Nicole is back for another wellness Wednesday post and it might be my favorite one yet! I couldn’t agree more with the importance of nourishing not just your body but your soul! It’ll come as no surprise to y’all that I definitely do this through travel, how do you nourish your soul?
Nourishment is about more than just food and I am here to share some out-of-the-box ways to think about nourishing your body, mind and spirit…
But wait, why am I even using the word “nourishment” if I’m not talking about food?
That’s a great question!
The reason I am using the word nourishment outside of its regular foodie context is because we often find ourselves so over-focused on food that we forget about all the other simple and wonderful ways to nourish ourselves.
So often and unfortunately, we look at self-care as being a selfish act and that putting others first is the proper thing to do. Well, I am here to tell you that that is simply not the case. Self-care is just as important as clean eating and is key in living a healthy lifestyle. If you don’t take time to nourish and recharge, you are only cheating yourself, family, friends and coworkers out of the best version of you.
What does it mean to nourish without food?
We forget that enjoying a walk on the beach with our dog is calming and rejuvenating.
That lying on your bed listening to your favorite song while feeling the breeze brushing your skin is soothing and relaxing.
How a deep conversation with a dear family member or best friend can leave you feeling comforted and happy.
We actually “eat” all day with our senses but we also “consume” our environment through touch, feel, taste, sound and sight.
Here are 6 ways to nourish your senses, starting today…
1 // Relationships: Seek out and nurture relationships with friends and loved ones that make you feel good about yourself and say goodbye to the ones that drain your energy. Hugging is another great why to feel comfort and nourishment, so squeeze in a few extra each week – and make them count by hugging a little tighter and a little longer. My Grandmother’s hugs are one of my most cherished things in life {she gives the best hugs}. It is amazing how a hug from her can lift away stress and worry while putting a smile on my face.
2 // Environment: Remember that your environment affects your mood and energy. So if you are stuck in an office all day staring at a wall, it’s time to kick off your shoes and run wild through a park so you can feel sunshine on your back and breeze on your skin.
3 // Connections: We spend so much of our time alone at our computers or behind high walls and yet it’s so important for our spirits to make connections with others. So join a club or an online Meetup and make new connections!
4 // Sleep: There is no way around it—there is just nothing quite like sleep to rejuvenate your body, improve mood and restore your entire system for better functioning. Short naps help to restore cognitive function, memory and alertness. Be sure and get to bed by 10pm for optimal sleep.
5 // Movement: Movement sparks your endorphins, which make you feel energized and excited and keeps the oxygen circulating through your system, so you can feel refreshed and alive. Exercise also boost serotonin levels, the chemical in your brain that makes you feel good. The key to a consistent exercise routine is finding something you enjoy. So, keep exploring until you find something you love.
6 // Body Therapy: Treat yourself to a massage, facial or acupuncture. On a budget? Slip into a hot Epsom Salt bath with lavender oil. Turn on some spa tunes and light some aromatherapy candles and now you have a relaxing environment to enjoy your bath.
What’s on your Nourishment Menu?
When working with clients in my Holistic Health Coaching practice I often have them create their own Nourishment Menu and then assign action steps to engage in each activity every week. I encourage you to give it a try! Make room for a little “ME” time in your schedule. TIP: Block time on your calendar to ensure you follow through.
Some other things on my personal Nourishment Menu include:
Morning Gratitude Ritual
Snuggling with my Boo (my black lab)
Meditation
Enjoying a cup of herbal tea and reading a great book
Steam Room and Sauna
Cooking
Gardening
If you are tired of feeling like your life is lacking excitement and meaning and you want to find a way to feel nourished in all areas of your life, then click here now to schedule a time to talk with me today so I can help you feel more energized and alive than ever before!
Peace, Love & Coconuts
Nicole Sharp | CHHC
Certified Holistic Health Coach
