The first step in Holistic Self-Care

by Sam Suska

Initiating holistic self-care is a process of identifying one's negative 'stressors' and steadily replacing them with positive 'stressors'. Holistic self-care begins with making a very conscious effort to employ a rational thought process with a positive outlook. This includes focusing on the aspects of life and situations one is in control of while 'letting go' of focusing on what is out the individual's c0ntrol. Adequately responding to emotions will follow, and as one begins to take control of how they think, the emotions will become more rational as well.

In addition, one of the greatest benefits of the rational thought process with a positive outlook is the ability to determine the best options and make the optimal choices in fulfilling and performing the basic functions. How and what the individual breathes, thinks, chooses, moves, eats, drinks, eliminates, sleeps, grooms and socializes (the basic functions) plays the ultimate role in 'holistic health status' for many individuals.

Following employment of the rational thought process with positive outlook is becoming aware of and slowly instituting holistic nutrition. Holistic nutrition can be found in my forthcoming book, "The True Health Lifestyle: Guide for Holistic Self-Care". But in short, holistic nutrition for the beginning holistic self-care includes reducing meats, eggs, dairy, gluten products, soy, vinegar, peanuts, sugary fruits, alcohol and caffeine products. This will be a process for most people, but health and peace of mind are the notable direct effects of eliminating these 'stressor' food and drinks and replacing them with vegetables, low-sugar fruits, nuts, seeds and fish.

Holistic exercise is the obvious step to complement the thinking and eating improvements. The key is to balance the types of exercise used (vigorous and relaxing) and improve the connection between mind and body. Relaxing exercise is absolutely necessary and quite overlooked, especially by the regular gym rats. This includes but is not limited to all forms of stretching, rebounding on a trampoline, yoga, qi-gong and tai-chi. This needs to be equally balanced with vigorous exercise which includes time efficient resistance training and cardio work preferably of low-impact variety and suited to one's individual conditioning level. Finding the optimal holistic exericise balance and using one's time efficiently are the keys to maximizing the effectiveness of exercise. The great benefit is increasing the basic function of eliminating 'stressors' which can lead to fat loss and improve body composition and functional status.

Finally, a holistic living plan which addresses the manners one uses to sleep, groom, socialize and encourage elimination. Simply using more "natural" products around the house and on the body is the first step for grooming. This includes toothpaste, deodorant, cleaning supplies and detergents. Next, organzing the sleeping area is essential, this can be done by reducing the electrical appliances in the sleeping room, and removing clutter. Socializing can be focused on by making the goal to have a positive interaction with one stranger and one associate or family member each and every day. Finally, supporting elimination with fiber and mineral supplementation, taking cleansing bath and wearing food pads to sleep in will help balance the positive and negative 'stressors'.

These are all direct and easy to employ initial steps in holistic self-care and are best used with a lifestyle journal which details each aspect. The holistic lifestyle journal is included in my forthcoming book, "The True Health Lifestyle: Guide for Holistic Self-Care" and is quite proficient at reminding individuals to pay equal attention to the many aspects of living. Making these initial changes is quite possible regardless of the present situation of any individual. Just keep the mind on the prize......taking control of health, vitality and productivity. I personally have found this, along with many of the clients I personally work with. Now is the time to start your plan.