written by heather ann pitcher
Nourish. It’s not a word we commonly hear in today’s vernacular. More often than not, you may hear or use synonyms when trying to grasp its meaning. Synonyms for nourish include nurture, sustain, feed, enrich, and cultivate. For the purpose of this article, and from the perspective of a mental health educator and advocate, it is important as the seasons change, for you to understand the value of nourishing your well-being.
We often get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, to the point that we may literally forget to feed ourselves! Over time, this can become a habit that takes a toll on our overall well-being. This is just one example of how a single habit can impact our well-being, for better or worse.
As the leaves begin to fall and the seasons change, some may experience seasonal depression, while others may simply find it challenging to adjust to the shifts in daylight, routines, and environment.
So, let’s explore three simple but meaningful ways to cultivate a wellness routine that supports us through the darker days ahead. Together, we can be intentional about nurturing our minds, bodies, and overall well-being.
Tip 1: Gratitude Leads to Growth
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, practicing gratitude activates brain reward centers and boosts feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. So, what does this actually mean?
When we practice an attitude of gratitude, we have the ability to naturally nurture our well-being. So, when you are feeling overwhelmed, simply pause and think of one thing you can be thankful for. If you would like, write it down. If you can’t think of one thing you are thankful for, find a person and thank them for something.
Tip 2: Rejuvenation and Refreshment
The second tip is actually a combination of two, which you can decide to do together or perhaps consider one and the same. The most important thing is that you come away feeling refreshed and lighter, rather than heavier and overwhelmed.
Take a moment and ask yourself: How am I feeling right now? As I am reading this article, what does my body feel like in this moment? Do I feel heavy? Do I feel overloaded? Do I feel tired? What do I need?
If you are able to identify what you need, that is where you should focus your attention in order to rejuvenate yourself. Allowing yourself to become self-aware and taking a moment to pour back into yourself is an important part of rejuvenation.
The second part, refreshment, comes from the feeling you should have after pouring into yourself. You should not feel stressed or guilty because you needed to take a time-out or give yourself permission to rest.
Tip 3: An Accountability Partner
Find an accountability partner and share steps one and two together.
This step is easy! Having someone alongside you can reassure you that you are not alone and encourage you to follow through with the first two steps.
Remember:
• Cultivate an attitude of gratitude.
• Find time to pour into yourself, even in the smallest ways.
• Let’s build a culture of wellness together, one step at a time.