Having a Holistically Holistic Approach to Holistic Wellness
Sarah Hinrichsen, Co-Founder & CEO at Body Fuel Alliance
Holistic wellness has become a buzzword online - in social media posts and as clickbait throughout the wide, wide world of Facebook. I used to hear "Holistic Wellness" and think the only option was to make my almond milk from scratch, grow my own vegetables in my stunning garden, and perfect my grain-free granola recipe. As the wellness industry has become more and more corporate in the last 10 or so years, "Holistic wellness" has seemingly become more and more of a fallback, catch-all term. For me personally, actually defining "holistic wellness" and then identifying how it fits into my lifestyle has been a lifesaver for readjusting my mindset toward overall health.
It's easy to get overwhelmed by the corporate side of wellness and the mimetic energy constantly surrounding us. We are overwhelmed by Instagram ads, TV commercials, and friends telling us about their new vegan diet and why it's the ONLY way to be happy AND eat (and of course the marathon they're training for next year).
By definition, holistic wellness is an approach to health that "views individuals as whole beings, acknowledging that our mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects are deeply intertwined. It encourages us to treat the body as a temple, nourish the mind with positive thoughts, and connect with our inner selves to achieve a sense of harmony and balance."
Basically, we're trying to figure out what steps we can take to achieve overall health - not getting bogged down by perfection or one element being PERFECT. It doesn't matter if you hit the gym six times last week if you skipped out on four coffee dates with friends to do so, and if your brain is shutting down on you! I'm here to tell you - you CAN have it all; it just takes an added side of mindfulness. So, what does that mean for me, and how can we break down all these important-sounding buzzwords into tangible action items?
What Can You Do Daily?
Mindful Eating - Take an extra second before each meal to identify why you're consuming what you're consuming. Are you eating to fuel your body? Are you eating out of boredom? Will what you have prepped or purchased help you feel your best? There are a dozen different reasons we eat every type of macronutrient - and there's no wrong answer to these questions. You can enjoy an ice cream cone because you enjoy the taste and it makes you happy! But try to practice your mindfulness by clearly defining your "why."
Physical Activity - Physical activity gets a bad rap… I believe it’s because of the "all-or-nothing mindset" that major gym corporations cause us to adopt. The absolute BEST thing you can do for your body/brain is to take a quick 20-minute walk after every meal. It doesn't have to be a sweaty, HIIT run to help your digestion, clear your brain, and get your body moving. Walking has proven to be the #1 fighter of early-onset osteoporosis - and that's just skimming the surface of the benefits. Of course, define what's best for you when it comes to working out. Personally, I love working out because it's the hour a day I turn off my phone, listen to music, and touch base with my thoughts and my body. Again, define your personal physical activity "why" - but promise me you'll move your body just a little bit each day!
Mind-Body Practices - This loops into the last two bullet points. Take two 5-minute blocks a day (I recommend morning and night, but follow your heart!) and check IN with yourself. Am I focused and centered and actually listening when I hold conversations? Do I feel overwhelmed today… why could that be? Should I force myself to do a cardio workout today… Or do I maybe just need to take a lap around my neighborhood and wave at the dogs on walks? People think the only way to be "healthy" is to commit to an hour of yoga daily, but I urge you to bite off exactly as much as YOU can chew and be really honest about checking in with your body.
Self-Care Rituals - Self-care is another one of those "buzzwords" I think gets a bad rep. I flash to someone in a bubble bath with a towel head wrap, candles, and a copy of "Women are from Venus, Men are from Mars." Maybe three too many rom-coms for you, Sarah. Self-care can be ANYTHING that will help you to feel like the best and truest form of yourself. I personally LOVE to prepare my meals for the week. It's the hour I give myself on Monday evenings where I also reflect on my week and goals. I love to have my morning coffee and give in to that ritual. Committing yourself to five habits/week that positively affect your overall attitude will add to your personal wellness more than you know!
Nature Connection - While it's VERY difficult for some (helloooo my New Yorkers!), it really is true that being outside and in nature so seriously impacts your overall wellness. The basic element of getting vitamin D from being in the sun just skims the surface. Actually being around greenery and plants really does impact our psyche more than we may notice when we're sleepwalking through life instead of making intentional choices around wellness. Try to prioritize getting your feet on grass or going for a walk where you see naturally beautiful flowers and trees at least four times a week. I guarantee you'll feel a difference!
Disclaimer:
It is important to note that the information in this blog post is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is always best to consult with a healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your diet.
