Holistic Living for Veterans: A Path to Healing and Well-being

Trela-Mayes-Bishop-SWIHA-blog

The transition from military to civilian life can be stressful and overwhelming, and many veterans such as myself have struggled with physical and mental health issues. Choosing SWIHA wasn't what I wanted to do it was what I needed to do. As a veteran who didn't finish basic training and who walked away with a lot of aggression, holistic living has taught me there's so much to live. Holistic living has offered a path to healing and well-being for myself and so many other veterans by addressing the whole person and promoting balance in all areas of life.

What is Holistic Living to me and how can it benefit you?

Holistic living is an approach to life that considers the whole person - body, mind, and spirit - and seeks to promote balance and well-being in all areas of life. It involves taking a comprehensive approach to health and wellness, focusing on nutrition, exercise, mental health, and spiritual practices.

How Can Holistic Living Help Veterans?

Holistic living can be particularly helpful for veterans who have experienced physical and emotional trauma during their service. Holistic Living allows you to tap into the emotions you carry to identify what could be triggering your body. This lifestyle has gifted me great joy because I no longer feel I am suffering from PTSD as a veteran. I can easily identify my triggers and where they are coming from by doing a body scan. If I completely ignored my traumas and focused strictly on my PTSD, I would be on medication with no healing involved.

Here are some ways that holistic living can benefit veterans:

Physical Health

Holistic living emphasizes the importance of physical health, including regular exercise, healthy eating, and adequate rest. This can help veterans manage chronic pain, improve their sleep, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

Mental Health

Holistic living also addresses mental health, which is a critical component of overall well-being. Mindfulness practices such as meditation and yoga can help veterans to manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Spiritual Health

For some veterans, spiritual practices such as prayer or meditation can help them find meaning and purpose in life after military service. These practices can also provide a sense of community and connection with others who share similar experiences.

Social Health

Holistic living also emphasizes the importance of social health, including building strong relationships with family and friends, participating in community activities, and volunteering. These activities can help veterans to feel connected to others and to find a sense of purpose and belonging. Upon exiting the military and entering civilian life, I quickly realized the energy to be strong and strict; I had to release from my body to regain my social skills. Social Health in the Holistic world means we can enjoy company outside of ourselves. Find people who align with your spiritual beliefs yet challenge you to be the best version of yourself.

Getting Started with Holistic Living

If you're a veteran interested in exploring holistic living, there are many resources available to help you get started. Here are some tips:

Start with small changes: Small changes to your diet, exercise routine, or daily routine can help you build healthy habits over time.
Seek support: Consider joining a support group or working with a therapist specializing in holistic health and wellness approaches.
Explore different practices: There are many different holistic practices to choose from, including yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and massage therapy. Experiment with different practices to find what works best for you.
Be patient: Healing and well-being take time, so be patient with yourself as you explore holistic living.

Holistic living offers a path to healing and well-being for veterans by addressing the whole person and promoting balance in all areas of life. By focusing on physical, mental, spiritual, and social health, veterans can find a sense of purpose and connection after military service. If you're a veteran interested in exploring holistic living, start small and seek support as you build healthy habits over time.