Holistic Wellness

What is "holistic wellness?" Let's start by looking at some definitions. From Dictionary.com:

Holistic <ho•lis•tic (hō-ˈlis-tik)>
adj
1 : of or relating to holism
2 : relating to or concerned with wholes or with complete systems rather than with the analysis of, treatment of, or dissection into parts < holistic medicine attempts to treat both the mind and the body>

Wellness <well•ness (wěl'nĭs)>
n.
The condition of good physical and mental health, esp. when maintained by proper diet, exercise, and habits.

Therefore, we'll create a working definition of "Holistic Wellness" as: your whole system being in good physical and mental condition.

To keep your whole system in good physical and mental condition, a few things are important:

 1. Exercise
Getting, at least, 30 minutes of exercise is the minimum. Optimally, you will get 60 minutes of exercise each and every day. Your best approach is a combination of cardio, flexibility, strength training and core work.
2. Heathly Eating
As Michael Pollan says, "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants." Following this advice is the best thing you could do for your diet. Beyond that, learning what kinds and how much food works best for your body is important. We are all different and our food choices should compliment our differences. Aim to have, at least, 80% of your meals prepared at home using whole natural ingredients (which excludes 99% of things that come in boxes). And, drink water. On average you should be drinking 1/2 of your body weight in ounces of water each and every day.
3. Rest
You've heard it before. Get 7-8 hours of sleep per night. It helps regulate your metabolism, allows your body to recharge and regenerate and you'll just feel better. Sleep is cheap. Lack of sleep is very expensive.
4. Purpose
Are you living your life's purpose? Are you pursing your dreams? Working on something you love and toward something you believe in is part of wellness. When we are spending our time doing something we love, we benefit greatly. Most of us spend the vast majority of our time working. If you're not working on something you really love, you're missing an opportunity. Sure, you might not be able to quit your job today, but you can make a step, no matter how small, toward your dream and purpose each and every day.
5. Community
Build a community around you. Friends, family and colleagues. Studies show having a community is very important for our wellness and longevity. It (almost) goes without saying your community should be a positive force in your life. If you're currently in a community with too much negativity, build another one.

Holistic Wellness. Whole You.