You are what you…consume

You are what you.... no, not the word 'eat'. I would actually rather write, you are what you consume. Not just in the food sense.

Yes, food matters - of course it does. But if you are eating a 'perfect diet' (again, there are many opinions and rabbit holes on the internet about this), but not nourishing other aspects of your life, you could easily be under par with your lifestyle and how you feel.

So what am I talking about? The other pillars of health that are super important in achieving that sense of balance, health and happiness in life. The environment and relationships that we consume.

👯‍♀️ Good relationships - are great for overall well-being. They reduce stress and lower the risk of mental health disorders. Positive relationships create belonging and support, aiding personal growth. They also improve physical health by promoting healthy behaviours. Plus, they bring joy, laughter, and companionship. Cultivating and nurturing relationships enrich our lives. I am super lucky to have the best, loving, kind family and close friends around me. I fully believe that the sense of security, unconditional love and unwavering support that I feel, contributes to my huge sense of well-being.

🚶‍♀️ Movement - whatever it is (you know the drill, make sure you enjoy it), try to include some form of movement into your day. A power walk, a jog, a fitness class.. whatever it is, it helps to raise the endorphins - giving us a little boost of happy, and not to mention all of the known physical benefits going on inside when we raise our heart rates etc.

🌲 Nature - if you can get out in nature regularly (it doesn't have to be every day if you find it hard), you're onto a winner. A walk at the beach, on the dunes, in a park, woods, anywhere where you can find some form of living, breathing nature.
Being in nature holds so many benefits for our physical, mental, and emotional health. Stepping outside and being in the natural world bridges a connection between our bodies and the earth. The fresh air invigorates our lungs, filling us with vitality and boosting our immune system. The warm sun's touch on our skin entices the release of endorphins, bringing a sense of contentment. As we wander, stroll, run or swim in nature, we are easing stress and anxiety. Nature for me is either walking outside with the dogs, going for a run in the woods or on the dunes, or simply immersing myself in the sea. I have to do at least one of these things a day to keep my mind happy.

💤 Sleep - is essential for our health and performance. It gives our bodies a chance to repair and rejuvenate, giving us the energy and readiness to face the day. But if sleep quality is poor, it can have a negative impact on both our physical and mental well-being. It can decrease cognitive function, impair memory, weaken the immune system, and raise the risk of chronic health issues. Getting enough sleep is important for maintaining good health and maximising performance in work, exercise, and relationships. I understand that if you are a parent (I’m not, I like my sleep 😆 ), this can be hard, so do not stress. If you are able to try and enhance other areas of your health, it’s like damage limitation - and the sleep problems most likely and hopefully for you, are temporary 🤞 .

Overall, what I’m saying is…
If you have spent a day with friends, been out all day in nature or have managed to get some exercise in - but have eaten something you think you ‘shouldn't have’ (I hate the word shouldn't, connected with food) - you can sleep easy at night knowing that you’ve benefited your health in other ways. I would much rather have spent the day training, meeting up with friends or family for coffee and cake, have had a dip in the sea and a dog walks and yes eaten some nutrients, but also not thought too gravely about some cake, or biscuits with tea - rather than eat perfectly all day and have done absolutely nothing else.

Balance people, balance the basics.