Rather than treating symptoms, holistic healthcare gets to the root of the problem, promoting a healthier you overall. The entire concept revolves around nurturing your mind, body, and spirit because each of these areas works together to help you function optimally. Dr. Partha Nandi supports the profound effects holistic healthcare has on a person and would like to share them.
Find Adequate Relaxation Time; It’s a Must
While it’s a completely rudimentary expression, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” has some merit. Your body and mind need time to break away from the everyday stress of deadlines and obligations, as well as the monotony of work.
Your brain and body physically can’t keep running on that hamster wheel non-stop before they’re going to crash.
To prevent burnout and keep your energy levels up, you need to step away from the hustle and bustle and give yourself time to enjoy, just be. That may mean sitting and reading a book in the evening, slipping into the tub before bed, or taking a long drive with no particular destination on a Sunday. The purpose is to let your mind wander — no real focus, no worries, just having time to yourself to enjoy.
Have a Purpose
Waking up each day just to exist isn’t a way to live if you want a healthy mind and body. Instead, find a career or volunteer opportunity that gives your life meaning so you have the satisfaction of knowing you’re doing something to contribute to the world positively. Maybe that purpose is your family. You wake up every day to keep your household running smoothly, and your kids healthy, happy, and well taken care of.
When you have a reason to rise, you alleviate your stress. Believe it or not, if you’re not leading a life where you have a reason to be, you could find yourself more stressed out with the extra time on your hands. You may feel like you’re not improving because everything in your life is merely staying the same. Ultimately, by finding meaning, you ease your stress and may even extend your life in the process.
Surround Yourself with Positive People
Taking it back to another basic concept — “You are the company you keep.” When you surround yourself with negative people, they bring you down, whether they’re jealous, have a pessimistic outlook, or aren’t ambitious.
You want to create a supportive system — a tribe, if you will — that’ll bring you up. These individuals are there for you through the good and bad, celebrating your wins or encouraging you when you feel like throwing in the towel.
While sometimes you have acquaintances, co-workers, or even family that you have no other option but to associate with, you should keep these individuals beyond arm’s reach. These shouldn’t be the people you associate regularly with, especially when you’re sharing positive or negative news. They’ll either squash happiness or relish in your sadness.
The people who lift you up are the ones to hold near and dear to you.
Exercise at Least 30 Minutes Per Day
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states you should get at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week (or 30 minutes per day). Dr. Nandi seconds this recommendation for both physical and mental health because while you’re keeping your muscles and joints flexible, you’re supporting your heart and improving your mental health. As you’re moving, your body’s releasing endorphins — substances that make you feel good and relieve stress. With all the added blood flow, you’re also keeping your brain sharp as a tack, improving both memory and concentration.
If you’re feeling like 30 minutes isn’t going to work for you because you just don’t have that many minutes together, don’t worry. You don’t have to work out for 30 minutes straight. Instead, break it up if you have to. And nothing says you can’t take a day or two off and divide the time among the others. The important thing is to get out there.
And keep in mind that you’re not in competition with anyone, not even yourself. Just get out and move regularly.
Eat a Diet Designed for Health
A standard Western diet with all the sugar and salt isn’t designed for optimal health. While you do need a little sugar and salt, and even adding some spice helps, aim to eat whole foods. Fuel your body and mind with foods that support your gut health and optimize brain function. Choose whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Leave as many already-prepared foods on the shelf, and opt to choose your meals homemade whenever you can.
Ideally, you want to consume a diet that’ll assist with maintaining muscle while keeping your blood glucose levels relatively stable. You want to choose foods that balance your gut bacteria and ensure you receive all the nutrients necessary to stay healthy.
Variety is the spice of life when it comes to choosing vegetables and fruits, so eat all the colors of the rainbow.
From diet to exercise to free time, make the most of every day and extend your life with Dr. Partha Nandi’s top five holistic tips, stemming from his program Vitality Advantage. You’ll notice a difference, especially as you incorporate these as habits into your everyday. However, the real benefit is what happens once these become your lifestyle.