Recently, while facing the ground in downward dog at my weekly yoga class, my instructor spoke about the importance of nourishing ourselves, especially during the stressful holiday time between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Her words really resonated with me.
I want to begin this new year with some nourishing thoughts for you. My hope is for all of us to feel nourished so that we can live joyful and meaningful lives.
Nourish. What exactly does it mean? Many things…
To take care of yourself
To feed your mind, body and soul
To provide what is necessary for life, health and growth
To sustain with food or nutrient
To cherish, foster, keep alive
To strengthen, build up or promote
Let’s look at some suggestions as to how we can better nourish ourselves.
Food As a physician and nutrition educator, I believe it is immensely important to nourish ourselves with super healthy food. Every time we eat is an opportunity to nourish our mind and body.
Nourishment through food extends beyond the actual food. It can include digging your hands in the dirt as you grow your own food, meeting local farmers at farmers’ markets or enjoying the camaraderie of cooking together with friends and family.
In 2019, SOUL Food Salon conducted a FOOD CHALLENGE, intended as a fun food adventure through the exploration of different seasonal ingredients. In each weekly post, there was historical and nutritional information about the featured ingredient accompanied by a suggested recipe that incorporated the seasonal ingredient. I have compiled all those recipes in an e-book, which you can access here.
Exercise/Movement
Attempt to move your body every day. Try simple steps such as walking your dog, gardening or dancing to a favorite song.
Sleep
Sleep is the most restorative activity we can do. Both the quantity and quality of our sleep are important.
Social Relationships
Spend time and foster meaningful connections with friends, family, teachers and loved ones.
Stress Reduction/Mindfulness
Mindfulness means paying attention to the present moment without judgment. Get outside: take a walk and notice the beauty all around. Pause and take a few deep breaths.
Gratitude Expressing gratitude is a form of emotional nourishment. Not only is it nourishing for the recipient of the gratitude, but the expresser receives benefits, too.
Creativity Nurture creative outlets, whether it be through the arts, in your work, in your home or through interactions with others.
Self-care Tend to self-care through massage, hikes, tea with friends, listening to music, reading a book, journaling or sitting alone in silence. Self-care is essential for well-being.
When we are nourished, we will thrive and be fully content. And that is my wish for you as you start this new year.
Here’s to a truly fabulous and nourishing 2020!
Jeanne
Resources
NourishLife: Nourish Means . . .
Jeanne Rosner, MD
Jeanne Rosner is a board-certified anesthesiologist who
practiced pediatric anesthesia at Stanford Medical Center
for nearly 20 years. In 2011, she began teaching nutrition
classes in her son’s 5th-grade science class. It was an “aha”
moment for her. She realized that learning and teaching
about nutrition, health and wellness in her community was
her destiny.
Since retiring from anesthesia, she has been a nutrition
educator at local middle and high schools throughout the
Bay Area. She teaches students about the importance of
eating food closest to the source, making good food choices and eating in a balanced and moderate way.
Jeanne started SOUL (seasonal, organic, unprocessed, local) Food Salon in 2014. SOUL Food Salon’s mission is to educate and empower people to be healthier. She holds small gatherings (salons) at which experts in the health and wellness community share their knowledge on how to lead a healthier life.
www.soulfoodsalon.com jeanne@soulfoodsalon.com instagram: @soulfoodsalon
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