If you’re new to this corner of the Fancy Blog Posts, the theme in these posts has been the topic of Holistic therapy and growth, we started off with an intro of what holistic therapy is and explored mindfulness as a main pillar of holistic therapy.

Nutrition and physical activity play an essential role in supporting holistic well-being and personal growth. This discussion is not intended as dietary guidance or a judgment on food choices, but rather an exploration of how movement and nourishment are closely linked to emotional and mental health—a connection increasingly supported by current research.

Research has shown that movement is a form of emotional processing, furthermore, physical activity helps to regulate the nervous system and process stress and anxiety. Gently movement can also be therapeutic and provide exercise beyond performance-based fitness. Exercise helps regulate our mood, support cognitive clarity and enhance sleep (2024).

Moreover, nutrient rich food can support brain health, balance hormones and regulate energy levels especially for women navigating motherhood, hormonal changes and menopause. Additionally, a healthy diet can be effective as a protective factor against depression (2024).

It is important to note that often nutrition and exercise carry with them societal stigmatizations of all or nothing attitudes, I invite a quick reframe that encourages you to incorporate positive movement and nutrition habits as a way of celebrating yourself with compassion and respect instead of punishment, perfection or restriction.

In a counselling session, I often encourage clients to get curious, rather than judgemental, about their emotions, thoughts and behaviours and I implore this same attitude of curiosity surrounding one’s movement and nutritional habits. There is plenty of information present about health and wellness but understanding what’s sustainable to the individual is where curiosity and reflection can be effective. Small, sustainable changes that align with the individual’s season of life, interest and enjoyment are far more realistic and attainable than complete drastic overhauls.

What is motivating, what is realistic and what is fun? Learning to cook a new recipe, trying a hike through a new trail are options to test what aligns and what doesn’t.

Exploring the powerful connection between what we eat, how we move, and how we feel is just one part of holistic growth—and if you're interested in gaining deeper clarity around your own well-being and future goals, psychotherapy can offer a supportive space to begin that journey. Feel free to reach out by email at Danielle.cocks@fancytherapy.ca or give the office a call at (226) 808-7291.

Resources

How Nutritional Psychiatry Informs Comprehensive Care. (2024, May). Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/a-different-kind-of-therapy/ 202405/how-nutritional-psychiatry-informs-comprehensive-care White, R. L., Babic, M. J., Parker, P. D., Lubans, D. R., Astell-Burt, T., & Laird, Y. (2024).

Physical activity and mental health: A systematic review and best-evidence synthesis of mediation and moderation studies. Mental Health and Physical Activity, 26, 100588. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mhpa.2024.100588

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