As the year draws to a close, we stand on the verge of entering another new year in which we will be faced with all sorts of important decisions to make. Let us therefore encourage each other to stop and take time out to reflect and be purposeful about our wellness in a way that is holistic and healthy.
We need to try to make a difference in a desperately broken world. The world that we live in is moving fast and changes rapidly to manage unexpected challenges that we come across.
Life as we know it is full of demands and it seems as if we have little time for the things that matter, such as joy, love, purpose, our children, our family members, our neighbours and our communities.
There seems to be little time for anything, and we tend to approach life on autopilot just so we can survive and get through a day at a time. If we thought COVID-19 was a challenge, the current pandemic of isolation, desperateness, stress, and the invisible battles of our mind are far more concerning.
We are all created teleologically in nature, meaning we were created for a purpose, and hence we all have goals, no matter how small or big. We all want to achieve significance in one way or another, but some of us lack the self-belief to go through life’s unpredictable challenges, and therefore we live life from a place of apathy or neglect.
If we don’t have goals, life becomes stagnant, and it will seem as if we are doing the same thing repeatedly. Whatever keeps us going or what we think is meaningful to us should encourage us to get the best fulfilment in life. We should never allow life to dictate how we should live and or to give us direction. We need to live life deliberately and intentionally by way of our own choices.
WHAT IS HOLISTIC WELLNESS?
Holistic wellness encompasses the well-being of the mind, body and spirit. It is about achieving balance and, more importantly, harmony in all aspects of our lives. It is about being consciously aware of where we are at and putting in place the correct actions for change.
Stress can have a significant impact on holistic wellness, so it is important to be aware of the signs of stress and take steps to manage it:
- Physical symptoms − Stress can manifest as headaches, muscle tension, fatigue and digestive problems.
- Emotional changes − You may experience irritability, mood swings, anxiety, or depression when stressed.
- Cognitive effects − Stress can lead to difficulty concentrating, memory problems and racing thoughts.
- Behavioural changes − You might notice changes in sleep patterns, appetite, and habits like nail-biting or fidgeting.
- Social withdrawal − Feeling overwhelmed by stress may cause you to isolate yourself from friends and loved ones.
It is critical that we don’t ignore the signs above and, even more importantly, to act and acknowledge where we are at, so it can be processed appropriately and intentionally if we are to remain well and healthy.
TIPS FOR HOLISTIC WELLNESS
- Mindfulness and meditation − Practise mindfulness and meditation to reduce stress and increase awareness. These practices can help you stay present and calm in the face of stress.
- Physical activity − Regular exercise is essential for physical and mental health. It can reduce stress, boost mood, and improve overall well-being.
- Healthy diet − Eating a balanced, nutritious diet can support your physical and mental health. Avoid excessive caffeine, sugar and processed foods.
- Adequate sleep − Ensure you get enough sleep to rejuvenate your body and mind. Create a consistent sleep schedule and establish a relaxing bedtime routine.
- Social connections − Maintain healthy relationships and spend time with loved ones. Social support is crucial for managing stress.
- Time management − Develop good time management skills to reduce feelings of being overwhelmed. Prioritise tasks, set realistic goals, and avoid overloading your schedule.
- Relaxation techniques − Explore relaxation methods like deep breathing, yoga, or progressive muscle relaxation to manage stress.
- Set boundaries − Learn to say no when necessary and establish boundaries to prevent burnout.
- Hobbies and creativity − Engage in hobbies and creative activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
- Professional help − If stress becomes overwhelming and persistent, consider seeking help from a mental health professional or counsellor.
- Holistic healthcare − Explore alternative or complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage, or herbal remedies to support your well-being.
- Environment − Create a calming and clutter-free living space to promote mental well-being.
- Spiritual wellness − Explore practices that align with your personal beliefs, be it through meditation, prayer, or other spiritual activities.
CONCLUSION
Holistic wellness is a lifelong journey and it is essential to regularly assess your well-being and adjust as needed. To promote a more balanced and harmonious life, you need to pay attention to your physical, mental and emotional needs, and adopt healthy lifestyle choices that can reduce stress.
It needs to be rooted in your life that you need to live a purposeful life where you prioritise vitality (health, wealth and energy) and are committed to lifelong learning.
Author
Darren Ryder, Customised Projects Manager at SAICA Enterprise Development and The Hope Factory
