I have spent some time this year reflecting on the various aspects of health and how they all fit together into the whole wellness picture. In fact, it was that reflection that pointed me toward revamping my website. I wanted a platform that would allow me to highlight all the elements of health in a way that was user friendly, brought people together as a community, and was a resource for for information in ALL factors in the wellness picture.
This will be the first in a four-part series that lays out the four aspects of wellness that I believe come together to for the whole YOU! Those four areas are:
Nourish
Move
Explore
Enhance
Nourishment doesn't just refer to food, or drink... Nourishment can apply to how you feed your soul, your mind, and yes, of course, your body. To me, eating well is just one small part of this complex nourishing idea. If you are eating low carb Paleo all day but feeding your brain junk TV at night, you are not nourishing yourself as well as you think. If you only watch documentaries about saving the Earth, but never engage with friends or family, you're not nourishing your soul!
This all goes back to old adage: "You get out what you put in."
Okay, maybe this sounds a little woo woo at this point. Let's talk about how this can apply in the health coaching setting.
Food- Nourishing the Body:
This sounds simple doesn't it? Just eat "healthier." But what the heck does that mean? Not only is the answer different for each and every one of you, but the answer also changes depending on what is going on in your life at the time. For example, I have been on the low-carb side of things for many years. But lately, with stress high and mood not so high, low-carb was only making things worse. Changing my starch intake had nothing to do with trying to be leaner or lose weight, but had everything to do with feeding my brain and hormones what they needed in this very unusual time. When we work together I will help you find the right nourishment for your body in the context of what is going on with your life.
Exercise- Nourishing all of You:
This is where you can start to see how the four aspects are all connected. While "Move" is it's own category, movement itself can be its own nourishment. When we increase circulation, that blood flow nourishes your joints. Your brain benefits from the extra oxygen supply and suddenly you are thinking more clearly. When you move outside your nourishing your connection with your environment. Moving the body is one of simplest and most basic ways we can nourish it.
Rest- Nourishing your Recovery:
Sleep, rest, down-time: all so critical to recovery. Without proper recovery we don't let our muscles repair and grow. Without sufficient sleep our brains won't be able to move memories into the long-term. Without rest, we don't get a chance to nourish our appreciation of the moment. I'll tell you, I feel my absolute best when I've had a solid 8 hours of sleep, been doing my meditation regularly, and take time out to connect with my family. If you think you don't have time for rest, you'll be in a constant state of breaking yourself down- not nourishing yourself.
So I ask you-
What does "Nourish" mean to you?
Are there ways that you nourish yourself regularly?
Are you feeling like there are ways you could nourish yourself more?
I would love to hear your answers if you'd like to comment below. Or maybe you'd like to chat with me one-on-one? If so, I am happy to extend a free virtual meeting to discuss your own wellness journey. And if you'd like to join our forum where we discuss all kinds of information around nourishment, movement, energizing, and enhancements... click here. We'd love to have you join the conversation.
