Traditional medicine used to be the way to go concerning physical and mental health. Nowadays, we are seeing a lot more people approach holistic practices to break free from medications.
Even senior citizens have considered using holistic practices to improve their emotional well-being and cognition. Maintaining brain power and mental health is equally important as being physically healthy.
But incorporating holistic practices into your day can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we are sharing these top practices to try out! Here are all the tips and tricks you need to get started.
Meditation and Being Mindful
Mediation is one of the go-to’s for a holistic approach for your body and mind. This is especially true when it comes to getting older. Anxieties in life can start as you approach your later years. Through meditation, we can learn to be present with the moment and others rather than worry or have anxiety.
Medication can be as simple as closing your eyes and taking slow deep breaths through the nose and slow, deep breaths out through the mouth. Holding a few seconds in between allows the heart rate to decrease. This can be hard for some, which is why guided meditations like Calm or HeadSpace can be great.
When working with a guided app or video lesson, you can apply it to many different areas of your life, such as eating, driving, and much more. Also, not all meditations have to be seated, as you can do this during walks!
Connecting With Others With Purpose
Connecting with others with purpose has been somewhat debated as an approach to holistic medicine. More recently, people are on board with it as connecting with the self is just as important as connecting with others. There can be many forms of practicing this. For example, you can connect with strangers during volunteer week to give back.
You can also connect with your loved ones, such as friends and family. Spending time with those who are close to you can take a walk down memory lane for your cognition. They also will keep your emotional well-being in a good spot. This is because practicing communication is actually an educational skill that becomes unpracticed and results in isolation and insecurity.
Physical Health is Mental Health
Exercise is third on our list but may be one of the top ways to tackle your mental health and well-being. According to the Mayo Clinic, studies have shown “that people who are physically active are less likely to experience a decline in their mental function and have a lowered risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.” This is the difference between functional and integrative medicine allowing those who aren’t finding medicine helpful an alternative route.
Besides walking and moderate strength training for stability, something like practicing yoga can be beneficial in many ways. It can incorporate breathing and mindfulness while also working in stability and improving your focus and mental health. But, of course, let’s not forget cardiovascular health in some ways too!
Nutrition is Key
Nutrition is certainly a part of integrative medicine because what you eat can greatly affect your physical and mental well-being. This is why as we age transitioning to paleo and plant based diets are known to make you feel light.
Those who struggle with dairy may find themselves feeling irritable. Avoiding it all together means physically feeling great.
Massage Therapy
There are many different massage methods to choose from regarding reaping benefits. Traditional massage is certainly one of them. But there are also traditional practices that are circling around again. Acupuncture is one to consider as well as techniques like Reiki and other energy transfer rituals.
Embracing Your Spirituality
Spirituality is not exactly the same thing as religion. While many people enjoy feeling closer to their God or religion, you can also find connection and meaning by practicing spirituality. Identifying the difference between the two is essential. Religion has set beliefs that are shared between a community.
Being spiritual usually relies more on your own set of beliefs from morally, ethically, and general thoughts as to set ones. However, it allows room for different thinking. It also emphasizes connecting with yourself and being in a relaxed and peaceful space. This may include forms of meditation.
Finding Out What Works For You
While sometimes it will feel like nothing works, it’s important to try out some different practices and therapies with an open mind. At first, they may feel forced or something you don’t like. It is important to give it enough time to see if you like it or feel the benefits. Having said that, not all practices are for everyone, which is why it is also important to find methods that work for you.
Having a balance between physical activities and mental connection is key to creating healthy emotional and mental well-being. It’s also motivating when you understand you naturally lower your risk through disease by many of these practices. Exercise, nutrition, and spirituality are a great combination.
Keeping your brain healthy and functioning as you continue through life is one of the most valuable gifts you can give to yourself. Approaching it as overall wellness can make it easier than the thought of one activity or another. Self-care is not only trendy but feels good too!
