An Essential Guide to Holistic Wellbeing for Your Personal Health, Wellness, and Growth

Living in our modern day fast-paced society, we often make our health and wellness our second priority. With more people looking to reform their lifestyles, one must first understand the fundamentals of holistic wellbeing. Read on for Hive Life’s essential guide that will lead you on your wellness journey.

Humanity is evolving faster than ever, and with the rapid rate of technological and digital advancements being made, we are moving at an even quicker pace to keep up. The Covid-19 pandemic only further sped up the development of technology and its adoption. Due to major restrictions imposed globally, screen time and electronics usage increased, causing a significant impact on an individuals’ mental and physical wellbeing.

In our overstimulated lives, it is important that we take a step back and slow down every now and then to avoid a burnout. Practising a holistic approach can indefinitely help us recognise unhealthy patterns and break free of other stress-inducing behaviours and lifestyle choices.

What is Holistic Wellbeing?

The World Health Organisation defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well being, and not merely absence of disease or infirmity.”

While most may view mental and physical health as “good or bad,” what we often overlook is its scale and scope. Holistic wellbeing approaches health on a spectrum, encapsulating various key aspects that lay the groundwork for one to achieve an optimal state of mental, physical, social, and spiritual health.

It aims to bring a sense of wholeness to our overall wellbeing, targeting the entirety of the body and mind, rather than focusing solely on them separately. Therefore a holistic approach to health works on balancing the five essential pillars of wellbeing- physical, mental, social, spiritual, and environmental.

The Pillars of Holistic Wellness

1. Physical Wellbeing

When thinking of physical wellness, we may naturally think of how strong and fit, or competent our bodies are. However, physical wellbeing goes beyond measuring the capabilities of our human anatomy, but rather emphasises physiological and immunity aspects.

Individuals can start by comprehending their basic autonomy and its many functions, and understand that each and every body works differently, and has a diverse set of needs.

Listen to your body- oftentimes we ignore small telltale signs which could potentially lead to bigger health issues. Make sure to pay a visit to a physician for regular check-ups and keep track of your physical self.

2. Mental Wellbeing

Mental health has experienced increased awareness globally for over the past decades, with nearly 1 billion people who currently suffer from a mental disorder, with some still unable to access proper healthcare facilities, while many others remain undiagnosed. Despite the growing number of psychological afflictions in the greater population, mental health remains one of the most neglected sectors of global healthcare systems.

Mental wellbeing acts as a stepping stone to establish our intrinsic image of self, as well as our ability to maintain composure during times of difficulties. It assesses the different functions of our consciousness and cognitive functioning.

Mental health is a subject that still carries weight and stigma with it, and often overlooked in traditional medical settings. Many have now begun to re-prioritise their mental wellness, taking a holistic approach to psychological health.

Third party support from mental health professionals and therapists can help individuals navigate their way around wellness, in addition to building safe spaces with family and friends. Most importantly, a good night’s sleep greatly benefits one’s health- it resets our mind and body, and restores our energy levels while improving our cognitive performance.

3. Social Wellbeing

Social wellbeing can be broken down into two major aspects, first our sense of belonging, role, and status within the community, and second, our personal relationships with those in close proximity such as friends, family, and work colleagues.

In order for us to strike a balance between our social and mental wellness, it is important to learn to form healthy relationships, supportive networks, and awareness of our environment.

Participating in community affairs, volunteering, and joining networking circles are some ways to step outside our comfort zone and expand our social connections. While it gives a sense of contentment in the time being, it is essential to yield high-value relationships in the long run, from maintaining a good bond with our loved ones to reconnecting with old friends.

4. Spiritual Wellbeing

Spiritual wellbeing holds a different meaning for everyone; while some may be more in tune with their inner selves than others, it is something we all have experienced one way or another.

Essentially, the purpose of spituralility is to help us navigate the world around us and develop a sense of purpose. It comprises connectivity and awareness of our inner consciousness, and for some, even the belief in a divine power as a means to form that parallel. All in all, spiritual wellbeing embraces a personalised approach rather than a one-fit-all model to meet diverse mental needs.

Journal keeping, mantra reading, aura cleansing, manifestations, among other such small nooks have also proven to greatly improve our holistic wellbeing.

5. Environmental Wellbeing

The Covid-19 pandemic posed a serious threat to our holistic wellbeing, and demonstrated how a significant change in our environment could affect our mental and physical health. Environmental wellness covers both the mental and physical aspects of our surroundings- an optimal space that stimulates and supports our safety, health, and overall wellbeing.

Having a secure, trusting, and stable environment enables a person to achieve their full potential and grow beyond their scope. Take the time to truly connect with your surroundings, nature, and communities. Take part in societal affairs for improvement initiatives to build greener and more self-sufficient communities.

Facilitate open communication at companies and offices, while incorporating Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) frameworks to promote workplace wellness.