Balancing mind and body: a holistic approach to wellbeing

That pumped-up feeling after a workout. A dreamy post-yoga glow. The way even a quick walk around the block can boost your mood and clear your mind.

We’ve almost certainly all experienced the impact that physical activity can have on our state of mind—and, with recent research showing that 90 percent of Australians believe that mental health is as important as physical health, it seems that we’re shifting to a more holistic view of our health.

But how do we bolster that balance between body and mind?

Luckily, it doesn’t need to be complicated. We spoke to Debbi Compston, counsellor and Team Leader for Australian Unity’s healthcare partner Remedy Healthcare, to unpack the relationship between our mental and physical health, and to discover practical strategies that support a holistic approach to wellbeing.

Movement as medicine

There’s no question that physical and mental health are connected. Just think of how stress affects your immune system and motivation levels.

We also know that physical inactivity or poor health can exacerbate anxiety and depression—and there’s research showing that exercise plays a key role in maintaining and improving mental wellbeing.

That doesn’t mean you need to spend hours at the gym or start running marathons. Even simple activities like walking, dancing around your living room or gardening can reduce stress and boost your mood.

“Movement is movement,” says Debbi. “We sometimes focus too much on big goals, but just going for a walk can activate our senses, connect us to the community and ground us in the moment. So it's trying to incorporate movement into your life in ways that feel natural and enjoyable, and that suit your lifestyle.”

Building healthy habits

A holistic approach to health means focusing not just on movement, but on creating sustainable habits that support both the body and mind.

“Routine is very much the word,” says Debbi. “It’s about establishing small daily habits that change our thought processes, so it becomes second nature.”

For example, poor sleep can lead to increased stress, irritability and fatigue, making it harder to stay active and motivated. If this is an issue for you, try creating a bedtime routine that supports deep rest, such as turning off devices, dimming the lights or listening to calming music.

Another simple habit is to integrate movement into everyday tasks. “Take the stairs instead of the elevator” might sound like old advice, but Debbi highlights how small changes like this can add up over time.

“At first, it might feel like a chore, but soon you start to look forward to it because it makes you feel better, both physically and mentally,” she says.

Managing stress for better balance

Stress is one of the biggest disruptors of both our mental and physical health. While we can’t always avoid it, learning how to manage stress through personalised self-care practices is essential for achieving balance.

“We need to acknowledge that some stress is normal and even healthy,” says Debbi, “but we also need to know how to nourish ourselves in the face of stress. We sometimes get stuck thinking self-care is universal—that it means getting a massage or getting your nails or hair done. But it’s different for everyone.”

Self-care isn’t always what we want—sometimes, it’s what we need. Maybe that’s a shower, a walk or a nutritious meal. Maybe it’s spending time with friends, meditating or getting lost in a good book. The key is identifying what would help you feel centred and refreshed in the moment.

Debbi compares this to tending a plant: we need to know when we need rest, sunlight or nourishment.

Paying attention to early warning signs

Rather than waiting until we’re overwhelmed or burnt out, Debbi advises paying attention to the early signs that you might be out of balance.

“We need to check in with ourselves and to listen to what our body and mind are telling us,” she says.

This might involve recognising the symptoms of stress—such as headaches, muscle tension or feeling irritable or overwhelmed—and engaging in some of your self-care practices before they lead to bigger problems.

Preventative measures can be as simple as making time for daily movement, prioritising sleep or eating nutritious foods that fuel both body and mind. By adopting small, consistent habits, we can create a foundation for lasting wellbeing.

“Even if we don't have control over certain situations, we do have control over how we can look after ourselves,” says Debbi.

Getting back to basics

In a world where we're often bombarded with wellness information, it’s easy to think that balancing our mind and body needs to be arduous or complex. But, as Debbi emphasises, it’s the simple, effective and timeless practices that can truly make a difference.

"It's not rocket science," says Debbi. "Just bring it back to basics—move, eat well, be connected and manage your stress."