Nourish to Flourish Coaching MIndset
Are you nourishing your body, mind, and soul on a daily basis? If you aren’t you might be experiencing some of the following signs of an undernourished life. If you’ve been experiencing lack of joy and happiness in your life, or experiencing health problems like stomach issues, sexual problems, fatigue, or unable to handle stress, you may need to start giving yourself some more “me time”.
Often ignored, self-care is one of the most important actions to help avoid health problems and improve your mental, spiritual and physical health. Here are some tips to get your self-care on and become more healthy, happy and more in-tune with your spiritual self and body.
1. Move. Walk, dance, workout, run, walk, cycle, stretch – just get your body moving. Our bodies were made to move. Moving is like the fountain of youth. One of the best ways to nourish yourself is to move. Exercising not only boosts your mood by producing endorphins that make you feel better, it also staves off diabetes, Alzheimer’s and heart disease. So, get out there and move – one of my favorite forms of movement is walking. Take a walk with a friend or your dog, and reap the benefits of moving.
2. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Adding more fruits and vegetables to your plate is a great way to treat yourself well. Research shows that filling up on seven portions of fruits and vegetables a day might make you happier. It’s easy to do – have a veggie omelet for breakfast with a side of fruit, a big salad for lunch, some carrots and hummus and/or an apple and almond butter for snacks, and some broccoli and cauliflower with your dinner and you are set. Try filling up on fruits and vegetables and reap the benefits.
3. Laugh. Laughter really is the best medicine. Laughter is healing. Recent studies show that laughter helps keep people healthy, as well as helps heal sick bodies. Laughter relaxes the body, protects the heart and improves the immune system. Share a laugh with a friend today. Laugh at yourself. Watch a funny movie and hangout with your silly, goofy friends more often.
4.Get enough sleep. Prioritize sleep for a healthier happier you – make sure you get at least 6-8 hours of sleep a night. There are a lot of things that can keep you from sleep – a busy mind, too much screen time, or just staying up to late catching up on “The Real Housewives of Orange County” or “Scandal” (my guilty pleasures). Make sure you turn off all your devices at least one hour before hitting your bed for a more peaceful slumber.
5. Meditate. Meditation is a must to nourish your body, mind and spirit. Meditation has a host of benefits including reducing stress. Plus, many studies show that it helps with fatigue, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and insomnia. Meditation really is simple and fun. It also gets you more in touch with your spiritual self and creates a greater sense of peace, serenity and joy in your daily life. Give it a try for just five minutes.
6. Live in the present. Lamenting about the past and worrying about the future are a waste of time, and in no way a nourishing activity. In reality there is no past; there is only your memory of the past. And, the future is yet to come, and only a figment of your imagination. Not living in the present moment causes stress on your body, making you more susceptible to disease. Slowing down to enjoy all the beauty in the present moment is one fabulous way to treat yourself kindly. Notice the butterfly fluttering in your backyard, or the sweet smell of your morning coffee, or the feeling of sunshine on your body while you sit in the sun. Be present in all you do and you will have a new sense of wonderment for the world.
7. Declutter. Research shows that a cluttered environment can stress you out and affect your mood. Organizing, sorting, and purging through your messy desk, overflowing disorganized closet, or chaotic kitchen cabinets can help you feel calmer, more productive and give you a sense of clarity and focus.
8. Spend time in nature. If you are feeling sluggish and fatigued get out in nature. Nature is good for the soul and makes you feel more alive. Fresh air and natural scenery can have a profound affect not only on your mood, but also on your health. So, get out and take a hike in the woods, or dip your toes in the ocean.
9. Be grateful. Being grateful is one of best ways to nourish your life. By appreciating what you have in your life, you will bring more of what you want into your life. Being grateful on a regular basis is like wearing magical glasses that transform the world around you. For me this is one of the most important ways to nourish my life. Take some time on a daily basis to jot down what you’re grateful for in a gratitude journal.
10. Keep your thoughts positive. Monitor your thoughts and keep them positive because what you put out into the world is what you get back. So, if you want positive things in your life think positive thoughts. Plus, being positive lowers stress levels and blood pressure, keeps your heart healthy and it’s good for your relationships.