
Many people are still quite unfamiliar with what holistic wellness is all about. I’ve put together a list of five of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to learning about holistic wellness and living a holistic lifestyle.
Table of Contents
1. What does it really mean to live a holistic lifestyle?
A holistic lifestyle is about addressing physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and environmental well-being together, rather than focusing on just one area like diet or exercise. It means creating holistic habits that make up your daily routine. These generally include things like;
- Eating whole, natural foods
- Practicing mindfulness and self-awareness
- Engaging in regular physical activity (yoga, walking, etc.)
- Living in alignment with nature and your life purpose
- Using natural remedies and preventative care whenever possible
2. How do I start a holistic lifestyle if I feel overwhelmed?
Start small, with the basics (get a quick introduction to holistic wellness). Choose 1 or 2 areas of your life that need the most attention. Here’s a few examples:
- Begin your day with a mindful ritual (lemon water, breathwork, or journaling)
- Swap processed foods with whole foods, preferrably organic, preferrably seasonal
- Practice 10 minutes of gentle yoga or stretching
- Reduce screen time and increase time in nature
- Keep a gratitude or brain dump journal
You can also download my printable planners, journals, workbooks, and checklists designed especially for beginners who are overwhelmed.
3. Is holistic living scientifically backed, or is it just a trend?
Many holistic practices are evidence-informed and increasingly supported by modern research. Examples:
- Meditation and mindfulness: Proven to reduce anxiety, depression, and chronic pain
- Yoga: Enhances flexibility, cardiovascular health, and emotional regulation
- Plant-based diets: Linked to lower inflammation, heart disease, and better gut health
- Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): While more research is needed, both have centuries of case-based application and are increasingly studied for integrative care
4. Can holistic practices really help with stress, anxiety, or sleep issues?
Yes, when practiced consistently, holistic methods can be very effective:
- Mindfulness meditation and breathwork reduce cortisol and calm the nervous system
- Adaptogenic herbs (like ashwagandha or reishi) may support adrenal health (consult a professional first)
- Sound therapy, aromatherapy, forest bathing, and acupressure can support nervous system regulation
- Good sleep hygiene before bed can promote restful sleep
- Yoga Nidra and guided meditations are powerful tools for stress and sleep
5. What are some foundational habits of a holistic lifestyle?
Here are core habits for living a holistic lifestyle:
Area of Life | Example |
---|---|
Nutrition | Eat seasonal, organic, whole foods made from scratch |
Movement | Walking, standing more than sitting, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) |
Mindfulness | Meditation and contemplation, slowing down, not multitasking |
Sleep | Get morning light early, no food, screens, or bright lights after sunset, cool dark bedroom |
Detox & Self-Care | Use natural hygiene products, dry brushing, saunas |
Mental Health | Journaling, stress reduction, nature connection |
Spiritual Health | Finding and living your life purpose, higher power connection |