Introduction
With the World moving so fast around us it makes it so easy to look for quick fixes for our health. Or to neglect the aspects of health that deserve more of our attention. Holistic Health is a different approach, and really should be the only way you view your health.
The whole person is what truly matters more than any individual part. Being determined to improve your spirit, mind, and body leads to a sense of wholeness that defines true health. In this post, we’ll explore what holistic health is exactly, its key components, and why it’s so valuable to keep as our conviction for our health. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of what Holistic Health is, why it’s important and how to incorporate its principles into your life.
What is Holistic Health?
Holistic health is a comprehensive approach to health and wellness that focuses on the whole person, rather than addressing isolated symptoms as is common in traditional Western medicine. The goal is to heal and care for the entire individual—body, mind, and spirit—recognizing that these aspects are interconnected and interdependent.
The World Health Organization’s preamble to its constitution defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” This perspective emphasizes that true health extends beyond quick, temporary fixes; it’s about achieving balance and wholeness.
Why Does Holistic Health Matter?
Have you ever been satisfied with a job that was only halfway done? Imagine visiting a barber, explaining the haircut you want, and sitting down for the appointment. The barber works on your hair for 5 minutes, hands you a mirror, and says, “All done!” You look and see, only half of your head has been cut. Would you leave very happy? Probably not!
This example illustrates the importance of addressing the whole issue rather than just part of it. Modern Western medicine often focuses solely on treating specific symptoms or parts of the problem, leaving the bigger picture unresolved. Holistic health, on the other hand, aims to address the full scope of your well-being, ensuring that all aspects of your life—physical, mental, and emotional—are in harmony. It’s essential for living a peaceful, balanced, and complete life.
The Main components of Holistic Health
Physical Health
Physical health primarily focuses on the body. Holistic healthcare for physical health involves providing the body with the proper nutrients and engaging in regular physical activity to maintain overall well-being.
Spiritual Health
Spiritual health is arguably the most important component of holistic health. This perspective is not based on personal opinion but on the authority of scripture. As 1 Timothy 4:8 states:
“For physical training is of some value, but godliness (spiritual training) is of value in everything and in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and for the life to come.”
Training in godliness, or spiritual health, holds greater value than physical training because it benefits not only our current lives but also our eternity.
Mental Health
Mental health is centered on achieving peace, clarity, and correct beliefs. When the mind is at peace, it positively influences the body and spirit as well.
Think of the brain as the CPU of a computer—when it operates with clarity, it enables every aspect of your life to function at optimal efficiency. Maintaining correct beliefs fosters confidence and peace, even in circumstances where anxiety or stress might otherwise prevail.
Emotional Health
Emotional health is about managing emotions in a healthy way. It’s easy to let emotions take control, but it’s crucial to remain in charge of them rather than being controlled by them. Learning how to process and express emotions effectively is key to emotional well-being.
Social Health
Social health revolves around the people you spend the most time with. While it’s nearly impossible to completely avoid bitter or negative people, the goal is to intentionally spend time with people who encourage and uplift you. Surround yourself with those who build you up rather than tear you down; true friends contribute positively to your life.
Environmental Health
Environmental health focuses on the surroundings you occupy. Similar to social health, the aim isn’t to avoid “bad” environments entirely but to prioritize spending time in positive, supportive ones. Cultivating healthy environments can significantly impact overall well-being.
Vocational Health
Vocational health pertains to the work you do. If your job brings no joy or fulfillment, it’s either time to explore other opportunities or change your perspective. It’s important to work in a field where you can make a meaningful contribution and maintain your overall health. Rather than solely seeking happiness from a job however, strive for a vocation that fosters personal and professional growth while supporting your well-being.
Common practices for Holistic health
Meditation
Secular meditation often focuses on self-awareness and personal benefit. While there are useful practices within secular meditation, biblical meditation offers what you are actually seeking — true peace. Biblical meditation involves reading the Word of God (the Bible) and reflecting on it intentionally.
As Psalm 119:15-16 states, “I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.”
Unlike secular meditation, which encourages clearing the mind, biblical meditation emphasizes filling your mind with God’s words. This practice leads to prosperity and success, as Joshua 1:8 would agree: “…you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”
Exercise
Exercise is a more well-known practice for holistic health. While many people understand its importance, finding the motivation to exercise can be challenging.
However exercise significantly impacts your overall health. According to an article from Harvard Health Publishing, “In the short term, exercise helps to control appetite, boost mood, and improve sleep. In the long term, it reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, dementia, depression, and many cancers.” These benefits clearly show us that exercise is a vital and practical practice for our overall well-being!
Healthy Social Interaction
Healthy social interaction is another essential practice for overall health. When we engage with people who love and value us, we feel connected and supported, and we also find opportunities to love and support others.
A helpful analogy is to see yourself as a river: God is your source of life, energy, and love, and you flow this love and energy to others. If the river doesn’t flow, it becomes stagnant and polluted. In the same way, if you’re not receiving from God, you’ll eventually get burned out. The best way to maintain healthy social interaction is to stay in constant communion with God and give out of the abundance that He provides.
Gratitude
Gratitude is a critical practice for health. Scripture repeatedly emphasizes its importance. One of which I believe says it all, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 states, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” This verse shows that giving thanks in every situation aligns us with God’s will. When we live with gratitude, we find peace, hope, love, and joy, knowing we are within His plan and need not fear anything.
Nutrition
Nutrition can seem intimidating, but it becomes manageable with a little understanding. You don’t need to be a health coach or wellness expert to grasp the basics of nutrition. Just learning about calories, macronutrients (macros), and the differences between simple and complex carbs can significantly improve your diet without all the added stress. There’s much more to learn, which I’ll cover in future posts, but starting with these basics can have a significant impact on your overall health.
Sleep
Sleep is essential and should never be neglected. Although it would be more fun if we could stay awake endlessly, the reality is that our brains and bodies need rest and recovery. Prioritizing sleep leads to significant improvements in your overall health and well-being.
Counseling
Counseling can be a valuable practice for improving your health. Many types of counselors offer support in different areas of life, but something to consider is that the counseling you receive aligns with biblical principles.
Naturopathy
Naturopathic doctors or coaches who practice naturopathic principles can provide valuable guidance and tools in your wellness journey. Their holistic approach also complements other health practices.
Worship
Worship is a powerful practice for both spiritual and overall health. When we focus on God and His character, we draw closer to Him. This closeness diminishes our worries, takes away anxieties, and fills us with His peace. Worship allows us to experience the fruit of a life close with God.
How to Get Started in Holistic Health
1. Read the Word
Reading the Word of God fills your mind with His truth and transforms the way you think. This renewal equips you to live a life full of godliness and purpose.
2. Get in Community (Church)
Join a community and get involved in church! Being part of a supportive community not only strengthens your health and faith but also empowers you to positively impact those around you.
3. Have Accountability (Spouse, Friend, or Family Member)
Accountability is crucial when striving to better yourself. Find someone who genuinely cares about you and is willing to tell you the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. This could be your spouse, a close friend, or a family member. If you don’t have anyone in your immediate circle, consider hiring a health coach or personal trainer to help keep you on track.
4. Make or Use an Exercise Plan
Having a plan prepares you for action. You can create your own plan or use one of the countless free resources available on YouTube or Google. I’ll also be sharing exercise plans here on the blog, so stay tuned for updates!
5. Start a Diet You Can Maintain
Choose a diet that is sustainable in the long term. Look for something you can stick to consistently without feeling deprived or starving. There are many reliable resources to help you find the right plan, and if you’d like more personalized advice, feel free to email me.
6. Stay Connected to the Blog for More Content
I post weekly every Tuesday, and soon I’ll be posting every Tuesday and Thursday. Stay updated by checking back regularly! Coming soon: a weekly email filled with quick tips and links to my latest posts—so be sure to subscribe!
Conclusion
Holistic health is not just a method or a trend—it’s a way of life that prioritizes the well-being of the whole person: body, mind, and spirit. By embracing these principles, you can achieve fulfillment that goes beyond quick fixes or surface-level solutions.
Whether through deepening your spiritual walk, improving your physical fitness, nurturing your emotional and mental health, or cultivating positive relationships and environments, holistic health offers a comprehensive path to wellness. Starting with practices like reading the Word, joining a community, or implementing a sustainable diet will make a significant difference in your life.
Remember, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Stay connected to your community and stay connected to this blog for practical tips, encouragement, and resources to help you grow in every aspect of your life. Together, we can take steps toward a healthier, God focused more holistic future.
References
Disabled World. (n.d.). Holistic Care Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.disabled-world.com/medical/alternative/holistic/care-statistics.php
National Institutes of Health (NIH). (n.d.). NIH Analysis Reveals Significant Rise in Use of Complementary Health Approaches, Especially for Pain Management. Retrieved from https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-analysis-reveals-significant-rise-use-complementary-health-approaches-especially-pain-management
Holistic Billing Services. (n.d.). Why More Americans are Turning to Holistic Medicine. Retrieved from https://holisticbillingservices.com/americans-turning-to-holistic-medicine/
AIHCP. (2024, August 8). Holistic Healthcare: Key Concepts and Modern Practices. Retrieved from https://aihcp.net/2024/08/08/holistic-healthcare-key-concepts-and-modern-practices/
World Health Organization (WHO). (n.d.). Constitution of the World Health Organization. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/about/governance/constitution
Harvard Health Publishing. (n.d.). Exercise and Fitness. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/exercise-and-fitness