- ABC of Mental Health
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- ABC of Mental Health
Hello! Welcome to another edition of the ABC of Mental Health, your partner in the journey to better mental health — one newsletter at a time with three insights from us at The Social Therapist, two quotes from experts, and one relevant recommendation curated especially for you. This week’s theme is holistic wellbeing. We bring it to your inbox this Thursday to make your Thursday a little therapeutic!
Three TherapyShorts from TST:
Explore mind-body connection: Our mind and body are interconnected and therefore, our thoughts, feelings, values, and beliefs influence our overall well-being. Therefore, it is crucial that adopt a 360 degree approach to wellness. A holistic approach to well-being integrates our physical, emotional, mental, social, spiritual, and environmental health into a cohesive whole. It can look like incorporating activities that allow us to slow down like mindful eating, physical movement, breathwork, reflective journaling, reconnecting with loved ones, and other forms for self-care in our everyday living. While such an approach is aspirational, it is helpful to remind ourselves that small lifestyle changes are significant.
Goal setting: Holistic development is a dynamic process that entails establishing comprehensive goals covering various dimensions of well-being, including physical, emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual aspects. For example, the physical health, one might commit to a consistent exercise routine and a balanced diet; emotional resilience can be fostered through mindfulness practices and open communication. Strengthening social connections involves initiating meaningful interactions and joining interest-based groups. By tailoring these goals to individual needs, individuals can embark on a well-rounded and fulfilling journey of personal growth. Recognizing the interconnectedness of these dimensions is crucial, as each contributes to the overall health and balance of an individual's life.
No one type of health >>> others: Relying too heavily on any single aspect of health can pose challenges as it may lead to an imbalance in overall well-being. For instance, prioritizing physical health at the expense of emotional or social well-being can result in a lack of emotional resilience and meaningful connections. Similarly, an excessive focus on intellectual pursuits without attention to physical or spiritual aspects may lead to burnout and a sense of disconnect. Holistic well-being requires a harmonious integration of various dimensions, acknowledging that each facet contributes to the overall health of an individual. Striking a balance across physical, emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual aspects ensures a more robust and sustainable approach to long-term Holistic wellness.
Two quotes on Self-awareness and Introspection:
Carl Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist and psychotherapist, highlights that holistic well-being requires self-awareness and introspection towards the reality of our lives:
“Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.”
Greg Anderson, founder of Cancer Recovery Foundation International, suggests that holistic wellness is about nurturing an individual as a whole: physical, mental, emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual:
"Wellness is not a ‘medical fix’ but a way of living – a lifestyle sensitive and responsive to all the dimensions of body, mind, and spirit, an approach to life we each design to achieve our highest potential for well-being now and forever.”
One relevant recommendation:
A weekly wellness challenge to promote healthy behaviours to foster the mind-body connection in your life. Pick one of the two activities for this week and reflect on how you feel after doing it.
Walk barefoot on the grass, or indoors for 15 minutes. Notice the sensations that pass through your body as you move. This activity allows us to feel grounded, facilitates bodily awareness and helps us reconnect with ourselves.
Put your feet up on the wall. Lie on your back on the floor and put up your feet against the wall. Lay your arms on the floor and allow your body to rest for 10-15 minutes. It is known to reduce muscle tension. Notice your bodily sensations while doing so.
Love and light,
The Social Therapist
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