NEW/ General Health/Wellness/What are the Dimensions of Holistic Health?

What comes to your mind when you hear the word 'health'? It will not be surprising if you thought of diet and exercise as a way to good health. For some reason, people have started associating health with physical fitness, while ignoring other aspects which directly or indirectly influence us, at the same time. Holistic well-being consolidates the physical, mental, passionate and profound necessities of the individual, family and group. We may address each variable independently yet should acknowledge they are altogether associated. Each part improves, backs and influences the others. The question arises- "What are the dimensions of holistic health?" For now, our experts will try their best to clarify the concept of holistic health and its elements. Individual health is dependent on how each of these components is tended to. At least this is what WHO's definition of health says- "A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."

The definition by WHO covers all the aspects of health which can be termed as holistic. What is holistic health? What are the dimensions of holistic health? Why it is different from regular perception of health? Read ahead to know more.

What are the Dimensions of Holistic Health?

It is said that half-baked knowledge is hazardous. The same has happened to the concept of health which is broadly misunderstood. Mental health experts have named five dimensions for overall health. Let's throw light on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects which are considered essential for complete holistic well-being.

1. Physical Well-being:

Physical well-being is the thing that frequently rings a bell when we consider being 'healthy'. All things considered: the strength of our bodies is basic for general health. Extensively, physical health includes actualizing consistent physical action, keeping up a solid eating regimen, and restoring our bodies through rest—everything that shields us from prying diseases and enhance our personal satisfaction. Keeping your body fit is essential because it is the same body which houses our mind and soul. Would you stay in a house which is crumbling, flooded or pest-infested? Well, you already know the answer.

2. Emotional Well-being:

The damage which isn't visible is the most fatal one. Like we said, physical health isn't complete health. When we feel sincerely well, we are ready to deal with our feelings, and we have a sensible and positive perspective of ourselves, others, and the circumstances in our lives. Somewhere down the line, in the rat-race of proving ourselves, we have neglected our emotional health to the maximum. Apart from the problems in our personal lives, we also carry the work-related stress everywhere. When stressful circumstances intersect, the problem only becomes bigger. We can't generally change an unpleasant situation, we can learn approaches to deal with our pressure all the more adequately.

Emotional health is an aspect which alters one perspective towards life.

3. Spiritual Well-being:

Spirituality is not solely related to religiousness.  There are people who do not worship or recognise themselves as a part of any religious group. Even if they do, their perception of spirituality is different. The way to spiritual health may include reflection, praying, charity, or particular profound practices that help your association with your supreme spiritual self . Yoga, meditation and other practices are way to achieve mental peace. It is important to detach yourself from hustle and bustle and focus on your soul.  Feeding or helping someone in need is also a form of spirituality. Remember, when you help a helpless soul, you are rescuing your own.

4. Intellectual Well-being:

Intellectual well-being alludes to dynamic interest in academic, social, and group activities. It is critical to pick up and keep up intellectual well-being since it enhances information and abilities with a specific end goal to carry on with an empowering, effective life. Feeding your intellect to stimulate your mind is essential for overall personal growth. Trust us, it makes you feel your worth. Go ahead and rekindle your romance with painting, fiction, craft, debates, and much more.

5. Environmental Well-being:

By this, we mean staying close to the nature in any possible way. The rat-race to progress has led us astray and we have started thinking of nature as something we can exploit. Neither we think once before hurting an animal, nor we have second thoughts about picking a flower, uprooting a tree, burning petrochemicals, littering the roads, and so on. The general apathy towards our only home is what makes us miserable. To protect our conscience, it is important to think and act about a cause. Even a little gesture would feed your soul and contribute to your holistic well-being.

A Note to the Reader

Health experts from all over the world have given their answers to the question- "What are the dimensions of holistic health?".