Whole Body & Mind Health – October 2023

Whole body and mind health encompasses a wide variety of activities that help you find balance in your work, social and private life. To achieve balance in life, start by identifying your priorities and setting realistic goals. Is it more important to dedicate time to family and friends, to your hobbies and passions or to your career? How much time can you devote to each before you become overwhelmed?

While finding a balance that meets your needs mentally, remember that it is also important to meet your physical needs. Make sure to nourish your body with healthy foods, stay active with regular exercise and rest when you need to recharge. Managing stress is also key, so it is important to find healthy ways to relax and unwind.

Finding a balance in your life that benefits your whole body and mind health isn’t something that happens overnight, nor is it something you can achieve alone. Holistic health looks different for everyone, and the key is finding what it looks like for you. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help on your journey. Whether talking with friends and family or the local professionals here in Omaha, everyone has your best interest in mind.

Creating Lasting Change

The goal of whole body and mind health is to better life in the long run, to create lasting change that benefits us long after we start our holistic health journey. One business that understands how important lasting effects are is Waybridge Ketamine Clinics – a healing-oriented business taking an integrative approach to mind and body health with a strong belief in treating the human spirit.

“As a Navy Veteran deployed to Afghanistan with a Shock Trauma Platoon, I saw firsthand the importance of evidence based, compassionate care and the benefits of ketamine in the acute setting,” shared Medical Director Leslie Koenig, MD. “We have the science proving the effectiveness of off label use of ketamine IV, and we combine that with mind body practices, aromatherapy, lifestyle advice and healing presence in our setting for optimal effects.”

Seeking a board certification in Integrative Medicine while offering cutting edge medical therapy for the treatment of depression, anxiety, PTSD and chronic pain, Waybridge Ketamine Clinics goes the extra mile in making their patients feel safe and secure – something we all want when seeking emotional, mental and physical balance. Bringing their heart and wisdom into patient care, they aim to be the change Nebraska needs in mental health.

Improving mental health care and support is an ongoing process. One barrier to mental health care is the stigma associated with it. Changing societal attitudes and increasing awareness can help encourage more people to seek help without the fear of judgment – prioritizing your health is important and there shouldn’t be repercussions for doing so. As more and more people prioritize their mental health, there is a greater need for access to mental health services including affordable and accessible therapy, counseling and other forms of care. There is also a need for continued research into mental health treatments and medications that can lead to more effective interventions and therapies. As mental health awareness gains traction, our local community as well as countless others will see a shift in the care and support that is available, and the difference that care and support will make in the lives of community members.

Nutritious Habits

A healthy diet forms the foundation for overall well-being. Proper nutrition provides the body with essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals needed for optimal physical functioning, boosting the immune system and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Beyond physical health, a balanced diet influences mental and emotional well-being by supporting cognitive function and mood stability. It fosters energy, vitality and an active lifestyle, contributing to a sense of fulfillment and happiness. Additionally, a nutritious diet encourages mindful eating practices, nurturing a positive relationship with food and promoting mental clarity.

Clean Eatz (cleaneatzkitchen.com), a business offering healthy meals for your lifestyle, strives to change lives through clean, balanced food, thought-provoking education and motivational support that inspires results. They are more than just a restaurant that offers healthy food. Nutrition and personal wellness isn’t one-size-fits-all, and Clean Eatz recognizes the need for nutritional products and fitness opportunities that align with various lifestyles and personal needs. Their various services include: weekly meal plans, a dine-in cafe, healthy catering, grab ‘n’ go meals and snacks and smoothies.

Rather than just promoting a healthy, nutritious lifestyle, those working at Clean Eatz lead by example. Their individual follow-through is what they consider to be the greatest value they bring to the mission of holistic health.

Mental Priorities

At Clearwater Counseling, PC (clearwatercounselingpc.org), they know that mental health is just as important as physical health. Mental health forms the foundation for physical, emotional and social health. A healthy mind is essential for coping with life’s challenges, maintaining positive relationships and achieving personal and professional goals. Mental well-being influences every aspect of our lives, from our decision-making and problem-solving abilities to our emotional resilience and capacity for joy. When mental health is prioritized, it can lead to improved physical health, better stress management and enhanced relationships.

“Most people experience mental health struggles at some point in their life. Mental health battles vary from anxieties, behavioral, life transitions, depression and stress, all of which can affect our mood, thoughts and behaviors,” shared Owner Kayla Leddy. “Those who seek therapy are looking for clarity in certain areas of their life. They are also wanting to work through complex emotions or even a traumatic experience. Helping these people get back to a healthy mindset is extremely important.”

Clearwater Counseling, PC is committed to making a difference in the way our community approaches mental health and the stigma around getting help. Their experienced and compassionate team of professionals work with clients to evaluate and treat a variety of mental health diagnoses so that they can live happier, fuller lives.

Physical Well-Being

Orthopedic and sports medicine facilities are invaluable for whole body and mind health. They specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions, aiding in physical recovery, pain reduction and improved mobility. Their emphasis on preventive care and guidance fosters long-term health, reducing the risk of injuries. These facilities often take a holistic approach, recognizing the interplay between physical and mental health. By addressing physical discomfort and limitations, they indirectly contribute to enhanced mental well-being.

Driven by customer service and upheld by reputation, SEE THE TRAINER® (seethetrainer.com) is an orthopedic, sports medicine facility dedicated to keeping a diverse population functioning. Offering a wide variety of products pertaining to orthopedic, sports medicine, rehabilitation, home health and patient education, SEE THE TRAINER® offers a full line of in-stock support for all of your health needs.

Whether your pain results from a chronic condition or an acute injury, SEE THE TRAINER® is dedicated to improving your quality of life. Their knowledgeable staff will do its best to assist you in selecting the appropriate product to best fit the needs of your particular situation, whether it be recovering from a surgery or taking preventative actions for future injuries.

Stretch it Out

When your body feels at its best, the benefits are endless. Stretch Zone Omaha (stretchzone.com) knows that better than anyone. At Stretch Zone, their ideology of “the stretch” helps anyone looking to become their healthiest version of themselves, prevent injuries or improve recovery and performance.

While traditional stretching methods attempt to make you more “flexible,” Stretch Zone works to adjust the stretch reflex, gradually increasing your active range of motion to slow down the aging process. Regular stretching exercises help improve joint mobility, reduce muscle tension and enhance the range of motion in our muscles and joints. This not only aids in preventing injuries during physical activities, but also supports proper posture and reduces the risk of chronic musculoskeletal issues.

Day to day activity can have a bigger effect on your body than you realize. Even just sitting at a desk all day can affect your posture and energy, and cause back, neck and shoulder pain as a result. Committing to regaining your body’s intended range of motion is an important step towards being the best version of yourself. Many of Stretch Zone’s clients find extra motivation to eat better and incorporate exercise into their daily lives as they progress through stretching protocols. When you move better, you feel better. When you feel better, you want to do more.

Beyond physical benefits, stretching promotes relaxation, reduces stress and can have a positive impact on mental well-being by encouraging mindfulness and reducing muscle-related discomfort. Incorporating stretching into your daily routine is a simple yet effective way to maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle, enhancing your physical and mental vitality.

Whole body and mind health is a lifelong journey that involves making conscious choices to promote physical, mental and emotional well-being. It requires you to be in-tune with yourself. Consulting with healthcare professionals and mental health experts when needed and to tailor strategies to your individual needs and circumstances will help you prioritize holistic health, leading to a more fulfilling and balanced life.

Remember, each person’s path is unique, and it’s up to you to start carving it. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the local professionals for help along the way – they want to see you stop surviving and start thriving!