“New Year, new you.” This phrase is thrown around a lot as we start a new year and commit to new resolutions. Maybe you’re committing to eating healthier or exercising more. Maybe you’re starting a savings plan. Regardless, it’s beneficial to look at your well-being from a holistic point of view.
Holistic well-being stretches beyond our conventional concepts of physical health and explores all that drives a person’s quality of life. Physical, emotional, financial, relationship, spiritual, intellectual, and environmental health are the seven pillars of holistic health.
Physical Health
Physical health isn’t just about your weight! Posture and functional movement play a huge role in maintaining your physical health.
- Take the time to exercise and stretch regularly. Musculoskeletal fitness— your body flexibility, balance, muscle strength and coordination—is an important indicator of your overall health and has a favorable influence on life expectancy.
- Maintain a healthy posture. Holding your body the right way (whether you are moving or still) can prevent pain, injuries, and other health problems.
- Get those steps in! In addition to physical health, 10,000 steps per day can also help to ward off diseases like Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
Emotional Health
Taking care of yourself emotionally is key to maintaining many areas of your holistic health––like physical and relationship health.
- Start a meditation practice. You can start small, a few minutes is all it takes, and there are plenty of apps and programs out there to help.
- Find a healthy outlet for stress. Take a walk outside, exercise or talk through your worries.
Financial Health
Being in control of your financial health can help relieve stress and make you feel more prepared for the future.
- Start a savings plan. Even if you’re only saving a little money each month, it provides a safety net for emergencies and can help build your financial confidence for the future.
- Invest in a 401(k). During retirement, you will be thankful!
- Create a budget and stick to it! Many of us start the new year with a new budget. Make sure yours is realistic so you know you can stick to it the whole year through.
Relationship, Spiritual, Intellectual and Environmental Health
All these areas play an important role in helping us maintain our holistic health.
- Say “thank you” often. Showing appreciation is simple, but it can make a big difference in showing people how you feel about them and your relationship.
- Take time to listen. Even if it feels like it’s not the best time, acknowledging what another person has to say will go a long way to building trust and strengthening connection.
- Identify subconscious beliefs and work on stamping them out. These negative thoughts and perceptions could be driving physical ailments such as digestive troubles and headaches.
This new year, take the time to consider your holistic well-being. We think you’ll be happy you did! And as always we are grateful for you, our member.