Understanding Holistic Health - The Five Aspects of Personal Health

How do we define “wellness?” Is it simply being physically healthy? Or is there more to it? To better understand your health, it is best to look at your system as a whole rather than individual pieces with varying symptoms and functions.

A holistic approach to health encompasses the five aspects of personal health: physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and intellectual. People argue that you won’t experience complete health and wellness if you neglect any of these areas.

Let’s take a closer look at the five aspects of personal health and explore how we can support each in our daily lives.

Physical Health

Physical health is often what most people think about when asked about health and wellness because we experience any issues at the surface level.

When it comes to feeling physically healthy, there are some essential tips you should focus on:

• Get your required amount of sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, both young adults (ages 18-25) and adults (ages 26-64) need about 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Sticking to this recommended time will give your body ample time to rest and repair itself.

• Move your body for at least 30 minutes each day. Motion is what our body needs to stay in good health, and by only requiring 30 minutes a day, there is time for anyone to get in something as simple as a walk or run.

• Eat a healthy balanced diet. The World Health Organization recommends that adults eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and whole grains, with about five portions a day of fruits and vegetables specifically.

• Avoid unhealthy habits. Regularly smoking and drinking alcohol can damage your body and lead to serious health risks later in life. You should altogether avoid these habits or severely limit them to promote better physical health.

Emotional Health 

Mindfulness goes a long way in the journey to health and wellness. Unfortunately, our emotional health can be so powerful it can affect our physical health. If you aren’t in the right mindset, it can hamper your ability to stay physically active.

Here are some key areas to focus on when looking after your emotional health:

• Practice better mindfulness strategies. By reducing stress and getting into a more positive mindset, you will immediately feel better overall. Here are some simple ways to practice mindfulness and be more present.

• Seek out help when you need it. Talking to a therapist or even just a family member or friend can help your mental health. Don’t be afraid to share what is on your mind when you are feeling weighed down.

Social Health 

Humans are social beings. We need to be around other people forming bonds, having conversations, and supporting each other – which is why social health is also a pillar in our overall wellbeing.

Here are some tips to maintaining positive social health:

• Join your community. Whether it’s a church, a volunteer position helping others, or joining a community sports team, being around people in your community helps elicit positive growth and create lasting friendships.

• Make time for friends and family. We all led busy lives, but it is crucial to ensure we still set aside time for the people who matter most. Even if it is just a phone or video call, connecting with loved ones regularly can help your well-being, especially after difficult days or weeks.

Spiritual Health 

Spirituality and religion often go hand in hand, but to become spiritually healthy, you don’t necessarily need to practice a religion (although that is also an effective way if you are religious).

Some tips for increasing your spiritual health include:

• Practice regular meditation. Taking some time to sit in silence and reflect on your thoughts is an excellent way to centre yourself. In addition, meditation is an effective way to help reduce stress and anxiety.

• Practice your faith. If religion is an integral part of your life, continue to practice it and turn to it as much as you need.

Intellectual Health

People often say that the brain is arguably the most important/powerful organ in the human body. And just like we have to keep our bodies active with exercise, we also need to make sure our brain stays in shape as we age.

Here is how you can keep your intellectual health in top shape:

• Keep learning new things. Is there a particular subject you’ve always been interested in knowing more about? Study it. The best way to keep your brain active is to keep learning new things and pushing your cognitive abilities. Even if you are just reading on the subject as much as you can, you will be making positive changes to your intellectual health.

• Stay up to date with what is going on in the world. Keeping up with current affairs around the globe helps you be informed and better understand the world around you. It doesn't always have to be global news and events. Staying up to date with the latest news in your city or town can be a great place to start.

Your Health and Life Insurance

Now that we have a better understanding of the five aspects of personal health let’s look at how your health affects your life insurance options. Life insurance companies typically take your current health and health history into account when you apply for coverage. This process can typically involve medical questionnaires as well as a medical exam. Your overall health will impact your eligibility for coverage or how much your premiums will cost.

People striving to live a healthier lifestyle can often find themselves overpaying for coverage with traditional life insurance plans. At Fitberry, our plan rewards Canadians with a health-conscious lifestyle with lower rates for life insurance. If you are interested in discovering how much you can save on coverage, get your free no-obligation quote now to get started.