day to eat healthy, exercise, meditate and get enough sleep are essential to maintaining balance in your mind, body and spirit. A positive outlook and attitude do wonders for your mind and spirit, but will also flow into your body as well, making you feel energized and maintain physical health.
Consuming a low-fat diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats, will keep your body strong by improving overall health and reducing body weight. Obesity is an epidemic causing people to fall prey to illnesses and live shorter lives. A holistic lifestyle is the answer to living longer and healthier.
What are the Short-term Benefits?
Once you begin living holistically, you will begin to feel less stress, anxiety and depression. Your zeal for life will return and your energy level increase. Your mind will begin focusing on the positive aspects of life, making it easier for you to become successful. Your relationships will begin to improve, you will fall ill less often and your energy levels will rise, making it easier for you to exercise and do the things you have always dreamed of.
Meditation is essential to training your mind into thinking positively as opposed to one that focuses on excuses that stifle your potential. A positive mind paves the way to a positive body and spirit so focus on improving your mood and the rest will follow.
What are the Long-term Benefits?
Over time you will discover living holistically becomes easier while your mental and physical health improve. Making healthier food choices become second nature due to your body craving healthier options and not the processed, sugary choices your body may have become accustomed to. Approximately one-third of our population is overweight and that number keeps growing. Adopting a holistic lifestyle is more important now than ever before.
With the increase in energy and zeal for life, exercising will become natural with your stamina increased. The long-term effects of exercise include a lower risk for diseases such as diabetes, cancer and stroke. A healthier life leads to a more profitable one as you will see the doctor less often. The health care costs you save will pile up, allowing you to use that money for other means. Perhaps you always wanted to see Europe or take a cruise; now you can.
A holistic lifestyle sees less stress, anxiety, depression and other mental disorders amongst those practicing. A stress-free life leads to a healthier immune system and positive outlook. Your life will become filled with positive energy, improved health, fulfilled relationships and a feeling of peace as your spirit is healed.
Adopting a holistic lifestyle will improve your quality of life by providing a way for you to live longer and healthier. The benefits to holistic living are abundant as your mind, body and spirit become balanced and heal. This balance will create a happier, more fulfilled life for years to come.
Todd Nelson, D.Sc. trained at the International Center for Natural Health and Medicine, graduating with both a Naturopathic Doctor degree and a Doctor of Holistic Health Sciences degree. Aside from heading the Tree of Life Wellness Center in Denver, Colorado as a naturopathic doctor, Todd is also a co-author of 3 books.