Holistic Wellness: Reimagining Daily Practices for a Vibrant Life

Hey everyone! I've recently embarked on a journey towards a more holistic lifestyle, and I want to share some insights that might help you too. It's all about creating a balanced life, not just physically, but mentally and environmentally as well, in my opinion. If you have a messy home, it's easy to become distracted by all the mini tasks that need to be taken care of.

If you have mental health issues like myself, you may also notice the opposite. When you start feeling down or anxious, things around you seem to get more chaotic as well. I know that there are definitely days where I look at my recycling and tell myself that I'll break it down the next day. After the holidays especially, things in my life took a pretty serious turn not only with my health, but emotionally and mentally. I had empty boxes and plastic wrap all over for a while. I worked on getting everything cleaned up and organized so that way the next time the pick-up is, I can have everything outside and ready.

My Eco-Friendly Shift

Photo by Kari Shea

I started by reevaluating my household products, especially those I use around my beloved cats. Did you know many cleaners, even those boasting natural ingredients like essential oils, can be harmful to pets? It was a shock to me too. This revelation has led me to be more mindful about what I bring into my home, ensuring it’s safe and eco-friendly.

I try and do a bit of research on how to properly use household chemicals as well. When I have to do my floors with a product stronger than vinegar, I make sure that my cats are in a safe location. I don't want anything to get on their fur or paws so they'd have to clean it off. I make sure my floors are completely dry as well. Animals' paws can soak in chemicals, and it can get into their bloodstream. I love my cats, and I don't want them to have to go to the vet more than they have to. As much as they like the treats, they know that the vet's office is where they get checked out and sometimes poked.

Incorporating Breathwork and Gratitude Journaling

I've also discovered the power of breathwork and gratitude journaling. Just a few minutes of focused breathing can significantly reduce stress. And writing down things I’m grateful for each day has shifted my perspective, helping me appreciate the little joys of life.

Practical Tips ("...more what you’d call ‘guidelines’ than actual rules") for a Holistic Lifestyle*

Eco-friendly Choices: Switching to environmentally friendly products reduces your carbon footprint and limits exposure to harsh chemicals. Opt for natural cleaners and personal care items. For instance, use vinegar and baking soda for cleaning, and choose skincare products with organic ingredients. I started doing some research into some of the things that were in my leave-in conditioner. I'm not 100% sure but there was too much of a chance that it was damaging my hair for me to continue to use it. Recently, I started making my blend of oils on my hair, and I've noticed that it hasn't been drying out as much, and it's beginning to feel healthy again after I bleached it last. Thank goodness because I love doing weird colors, but I really don't want to damage my hair or scalp in the process.

Photo by Tim Goedhart

Breathwork Practices: Deep breathing techniques, like diaphragmatic breathing or alternate nostril breathing, can lower stress levels, improve lung function, and enhance overall well-being. These practices are especially beneficial for those leading hectic lifestyles, providing a quick way to relax and refocus. I highly suggest breathwork if you have anxiety. There are days where breathwork has saved me some serious embarrassment as I started to spiral into a panic attack. There are some amazing apps available for this now; it's crazy.

Gratitude Journaling: Writing down things you're grateful for each day can shift focus from negative to positive, enhancing mental health. This practice fosters a sense of contentment and can improve sleep and relationships. One of the easiest and hardest things to do. I remember when I first started this practice, I was super depressed, forcing myself to work on my mental health, and I was writing every day that I was thankful that I didn't give up and that I had a great support system in my partners. Now it's a lot easier to say what I'm thankful for. And of course, there are some days where I'm not doing the greatest, but there are so many more better days now.

Mindful Eating: Consuming whole, unprocessed foods and paying attention to the eating experience can lead to better digestion and satisfaction with meals. This habit encourages healthier food choices and a better relationship with food. I personally struggle with this one. I do my best to eat as unprocessed as possible. But honestly, even with meal prepping, there are times I'll use frozen burgers to prep out a couple of burgers throughout the week. Or I'll use chicken tenders if I just don't have the energy some days.

Regular Physical Activity: Engaging in daily exercise, such as brisk walking, yoga, or home workouts, boosts physical health and mental clarity. Regular activity is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. I talk about how important it is to work out all the time, so it probably isn't surprising that I recommend getting some physical activity in during your day. I fall off every now and then but I remember how much better I've felt since I started moving regularly. I like that taking the stairs doesn't wind me anymore. But I also like how much my mind can relax as I'm exercising. It is one of the times that I'm focusing on me, my body, and how I'm feeling.

Digital Detox: Reducing screen time, especially before bed, can improve sleep quality and mental health. Regular breaks from digital devices can also enhance real-life relationships and productivity. I've definitely noticed that I talk more and am more engaged with my friends and family when I'm not constantly on my phone. I don't like using my phone much anyway because I know how easy it is for me to get sucked into a new book or fanfiction. Reddit too, I won't lie, some of the cooking communities are amazing, and I love checking out the book recommendation communities too. But I'm getting off track; just because I love hanging out online in online communities doesn't mean I want to neglect my real-life relationships. So I make sure that when I'm with loved ones, I'm present with them. It's great, and I really have noticed that as long as I'm off my phone and laptop for at least 30 minutes before I head to bed, I'm able to sleep so much easier. I still listen to podcasts because I like background noise and sometimes a nice story. But I tend to sleep a lot better when I'm not on my computer until the very last minute before bed.

Photo by Ethan Dow

Nature Connection: Spending time in nature has been shown to lower stress, improve mood, and increase feelings of connectedness. Activities like gardening or hiking offer physical benefits and a chance to disconnect from the stresses of daily life. I personally like just sitting on my porch. I find it really relaxing to just sit, listen to the birds, and feel the sun as I relax. Some times I'll listen to music or read a book to pass the time. Some days I'll just take a short walk around the block but for me, being outdoors has always been nice. Even when my allergies act up, being outdoors is a much better alternative to being indoors all day staring at the same walls.

Each of these tips can contribute to a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle, particularly for those with busy schedules or sedentary jobs. They're designed to be easily integrated into daily routines, making holistic wellness more accessible for you. They aren't rules that you have to follow; they're guidelines, so if you are interested in starting a similar journey, you have a starting point.

Adopting a holistic approach to life has been a game-changer for me. It’s not just about being healthy; it’s about creating a harmonious environment for ourselves and our loved ones. Join me in this journey and discover how small changes can lead to a more vibrant and fulfilling life.

Did you guess where I got the quote? I've been rewatching the movies recently.

-*“The code is more what you’d call ‘guidelines’ than actual rules.”– Barbossa, Pirates of the Caribbean