I often talk about looking at health as a whole and part of that 'whole' is preventative measures, nutrition, exercise, and many more non conventional ways to treat ailments in your body. But 'whole' can take on a different meaning as well. A feeling of wholeness can be related to a feeling of connection; Being connected to your family, friends, strangers, humanity, the earth, and even the universe!

Compassion, caring, understanding, and patience for each other can reduce being egotistic and self centered which in turn reduces a negative outlook on life which in turn reduces stress, anger, depression, loneliness, and many other negative emotions.

This negativity can lower your immunity and wreak havoc to the nervous system among many other things as negative emotions are very stressful to our bodies and mental health.

I'm sure you have often heard that people in loving relationships tend to be healthier and live longer than people who are isolated and unhappy. It's just natural that when you feel good and positive you are able to see the happier side of life which reduces all those negative emotions.

Here are a few connections that you may want to start improving or even making to benefit your health.

Connecting With Animals

Research has shown that pets and people go hand in hand for less illness and faster recovery from serious illness. In fact, I know of many sick people who have pets that truly make every day better for them.

Pets give such great amusement and pleasure that it is hard not to be happy just watching them. They also seem to know the right moment to give you a kiss or hug that you so desperately need.

My dogs have the ability to make me break out in laughter in a split second and continue laughing until I can't take it anymore. Laughter really is the best medicine in any situation and their sense of humour should never be underestimated.

They listen to you with no interruptions and they are more patient than, for the most part, any other person you will find on this planet.

Do yourself a healthy favour and take the responsibility of owning a pet into your hands. The benefits will be worth every minute of picking up poop.

Connecting With Family and Friends

Yes family and friends can often cause a lot of headaches but they are essential to your health. Family does not just have to mean your mother and father and siblings. Family can include your friends, pets, and extended family - it can just be a group of people that you are absolutely comfortable with and able to be yourself around. Wherever it feels like home - you have family nearby.

Families should be a safe haven to run to when you are scared, feeling down, or just need help. They should be able to help you back on your feet and offer whatever they can to do so.

It has also been proven that people with a strong family network have less illness and recover from illness faster so start surrounding yourself with family and appreciate the bond that they offer you.

Connecting With the Earth

Nature's ability to heal is awe inspiring. We all feel better when we are surrounded by nature and the peace and serenity it offers us. In fact, most people have picture of nature as their screen savers on their computer just to see some beauty throughout the day!

Nature is part of us and we should be appreciating it every day.

If you are not taking advantage of all the 'medicine' this earth has to offer us then you are truly missing out on a huge, and in my opinion, necessary part of life.

Travelling can be great for the soul and most people want to escape to their favourite vacation spots for some rest and relaxation. I have never met anyone who has come back feeling worse from a relaxing vacation.

Getting out of the city and into the country for a hike, picnic, or just a few hours of reflection by a river or lake is essential to giving yourself a break from the busy and often stressful life in the city. Even a park setting in the city is better than nothing when looking for stress relief.

When you get out into nature use the direct and present calmness to your advantage by noticing the leaves changing colour at various seasons or by picking the raspberries that have just come into season. Be aware and listen to the wind blowing through the leaves or the river flowing over the rocks and really just connect with the sounds, sights, and smells that nature offers you.

Connecting With Strangers

This is important. When you begin to notice and acknowledge the people that are not a part of your immediate life then you begin to notice that the world is so much bigger than just you and that awareness can give you insights into your life which affect your outlook and happiness, which ultimately affects your health.

We are all connected on some level. We all share this planet and what it has to offer us. We all participate in making decisions that affect all of us on a daily basis. We are all connected by events or miracles that happen. We all see the same sun, stars, and moon every day and night. We are all connected.

I always say hi to strangers when I walk by them on a walk whether they say hi back or not. I find that acknowledging them gives me an awareness I may not have if I just passed them by with my head down.

Instead of just focusing on your route or tasks that only involve your life; take a few seconds out and try noticing the people around you when you are out and about. Try observing the fact that they are living lives with passions, dreams, and happiness and you will feel a stronger connection and awareness that you may have not have felt before.

Enjoy.