Wellness means different things to different people, depending on their personal goals for achieving and maintaining good health. Holistic wellness activities support overall well-being rather than a single component of it.

When thinking about health, what first comes to mind for most people is physical health. However, holistic health also considers mental wellness, emotional wellness, and social wellness.

What is holistic health and wellness?

Being healthy and well means being satisfied with life, able to participate in the things you love, and in a position to be fulfilled with what the day brings. Having good lab results and positive check-ups with a doctor is part of it, but it also includes being able to talk with family and friends and get around to do the things you love. It takes conscious decisions to stay healthy and well, like exercising and eating a nutritious diet, being mindful, and expressing yourself.

Why holistic wellness activities matter

The different aspects of holistic wellness need to be equally supported, as each affects the others.

• Physical wellness refers to how the body functions and feels, and is promoted through regular activity, an exercise routine suited to individual needs and capabilities, proper nutrition, healthy sleep habits, and disease maintenance or prevention.
• Mental wellness encompasses cognitive health and involves managing stress, maintaining healthy brain activity through cognitive engagement, understanding behavior, staying resilient, and fostering a positive outlook.
• Emotional wellness supports self-awareness by helping us understand and manage thoughts and feelings, both positive and negative, and by managing stress and life’s challenges in healthy ways.
• Social wellness involves building and maintaining healthy relationships with family, friends, and the community to support a sense of connection and belonging, while also keeping healthy boundaries.

Learn more about the benefits of holistic wellness.

Types of holistic wellness activities

Thinking about making changes to improve your health can feel overwhelming. It is common for people to consciously or unconsciously create obstacles to getting started. However, breaking down a holistic wellness approach into its components can make these changes feel less daunting. In fact, many holistic wellness activities are things that most people already do in everyday life.

Physical wellness activities

Physical wellness keeps the body healthy by actively engaging in activities that support physical strength, mobility, energy levels, and daily functioning. Typical physical wellness activities can include:

• Walking, jogging, or running
• Weight lifting or other strength training
• Gardening and yardwork
• Yoga, including chair yoga
• Balance exercises
• Tai chi or Qi Dong
• Dancing
• Recreational sports, like paddleball, golf, or tennis

Choose physical wellness activities that suit your interests and abilities. Remember, too, that simple choices like taking the stairs, parking further from an entrance, or standing up and stretching or walking in place for a few minutes every hour can all have positive benefits.

Mental wellness activities

Mental health and wellness are just as important as physical health and wellness. Self-awareness, stress management, resilience, healthy coping skills, and meaningful relationships are essential to staying mentally healthy.

Of course, professional support is important for those who struggle with mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, but engaging in mental wellness activities is essential for everyone. These can include:

• Journaling and letter-writing
• Mindfulness, meditation, and guided reflection
• Drawing, coloring, and painting
• Games and puzzles
• Reading
• Memory games, crosswords, and word searches
• Learning a new skill or hobby
• Taking workshops or classes
• Volunteering

When it comes to mental health and wellness, there is virtually no end to the possible activities, so long as they are healthy and beneficial to overall well-being.

Emotional wellness activities

Emotional wellness and mental wellness are closely intertwined, but there are important distinctions. Mental wellness is more closely tied to cognition and logic, including how you think and process information. Emotional wellness is more centered on how you feel and, in turn, how you manage and express your emotions. You can support your emotional wellness by:

• Practicing gratitude
• Listening to music
• Getting a massage
• Spending time in nature
• Participating in support groups
• Different forms of creative expression
• Engaging in self-care routines
• Disengaging from social media

Emotional wellness activities focus on supporting self-awareness and balance. They can be similar to mental wellness activities, like journaling or meditation, but their purpose is different. For example, meditation for mental wellness can calm your breathing and reduce stress in the moment, while meditation for emotional wellness can help you identify the feelings causing stress.

Social wellness activities

The importance of social wellness is frequently overlooked. Social wellness is how you build and maintain healthy connections with others, while setting boundaries that support self-care. Social wellness includes having both deep, meaningful relationships with family and friends, and lighter, friendly connections with community members.

Social wellness activities can include any that foster a sense of belonging and connectedness, such as:

• Volunteering
• Participating in community events
• Shared meals
• Book clubs
• Group classes or hobbies
• Exercise classes
• Quality time with friends
• Family gatherings

Isolation and loneliness take a toll on your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Being socially engaged and having healthy relationships are critical to holistic health and wellness. Even something as simple as having a scheduled weekly call with a close friend or family member can greatly impact social wellness.

Daily habits that support overall wellness

The health and wellness benefits of engaging in a holistic health care program or routine cannot be overstated. Regular medical appointments will help you stay physically healthy, but they are just one component. Attention to mental, emotional, and social wellness is also needed.

Still, holistic health care need not involve complex measures or organized programs and activities. There are countless small things you can do in everyday life that can have tremendous positive impacts on all dimensions of health and wellness, many of which you likely already do. Consider these small steps you can take to improve overall well-being:

• Keep a healthy daily routine
• Drink plenty of water
• Get regular sleep
• Eat balanced meals and avoid overly processed foods
• Spend time outdoors each day and get some sunlight
• Take time to rest
• Reduce your screen time
• Spend less time sitting
• Reduce alcohol consumption

Additionally, stay tuned in to your mental health and wellness. If you’re feeling lonely, reach out to a friend or family member. If you’re feeling restless, take a walk or move your body however you can. Remember, every small, healthy decision you make will improve your holistic health.

How to build a holistic wellness routine

Life can be challenging at times, and multiple factors can affect health and wellness, including illness, injury, personal loss, and life transitions such as retirement. It is normal to have days when you feel tired, sad, overwhelmed, or unmotivated. What is crucial is not to stay stuck.

Following a holistic guide to wellness may seem intimidating at first, but remember that your wellness routine is suited to your needs and goals. So include some things you love to do and some easier ways to start the things you struggle with.

Start by considering your daily routine as it is and choosing one or two things you can change or add. Once these become routine, add something new. Choose things that support multiple parts of your health, like spending time outdoors or developing a sleep routine. Ask a friend or family member to start something new with you. Most importantly, remember to focus on consistency, not perfection.

Learn more about health and wellness activities with Cedarbrook of Northville

At Cedarbrook of Northville, we recognize the importance of a holistic approach to care, ensuring residents enjoy the highest quality of life. With over 20 years of experience providing quality senior living care, we offer an array of programs, activities, and amenities that support our residents’ holistic well-being.

Call 734.865.2765 today to learn more about the holistic wellness activities we offer and schedule a tour.