A Holistic Approach to Whole Health for Veterans

Health isn’t just about one thing. Taking a holistic approach to your well-being can help you be the best, healthiest version of yourself. Here’s how to do it.

A whole health approach involves focusing on what matters to you.

Whole health recognizes the fundamental importance of nutrition, activity, sleep, relationships, environment, and the many other areas of your life that contribute to your well-being.

In addition to traditional healthcare, whole health can include self-care strategies like acupuncture, massage, meditation, or yoga to help you feel your best.

Read on to learn about how to unlock your holistic health goals.

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Get social

Connecting and socializing with others, including those with shared experiences, plays a critical role in improving your overall health.

One way to foster a bond with other Veterans is to attend or organize a social. Potential activities might include going for coffee, going bowling, or volunteering.

Need help planning your gatherings with fellow Veterans? The VA has resources to get you started.

Nourish yourself

A more nutritious diet doesn’t require an overhaul. Making the following small changes can make a big difference to your health:

Establish regular meal times: Skipping meals can cause a dip in energy levels. Fueling regularly throughout the day can help you stay alert and ready to take on what the day brings.

Have nutritious, enjoyable snacks on hand: Fill your pantry or fridge with easy-to-grab snacks like crackers, cheese, fruit, nuts, and seeds.

Add greens to your meals: Green, leafy vegetables are antioxidant and fiber-rich and are a great way to boost the nutrient content of any meal. Sneak kale into mac and cheese, add spinach to morning smoothies, or top pizza with arugula.

If you’re looking for additional help with your nutrition, consider consulting a VA-registered dietitian.

Move your body

When it comes to fun, heart-pumping exercise, there are plenty of options for getting and staying active, including Team Red, White, and Blue, a community for Veterans, military families, and service members that helps Veterans build a healthier lifestyle through various fitness programs and events that are held across the United States. Gerofit is also another great resource, as the program promotes health and wellness for older Veterans at 33 VA Healthcare Systems around the country.

Get regular checkups

The Veterans Health Administration offers a wide range of specialty healthcare programs, a personal health inventory checklist, clinical services, and support to help you and your family live life to the fullest.

Depending on your needs, resources available to you include:

pain management programs

rehabilitation programs

prosthetics and sensory aids

telehealth programs

primary care physician access

Get a financial checkup

Money troubles can be stressful. If you worry about debt, housing costs, and the rising cost of living, you’re not alone. According to a recent survey, 64% of Veterans reported not having enough money to make ends meet sometime in the past year.

If you’re having financial challenges or are looking for guidance on how to achieve your financial goals, there are various VA resources available to you, including:

debt management help

financial literacy education

information on housing assistance

help with financial and legal issues

You can also look to resources like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which offers a tool to help you plan your Social Security claiming age, which can be especially useful for Veterans.

Look to spirituality

Having a sense of purpose and meaning can provide strength in difficult times. According to a 2021 review, religion and spirituality can positively affect physical and mental health.

Being spiritual doesn’t have to involve religion — you may look to a higher power or find other ways to give your life meaning, like volunteering. Spirituality might also involve a mindfulness or gratitude practice.

Posted : 2024-08-29 10:50

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