10 things to focus on for holistic living…
Sometimes in life we get stuck. Everyone experiences challenges big and small. Maybe at this point your worst enemy is simply complacency and monotony. Your life is boring or painful. You may be asking yourself: how did I get here? Where is my joy? Why do I feel depressed all the time? What is my purpose?
These 10 things could help you in your journey to find out.
1. Sleep
Everyone knows sleep is good for you. Everyone knows how good sleep feels. Your body cannot function to it’s highest potential if it is lacking zzz’s. I do believe some people are wired differently and require less sleep than others to function well. However, anything less than 6 hours is detrimental to your health. Some research actually supports that anything less than 8 hours is detrimental. So get your rest! You might be surprised how much it changes your mood, your energy and the quality of your day.
2. Exercise
Now I know we aren’t all olympic athletes. Some people are more coordinated than others. But exercise doesn’t have to just be about sweat, sports and coordination. If this keeps you from exercising, try to think of it this way: we are mobile beings. Every human being has bones, joints, and muscles. We are literally made to move. We are not made of cardboard or concrete. We are bendable, healable, expandable and capable. Don’t limit yourself to what you’ve always known. Push outside the box and allow your body to do what it was made to do: MOVE.
3. Food and water as fuel
What we put into our bodies can have all sorts of effects. Food is fuel to nourish EVERYthing in our bodies. Not just the stomach, but also the mind, the heart and all your muscles… Everything. Food is not meant to be a crutch for feelings. Food and water are what give energy and ultimately life. I know it is hard these days to find quality food that’s affordable, but it is not impossible. I think some people see eating as an inconvenience because it takes too much time and others see food as a comfort, it has to be exactly what they like and crave. There is nothing wrong with being efficient on time and eating foods you like, but don’t sacrifice whatever will fuel your body with the nutrients it needs to THRIVE.
4. Meditation/prayer
Do you believe in a “Higher Power?” Do you believe you have a spirit that needs nourishment as much as your body needs fuel? If you don’t it is worth exploring. Connecting with God through meditation and prayer will give you a sense of purpose and belonging. It will allow you to live out of a place of peace and balance instead of a place of stress and emptiness. Connection with God will help you understand your identity.
5. Outside, sunshine, fresh air.
Vitamin D from the sun is proven to impact your mood and overall health. Considering oxygen is produced by trees (photosynthesis), fresh and clean air is stronger outside near nature.
A Doctor named Anne Marie Helmenstine says in a post on thoughtco.com, “A mature leafy tree produces as much oxygen in a season as 10 people inhale in a year.” That’s a lot!!! We need trees and nature, fresh air to breathe. The beauty of the outdoors instills a sense of wonder and awestruck joy. Here’s a quote from Dacher Keltner on mindful.org:
Experiencing everyday wonder can help us see that we’re part of something bigger. Science shows that this exquisite emotion can quiet our inner critic, reduce stress, loneliness, and physical distress, and bring a sense of expanded time, perspective and connection.
Dacher Kelter: https://www.mindful.org/the-science-of-wonder/#:~:text=Experiencing%20everyday%20wonder%20can%20help,time%2C%20perspective%2C%20and%20connection.
Allowing yourself to marvel at nature and wildlife can ignite the power of wonder in your life and open your eyes and mind to renewal.
6. Learn something new.
It’s one thing to learn boring information you have no interest in. It’s another thing to actively empower your mind in areas you want to grow and thrive. What are your interests? Are there things out there you wish you knew more about? Don’t hesitate to jump in and learn. Go to the library, surf the internet, contact an expert or take a class. We live in the age of knowledge and have access to it all at our fingertips. Take advantage of the opportunity to expand your mind! It’s invigorating!
7. Routine and Consistency
Having a routine can either ground you or imprison you. It’s all how you look at it and what you do with it. Routine and consistency are part of our make-up as humans. It is necessary to do things every day like eating, sleeping, drinking, exercise, etc. Consistency in all of these holistic approaches we are talking about right now can be the foundation for all of our accomplishments and quality of life. But do not let yourself be so contained to a routine that you forget to try new things. Routine is a tool, not a lifeline. You don’t have to be controlled by it. You have the power. It is possible to be spontaneous and still have a routine. Be consistently YOU and you will be unstoppable.
8. Connection and community.
No matter how much pressure there is to be independent and individualistic, the fact is—we need each other. I think everyone can agree that life is meaningless without community, connection and LOVE. Spend quality time with friends, family and even new people. We are all guilty of spending time in proximity, but not being present with those around us. Have a conversation. Ask questions, play a game, go for a walk with someone. Make it quality.
9. Adventure and Spontaneity
As much as we need consistency and routine, we need to shake it up sometimes. There’s something so refreshing about going on an adventure outside the norm of your everyday life. It can be inspiring, motivating, enlightening and so much more. Go away for the weekend on a whim. Go for dinner at a restaurant you’ve never been to. Volunteer somewhere. Do something artsy or childlike. You’ll be amazed how much it lifts your spirits.
10. Breathe.
There’s so much material out there about meditation, breath work and releasing inner stress. Simply focussing on your breath… in and out… for 5 minutes can disrupt your anxious mind to slow down and be present in the moment. So much of our stress comes from what’s not even real. Thoughts and expectations about the future that are fabricated from fear and worry. Slow down. Breathe.
I myself can do a little better practicing these 10 things. It’s difficult to make it a priority, too. When we already are low on energy and motivation, how do we find motivation to practice these things? Maybe just focus on one at a time and add a new one each week. Ultimately, don’t give up hope and don’t give up on yourself.
Remember: You are loved.
Kristen Henderlong 
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