Western medicine tends to
view health as the absence of illness or disease. If symptoms are present,
doctors usually want to “fix” this through medication or surgery. A holistic view of health is much broader and
examines a person’s whole life style including how happy or satisfied an
individual is with their work and their relationships. How much joy does a person have in their
daily lives? Symptoms of illness form a
holistic perspective is viewed as an imbalance in some areas of one’s life.
What is creating dis-ease?
How can balance be restored? What
changes need to take place? All factors
contribute to a state of health and balance:
·
What we eat
·
How we exercise
·
Our environment
·
If we take time
for pleasure and fun
This single biggest factor
that contributes to health and longevity is the quality of our social
network. Therefore, love and friendship
is very important. If we are lonely or unhappy
with our line of work we are more likely to develop a suppressed immune system
and get sick.
Holistic things to do to keep
you healthy and in balance.
1. Walk/exercise regularly
2. Keep an ongoing journal
3. Listen to inspiring music
4. Practice assertive communication and behavior
5. Read self-help books to promote awareness and growth
6. Practice some form of spirituality and meditation
7. Maintain intimate friendships
8. Take full responsibility for yourself: attitudes,
beliefs, values, and behaviors
9. Trust yourself
10. Listen to your body
11. Identify any pattern that may not be healthy and
break the cycle
12. Remember: the goal is to integrate mind, body, spirit, self-understanding, and self-acceptance and develop self-awareness.
Physical
1. Nutrition
2. Exercise
3. Rest
4. Sensuality
5. Sexual/Affectionate
Occupational
1. Job Satisfaction
2. Coping Skills
3. Stress-reduction
4. Time-Out
5. Relaxation & Recreation
6. Financial
Spiritual
1. Self-Knowledge
2. Solitude
3. Reflection
4. Meditation
5. Philosophy/Religion
Creative
1. Hobbies
2. Gardening
3. Art
4. Writing
5. Music
6. Self-Expression
Emotional
1. Relationships (Family, Friends, Pets)
2. Assertive Behavior & Communication
Environmental
1. Surroundings
2. Nature
3. Color
4. Dress