Today, more and more professionals in the medical and mental health fields are incorporating holistic modalities. It’s not enough to just go to a doctor and have your physical needs met. Or to simply go to a therapist and have your emotional and psychological needs met. Instead, research is beginning to show that when men and women explore all facets of them (physical, emotional, psychological, physiological, social, intellectual, and spiritual) they have a greater connection with themselves.

In turn, by being more deeply connected with who they are, they might also have a greater understanding of what brings them happiness and joy, meaning and purpose, and satisfaction and accomplishment. In order for a person to overcome challenges and reach their goals, they would be better off finding ways to nurture their mind, body, and soul.

Below is a description of the different aspects of being human, each of which require nurturing or nourishing from time to time.

Mind

This includes self acceptance, personal growth, positive relationships, optimism about the future, and whether one is open to new experiences. Psychological well being also includes feeling hopeful about one’s life, and feeling like you have control over the environment, This also include having a sense of direction in life and feeling that you have a say in that direction. Lastly, this can include one’s perceived satisfaction in life, their happiness, their sense of peace and their ability to experience joy.

Body

This aspect of one’s well being includes not only feeling physically fit, but also having a connection with one’s body. It means feeling physically able to do what you want, such as hiking in the mountains, swimming in the ocean, or dancing with friends. At times, with a deeper connection to the body, a person may find that there are also soulful, emotional, and psychological benefits. For instance, a regular practice of yoga can bring mental clarity and emotional stability.

Soul

This may include the ability to express and find meaning and purpose in life. It can include feeling connected to oneself, others, nature, and/or a power greater than oneself. Being spiritually healthy may facilitate a person’s journey toward self-discovery. This might also include being creative, expressing curiosity toward certain subjects and exploring those subjects, as well as developing the skill of lifelong learning. This involves whether one feels socially accepted, believes in the potential of others and in society as a whole. It includes personal self worth and a sense of usefulness to society. Lastly, social well being includes having a sense of community.

It’s not always easy to have all of these parts of life balanced. Yet, working with a professional, especially one that works holistically can help with exploring these facets of life. A holistic professional might be a somatic (body) therapist, life coach, or expressive arts therapist. Fortunately, professionals who work holistically are becoming easier and easier to find.