Holistic Health & Total Well being

According to Macquarie Dictionary, well being can be defined as the"good or satisfactory condition of existence." A number of factors impact on our condition of existence, as well as our definition of good or satisfactory. Clearly there are both objective and subjective components to understanding this concept. Apart from the six human core needs, other basic requirements that need to be met in order to achieve a level of satisfactory health and wellness (physical, emotional, mental, spiritual) include shelter, education, community, income, happiness etc.

Each of us is a “whole” person, taking into consideration the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual states of well being. The focus of Holistic Health focuses more on prevention than cure, helping the body achieve balance and optimal health. Therefore, holistic therapies are especially helpful to people with the ability and desire to be proactive in their healing.

We all need to have a plan for balanced self-renewal in the four areas of your life: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. Here are some examples of activities:

Physical	Healthy eating, fitness, nutritional supplements, rest and recovery
Emotional:	Making social and meaningful connections with others, emotional regulation, realistic optimism
Mental:	Renewing your mind, brain detox, reading, writing, relaxing, practising mindfulness, self-care, self-love, self-compassion
Spiritual:	Spending time in worship, prayer and Scripture, expanding spiritual self through values, beliefs, empathy, reflection

As you renew yourself in each of the four areas, you experience transformation and growth in your life, increase your capacity to cope with the challenges around you. Living a life of balance means taking the necessary time to renew yourself holistically.

You can renew your mind through the Scripture and praying. Or you can totally burn yourself out by being overly busy. You can pamper yourself by relaxing in the nature. Or you can go through life mindlessly on auto-pilot, oblivious to your wellness. You can experience vibrant energy. Or you can procrastinate and miss out on the benefits of healthy eating and exercise. You can arise and face a new day in peace and harmony. Or you can wake up in the morning full of fear and anxiety. Just remember that every day provides a new opportunity toward holistic health and total well being. It is a choice. All it takes is the desire,  knowledge, and commitment.