Promoting Holistic Health & Wellness

There was a time when being a “manly” man meant working through the pain, suffering in silence to avoid an unfavorable reputation, or subjecting your body to unhealthy habits to show your toughness.

However, that attitude towards men’s health has shifted somewhat. While men may still take pride in providing for—and protecting—their loved ones, admitting the need for help, whether physical or emotional, can be as difficult for some men as asking for directions. However, when a man does ask for physical or emotional help, it results in a healthier environment for him, say mental health clinicians.

Which brings us to holistic health and wellness for men. According to practioners at Emory Healthcare, holistic healthcare focuses on body, mind, and spirit. It’s based on the belief that your body alone does not determine your physical health and wellness. Instead, it is the interaction among the physical, mental, and emotional components of your life that does.

Here are five components of holistic health:

Doing physical activity
As well as being excellent for your physical health, exercise is also one of the most beneficial things you can do for your mind. Movement is linked to various psychological benefits due to its profound impact on the brain. Exercise makes us feel more confident in our bodies, more hopeful and grateful for the future, and forge a deeper connection with our inner selves.
Exercise also plays an integral role in fighting off depression, stress and anxiety, thus offering a supportive role in preventing neurological disorders.

Focusing on nutrition and diet
A healthy diet is vital for nutrition, good health, and well-being. According to the World Health Organization, a good diet protects one against diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, etc. And eating organic foods and consuming less salt, sugars, saturated and trans-fats can contribute to overall health and goodness in general.
Health experts say it is vital to receive the right nutrients so that cells are built and maintained.

Avoiding alcohol and drugs
Addictive substances like tobacco, drugs, or alcohol can negatively impact the mind and body. Chronic drug use can lead to cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, and liver disease. Substance abuse can also adversely affect a person’s relationships at home or at work, resulting in long-term health effects such as depression, stress and anxiety, panic disorders, anger management issues, and even hallucinations.

Medical self-care
As Ben Franklin once said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Indeed, medical self-care requires individuals to make informed decisions regarding diagnosis and treatment of health problems as well as preventive care.

Proper rest and sleep
Sleep is a crucial part of our natural life cycle. When you lose sleep, you no longer have the necessary drive to engage in activities. A good night’s sleep is what makes the difference between a good day and a ruined one, sleep experts say. It is a myth that humans can adjust to sleeping less. In fact, losing sleep can have harmful effects such as loss of productivity, injuries, decaying physical health and mental disorders. Moreover, sleep deprivation contributes to the development of conditions such as heart disease and diabetes and can lead to a premature death. Making sure you get a good night’s sleep can make the difference in your physical well-being. On top of that, your happiness and soundness of mind also have a lot to gain when you are rested.

Originally found in Salute Magazine.