What Does “Holistic” Even Mean Anymore?

It’s one of those words that started off with weight and meaning, but now turns up everywhere. Holistic skincare. Holistic business strategy. Holistic shampoo. At this rate, someone’s going to offer holistic bin collection.

Originally, “holistic” meant seeing the whole picture. It came from the idea that nothing exists in isolation. If you’re treating someone’s back pain, you don’t just look at the spine. You look at their posture, stress levels, sleep, movement, the shoes they wear, how they sit at work, what they’re carrying both physically and emotionally. That’s a holistic view. Whole person, whole system, whole picture.

The trouble is, the word got trendy. And once a word becomes trendy, it becomes slippery. Now it’s slapped onto anything natural-ish or slightly thoughtful. It sounds good, so people use it, whether it fits or not. Sometimes it’s harmless. Other times it feels like the depth has been stripped out and replaced with soft lighting and vague promises.

So what does a genuinely holistic approach look like?

To me, it means slowing down and asking better questions. Not rushing to fix one symptom, but pausing to notice patterns. Listening to more than one source. Thinking about context. Whether I’m working with people, writing, making jewellery, or walking in the woods, “holistic” means being open to the bigger picture, not just the easy answer.

It’s not about perfection or purity. It’s about connection. Seeing how things link together. Remembering that everything we do, for ourselves, each other, or the land, leaves a ripple somewhere else.

What “Holistic” Truly Means for Your

Time in the Woods

When we chat about forest bathing, or Shinrin-Yoku, it’s easy to think it’s just a pleasant stroll through some trees. But taking a holistic approach to it is about so much more. It’s about letting the natural world embrace and nurture every single part of you, in a really connected way.

So, what does this “holistic” idea actually look like when you’re out amongst the greenery?

It’s All About Your Body and Senses

Being truly holistic with forest bathing means you let your physical self truly connect with your surroundings:

• Soaking it all in: This is about feeling the rough bark, listening to the birds’ chirping, smelling the damp earth or the sweet pine scent, and noticing how the light plays through the leaves.
• Gentle movement: Forget power-walking! This is about slow, thoughtful steps that help you relax and feel truly present, rather than just getting a sweat on.
• Hidden health perks: Beyond that lovely, calm feeling, the forest actually does wonders for your body. It can help bring down your blood pressure, calm those pesky stress hormones like cortisol, and even give your immune system a little boost, thanks to the natural compounds trees release.

It’s a Real Treat for Your Mind and Emotions

The quiet calm of the forest is a special refuge for your thoughts and feelings. A holistic approach here helps you look after your inner world:

• Quieting the noise: The natural world is brilliant at helping us step away from all the busyness and endless thinking. It encourages you to be truly in the moment, letting go of distractions.
• Clearer thoughts: Many people find that spending time in the woods helps them sort through their thoughts, focus better, and even spark new ideas.
• Calming the jitters: The natural environment has a lovely way of steadying your emotions, making you feel less overwhelmed and more at ease. It’s a space where you can just be with your feelings, without judgment.

It’s a Nurturing Space for Your Spirit

For lots of us, forest bathing also touches on something deeper, a sense of spiritual connection. This part of the holistic experience could mean:

• Feeling wonder: Getting a sense of awe from the sheer beauty of nature, reminding us there’s something bigger out there.
• Connected to everything: Feeling like you truly belong, linked to the natural world, which can bring a deeper appreciation for life itself.
• Finding inner calm: Cultivating a lovely, peaceful feeling inside, a sense of harmony.

Put simply, a truly holistic approach to forest bathing isn’t just about popping out for a bit of fresh air. It’s about consciously immersing yourself, using all your senses, and letting the forest nurture every bit of you, your body, mind, emotions, and spirit – all working together in that wonderful natural environment.

So perhaps the word “holistic” has taken a bit of a beating from overuse, yes. But when we take the time to peel back those layers, the heart of the idea, that everything’s connected, still matters. It always will.

If you’re curious to dive deeper into this kind of connected well-being and how it truly applies to your time in nature, I’ve written a book all about forest bathing. You can find it on Amazon as a paperback or hardback or purchase as a PDF from our online shop.