What is Holistic?
What is Holistic? A holistic approach to healing recognizes that the emotional, mental, spiritual and physical elements of each person comprise a system. By working with this systems approach the cause of an illness is targeted, rather than just the symptoms.
Acknowledging the link between physical and mental health, however, does not only mean recognizing the negative effects. We can also use it to our advantage. If we could emphasize physical well-being, and encourage people to see the links in their own bodies between this and mental health, we could use this in our work in empowering people to take control of their own lives. I know for a fact that if only I can force myself out the door to go for a run each day, the positive implications are numerous — I become healthier, my mind clears, I become more energetic for the rest of the day, I am less inclined to eat food that is not nutritious, I feel more fit. And each of these things impacts everything else — more energy means I am more inclined to work harder both at my job and at home.
By adapting a holistic approach to life in general, and to our work in particular, we can recognize the importance of everything we do. This will not only encourage us to make wiser choices, but will hopefully enable us to regain a sense of control in our lives and become accountable for all of our actions.