When we think about health, it’s common to get caught up in the physical aspects – fitness, weight, and the like. But health encompasses so much more than that. Whole body health recognizes that our physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being are all deeply interconnected. Therefore, to thrive, we need to nurture each of these areas and bring them into harmony.

As we celebrate Women’s Month, we ought to be reminded of the trailblazing women who have long advocated for a holistic approach to health (1). From the herbalists/healers of the past to the medical pioneers of today, these women have shown us that health goes beyond treating symptoms, it’s about cultivating balance and well-being in every area of our lives. And this approach isn’t limited to women, its importance extends to everyone. Think of your health like a house. Your physical body provides the foundation, your mental health forms the walls, your emotional wellbeing is the roof that protects you, and social connections are the surroundings that nourish and support you, much like the neighborhood. Just as a house requires care for all of these elements to stand strong, our health relies on a similar holistic approach. Neglect one aspect, and the entire structure can become unstable (2).

This approach to health isn’t a new concept. For centuries, people across cultures have intuitively understood the value of combining multiple healing systems, a practice known as medical pluralism (3). Our ancestors knew that treating just one aspect of health wasn’t enough. Traditional medicine has highlighted the need to address all dimensions of well-being, recognizing how physical, emotional, and social factors are deeply connected (4).

Modern research has validated this timeless wisdom. The food we eat plays a critical role in this foundation. Our diet profoundly impacts our hormones, energy levels, cognitive function, and even our mood. Consuming whole, nutrient-rich foods can help stabilize our blood sugar, boost our physical and mental well-being, and set us up for long-term health (6). Similarly, exercise is often misunderstood as merely purely physical, but its benefits extend far beyond muscles and calories. Regular movement sharpens the mind, soothes emotions, and even supports healthy digestion (7). The key is finding physical activities that energize and uplift you, rather than deplete youd (8).

In today’s fast-paced world, rest is more crucial than ever. Sleep plays a critical role in healing our bodies, consolidating memories, and balancing hormones (9). A single poor night’s sleep can have far-reaching consequences, affecting blood sugar, appetite, and focus. Making sleep one of your priorities is a powerful way to improve overall health and well-being. Moreover, chronic stress can disrupt hormonal balance and lead to inflammation (5). Fortunately, tools like mindfulness, breathwork, and journaling can help break the stress cycle and foster greater well-being. Similarly, social connections are also essential to health, with strong relationships associated with better physical health, reduced inflammation, and enhanced immunity (6). Together, nurturing both mental and social well-being creates a strong foundation for overall health. 

Rather than approaching health with dread, let’s approach it as a valuable investment in our future. Establishing healthy habits today can reap significant benefits later in life. The Nutrition Network’s Whole Body Health program is designed to help people adopt a holistic well-being approach. This 12-week, science-backed course provides participants with the tools and strategies needed to nurture their physical, emotional, and social health (10).

Health is not just about avoiding illness; it’s about cultivating a deep sense of vitality and meaningful connection. When we invest in whole-body health, we’re building a brighter, more resilient future for ourselves. 

Lisa Marashula

References

Eko Health. (2024). Trailblazing Women in Healthcare. https://www.ekohealth.com/blogs/eko-blog/trailblazing-women-in-healthcare 

Kentucky Counseling Center. (2024) Benefits of a Holistic Approach to Health and Wellness. https://kentuckycounselingcenter.com/benefits-of-a-holistic-approach-to-health-and-wellness/ 

Khalikova, V. (2023). Medical pluralism. In The Open Encyclopedia of Anthropology, edited by Felix Stein. Facsimile of the first edition in The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Anthropology. Available online: https://doi.org/10.29164/21medplural

Bodeker, G. and Kronenberg, F. (2002) A public health agenda for traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine. American Journal of Public Health, 92(10), 1582-1591. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.92.10.1582

Cohen, S., Janicki-Deverts, D., Doyle, W.J., Miller, G.E., Frank, E., Rabin, B.S. and Turner, R.B. (2012). Chronic stress, glucocorticoid receptor resistance, inflammation, and disease risk. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 109(16), 5995-5999. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1118355109

Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T.B. and Layton, J.B. (2010) Social relationships and mortality risk: a meta-analytic review. PLoS Medicine, 7(7), e1000316. doi: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1000316

Jacka, F.N., O’Neil, A., Opie, R., Itsiopoulos, C., Cotton, S., Mohebbi, M., Castle, D., Dash, S., Mihalopoulos, C., Chatterton, M.L. and Brazionis, L. (2017) A randomised controlled trial of dietary improvement for adults with major depression (the ‘SMILES’ trial). BMC Medicine, 15(1), 23. doi: 10.1186/s12916-017-0791-y

Mikkelsen, K., Stojanovska, L., Polenakovic, M., Bosevski, M. and Apostolopoulos, V. (2017) Exercise and mental health. Maturitas, 106, 48-56. doi: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2017.09.015

Walker, M. (2017) Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams. New York: Scribner.

Nutrition Network (2025). Launching Whole Body Health: A transformational 12-Week Journey to Sustainable Wellness and Health Mastery. https://nutrition-network.org/nutrition-network-launches-whole-body-health/ 

Key Takeaways

1. Whole body health integrates physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being, emphasizing that true health requires attention to all interconnected aspects, not just physical fitness or weight.
2. Women have long led the way in advocating for holistic health, from traditional healers to modern medical pioneers.
3.   Eating whole, nutrient-rich foods, moving your body in ways you enjoy, and prioritizing rest—lay the groundwork for long-term well-being.
4.   Stress and poor sleep harm immunity and focus, while strong social ties and mindfulness can help restore health.
5. The Nutrition Network’s Whole Body Health program focuses on real habits that empower you with science-backed strategies for a healthier life.