Nutrition means so much more than food!
As I’ve discussed at length, I much prefer the term nutrition to diet. Nutrition is all about adding and augmenting to your life while diet is often about limitations. To me, it’s the difference between plus and minus.
Nutrition can mean anything that feeds you. There’s spiritual nourishment, friendship nourishment, work-related (validation) nourishment, etc. All of these components work together to help create the desired state of balance.
What seems to be out of balance for you? Are you nourishing yourself through the foods you eat? What about the water you drink? Take a look at the contents of your cupboards, your refrigerator, the lunch bag you take to work … Are you providing yourself with nourishment or punishment?
What about your health and beauty products? Are you nourishing your skin – your body’s largest organ? Do you surround yourself with people who champion your goals? Do you spend time in nature, in a movie theater, in the classroom – wherever you feel fed? Do you refresh your soul with activities such as prayer, meditation, journaling, tai chi, or yoga?
I realize that I’ve asked more questions than usual today, but I want you to think about a few things (and please post your comments here!).
Today’s post is short and sweet for a reason. It’s pretty simple actually. Pay attention to what feeds your soul, and you’ll find your own definition of nourishment.
Hmmm … I would have to say that I currently am not doing well with this – balance in anything, and paying the price.
I am attempting to schedule everything so that I do consciously balance – time, eating, exercise, activities – in order to accomplish what I wish to, to feel organized and also not overtax my system. The worst has been when I feel I have accomplished nothing other than depleting my energy.
The one issue I struggle with, as I attempt to organize and balance my life, is the unexpected mini-crisis. Such as when my parents or family require my time due to a problem they are experiencing. I want to help, enjoy helping, but then throw myself off for 2 days.
How do others cope with the unexpected?
Darleen – one thing that can help is to proactively “expect” the unexpected. Things such as guests, illnesses (such as colds, flu, etc.), job schedule changes, etc. can prove to be a speed bump to your normal life. Thing is, these speed bumps happen all the time. Some are bigger bumps than others. When things are going smoothly, write out lists of ways to counteract these speed bumps. Thanks for posting this and I believe this topic warrants a future blog post!
I have really been focusing on this area of my life recently. Trying to balance out the negative effects that my illness has on my body. I also am an advocate of journaling, though I have been lax in my own journaling lately. I read a wonderful resource called Writer Wellness by Joy Held. She discuss balancing our lives and looking at all these issues to increase our creativity. I plan to be reviewing her book on my blog and I will be discussed more about these issues there as well. I want to make some major changes and not just on a temporary basis. I want to avoid the hospital and do the most I can to care for my body.
I love your thoughtfulness, Miriam. You’re taking a thoughtful, pragmatic, and purposeful approach to your health, and you will see much success! Blessings to you!
Hi Sue, I’ve been falling short in this area. Dusting myself off and hopping back on the horse…..Every loss of focus is an opportunity for improvement…..
Thanks!
Great thought, Sheila! Love it!
I love this post – I’ve never thought of nutrition in this broad way before. “Nourishment or punishment” is a great phrase!
I’ve long recognised that I don’t always eat as well as I would like to for my health. I do really well for long periods of time then I get fed up that I’m still not well and I end up “falling off the wagon” and eating “treats” – cakes and chocolate – because they make me feel happy and taste so nice.
But I know they knock my blood sugar balance out and can affect my moods too. In fact, while my intention is to treat myself and I enjoy those treats at the time, I’m punishing my body, putting it under unneccessary stress and making my journey back to wellness that much harder.
I’m starting to find other ways to nourish myself, recently I’ve been doing more painting and finding that gives me a real serotonin boost! Now I’m going to remember your definition and next time I’m tempted by a chocolate bar, I’ll see if I can actively seek out an alternative activity that will provide actual nourishment and not just a fake sugar high!
happy to have found your blog!
Hi Lorraine — what a lovely comment, and thanks! I appreciate your thoughts. Remember that nourishing yourself and rewarding yourself are both good things. It’s important that when it comes to rewards, we give ourselves something that truly is nurturing, and I’m sure you’ll develop that trait very soon. Hugs to you!