December 9, 2015
Nourishing ourselves around this time of year should not be a luxury, it should be a necessity. It’s frantic, it’s busy, it’s a downright chaotic time of year, and we need to take care of us to maintain our health and our sanity! Taking care of yourself isn’t just going to benefit you, but it will greatly benefit those you are close to.
These are my favorite things that I do to nourish myself. Pick one or pick all, or anywhere in between. Then notice how good you feel! Please share your thoughts and comments.
1. SLEEP I sleep as much as I can, which is usually only 6-7 hours a night. This can be very challenging though with children and/or jobs, but if it’s a priority than it can be done. It is such a busy time of year with holiday gatherings and late nights, that on the off nights I really try to go to bed earlier or sleep in later. Instead of waking up at 5 or 6, I let myself sleep in until a whopping 7:00. It’s temporary and necessary and I won’t completely wear myself down. 2. CELEBRATE I celebrate each time I check something off of my never ending to-do list. Then I let go of what didn’t get done that day, because what I do each day has nothing to do with who I am as a person. I do not want to give in to the overwhelm. I want to stay present in each moment and remember that, “I have all the time I need.” 3. GROUND At least once a day, I take up to 5 minutes to sit down and ground myself. When things start going haywire it’s important to balance and reorganize my internal structure. Sit down, breathe, and ask to be grounded. 4. EAT WELL Here is my favorite nourishing breakfast or snack! And it takes no time to make. Fresh Berry Chia Pudding1 can of coconut milk or cream, 1 tbsp manuka honey, vanilla, 4-6 tbsp of chia seeds, and fresh berries (I like to use raspberries or strawberries).
Mix together in a bowl, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Makes about 4-5 servings.
5. ELDERBERRY
To nourish my immune system, I started taking homemade elderberry syrup again this week. I’ll take it daily for the next few weeks. Click here for the recipe!
6. SOUP TO SOOTHE YOUR SOUL
Broccoli Cheddar Soup does the trick for me. It’s warming and nourishing and makes me smile!
3 tbsp unsalted grass fed butter, 1c. onions, 1/2 c. celery, 4-5 c. organic broccoli, 1/3 c. arrowroot flour, 4 c. homemade chicken broth or store bought vegetable broth, 2c. grass fed milk, 2 c. white cheddar cheese, salt and pepper.
In a big pot, melt better, add onions and celery for 3 minutes, add broccoli, cook for 5-7 more minutes, add arrowroot flour to coat veggies and cook for 1 minute, add broth and milk, bring to a slow boil until veggies are tender (maybe 20 minutes), puree, add the cheddar, salt, and pepper to taste. Enjoy!
*image courtesy of Serge Bertasius Photography via FreeDigitalDownloads
7. BATH AND A BOOK
Mmmmm……..Instead of doing that one last thing before bed, choose a nourishing Epsom salt bath and relax! Let go of the day, slow down, and get ready for a good night sleep.
Go ahead…..Nourish Yourself! I dare you!
In Health and Healing,
