“Be willing to do whatever it takes to be a warrior for your own health.” ~ Jan Mundo
Around the world, there is a growing problem of chronic, lifestyle-related diseases. These are diseases that are, effectively, caused by the way that we live our lives. Most, if not all of them, are associated with not looking after our bodies. Many of these diseases are linked to being overweight and not getting enough exercise or putting the wrong substances into our bodies.
Holistic Health is an active process of becoming aware of and making choices towards a healthy and fulfilling life. According to The World Health Organisation, wellness is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Wellness is the conscious development of the whole self. Embarking on a wellness journey is a process of searching for the appropriate “tools” to make you a healthier and happier human being.
Holistic Health emphasises the importance of the whole human entity and the interdependence of its parts. Holistic health and wellness are sustained by eight pillars: physical, nutritional, emotional, social, spiritual, intellectual, financial, and environmental. Each dimension of wellness is interrelated with another – which is why, at My Practice Counselling Solutions in Melbourne, we seek to provide holistic counselling services – and each is equally vital in the pursuit of optimum health. One can reach an optimal level of wellness by understanding how to maintain and optimise each of the dimensions of wellness. An individual is a whole made up of interdependent parts, when one part is not working at its best, it impacts all of the other parts of that person.
According to the University of Wisconsin (n.d.), the most common health problem in the world is depression. This problem is often manifested in the form of insomnia, stress, poor nutrition, physical inactivity, obesity, and heart disease. Irrespective of a person’s age, size, shape or perceived attractiveness, it is wellness that is the cornerstone of quality of life. It determines how we ultimately look, feel, interact with others and thrive in life and work.
Here are the 8 Pillars of Holistic Health and Wellness
Holistic health encourages people to achieve higher levels of wellness while also preventing illness. People enjoy the increased vitality and well-being that comes from positive lifestyle changes and are motivated to keep this up throughout their lives. When your body, mind, and soul are cared for holistically, you can pursue and meet your goals with less resistance and being well gives each person the ability to reach their personal goals. To determine your personalised approach to wellness, reflect on the eight pillars of holistic health and wellness. Determine which ones require your attention the most, and remember that strengthening each one will provide a solid foundation for living your best, healthiest life.
Wellness is the act of practising healthy habits on a daily basis to attain better physical and mental health outcomes so that instead of just surviving, you’re thriving. Each of the eight pillars of holistic wellness plays a pivotal role in your overall well-being and life satisfaction. So always take a holistic approach, and remember that balance is key.
In part 2, we will examine Physical Health
Sources
Quality Health Care. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.qualityhealthcare.com.au/post/2019/11/19/a-guide-to-wellness
Allison, N. (1999). The illustrated encyclopedia of body-mind disciplines. New York: Rosen Pub. Group.
Piedoux, A. (2019, February 27). The 8 Pillars of Holistic Wellness – What It Truly Means to Be Well. Retrieved from https://medium.com/@alexandra.piedoux/the-8-pillars-of-holistic-wellness-what-it-truly-means-to-be-well-b0d0b8e55bd1
Rutgers University. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://rwjms.rutgers.edu/wellness/daily-wellness/wellness-wednesday
The National Wellness Institute. (n.d.). The Six Dimensions of Wellness. Retrieved from https://nationalwellness.org/resources/six-dimensions-of-wellness/
The University of Wisconsin. (n.d.). School of Health Promotion and Human DevelopmentCollege of Professional Studies. Retrieved from https://www.uwsp.edu/HPHD/Pages/7dimensions.aspx
Walter, S. (n.d.). Holistic Health. Retrieved from https://ahha.org/selfhelp-articles/holistic-health/