Deep Health

Deep Health

Imagine your life as a well-balanced meal. You wouldn't be satisfied with just one ingredient, would you? Similarly, Deep Health serves up a feast of six essential components that work together to nourish your overall well-being.

You see, when we take it upon ourselves to push hard and drive towards an ambitious goal, we can be blinded by it, and often, it consumes us, and we don't feel better. For example, ignoring the connection between our physical and emotional states can harm our mental health, becoming a problem for our social health. All six dimensions are connected, and the sooner we realise it, the more straightforward everything can become when looking at a picture of our overall health or how to feel happier.

In the wellness space, it is common to see people becoming hung up on pursuing 1 goal: run a marathon, lose 5kgs or meditate for 30 days straight. Whilst these efforts are commendable, they usually miss something deeper that underpins the quest. Often these goals come to fruition because of an underlying desire: to feel better. Now, 'better' might mean healthier, happier, or more energised, but to make any of these deeper desires happen, it's important to be aware of 'deep health'. 

By embracing a holistic view, we gain a richer and more accurate understanding of what's happening within us. It empowers us to explore the intricate connections between our physical, mental, emotional, existential, social, and environmental health. Only then can we begin to address the underlying causes that contribute to our challenges and unlock the path towards better well-being.

In this article, I will walk you through what they are and how they interact in more detail. 

First on our plate is Physical Health. But we're not just talking about washboard abs or the ability to run a marathon (though those are nice perks). This dimension goes beyond the mirror and stopwatch. It's about how your body feels and functions daily. Can you play with your kids without getting winded or wake up in the morning without those pesky aches and pains? That's physical health in action.

Next, we have Mental and Cognitive Health. This isn't just about acing crossword puzzles or being the trivia king or queen. It's about maintaining a sharp mind, having a positive perspective, and harnessing creativity. It's about being able to focus when it counts, problem-solve effectively, and continue to learn and grow.

Now, let's turn our attention to Emotional Health. This is about experiencing a full range of emotions and knowing how to express and manage them appropriately, not necessarily always being happy. Do you bounce back after a tough day, or do small annoyances send you into a tailspin? The answer could be a sign of your emotional health.

Existential or Purposeful Health is something less frequently discussed. You might also hear this referred to as spiritual health or soul fitness. Regardless of what you call it, this dimension is about having a deeper "why" in your life. It's about having a strong sense of self and feeling part of something larger than your day-to-day routine.

On to Social and Relational Health. As humans, we're wired to connect with others. This dimension concerns our ability to form and maintain authentic, fulfilling, and reciprocal relationships. It's about feeling seen, respected, and supported by the people around us.

Last but certainly not least, we have Environmental Health. This is about feeling safe, secure, and supported by our surroundings. It's not just about living in a clean, healthy environment—it's about accessing resources like healthcare and nutritious food and feeling a sense of personal autonomy and agency. Also, as habitual creatures, we are often influenced by our surroundings. Let's say you are safe and have what you need around you. In the modern world, a plethora of convenience does not necessarily promote health. Ultra-processed foods, smartphones, and reduced activity levels are just three examples of how evolution has harmed us. In your home, how many whole foods are at your fingertips? How easy is it to grab processed foods when you're tired and hungry? Swap the biscuit tin for the fruit bowl, and you'll be one step closer to health. The things around us are all part of our environment, no matter how insignificant we might think they are. We can simplify our approach to health by paying attention to our surroundings.

The beauty of Deep Health lies in the intricate web of connections between its dimensions. Picture a vibrant ecosystem where each element relies on the others for balance and harmony. In the world of Deep Health, it's hard to separate one dimension from the rest because they intertwine and influence each other profoundly.

Now that I have outlined the different scenarios let's examine how they impact each other. 

Suppose you find yourself living in a low-income neighbourhood with limited access to fresh, healthy food (a social and environmental factor). In that case, you'll likely lean towards more processed foods (a psychological factor). Over time, this can impact your gut health and overall well-being (a biological factor). As you can see, each dimension plays a role, and addressing the root causes requires looking at the bigger picture.

How about correcting a nutritional deficiency and improving communication between brain cells (a biological factor). As a result, you may experience increased happiness and energy (an emotional factor). This newfound vitality might inspire you to join a regular exercise class, where you connect with a supportive community (social and environmental factors). The emotional benefits continue to boost your overall well-being and give you a sense of purpose (an existential factor). In this scenario, it becomes clear that multiple dimensions contribute to your improved health.

Deep Health hinges on the understanding that true well-being goes beyond superficial explanations and quick fixes. It's about digging deeper and uncovering the root causes of our health challenges. When we address these underlying factors, we have a better chance of experiencing lasting improvements and a true sense of vitality.

Imagine if we simplified health issues with overly simplistic explanations like "Hormone X is always what makes people gain fat" or "Food Y is what causes cancer." Deep Health encourages us to resist such reductionist thinking. It reminds us that our well-being is a complex interplay of various dimensions, each with its own unique contribution.

This might all sound good, but how can we incorporate it into our daily lives? And can't I look for a simple fix? Well, of course, you can, and this is not meant to come across as a complicated topic; more of an awareness piece. 

All of the coaching and advice I deliver uses these principles, but they are given slowly. The idea of being a little better today than you were yesterday is how I weave the concepts of deep health into my clients' lives. Radical change is not a great strategy for most human beings. 

Here's an example of how it might work for someone desperate to lose weight and get fit but struggling with energy and illness. We take some of the pressure away from those two areas and focus our efforts on the other areas, such as connecting with others (social) and giving the kitchen a makeover (environmental). Both areas will impact the physical self, which is the main area they are focusing on. Feeling joy from spending time with people often leads to better food choices in the long run. A kitchen makeover is one of my favourite ways to subtly change eating habits - make the fruit bowl obvious and take the wine or beer out of the fridge, which leads to more fruit being eaten and less alcohol being drunk.

Of course, we look at daily caloric intake vs output, but it is only one piece of the puzzle.

Living a busy, fast-paced life doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your health and well-being. Here are some practical tips to help you incorporate the principles of Deep Health into your daily routine, even with a packed schedule:

1. Prioritise self-care: carve out dedicated time for self-care activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul. Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine, whether it's a short meditation session, a leisurely walk in nature, or indulging in a hobby you love.

2. Make movement a daily habit: find creative ways to incorporate physical activity into your busy day. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, schedule short workout sessions, or even engage in active hobbies with your family or friends. Every little bit counts!

3. Nourish your body with real food: despite time constraints, aim to make healthy food choices that fuel your body. Plan your meals in advance, batch-cook nutritious meals, and opt for whole, unprocessed foods whenever possible. Remember, small steps towards healthier eating can lead to significant long-term benefits.

4. Cultivate positive relationships: invest time and effort into building and nurturing meaningful connections with loved ones. Schedule regular time with your family and friends, communicate openly and honestly, and be present during your interactions. Meaningful relationships contribute to our overall happiness and well-being.

5. Create a supportive environment: optimise your surroundings to support your Deep Health goals. Declutter your physical space, surround yourself with positive influences, and seek resources aligning with your well-being values. This can include finding health professionals, joining supportive communities, or even organising your home to promote relaxation and tranquillity.

Remember, these tips are meant to be adaptable to your unique circumstances. Incorporate them gradually and find what works best for you. Prioritising your health and well-being is an ongoing journey. Start with small, consistent steps, and you can gradually create a life that nourishes your body, mind, and spirit.

You've taken the first steps toward understanding the transformative power of Deep Health. By embracing the interconnected dimensions of physical, mental, emotional, existential, social, and environmental well-being, you're unlocking a world of possibilities for a vibrant and fulfilling life.

Remember, Deep Health isn't about perfection or rigid rules. It's about finding your own unique balance and cultivating a sense of vitality and purpose. It's about recognising that true well-being encompasses more than just the number on a scale or the minutes logged at the gym. It's a holistic approach that allows you to thrive in all aspects of your life.

So, as you continue on your Deep Health journey, be patient with yourself. Embrace progress over perfection and celebrate each small step forward. Surround yourself with a supportive community, seek guidance from qualified professionals, and never underestimate the power of self-care.

You have the power to reclaim your youthful energy, nourish your body and mind, and live a life that resonates with your deepest values.