As a student of psychology with a focus in mind-body medicine, I wanted to take an opportunity to share some pearls of wisdom about how to remain happy and healthy, not only in the times we are facing, but over a lifetime.
With school, work, family and other significant relationships, it is wonder how we find any time for ourselves. By integrating a few of these tools into your daily life, you’ll find yourself feeling more relaxed, peaceful, connected and all around holistically healthy and happy.
I must first begin by defining holistic. Although holistic has many different definitions depending on the perspective it is coming from, I am going to define holistic in terms of how you can have a holistic lifestyle.
To be holistic means to be well rounded biologically, psychologically, socially and spiritually. Biologically means your physical health, your diet and how often you exercise. Psychologically means your sense of wellbeing, as if you feel constantly under stress or if you can relax in hard times.
Socially means your contentment in your social relationships with friends and family. Spiritually means your feelings of connectedness and a sense of purpose in your life.
Some tools that can help you achieve holistic wellness include being mindful of how you treat your body, having a positive outlook, being appreciative of yourself and having gratitude for others.
Being mindful of how you treat your body includes drinking enough water (8 glasses a day), eating nutritious healthy meals, getting enough sleep and staying active.
One of the best ways to have a positive outlook is through reframing your thoughts, which includes seeing problems as opportunities, focusing on the positive and being realistic about your expectations. To show yourself appreciation, try using positive self talk, for example instead of saying "I’m stupid, I can’t do this" instead say "I can do this, I’m trying my best."
Also try doing something special for yourself such as setting up "me" time, taking yourself out to dinner or pampering yourself. Having gratitude for others not only makes them feel good, but it makes you feel good too.
You can show gratitude by telling people directly, writing them a thank you letter, or keeping a personal journal to write what and who you are grateful for.
By using these tools together, you will benefit the "whole" you. Sometimes life can move so fast that we forget to slow down to pay attention to ourselves and others. So take a few breaths, and give yourself some time to practice these tools.
Peace and happiness are a continual process. You have to apply tools and techniques each day to achieve and maintain a continual sense of health, happiness, and wellbeing.