Rounded Lifestyle of Body, Mind and Spirit - Research Paper Example

? Holistic Living: Examining the Well – Rounded Lifestyle of Body, Mind and Spirit # July 20, The ability to live a well – rounded lifestyle is one which many are turning to in order to have a better response to their health. The holistic lifestyle is one which consists of combining several remedies and formulas to change the living conditions and responses to health and the way in which the mind has formed. This consists of the ability to balance the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of one life. Examining the concept of holistic living as well as how it is attributed to the way in which one responds to conditions while maintaining health can also create a deeper understanding of how to moderate one’s lifestyle for better responses and conditions. The results which are obtained consist of new and positive effects which an individual can experience for balance within their lives. Introduction The concept of holistic living is now becoming more acceptable in medicine and in the assistance of individuals living a balanced life. Holistic living is defined by combining the mind, body and spiritual needs that one has for a well rounded and healthier lifestyle. This is combined with the concept of self – care and preventative medicine. An individual that carries lifestyle habits for complete health through the mind and body while living a specific lifestyle then it offers a holistic living style. This consists first of the basic needs of a human, which is inclusive of physical health as well as peace of mind and comfort and safety (Eliopoulos, 2009). Doctors are now finding that this approach to healthy living is also one which can assist with medicine and works to balance out the needs of an individual and to change the way in which they live. When preventative care is given with physical and mental needs, it also is able to help with prevention of diseases. If one is suffering from a physical ailment, then combining the lifestyle needs and changes with medicine ensures a better response (Eliopoulos, 2009). Examining the importance of holistic living as well as how it can be used with changing physical and mental needs also points toward better health of an individual. A Health Promoting Diet The first step to living holistically is to begin to eat differently and to promote a health diet. The dietary recommendations now have moved outside of the ideology of eating a balanced diet of the five food groups. Instead, it has been found that a larger quantity of fruits and vegetables and the initiation of a rainbow diet of plant type foods are known to assist more with the healthy eating. This is combined with cutting back on meat and animal foods to balance out the diet. If meat is eaten, then it should consist of lighter meats, such as fish or eggs. The change in consumption lowers the amount of trans fats while balancing out saturated fats, which are known to be healthier for consumption. This diet is also high in dietary fiber and has fatty acids which are needed for balance. The fruits and vegetables eaten should also be high in antioxidant nutrients and phytochemicals while having carotene rich compounds, most which are found in fruits and flowers. It is known that this type of diet decreases intestinal transit time, delays gastric emptying, decreases caloric intake, increases digestive enzymes and benefits the intestinal microflora while increasing the production of short – chain fatty acids and decreasing serum lipid levels (Lock et al, 2010). The change in the health is one which is now being noted because of the several problems which are arising in society. The diet which many have is leading to metabolic problems, obesity, kidney stones and diabetes. There are also cardiovascular and colonic difficulties arising, most which are based on the low amount of fiber that individuals are eating. When altering this, there is also an increase in antioxidants, carotenes, coumarin and isoflavoids. Immune functions begin to increase while other receptors and properties begin to balance. It is also known that these act to balance hormones and often work to stop tumors. However, the increase in fruits and vegetables has to be followed with a decrease in sugar foods, coffee, soft drinks, richer meats, salty and fried foods. As a substitute, tea, lighter meats and fruits and vegetables can continue to be eaten. The concept of deconstructing the traditional diets and moving into the lighter meals which balance out the main system then become the main component with a healthier lifestyle in terms of nutritional balance that works to prevent other problems (Dreher, 2009). A Healthy Lifestyle The concept of changing diet is one which is not considered effective unless one combines this with a healthier lifestyle. The healthy lifestyle consists of balancing the mind and body through various activities and expectations which one has. The concept of living healthy is defined by taking measures to stop disease and complexities with imbalances in the body. The perspective of holistic living states that each part of the body and mind should be in balance while most diseases and ailments occur when there isn’t moderation in one area. It is noted that diseases, cigarette smoking, alcohol and other habitual practices constitute and lead to problems. Stopping habits which lead to physical ailments and substituting them with practices for healthier living is the basis of changing lifestyle. The foundational concepts with holistic living are to work toward personal adjustment, personal growth, enthusiasm for living and optimal well – being. To do this, physical, social, intellectual, spiritual and environmental health are required to change so it promotes well being (Alters, Schiff, 2010), as seen in Chart 1. Chart 1: Seven Components of Holistic Living (Alters, Schiff, 2010). The main concepts associated with holistic health are not only important in terms of the basic needs for preventative care and healthy living. There are also different components defined depending on the traditions and culture which one comes from. In a recent study (Weaver 2010), it was noted that holistic living carries different definitions and meaning according to the reality and beliefs which one carries. An example in this study was determined by examining Native American expectations for holistic living and the divisions in gender as well as place of where one lived. When looking at this aspect, it was found that there were expectations in terms of emotional, intellectual and spiritual development that differed from other ideologies. The creation of healthy living then becomes dependent on the definitions of what allows one to feel healthy and take preventative measures within their personal lifestyle. This is combined with understanding specific needs based on potential ailments which are specific to cultures because of lifestyle practices that need to be altered (Weaver, 2010). Nutritional and Herbal Supplements Along with the expectations in terms of lifestyle and nutritional values, are also extra supplements which can be used to alter lifestyle and belief systems. The nutritional and herbal supplements are divided by specific imbalances or ailments which an individual may have. Different concepts are used to alter this and to balance out what is needed. For example, aromatherapies can be used with conditions to help with sleep or energy while other herbal supplements and teas can be used to increase energy or create balance within the system. Homeopathy, acupuncture, bodywork, stress reduction and basic herbs can all be used to help with reduction and prevention of ailments while assisting with both physical and mental ailments. The different herbs and nutritional supplements used have all been tested according to scientific research and show direct reduction in specific problems while re-balancing the body. It is also noted that most of the herbs and nutritional supplements don’t have side effects or other problems, making the different alternatives easier to take and use (Balch, Stengler, 2011). The basis of the nutritional and herbal supplements is not only based on basic methods which can be used. There are many of the scientific tests which have been able to determine the safety considerations that are associated with the use of the herbal supplements. To ensure that the compound works effectively, is also the need to ensure that the right plant species is used and that the active ingredient matches with dietary considerations which one has. It is also noted that those which are not completely organic and which carry other ingredients may cause side effects. For supplements to work effectively, one is expected and required to consider the ingredients and to balance the nutritional lifestyle and dietary alternatives, specifically because it changes the way in which many are able to create and change the responses which one has as well as the activity which occurs to balance out the body from what has occurred (Barnes, Bloom, Nahin, 2008). Exercise Strategies To create more physical balance and alternatives are also exercise strategies which should be combined with the dietary habits, lifestyle changes and natural remedies. The strategy which is used with exercise is known to add in both resistance training with aerobic exercise, specifically because both target different functions within the body. The aerobic exercise is known to focus on movement of the cardiovascular system and other portions of the body for faster rates to produce in the body, such as through the metabolism. The weight lifting combines this with the focus on tissues and muscle, often which the cardiovascular exercise doesn’t focus on. The recommendation and strategy which is used is based on combining these two to create a different level of assistance for the body and the activities which are associated with movement that balances the body. By combining these two on a regular basis, there is the ability to release toxins and to stimulate the mechanics in the body for healthier living (Farrow 2010). There are several examples where the exercise which many begin to use begins to affects not only the basic needs but also extra components with the body. An example of this is with rehabilitation that is used with one who has anxiety or depression. Through a current study (Blanc et al, 2007), it was noted that individuals who suffered from anxiety or depression could use continuous exercise as a rehabilitation method. As one exercised with basic aerobics and anaerobics, there was a release of the negative toxins, which began to balance out the mind and body in different ways. The concept of using exercise programs is one which then not only indicates better health and balance within the body, but also relates directly to the imbalances with hormones and other components in the body which may not be as healthy (Blanc et al, 2007). The models which come from these basic understandings are furthered with the scientific understanding that sports and psychology are directly linked. The motivational forces, arousal of different concepts, dispersal of anxiety and other concepts are directly linked and associated with the use of exercise. It has also been noted that focusing on sports and exercise environments that fit with individual need can assist with better regimen and a stronger foundation in holistic living. This is inclusive of working with teams or individually as well as finding sports and activities that are associated with building the right approaches. Self – confidence, setting goals and being able to enhance one’s overall lifestyle becomes the main consideration with the sports. Combining sports with personal interests and identifying what is needed for individual personalities becomes a guiding principle in the holistic exercise regimen that is practiced (Weinberg, Gould, 2004). Positive Attitude The physical concepts that are associated with lifestyle are combined with the mental associations that build with holistic concepts. It is noted that when begins to reinforce their lifestyle with a positive attitude, there are changes in the associations with image and behaviors associated with this. According to a recent study (Barcalow et al, 2010), there is a direct relationship between the physical lifestyle and the attitude which is associated with attitude. If one has positive reinforcement about how they look at themselves and their lives, then it changes their associations with lifestyle. This includes carrying a positive body image, responding with healthier lifestyle choices and keeping balance with the behaviors that are a part of the holistic lifestyle. The reflection of both physical and mental attributes in terms of developing a positive attitude is then known to directly relate and affect how one lives and the holistic living which is practiced (Barcalow et al, 2010). The approach which is taken is known to relate to the multi-dimensional aspects that are a part of one’s lifestyle. This begins with an understanding of the relationship between the physical, emotional and mental. The more in which one works through problems such as depression, anxiety and forms of mental difficulties, is also the ability to work toward healthier lifestyle attributes. The positive attitude is one which requires one to consciously think of positive aspects, as opposed to complexities and issues. As this is done, a better attitude is created, which in turn promotes a healthier lifestyle and habits. The positive attitude is also attributed to deciding that the physical, mental and emotional changes are desired and needed, such as changing how one eats and what is required for basic living and maintenance with the changes. The positive attitude is one which creates a sense of sustainability with physical attributes, specifically by focusing only on the positive effects of a given situation (Hunt, 2010). Stress Reduction / Management Strategies The positive attitude which is required then moves into other types of management strategies that are associated with one’s needs. There are several strategies which can be used and practiced, all which are able to create a specific alteration in how one considers there lifestyle and aspects which are needed. The first is mindfulness based meditation. This includes a short period of time that is taken each day for deep breathing and of balancing out thoughts which one may have. It has been found in a current study (Gardner – Nix, 2009), that those with chronic pain that practice mindful meditation have a balance with healing and don’t have the same adverse affects with the pain. It has also been found that the practice often leads to less suffering with the pain, specifically because the amount of anxiety and depression which one may have is reduced. The ability to balance out the emotional and mental well – being is directly attributed to the changes which occur with the stress reduction which occurs (Gardner – Nix, 2009). The stress reduction and management can also include other methods which are known to assist with creating a positive attitude and health of an individual. Positive lifestyle interventions are known to carry several tools which assist with mental and emotional changes which an individual needs for balance. A tool which can be used with this includes aromatherapy, which can change the mood of an individual. This is combined with visualization, specifically which helps an individual to meditate on specific needs or desires in life and to begin changing approaches needed within this. For those who want more activity with this management is Yoga, specifically which helps to clear out toxins in the body and is known to assist with the management of a positive attitude. Energy medicine is also considered, specifically which works with concepts such as specialized massages and working with energy points. This helps to clear toxins and bring stress reduction to an individual. It is known that each of these is based on bringing piece of mind while reducing stress and anxiety which an individual may experience. As this is practiced with a healthy lifestyle and diet is also the capacity of developing more standards and balance in one’s life (Velden, 2005). Spirituality The recommendation to practice a form of spirituality as one aspect is one which has expanded into different movements and beliefs that compliment the holistic lifestyle which many are living. The concept of spirituality is one which holds different belief systems and meaning for different individuals, specific to background and understanding of what higher spirituality means. In terms of holistic wellness, there is no defined area of spirituality which one should practice or define. The emphasis is finding a way to connect spirituality to the mind and body, specifically to create a positive attitude and to propel forward with what is needed with the natural therapies and alternative methods to wellness. As this is done, it creates a different stimulation in the mind that allows one to be led to new alternatives. It is noted that the practice of spirituality in any form contributes to health and happiness through individual beliefs as well as associations that are based on connecting to the community interested in the same beliefs. The spirituality is furthered by creating a sense of security that is associated with the given area of interest (Saha, 2008). The concept of spirituality is not only important with basic practice but is known to change according to one’s condition. As holistic health is practiced in terms of physical and mental health, the ideologies of spirituality also begin to change. In a recent study (Vachon, 2008), it was noted that meaning, wellness and spirituality of those who had an ailment or disease was heightened. The study looked at cancer patients who had gone through a major struggle with survival and overcoming cancer. As the individuals began to fight for their life and find new ideologies, were also associations with questioning death, looking into spirituality and redefining the meaning of life. The cancer survivors noted that this had changed into a new balance of practicing spirituality in everyday life and considering the philosophies of living while battling with the disease. This same concept can be applied to one who is not only overcoming an ailment but also practicing the holistic living by changing diet, exercise and mental activities. As this occurs, meaning and definitions of spiritual practice can also be heightened to deeper understandings and meaning (Vachon, 2008). Complementary and Therapy Recommendations The different aspects of holistic living can apply not only to basic living but also with complementary and therapy recommendations. An example of this with an area of interest is with children and adults suffering from ADHD. The disorder is related directly to a learning disability and is now prevalent in 5-10% of school children. It is noted that this disorder is related directly to other learning problems, specifically with dyslexia, which now consists of over 80% of children who have this problem either minimally or severely. While there are medications that can be used with ADHD, there is no known cure and the problem continues to persist with those that are diagnosed. However, it is noted that holistic medicines can minimize the way in which one copes with ADHD while minimizing the problem (Connolly et al, 2011). The holistic associations which can be used for ADHD begins with changing the diet to balance out the various hormones and other attributes of a child. By lowering the substances that change the balances in the body, it can assist the child with different needs. This is combined with mental and emotional support which is required, as well as ways to help children expend the energy that is a part of ADHD, such as through sports, games and exercise. As this is done, there is the ability to create different associations with the training and exercise while building a way to balance the energies. The spiritual and mental practices can be combined with options for focus, specifically which can help to decrease the ADHD and help with visualization and focus. By creating a positive approach to ADHD, there is the ability to transform and teach the children how to control and maintain the mental disorder for better health (Singh et al, 2010). It has also been noted that ADHD can decrease not only with basic practices but also with a specific criteria through neurocognitive psychotherapy. This is a psychological approach that combines holistic methods to the overall needs of a child. The psychotherapy first focuses on the foods and diet that are able to provide new options in diet while complimenting this with herbal remedies that are able to rebalance the mind. The psychotherapy is based on changing the imbalances in the mind with continuous herbal and nutritional supplements, changes in the environment and lifestyle choices that consist of exercise and relaxation techniques. The basis of this is one that shows these choices can positively effect an individual who has the imbalances of ADHD, specifically by introducing ways to rebalance the mental disorder that the child or adult has (Robbins, 2011). Conclusion The concepts that are associated with holistic living are inclusive of creating a balanced lifestyle with mind, body and spirit. This is inclusive of dietary changes, adding in specialized herbal remedies, focusing on the emotional and cognizant properties and adding in a sense of spirituality. The forces that are a part of the holistic lifestyle combine together to assist one to complete balance within their life as opposed to moving through medical treatment. The alternative is known to not only assist with the basics of healthy living but also consists of offering extra approaches for balance and well – being. When going through the several phases for holistic living, one is also able to create a complete balance to life while working toward preventative measures with the remedies and measures which are taken for overall health and a well – rounded lifestyle. References Alters, Sandra, Wendy Schiff. (2010). Essential Concepts for Healthy Living. 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