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Unorthodox Holistic Health Practices With Huge Benefits

Varsha Chowdhury • May 24, 2023

Unorthodox Holistic Health Practices With Huge Benefits


Embrace the Extraordinary

Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey toward holistic well-being? In this unique and educational article, I'll delve into practical guidance and unusual practices, backed by scientific insights, that can revolutionise your approach to health.


Your mind, body, and spirit are interconnected, and holistic health practices offer a comprehensive approach to well-being. Unlike conventional medicine, holistic health focuses on treating the whole person, addressing the root causes rather than merely suppressing symptoms. By embracing a holistic lifestyle, you empower yourself to achieve optimal health and vitality.


But before I go on to unlocking the extraordinary ways though, let’s briefly go over the more well known and well documented ones first, to be comprehensive, and also because they all offer equally important benefits.


🌿Harnessing Nature's Healing Power 🌳

Scientific studies consistently highlight the therapeutic effects of nature on our well-being. Spending time in nature, known as "ecotherapy," has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall mental and physical health. Exposure to natural environments can boost immune function, lower blood pressure, and increase creativity and focus.


💡Scientific Insight: According to the Attention Restoration Theory, natural settings provide a respite from the constant demands of modern life, allowing our cognitive resources to replenish. This restoration of attention and mental fatigue reduction contributes to improved well-being.


🌿Embracing Mindful Eating for Optimal Nutrition 🍽️

The practice of mindful eating encourages us to be fully present during meals, engaging all our senses and paying attention to hunger cues and satiety. By savoring each bite and choosing whole, nutrient-dense foods, we nourish our bodies with the vital nutrients they need for optimal functioning.


💡Scientific Insight: Mindful eating has been linked to improved digestion, weight management, and reduced emotional eating. Research suggests that mindful eating practices increase the release of satiety hormones, leading to better portion control and an improved relationship with food.


🌿Exploring the Power of Movement and Exercise 🤸‍♀️

Engaging in regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining a healthy body and mind. Whether it's cardio, strength training, yoga, or tai chi, finding a form of exercise that resonates with you can enhance your physical fitness, boost your mood, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.


💡Scientific Insight: Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, commonly known as "feel-good" hormones, which contribute to improved mood and reduced stress. Additionally, physical activity enhances cardiovascular health, strengthens bones and muscles, and improves cognitive function.


🌿Cultivating Inner Harmony and Mindfulness 🧘‍♂️

In our fast-paced lives, finding moments of inner peace and tranquility is essential for holistic well-being. Practices like meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness cultivate self-awareness, reduce anxiety, and promote emotional resilience.


💡Scientific Insight: Research has shown that mindfulness-based practices positively impact brain structure and function. Regular meditation and mindfulness training can increase gray matter volume in brain regions associated with emotional regulation and attention, leading to improved emotional well-being.


🌿Fostering Meaningful Connections and Social Support 💞

Human connection is a fundamental aspect of holistic health. Nurturing relationships, cultivating empathy, and fostering social support networks not only bring joy and fulfillment but also contribute to improved mental health, resilience, and overall life satisfaction.


💡Scientific Insight: Numerous studies emphasize the impact of social connections on health outcomes. Strong social support has been associated with lower levels of stress, improved immune function, and reduced risk of mental health disorders. Engaging in social activities and maintaining healthy relationships can have a profound positive effect on our holistic well-being.


Okkk peeps…..it is time now for the juicy bits😄 A few extraordinary holistic health practices backed by science -


🌿Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku) 🌴

Forest bathing, a practice originating from Japan called "Shinrin-Yoku," involves immersing yourself in a forest environment and engaging your senses. Scientific studies have shown that spending time in forests can reduce blood pressure, lower stress hormone levels, and boost immune function. The natural essential oils emitted by trees, known as phytoncides, have been found to enhance the activity of natural killer cells, strengthening the immune system.


💡Scientific Insight: Forest bathing promotes relaxation and activates the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to a state of calmness and improved well-being. It also offers a break from urban environments, exposing us to beneficial microbial diversity that can positively influence our gut health and immune system.


🌿Sound Therapy 🎶

Sound therapy involves using specific frequencies and vibrations to promote relaxation and well-being. Whether through Tibetan singing bowls, gongs, or binaural beats, sound therapy has been found to have various positive effects on the body and mind. It can induce a meditative state, reduce stress, and even improve sleep quality.


💡Scientific Insight: Sound therapy works by synchronizing brainwave patterns, promoting a shift from higher-frequency brainwaves (associated with stress and anxiety) to slower, more relaxed brainwave states. This process, known as entrainment, can help restore balance and harmony within the body.


🌿Breathwork and Pranayama 🌬️

Breathwork techniques, such as Pranayama from the yogic tradition, involve conscious control and manipulation of breath patterns. Research suggests that specific breathing techniques can have profound effects on our physiology and mental state. For example, deep diaphragmatic breathing can activate the relaxation response, decrease stress hormones, and improve oxygenation.


💡Scientific Insight: Various forms of breathwork have been shown to influence the autonomic nervous system, promoting a shift toward parasympathetic dominance, which is associated with relaxation, improved digestion, and reduced stress. Techniques like alternate nostril breathing can also enhance cognitive function and mental clarity.


🌿Cold Exposure Therapy ❄️

Cold exposure therapy involves intentional exposure to cold temperatures, such as cold showers or ice baths. While it may sound unconventional, cold exposure has been studied extensively and shown to offer numerous health benefits. Cold exposure can improve circulation, boost immune function, increase metabolic rate, and even enhance mood and mental resilience.


💡Scientific Insight: Cold exposure activates the body's thermoregulatory response, leading to the release of endorphins and other mood-boosting neurotransmitters. It also triggers a process called hormesis, where brief stressors activate cellular defense mechanisms, resulting in improved resilience and overall health.


[Note: If you have any underlying health conditions or concerns, please approach these practices with caution and consult with a healthcare professional first.]


Incorporating these unique science-backed practices into your holistic health journey can provide a fresh perspective and open doors to new avenues of well-being.


Enjoy exploring the extraordinary! 🌿✨



By Varsha Chowdhury 26 Apr, 2024
7 Awesome Benefits of Conscious Dance-Movement 👉 Self-Expression & Emotional Release 🎭🎭 Conscious dance-movement provides a safe & non-judgmental space to express & release pent-up emotions. Through free-form movement, you can tap into your emotional experiences, allowing for a cathartic release of stress, tension, & suppressed feelings. 👉 Mind-Body Connection & Awareness 🧘‍♂️🧠💡 Focusing on the sensations & movements of your body fosters mindfulness & present-moment awareness. This increased awareness can lead to improved body image, enhanced proprioception, & a deeper understanding of how emotions manifest physically. 👉 Enhanced Body Confidence 💪🙂 Engaging in conscious dance allows you to appreciate & celebrate your body for all its unique abilities rather than focusing solely on appearance. 👉 Positive Self-Image 😎 Through the freedom of movement & expression you learn to embrace your body without judgment or comparison fostering a deep sense of self-acceptance & appreciation cultivating a positive relationship with your body. 👉 Improved Flexibility and Coordination🤸 The practice encourages you to explore various postures & gestures promoting flexibility & coordination as you move your body in different ways, enhancing motor skills & spatial awareness. 👉 Release Of Neurotransmitters 🧠🚀 The physical activity & expressive nature of conscious dance stimulate the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine & serotonin, the "feel-good" chemicals for mood regulation, promoting a sense of happiness, pleasure, & overall well-being. 👉 Boosting Creativity 🌈🌈 The free-form nature of conscious dance encourages creative expression tapping into creativity as you explore different movements, allowing for self-discovery & the development of a unique movement vocabulary.
By Varsha Chowdhury 22 Aug, 2023
YES! I am a feminist! I once met a gentleman, at a spiritual retreat no less, who said to me, and I quote, “gender discrimination, misogyny and women getting paid less at work is a myth”. I was so astonished that my reaction was to laugh. But inside my head: “Holy shit! Have you been living under a rock?” For those of you who know me as a person, you know that I am a calm, easy-going, albeit passionate, person who doesn’t anger easily. However, if there’s one thing that rattles my cage it is discrimination of any kind, but particularly sexism. Just like every other woman on this planet, I have faced my fair share of sexual innuendos & harassment, disparaging comments, double standards, and a constant barrage of belittling assumptions about my intelligence and capabilities. It's as if society handed me a script, with each page detailing the limitations I should accept solely because of my gender. I've experienced complete disregard of my opinions & suggestions, endured the microaggressions that chip away at my confidence, and navigated the intricate web of expectations woven around my life choices. Oh, and let's not forget all the times I have been shamed and lectured for having the ‘audacity’ of speaking up! Just like ALL my soul sisters out there! It’s a constant fight for respect, to be heard, equal opportunities and freedom to choose. And for all the progress in the right direction, the change is a double-edged sword of a convoluted reality full of paradoxes. On the one hand women are encouraged and celebrated for success in their careers, while in the same breath criticised and shamed for ‘neglecting’ their family and prioritising their work. They are expected to have a full-time job, working as hard as anyone else, and be a full-time homemaker – cooking, cleaning, raising kids – with little to no support, at the same time. In the modern society, girls seemingly have the freedom to dress as they please. But is it true freedom if their choice then gets judged and called ‘provocative’ and other highly derogatory names if it’s deemed revealing? OR conversely too plain, simple, boring, and unattractive. When as women we are confident and outspoken, we are overbearing & ‘bossy’. If we are accommodating, supportive and nurturing we are a ‘doormat’ and/or a pushover. Women who are friendly and approachable are ‘easy’ and those of us who are more discerning are ‘stuck up’. When we are emotional, we bear the cross of being too sensitive and demonstrating our intelligence and aptitude, makes us a bitch. There is no winning and there is no end to the labels for us. And all the above is only the tip of the iceberg. Every action, word, behaviour, gesture is scrutinised and judged no matter what. Jane Goodall put it nicely - “It actually doesn’t take much to be considered a difficult woman. That’s why there are so many of us." The most disheartening aspect of misogyny though lies in its insidious success in turning women against each other. We judge, criticise, and persecute our own sisters for everything we accuse the opposite gender of doing. So, any woman who asserts herself, voices her beliefs, makes her own decisions, shapes her own path, and embraces life on her own terms automatically embodies feminism through her refusal to conform, while empowering other women to do the same by example or otherwise. Being a feminist means having the courage to challenge norms, to question biases, to rise above the social limitations and to embrace change. Feminism is a world where courage meets compassion and equality challenges tradition. It isn't just a label; it is a powerful stance against the odds in the world we live in. However, there seems to be a strong negative connotation and misconceptions associated with the word, and I am endeavouring to bust those myths as well. Feminism is NOT about misandry. It is not a US vs THEM. Feminism is rooted in the conviction of equality; It's the spirit that ignites when you see unfairness and decide to make a difference. The beauty of feminism lies in its inclusivity. It's not about women fighting against men; it's about humanity fighting against injustice. Toxic masculinity has done no favours to anyone. It's put men into boxes too, where showing vulnerability or sensitivity is deemed weak. Just as feminism fights for women's rights, it fights for men's right to express themselves authentically and break free from society's rigid norms too. Gender equality is a puzzle where each piece matters. When men and women work together, we are piecing together a world where everyone thrives. So, whether you are a woman pushing through barriers or a man advocating for equality, you're a part of a movement that's rewriting history. Feminism isn't just about women's rights; it's about human rights. It's about creating a world where every person is free to chase their dreams without prejudice, where the spark of the individual outshines the gender on a birth certificate. Varsha The Liberation Project
By Varsha Chowdhury 16 Aug, 2023
Hey LiberationProject -fam!👋 As my experience with coaching, and life in general, grows, I realise that one of the areas I get a lot of questions, observations, concerns, and frustrations from clients when it comes to relationships fall under the broad category of receiving, or lack thereof, Emotional Support. It seems like the understanding around this subject is mostly abstract. Most people, especially men, find it hard to translate what emotional support means in real terms. What does it look, sound and feel like? What ‘actions’ can it take the form of? Hence, this post with practical tips and simple dos & don’ts that will assist anyone who has ever felt lost and asked themselves what it means to be ‘emotionally there’ for their significant others, friends, and family. This post is intended to help you, through awareness, to be there for your loved ones emotionally in times of need in tangible ways that will make them feel deeply supported, cared for, understood, heard, and show your love and thoughtfulness in in ways beyond words leading to nurturing your bond effortlessly. So, what’s the real deal when it comes to emotional support🤗💕 It's not just a catchphrase; it's about standing by your loved ones when they need it most. What can you do? 👂Listen with an Open Heart: Sometimes, all someone needs is a listening ear. Sit down, put away distractions, and lend them your full attention. Let them express themselves without judgment or interruption. 🤗Offer a Shoulder to Lean On: Emotional support means being that sturdy shoulder your friend can lean on. Whether through a hug, holding hands or just being fully present with them, shows that you're here for them, no matter what. 🤔Ask Thoughtful Questions: Assumptions are the killer of genuine support. You can never truly know how the other person is feeling so how can you know for sure what their true needs are? One of the easiest ways to being emotionally present is to ask them what you can do for them. Some examples of thoughtful questions are – “What do you need right now”? “Is there anything I can do to make it easier for you”? “How can I help”? “How can I best support you through this”? “Tell me what you need”. Any variations of these will do. 📣Validation and Affirmations: Remind them that their feelings are valid. Offer words of encouragement and let them know that you believe in them, love them unconditionally and that you are there for them no matter what. Just knowing that they have your loving support in and of itself will make all the difference in the world to them, because they won’t feel totally alone and isolated in their struggle anymore. 💬Check-in Regularly: Every so often ask them how they are feeling? If there’s anything you can do? A heartfelt text, call, or even a surprise visit shows that you genuinely care. It reiterates for them that they have you by their side. 🎁Acts of Kindness: Small gestures can have a big impact. Send them their favourite treat, a handwritten note, or anything that would help make their life easier, doing something to take some load off their mind etc. to let them know you're thinking of them. It really doesn’t take a lot. If ever in doubt, think what would make you feel supported if you were in their shoes? What would you need in a situation as theirs? And/or just ask them what they need. 🚫 Dos and Don'ts: Here's a quick guide: Dos : Respect their privacy ; let them share at their own pace. Offer help , like running errands or doing chores. Respect their feelings , even if you don't fully understand. Show them love in the way they like , speak their love language. Ask them how they need to be supported. Be patient ; healing takes time. Don'ts : Don't minimise their feelings ; "It's not a big deal" is not helpful at all. Don't give unsolicited advice; sometimes, just listening is enough. Don't compare their situation to yours or someone else's. Don't force them to talk; let them open up as and when they're ready. Don't judge or criticise their emotions (or anything else). Emotional support is about creating a safe space where someone can be vulnerable without fear of judgment. Be the light in their life when things get tough. Treat them with love and kindness💪💖 #EmotionalSupportMatters #BeThereForOneAnother #SpreadLoveAndKindness
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