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28 November 2024

Book recommendations for holistic well-being

Holistic well-being has become a timely topic, even in this era of healthcare challenges. Following the events of the past week, initiated by Member of Parliament @Mika Poutala (Christian Democrats), the issue has also entered parliamentary debate, and recommendations for a healthy diet have just been updated.  

Well-being is not just about physical health; it also encompasses mental and social well-being. In this blog post, I present a few books that are significant to me, offering valuable perspectives and practical guidance for achieving holistic well-being. 

1. Oskari Saari: Aki Hintsa – The Anatomy of Winning @Oskari_Saari @Hintsa Performance 

Oskari Saari's book "Aki Hintsa – The Anatomy of Winning" explores the thinking and secrets of success from the top of the Formula 1 world and endurance sports. Hintsa, who served as a pit lane doctor and coach, developed a model for holistic well-being that can be utilised by both elite athletes and ordinary people. The book covers improving physical and mental performance as well as enhancing quality of life. It all starts by asking yourself: "Who are you? – What do you want? – Are you in control of your own life?" [1]. 

2. Joni Jaakkola: Väkevä elämä – Viisaampi mieli, vahvempi keho @Joni Jaakkola 

Joni Jaakkola's "Strong Life" (Väkevä elämä) offers practical advice for improving health, well-being, and performance. Jaakkola, a well-being entrepreneur and coach, combines the importance of training, nutrition, and lifestyle to achieve holistic well-being. The book is aimed at anyone who wants to live healthier and reach their potential [2]. 

3. Riku Aalto: Impulssi @Riku Aalto @Paula Immo 

"Impulse" (Impulssi) by Riku Aalto and Paula Immo is a guide focusing on stress management and micro-workouts. Aalto, a pioneer in personal training and lifestyle coaching in Finland, offers easily implementable instructions in this book written with Paula Immo, which bring positive changes in a short time. The book includes tools for regulating stress and recovery, as well as activating the body and mind [3]. This is the book I referred to in my previous LinkedIn post.

Riku Aalto has also written a very promising book currently on my bedside table called "Stress Balance" (Stressitasapaino) with @Satu Tuominen.

4. Juha Hulmi: Lihastohtori @Juha Hulmi 

Juha Hulmi's "Muscle Doctor" (Lihastohtori) is an information package based on scientific research evidence, providing essential information on strength training and building muscle and strength. Hulmi, a PhD in sport sciences and a well-known blogger, debunks common myths about training and nutrition. The book is written in an easy-to-read style seasoned with humour, making it suitable for anyone interested in training [4]. 

5. Tuomas Rytkönen: Voimaharjoittelun käsikirja @Tuomas Rytkönen 

Tuomas Rytkönen's "Strength Training Manual" (Voimaharjoittelun käsikirja) is a comprehensive guide covering different types of strength, such as maximum strength, explosive strength, and endurance strength, as well as muscle mass training and strength training programming. The book synthesises research evidence and offers practical applications useful for all sports conditioning [5]. Tuomas's book further deepens training principles and the differences between training various types of strength. 

Summary 

These books offer diverse perspectives and practical guidance for achieving holistic well-being. Whether your goal is to improve physical fitness, manage stress, or develop mental well-being, you will find valuable tools and inspiration for your journey towards a better life in these works. 

P.S. What do I think about the debate in Parliament? I believe that in well-being, the greatest responsibility must lie with the individuals themselves, and we should invest heavily in prevention. Of course, primary healthcare must be in good order – illness often occurs regardless of how preventatively one tries to promote well-being. In prevention, help and advice are needed on how to achieve this at the individual level.  

However, genuine and sustainable well-being can only start from ourselves. Let's make sure as many people as possible understand this and know how to take action. 

[1]: Aki Hintsa – The Anatomy of Winning [2]: Joni Jaakkola – Väkevä elämä [3]: Riku Aalto – Impulssi [4]: Juha Hulmi – Lihastohtori [5]: Tuomas Rytkönen – Voimaharjoittelun käsikirja 

Article image: @TarjaVirolainen

#Wellbeing #HolisticWellbeing #BookRecommendations #Health #StressManagement #StrengthTraining #MentalWellbeing 

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