WHAT IT MEANS TO NOURISH
I’m sensing that people feel a little depleted. I’m seeing this in small business, within individuals and across groups. When I sit with this, I want to offer up a solution and that leads me to the opposite word. For me, the word that comes to mind is NOURISH.
Here are two definitions which seem rather fitting:
To provide with the food or other substances needed for growth, health and good condition.
To keep (a feeling or belief) in one’s mind, typically for a long time.
Source: Oxford Languages
This month, I’m using nourish as both a theme and an acronym that provides an integrative solution to becoming more nourished.
N: Notice what brings you joy.
O: Optimize your immune system.
U: Unschedule yourself.
R: Remember that your body is a gift.
I: Implement boundaries.
S: Step outside.
H: Have a few laughs.
Notice what brings you joy.
The act of noticing is a mindfulness practice. As you move through the week, notice what brings you joy and share your findings with others. Take this a step further and invite your workplace teams and family members to do the same. Modeling and encouraging healthy habits if powerful stuff.
Optimize your immune system.
Let’s go back to basics here. Anytime I’ve been under the weather, both my primary doctor and my mother kindly remind me to rest and “push fluids” – which means drink lots of water. There are a host of other ways to support your immune function BEFORE you’re fighting something. Stay physically active, get outdoors to breathe in fresh air and prioritize food and beverages known to have anti-inflammatory benefits. Read more on these foods here.
Unschedule yourself.
Sometimes meetings and social activities have productive and beautiful outcomes. Other times, these commitments are unnecessary, leaving you low on time and energy. Continually reassess your professional and personal calendars to protect everyone’s precious resources.
Remember that your body is a gift.
Nearly every day I meet people who are struggling to become (or stay) motivated. The moment you see your body as a gift – and physical activity as an opportunity to celebrate that – this mindset can shift. Exercise is both energizing and empowering. Use it to support your mind and body each day.
Implement boundaries.
Get clear on what exactly you need (or don’t need) to function at your best. These non-negotiables may be related to what you say “yes” or “no” to, or they may be more like “if/then” statements. Here are couple of personal examples:
I say “no” to meetings before 9 a.m. Being self-employed, I can set this boundary and it allows me to get my kids to school with less stress on me and others in my family.
If I’m scrolling social media and I begin to feel triggered, then I put my phone down and shift to a more relaxing activity.
Step outside.
For those of us experiencing virtual meeting fatigue, remember that simple practices – like stepping outside into fresh air and natural light – can feel darn good. Exposure to daylight can support your circadian rhythms. Layer in the added benefits of stretching your legs and taking a few deep breaths, and your oxygenated body and brain will thank you. Use these five-minute breaks to beat burnout and encourage everyone else in the meeting to do the same.
Have a few laughs.
It wasn’t until I watched “Schitt’s Creek” (and then " Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar”) that I realized just how badly I needed a good laugh. 2020 and 2021 have left me in chronic fight, flight or freeze mode. Daily demands and obstacles can wear on everyone, and as an employer, I continue to feel very responsible for my team. I had forgotten that laughter is the best medicine. Laughter doesn’t fix everything, but it does provide a means for creating a small shift in your central nervous system, leaving you revitalized in a way.
As always, I invite you to share these insights within your workplace and across your teams to keep the conversation going – physical, mental and emotional health always matter. If we can support your workdays, we’re just a phone call or email away!
Author: Katy Tombaugh