How to nourish yourself other than food and live a balanced life

In today's society, we often hear about the importance of a healthy diet and nourishing our bodies with the right foods. However, food is just one aspect of nourishment. Taking care of ourselves goes beyond just what we eat. It is also important to nourish ourselves mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. If you’ve been working hard to improve your health, manage stress, or simply take better care of yourself, these tips will help you to feel more balanced, grounded, and fulfilled. 

Let’s start with how stress and physical health are related.

While food is a very important part of health, if focusing too much on what you’re eating causes you stress then it is no longer wellness.

Our bodies and brains are in constant communication with each other. If you’re feeling stressed out about what to eat, then your body is most likely feeling that stress as well. The body reacts on a physiological level. This can have an impact on your immune system by triggering an inflammatory response while also reducing the production of some important immune cells like lymphocytes and natural killer cells. If this continues without being managed, it can potentially lead to more dangerous symptoms and disease.

Healing happens in safety - safety in relationships with others as well as within ourselves. Relationships are an important part of this process because we are social creatures. Connection and feelings of acceptance are huge parts of how humans have survived and found safety from the beginning of time.

Why is this important?

When we don’t feel safe, the nervous system stays in a state of alarm, which like I mentioned over time can lead to chronic health conditions.

Regulating the nervous system can look a number of different ways. At the core of them all is a sense of inner peace, essentially sending your body the message that it can relax, breathe, and feel safe to return to homeostasis once again.

How to live a healthy lifestyle, and find non-food nourishment?

The answer is not hidden in some secret diet protocol, exercise routine, or even in a combination of the two.

It’s not indulging in life’s treats, or relying on other people to pick you up every time you’re low.

The answer is in creating balance. And that looks different for everyone.

For me personally, eating out, going for a drink, and socializing in general is overwhelming. I love my routines, my space, and I feel a whole lot better when I’m cooking for myself and training at the gym. As a true introvert, I jokingly (?) tell my therapist that other people burst my happy little bubble, so I’d rather be alone most of the time. When I do branch out and connect though, with people who are safe and who understand me, there is no better feeling than letting them into my bubble and sharing that happiness. (Hold onto people that do this for you, btw. They’re the special ones.)

The right people bring so much magic to my life that food cannot do, through deep chats, laughter, and sharing experiences.

Nourishment does come from food. But it is not just about what we eat. By taking care of our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs, we can reduce stress and create a more healthy, balanced and fulfilling life. It’s up to you to decide what that looks like for you.

Try out some of these tips to help you find your own balance and a deep sense of nourishment:

1. Spend time with loved ones: Spending time with friends and family can help to nourish our emotional wellbeing and provide a sense of connection.
2. Practice mindfulness: Take a few minutes each day to be present in the moment, without judgment. This can help reduce stress and improve overall well being.
3. Connect with nature: Spending time in nature can be incredibly nourishing for the mind, body, and soul. Go for a walk in the park, take a hike in the mountains, or simply sit outside and soak up the sun.
4. Engage in creative activities: Whether it's painting, drawing, writing, or playing music, creative activities can help to nourish the soul and provide a sense of fulfillment.
5. Get enough sleep: Sleep is essential for our physical and mental wellbeing. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep each night to feel rested and rejuvenated.
6. Practice self-care: Take time each day to do something that makes you feel good. This could be taking a relaxing bath, reading a book, or practicing yoga.
7. Learn something new: Learning a new skill or taking up a new hobby can be incredibly nourishing for the mind and provide a sense of accomplishment.

I’m currently offering a 90-minute intensive for those of you that want a taste of what it’s like to work together without a longer term commitment. My hope is that these 90 minutes give you a kickstart towards your nourishment goals and some clarity around how to go about reaching them. Click the link below if you’re interested and let’s connect!

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