6 Habits to Try In 2022

Healthy habits we incorporate into our life lead to success. Here are 6 holistic habits to try out this year.

Living holistically is seeing your body as more than just physical. It includes your mind, body and soul. It is addressing an ailment or problem we are having by looking at the WHOLE BODY. When you decide to live holistically you think of your life as parts of a whole and nurture each part individually to ensure a sustainable balanced life.

When things get tough we can easily go through life and wonder "why" things are happening instead of stopping to think "where" things are happening and what could be the route cause of the problem.

Sometimes we need to take a step back looking at the bigger picture. Remember that everything is connected and the source of the problem could be from a different aspect in your life.

When we look at our body as a whole it can allow us to address all aspects of health.

Benefits of Holistic Living:

• Improved physical health
• Balanced emotions
• Reduced levels of stress, anxiety and depression
• Improved desire for personal growth
• Boosts performance and productivity
• Better understanding of our environment and community

6 Habits to Live A More Holistic Life

1. Find healthy emotional outlets

Spend a few moments each day to express your emotions. An easy way to do this is to keep a journal and write in it daily. You can write what you are grateful for, your current emotional state and the reasons for those emotions, a review of your day, or just free write. Journaling can boost your memory, reduce stress and regulate your emotions. Some other outlets could be talking to a therapist, playing a sport, or listening to music.

2. Start your morning with a routine

Having a morning routine can set the tone for your entire day. Pick a morning routine that works for you and your lifestyle and stay consistent. A few ideas you can try waking up to a soft alarm without pressing snooze, list 3 things you are grateful for, 5 minutes of breath work or meditation, 5 minutes of stretching, drink a cup of warm water, make coffee, etc. Try to avoid immediate scrolling on your phone or checking emails.

3. Connect with others

Take the time to put your phone away and connect with the people around you. I think it is important to be present and aware in the "here and now" instead of constantly thinking about the future or what others are doing. Practicing mindfulness can bring awareness to your body, emotions and your thoughts. Try to remember to put your phone down more, turn on do not disturb or put it in another room. When you are on your phone try to use it more intentionally. Unfollow accounts that are not educating your or making you feel good, follow more accounts and groups that support you and your journey and teach you.

4. Practice Intuitive eating and eliminate processed food

Try adding in more natural, whole foods into your diet. Start by adding more color to your plate with more vegetables and fruit. Whole foods are as nature made them without added fat, sugar or sodium. Try to eliminate refined sugar and processed food as much as possible. Practicing intuitive eating is being aware of what you are consuming and listening to your body when it responds to specific foods. Learning to listen to our bodies and eat when we are hungry and stop when our bodies are satisfied.

5. Remove harsh chemicals around you and in your home

Try to pay close attention to the ingredients you are using on your skin, surfaces in your house, in the air you breathe. It is crazy how many harmful chemicals you can find in the products you use everyday that can mess with your hormones, sleep, mood and cause inflammation and weight gain. When looking at ingredients be careful of the word "fragrance" as brands are not legally required to list out the ingredients behind a fragrance. There are upwards of 1500 chemicals that harm human health and hide behind the term. Purify the air in your home by adding plants. Replace your plastic tupperware and water bottles with glass.

6. De-stress

Long term stress is known to cause dysfunction in sleep, appetite, weight gain, inflammation, and our hearts. We can't always control the stress in our lives, but we can control how we respond to it. Find your de-stressor and make it a habit to add into your day. A few examples: workout, meditate, Epsom salt bath, fresh air, journaling, etc.

Making the decision to start living a more holistic life can be overwhelming. Start by adding in 1 or 2 new habits a week and stay consistent. Small habits lead to be big results.

Don't hesitate to reach out if you are struggling or looking for guidance I would love to talk and find a path that works for YOU and your lifestyle specifically.

 - Kate

Disclaimer: I don't believe there is any "right" way to live a holistic lifestyle. What works for you might not work for another person and that is ok. Try out any of the habits that work for you.