Spreading the Wellness Word: A Holistic Take on Health
I jumped at the chance to write this post for National Wellness Month —because I’m deeply passionate about spreading the word on well-being.
As a former medical and healthcare reporter, I had the privilege of covering some of the most exciting breakthroughs in science and medicine. Today, as a public relations professional working with medical and healthcare brands, I still get a front-row seat to innovation and life-changing advancements. But my interest in wellness runs deeper than my career. It’s personal—and it’s become a true passion.
A Side Hustle Born From Loss
In 2018, a few years after my mother passed away from lymphoma, I started asking hard questions: Did stress contribute to her early death? Were there factors in her diet or environment that played a role? Or was it simply genetics?
I found the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN), where I became a certified holistic nutrition coach. Along the way, I discovered one of the most powerful concepts in holistic health: bio-individuality—the idea no one diet or lifestyle works for everyone. Every body is unique and each of us has our own nutritional, lifestyle, emotional, and physical needs based on:
Genetics
Ancestry
Health history
Metabolism
Environment
Culture
Age and current life stage
The Two Types of “Food” That Nourish Us
The most transformative lesson I learned? There are two types of “food” that fuel our wellbeing:
1. Primary Foods: Primary foods are the aspects of life that nourish us beyond what we put on our plate -- things like relationships, career, physical activity, and spirituality.
2. Secondary Foods:
These are the actual foods we eat. While important, their impact is heavily influenced by the health of our primary foods. When your life feels balanced and supported, it becomes easier to maintain a positive relationship with what’s on your plate.
How This Applies to You
So what does this look like in your day-to-day life? Consider this wellness check-in:
Are you moving your body regularly?
It doesn’t have to mean working out at a gym. A brisk 30-minute walk, five times a week, can do wonders.
Do your relationships uplift and support you?
Whether it's family, friends, or coworkers—connection matters.
How do you feel about your work?
If your career feels off-track, it might be time for a change. Dress for Success Austin is here to support you with resources and encouragement.
Do you have a spiritual practice or grounding ritual?
It could be prayer, meditation, time in nature, or quiet reflection.
Are you giving yourself regular self-care?
This doesn’t mean fancy spa days. Self-care can be as simple as reading a book, taking a bubble bath, walking outside, or simply sitting in silence.
Are you getting quality sleep and enough water?
For me, good sleep is the cornerstone of wellness. And don’t forget to stay hydrated—especially in our hot Texas summers!
Wellness is Within Reach
National Wellness Month is the perfect opportunity to reflect on your personal path to health. Wellness doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive—it starts with small, intentional steps. Begin by nourishing not just your body, but your whole self.
- Emily Schmitz, DFSA Board Member