Currently, lawmakers in state capitols and in Washington are considering drastic budgetary cuts that they say are needed to close widening deficits. In many cases, these cuts will affect programs that support health and wellness. With these traditional programs under siege, individuals may do well to look toward ways to balance their mind-body-spirit connection to preserve their health.
The budget cuts are expected to hit state-run programs the hardest. Several states, including Illinois, Wisconsin and Nevada, have proposed reducing funding for programs that could directly impact health. Rather than relying on these types of programs, learning how to use more holistic methods may lead to improved mental and physical wellbeing.
For example, meditative programs have been shown by many studies to relieve anxiety and enable individuals to overcome the daily stresses of their lives. Stress is known to be a contributing factor to many chronic diseases, including heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the U.S.
Philosopher and writer Ilchi Lee says that every person is responsible for their own health. Rather than relying on assistance from the government, which is looking more in doubt ever day, practicing sustainable methods for improving health may be key.
