Most people think being healthy is all about exercising and eating right. And while it has a lot to do with that, staying active and having a balanced diet are merely parts of maintaining holistic health.
In general, health also has much to do with your approach to life. The different aspects of health—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual—are so seamlessly interwoven that if one is affected, the others are bound to be.
That said, keeping yourself physically fit and dieting correctly greatly influences mental and emotional fortitude. However, there are limits to that influence. It’s also just as vital to put into practice habits that specifically target the mind and the spirit. In doing so, you go on a journey where no aspect of your health is left behind.
Speaking of which, HealthyBodyDaily.com is more than happy to guide you toward your health goals. In the meantime, here are a few tips on what healthy people do every day to stay healthy inside and out.
Tip #1: Start the day with a positive attitude
And, no, we don’t mean forcing yourself to stay positive and ignoring ‘negative’ feelings. We mean not dwelling on those negative feelings, so they don’t fester and become part of you.
So, if you’re the sad first thing in the morning because your pet dog died the previous night, embrace those feelings. But always put a deadline on them. That way, unfortunate events don’t affect other parts of your life too much, and you don’t have too hard of a time moving on.
Try to start your day being grateful—for having been given another day to live and possibly make a difference. Believe us, this kind of approach will do you and everyone around you wonders. Plus, it’s contagious, which is what holistic health should be.
Tip #2: Meditate
Meditation can be helpful whether or not you’re having problems in life. Make meditation a habit so you can focus your mind on yourself without the fog of doubts, problems, and challenges getting in the way.
Mind you, though, detaching from the physical to focus on the mind and spirit can be difficult for most. You will need to practice regularly until you get the hang of it and are able to let go when the situation calls for it.
Meditating at least 15 minutes a day in a quiet corner free of distractions can go a long way towards helping you achieve holistic health. It can help clear the raging storm in your head and offer you the peace needed to overcome life’s hurdles healthily.
Tip #3: Be the ‘better person’ more often than not
Most might want to disagree with this statement, but you’ll find that it can be incredibly energy-saving when you take the high road. We’re not saying to ignore toxic behavior but to respond positively and constructively to it.
Always aim to educate rather than berate. That is unless you’ve had enough, you’re free to give that person a piece of your mind (with limits, of course). In that case, you may finally be able to get to them. If not, continue to take the high road. Ultimately, we are the only ones who have the power to change ourselves, so focus on you.
Tip #4: Say ‘I love you’ more often
Many take their loved ones for granted. Sure, you do things that show how much you love and care for them, but people need to hear the words sometimes. It makes what we do so much more impactful.
People who struggle with mental health and depression often need to hear these words for reassurance. And for the person saying the words, they’ll feel a lot lighter and more at peace at having said those words and having them said back in return.
Indeed, love makes the world go ‘round. If your life feels like it could use more love, take matters into your own hands by letting it flow from you to others.
Do note, however, that saying ‘I love you’ means you have to mean it. Don’t say it to anyone you don’t hold those feelings for. That would just be wrong and unhealthy for your relationship.
Tip #5: Just be You
Many have a singular goal to become the person their parents, grandparents, or bosses want them to be. They focus on trying to meet others’ expectations of them; they neglect their own goals and happiness.
You can look healthy and successful on the outside, accomplishing other people’s goals for you. You can even be happy for a time. However, you will eventually feel something missing in your life that you can’t quite put on a finger. That’s because you never spent a life doing things for yourself.
It can be fulfilling to become the person your parents wanted you to be, but don’t lose sight of yourself in the process. At the end of the day, you should also do things that make you happy. This is your life, after all.
Conclusion
There you have it—five essential tips beyond exercising and eating right that go a long way to helping you achieve holistic health. In your health journey, don’t forget that the mind and the spirit are just as important to address as the body. When you practice healthy daily habits for every aspect of your health, that’s when you truly become a healthy individual.