Your guide to Holistic Health in 5 easy steps

 How many days of the year do you feel well?

And by well I mean…

You’ve woken up with the energy of a bouncing toddler that sees you throughout most of the day.

Your mind is clear, calm and focused – anxiety is not even a word in your vocabulary.

You’ve eaten three balanced meals without feeling like you’ve swallowed a beach ball.

It’s a bit of a reality check when you think of it this way, isn’t it?

So many of us have grown up with the notion that being well, or healthy means not being diagnosed with a life-threatening condition.

But feeling well, on a daily basis, is so much more than that. It is having energy. It is clarity of mind. It is a healthy gut.

So the big question is, how do we achieve this level of wellbeing?

Well the answer is by taking an holistic approach to your health.

What is Holistic Health?

Can you imagine owning a car and the only thing you take care of is making sure the fuel tank is full? You don’t fill up the oil, you don’t pump up the tyres, and you never take it for a service.

One day you are going to get in that car and it just won’t start.

The same thing can happen to our bodies, 

You see, being healthy means more than the food you put in your body.

Being healthy is looking after our bodies, our minds and the environment we live in. When you approach your health with a focus on all of these elements, this is holistic health.

How many times have you been unwell and the medical response has been to address just the symptoms? Don’t worry, you are not alone, it is a common response in the world of western medicine. But it’s not always the best one.

An holistic approach to health will address the whole body system. And an holistic practitioner like me, will treat the root cause of your illness, not just the symptoms.

Why is Holistic Health so important?

The modern world is busy, fast and over-stimulating.

More often than not, we eat nutrient-depleted foods on the run and we get exposed to harmful chemicals on a daily basis without realising it.

It’s no wonder so many of us are getting sick more often.

In my practice as a Medical Herbalist, I see clients who eat well but have debilitating gut issues. Then there are people who keep very fit but can't sleep at night.  

This usually happens because they are focusing on just one area of health in their life.

When we take an holistic approach to health, we have a better chance of staying well. And if we do get sick, an holistic approach to healing, gives us a better chance of becoming well again, sooner.

Where do you start?

Shifting your focus of wellbeing to an holistic one shouldn't be overwhelming.

That’s why I have created these 5 simple steps to help you get you started on your holistic health journey. As you begin to integrate these easy changes into your life, I want you to take notice of how you are feeling.

Do you have more energy? Are you sleeping better? Are you feeling happier?

You know you deserve all of these things. So, keep on reading and give it a go.

There are seven essential nutrients that we get from our food - protein, carbohydrates, fibre, fats, minerals, vitamins, and water.

In order for our bodies and brains to function properly, we need a healthy balance of all these nutrients. 

Follow these steps to ensure you are getting a daily dose of good nutrition:

• Choose chemical free / organic foods where possible
• Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits in a variety of colours
• Choose healthy fats such as olive oil, avocado oil, and limit saturated fats such as butter and canola oil. Oily fish, avocados, nuts, and seeds are also full of healthy fats.
• Drink 8 glasses of filtered water a day
• Avoid highly processed foods – the closer the food is to its natural state, the more nutrients it contains.

Incorporate at least 30 minutes of activity into your day. The type of exercise that raises your resting heart rate. This could be a brisk walk, swimming laps at the pool, dancing to your favourite music, or a session at the gym. Whatever takes your fancy, just move your body – every. single. day.

A consistent bedtime routine isn’t just for kids. The things you do leading up to bed have a big impact on how easily you fall asleep and how deeply you sleep. The quality of sleep you are having is just as important as the quantity.

Try out one or all of these steps to wind down for a solid night’s sleep:

• Turn off all devices and dim the lights at least 2 hours before bed
• Make a brew of relaxing herbal tea
• Take some time out for you – run a bath with a few drops of lavender essential oil, light a candle and apply a face mask
• Do a quiet activity such as reading, drawing, or writing in your journal
• Take a magnesium supplement – it helps to relax the muscles – or rub a magnesium oil into the soles of the feet
• As your head hits the pillow, reflect on three things you are grateful for today – expressing gratitude improves our outlook on life
• If you are still having difficulty falling asleep, try some gentle breathing and visualise your happy place

4. GO LOW-TOX

Chemicals are all around us. From our skincare to the paint on our walls, the fibres we wear, the water we shower in.

Over time, constant exposure to these chemicals can affect our health.  

Here are some simple ideas for starting to eliminate toxins from your life:

• Choose eco-friendly cleaning products or make your own
• Replace plastic drink bottles and lunch boxes with stainless steel
• Opt for natural skin care products with pure and simple ingredients
• Ditch your synthetic perfume for a blend of essential oils
• Put a filter head on your shower or bath to eliminate chlorine
• Opt for natural fibres in your clothes and bedding

5. NURTURE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

For some people, this means a dedicated meditation practice. For others it might mean time spent in nature or hanging out with friends.

There are so many ways to nurture our mental health. I encourage you to explore what works for you, and do it daily, to really reap the benefits.

Good luck on your holistic health journey! I believe everyone deserves to feel well every day.

If you feel like you need more support please book a consultation with me in my herbal clinic. I look forward to helping you.