International Integrative Health Day

It’s often difficult to widen your lens and focus on the big picture. This can also prove true in health care. While specialized care is necessary to treat complex conditions, the wholeness of the patient should be a priority as well. The team at UF Health Integrative Medicine aims to treat the whole person – mind, body, and spirit.

January 23 is International Integrative Health Day and we encourage you to take a moment to consider how you can incorporate self-care and holistic healing into your daily routine.

Here are some ideas to celebrate integrative health: Invite a friend out to a healthy lunch – Be conscious of the menu and customize your normal selection or order a healthier option such as a salad or grilled chicken with steamed vegetables.

Reconnect with nature – Spending time outdoors is a great way to improve your mood and give yourself a much needed break. Go for a walk outside, explore a new trail or plan to do some gardening on the weekend.

Practice mindfulness – Find a quiet area and practice deep breathing techniques as you clear your mind. Take the opportunity to focus on letting go of attachments, criticism and anxious thoughts as you narrow in on being in the moment.

Take time to de-stress – Constant stress can have a negative impact on your overall health. Find what helps you relax whether it’s exercise, meditation, or listening to music. Cultivate positivity by writing a gratitude list. Listing the things that you are thankful for is shown to be a useful tool for reflection and stress management.

Educate yourself – Build on your knowledge of integrative health by reading an article, tuning into a podcast or scheduling an appointment with a physician board-certified in integrative medicine.

To learn more about integrative medicine and incorporating it into your health care, visit the Integrative Medicine website.