What Exactly is Holistic Health?

The word “health” means different things to different people. For some, it’s having an attractive physique. For others, it could simply mean the absence of illness or disease.

Your definition of health may consist of having a feeling of wellbeing or a positive outlook on life. But what exactly does “holistic health” mean?

The word “holistic” also means different things to different people. Terms like “new age” and “woo-woo” may come to mind—images of crystals, sage-burning, and auras.

But let’s look at the textbook definition of the word “holistic”:

1. : of or related to holism
2. : relating to or concerned with wholes or with complete systems rather than with the analysis of, treatment of, or dissection into parts • holistic medicine attempts to treat both the mind and the body • holistic ecology views humans and the environment as a single system
   [Source: Merriam-Webster]

So holistic health simply refers to health as it relates to all parts and systems of the body. (Crystals, shamans, and chakras not required).

This is an important distinction, and it’s why I chose to share this post. I wanted to add some clarity to the concept in order to (hopefully) provide a new lens through which to view your own health.

Considering the definition above, we can classify health into three distinct categories:

1. Physical
2. Mental
3. Emotional

(Note: Some would add a fourth component: spiritual health. But for the sake of this discussion, I’ll focus on these three.)

[Image source]

Physical Health

The physical component is what most people think of when they talk about health. Fitness magazines and T.V. shows typically focus on looking good. This usually consists of having desired levels of body fat and muscle definition.

That’s all well and good. I want to look attractive just as much as the next person. But even when it comes to physical health, there are some factors that are often overlooked.

We must consider function as well as form. The principle of “form follows function” highlights the fact that a well-performing body (both inside and out) ultimately leads to a good-looking one—not the other way around.

Focusing too much on external aesthetics is often done at the expense of internal physiological health. Crash diets, waist trainers, and extreme exercise methods can lead to short- and long-term health issues.

Exercise and nutrition strategies used to address physical health should be applied according to the needs of each person. Too much or too little of anything can have the opposite effect of what you’re actually trying to achieve.

Mental & Emotional Health

Mental and emotional health are closely related. Our mental state has a direct influence on our emotions (and vice versa).

Mental disorders such as clinical depression and schizophrenia as well as cognitive issues related to dementia and Alzheimer’s must be considered. Many factors contribute to these issues, and they should be addressed through the proper resources and health care providers.

Other aspects of mental health include the thoughts that we have—our beliefs and ideas about ourselves, others, and our environment. We “feed’ our minds each day at every moment.

Being aware of what input goes into our heads (either consciously or unconsciously) is an important step in managing our mental wellbeing.

Likewise, our emotional responses to these thoughts are an essential component to health. Emotions can be a manifestation of some belief or internal story we tell ourselves. They may be rooted in past experiences.

Learning how to observe and manage our emotions is critical in supporting your mental and physical health.

All or None

The three-legged stool is a metaphor that works well here. If we consider physical, mental, and emotional health as being the three legs to the stool, we quickly realize that all are necessary for optimal function.

Poor physical health can ultimately impact one’s mental and emotional states. The inability to manage our emotions can affect our mental and physical wellbeing over time.

So holistic health is less about what tools are being used to improve your health and more about how those tools are being applied.

Many criticize conventional medicine for its isolationist approach (e.g., take this medicine/surgery for that symptom). But alternative treatment methods that call themselves “holistic” can fall into the same trap (take this herb for that symptom).

This isn’t meant to endorse or condemn either approach. Rather, it’s to help the health-conscious reader understand that in order to achieve real health…real vitality…one must consider all of the factors that contribute to long-term health.

Looking at your physical, mental, and emotional health gives you a broader perspective that helps you uncover solutions that you may have previously overlooked.

Your definition of health is unique to your own needs, and getting clear on what health truly means to you is the first step in creating change.

Remember that you are more than just your body, more than just your mind, and more than just your emotions. You are all three at all times.

What’s your definition of health? Is there something you would add or take away from this definition of holistic health? Let me know in the comments below.

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This post is part of the 30-Day Writing Challenge that was started by @dragosrua. You can follow the #challenge30days tag to see what others are sharing as part of this challenge.