What are the basics for living a healthy, natural, holistic lifestyle?
Here’s a few –
- Eating a balanced and nutritious diet: A diet that ‘agrees’ with you and makes you feel healthy, energetic and alive. No need to follow the current fad, just include veggies, fruit, proteins, fats, carbs. There should no foods off limit unless they disagree with you. Keep it simple and enjoyable.
- Regular exercise and physical activity: Regular exercise can help improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles and bones, improve mental health and mood, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Find something you actually enjoy – some people enjoy gentle walks whilst others prefer ultra marathons – no right answer, just do the one you love.
- Getting enough quality sleep: Sleep plays a crucial role in physical and mental health, as well as overall well-being. Getting at least 7-8 hours of good quality sleep each night is essential for good health. Yes some people can do less or more than this – being holistic is about being true to who YOU are, so finding what works for you and sticking with it is best.
- Managing stress through techniques that work for you: Chronic stress can have a negative impact on physical and mental health. Techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being. But also strenuous physical activity or whatever you know helps YOU de-stress. If you are feeling stress or overwhelm, become aware of it and your own particular triggers.
- Maintaining healthy relationships and social connections: Strong social connections and a sense of community can provide emotional support and improve overall well-being.
- Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can have negative impacts on physical and mental health, as well as increasing the risk of chronic diseases.
- Engaging in hobbies and activities that bring joy and fulfillment: Engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment can improve mood and overall well-being. And makes it all worthwhile don’t you think.
- Incorporating self-care practices into daily routine: Self-care practices such as mindfulness, journaling, reading, watching tv, getting out in nature and fresh air, or just taking a relaxing bath can help improve mental health and reduce stress levels.
- Being grateful: Focusing on the things we are grateful for can have a positive impact on mental health and overall well-being. Look around at the wonder of your life and all the good things and good people you have.
- Being in nature: Spending time in nature can have a calming effect and improve mood. This can be done so many different ways. Gentle walks outside, hill walking, trail running, open water swimming, sitting beside the ocean, lake or river. Once you find something that you connect with, keep doing it.
- Connecting with spirituality: Spirituality can provide individuals with a sense of meaning, purpose, and connection to something greater than themselves. But only if it works for you.
- Reducing screen time: Spending too much time in front of screens can have a negative impact on mental health and sleep quality. Limiting screen time and incorporating other activities into daily routine can be beneficial. But let’s be realistic, the internet has opened a wealth of entertainment options which we should enjoy and relish – just have a balanced approach to it.
- Building and maintaining financial stability: Financial stability can provide a sense of security and reduce stress levels. Do we really need to buy all the things? This is where social media can lead us astray, set a challenge of waiting 24 hours before hitting that buy button!
- Managing time effectively: Being able to manage time effectively can reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being.
- Finding a work-life balance: Finding balance between work and personal life can help reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being.
- Drinking enough water: Drinking enough water is important for overall health and well-being.
- Learning to say no: Saying no to things that don’t align with our values, goals, and priorities can help reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being.
- Taking a holistic approach to healthcare: delve into what is actually going on? Consider complementary health choices such as homeopathy, herbs, acupuncture, reiki and more.
- Try not to overthink and over-analyse too much. If there is an issue in your life, be aware of it, consider various solutions, talk it over with someone you trust, and make small steps to improve things.
- Accepting that it is ok to be YOU. And, in actual fact, it is better than OK xxx
