What Holistic Health Really Means (And How to Begin Your Journey)
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to treat health like a checklist! Exercise, eat your greens, drink water, sleep 8 hours. While these are all important, true holistic health invites us to look deeper. It’s not just about doing the right things, but about being in alignment with all aspects of ourselves: body, mind, spirit, and environment.
I didn’t always think this way. Like many, my health journey began with workouts and food plans. But over time, I noticed something missing. Even when I was “doing everything right,” I still felt tired, emotionally drained, or out of sync. That’s when I began exploring holistic health — a way of living that honors the whole person, not just the physical body.
What is Holistic Health?
Holistic health sees you as more than your symptoms. It looks at how your:
Physical body feels
Emotions are flowing (or stuck)
Mind is operating (rushed or restful?)
Spirit is nourished (or neglected)
Environment supports or depletes your wellbeing
It’s the understanding that these parts of you are deeply connected—when one is out of balance, it affects the others. For example, poor sleep may lead to irritability, which affects your relationships, which can impact your mental health, which might lower your motivation to move your body. It’s all connected.
A Gentle Invitation to Begin
If you’re feeling called to explore a more holistic lifestyle, here are some simple starting points:
Start Where You Are
No need to overhaul your life overnight. Just notice—how do you feel today? Physically, emotionally, spiritually?Create One Daily Anchor
Choose one small thing that nourishes your whole being. It could be a 5-minute walk in nature, a breathwork practice, journaling, or sitting in silence with your tea.Reframe Movement as Medicine
Exercise isn’t punishment—it’s a celebration of what your body can do. Choose movement that matches your energy: gentle stretching, dancing, lifting weights, walking barefoot in the grass.Nourish with Intention
Instead of obsessing over what you shouldn’t eat, try asking: What can I eat that will help me feel alive, grounded, and well?Protect Your Energy
Learn to notice what drains you and what fills you up. Boundaries are a vital part of holistic health, especially as a woman or a mum who gives so much to others.
You Are Not Separate from Nature
One of the biggest shifts I’ve experienced is seeing my health in rhythm with the natural world. As women, we are cyclical beings—our energy, mood, and physical needs change just like the seasons or the moon. Honouring that has changed everything for me.
Holistic health isn’t about achieving perfection—it’s about returning to wholeness.
You’re not broken. You’re just being called back to yourself.
