When the term health comes to mind, most of us define it as the absence of sickness or disease. While this is certainly a valid definition, a holistic approach to the term involves a more comprehensive approach. There is more to our health and wellness than simply avoiding the flu and other physical ailments. Holistic health approaches our overall health by looking at eight different areas of our lives, each of which is described as a ‘pillar of holistic health.’ Learning about these pillars will help you take a broader approach to your overall sense of wellness and a balanced basis of health in your life.
The Eight Pillars of Holistic Health
The individual aspects of holistic health all aim to address a specific area of our lives. It goes beyond looking at our mere physical health and takes an approach to our lives that ensures an overall sense of wellness. Wellness is more than a lack of sickness; it’s a sense of contentment, accomplishment, and peace in our lives that stems from having everything in balance. While this isn’t possible all the time, the goal is to be treating each of these pillars with equal importance so we can live a fully rounded life. The eight pillars of holistic health are:
- Physical Health – If the first thing your mind jumped to with the mention of ‘physical health’ was ‘exercise,’ you’re not alone. However, our physical health goes beyond mere activity and includes diet, sleep habits, and even hygiene.
- Nutrition – This is important enough. It gets its own pillar. Nutrition isn’t as simple as getting 2000 calories a day and the right nutrients and minerals. It requires an understanding of your age, gender, level of activity, and personal body chemistry to determine what’s best for you.
- Emotional – Anyone who has lived in times of stress understands the toll it can take on your body. Emotional health requires taking care of yourself, having a support system, and a healthy relationship with your emotions. Therapists, good friends, and journaling can all help.
- Social – Humans are social animals, and social interaction is critical to caring for our overall health. Those with healthy social networks tend to live longer, be healthier, and experience a greater level of overall happiness.
- Spiritual – A common mistake is assuming that spirituality is about religion, but that’s merely one way some people meet this need. A sense of direction, purpose in life, or meaning that helps define a path forward and a feeling of place.
- Intellectual – Growth and mental stimulation are essential to keep us engaged and growing. It also contributes significantly to the health of the mind, including memory, cognition, and general aptitude. Puzzles, scholastic advances, and games can all play a role in keeping you sharp.
- Financial – Stress around our monetary situation is one of the biggest contributors to a sense of ill-ease. While it can be hard to get ourselves to a position where we feel stable and secure in our finances, achieving this can provide a significant amount of comfort and contentment.
- Environmental – Our home, work, and the larger community all have a significant impact on our feeling of contentment and, as a result, our overall wellness. Become connected with your personal and workspace, your neighborhood, and the community as a whole.
Get the Help of A Holistic Professional
If you’re looking for help getting each of your pillars into alignment, contact a holistic health specialist. They’ll be able to provide you with the guidance you need to find contentment and a sense of overall wellness in your life. Call and schedule a consultation with your specialist today!
