In our pursuit of optimal health, wellness, and fitness, it’s important understand health is much more than just absence of illness. True health encompasses a holistic approach that considers not only the Body, but also the Mind and Spirit. These three elements and their interconnections cover our health on all levels and going deeper in each provides enhanced wellness. I view us as Spiritual beings in a physical Body, and the Mind connects the other to together.
Here’s how I define BODY in Balancing the Triad – Body, Mind, & Spirit.
Fitness – is keeping the body fit and strong. I suggest an emphasis on resistance training since it carries over to strengthening not just your muscles but your ligaments, tendons, and bones. Being strong makes it easier to do everyday tasks, carrying groceries, playing with your children and grandchildren, improves reaction time (falls is a major cause of injury to the elderly), and makes it easy to get up and out of chairs. Resistance training along with some cardio and mobility work help contribute to sleeping better, more energy, a robust immune system, and staying active to do the things you want to do.
Nutrition – is the focus and not worrying about going on a diet or counting calories. Let’s focus on eating mostly whole foods, get plenty of protein (guideline: 1 gram per pound of desired bodyweight), and drink plenty of water (guideline: 1 oz per half your bodyweight in pounds). Eating healthily is the foundation for just about everything you do, you are what you eat, and you eat what you are.
Rest – is where everything comes in to play. You get fitter and stronger when you rest and recover. Your skin revitalizes itself when you sleep. Your mind resets itself when you sleep. Your spirit and subconscious does their own thing when you dream. Rest is essential.
To achieve optimal health, it’s vital to work on your Body, Mind, & Spirit, as well as their interconnections. A holistic approach to well-being acknowledges that health is a complex interplay of physical, mental, and spiritual factors. When these elements are worked in harmony, we experience a greater sense of vitality, happiness, and fulfillment. By nurturing these different elements through holistic practices, we can embark on a journey toward a healthier and more meaningful life.