Nutrition by Dawn - Blog

Between COVID concerns, election madness, and the typical curveballs that life throws at us, it’s no secret that this has been a really stressful year. It’s a wonder that any of us can even take a breath with all that’s going on. 

I talk a lot about the Triangle of Health - with the legs being my Eat, Move & Recharge System.  The stress of this year has me thinking a lot about that last “recharge” leg. The upcoming holidays put a lot of focus on food, so we’ve probably all been thinking about the “Eat” part of that triangle. However, I really think that everyone could use a break to Recharge and release some of the 2020 stress. 

So what does recharging really look like? There are different ways that we can recharge, and it’s great to have a balance of all of them. For example, minimizing stress wherever possible and getting plenty of sleep both help us to get recharged. One of the most important and most overlooked ways to recharge is to take time to be thankful and find joy in your everyday life. 

If 2020 has been a stress-filled year for you, here are some tips for how you can recharge your batteries.

 1. Go Outside for a Well-Deserved Break.

Being outside for a walk, some fresh air, and some deep breaths might seem like a small thing, but it makes a huge difference in your mindset. Being outside gives you a chance to step away from the screens and change your perspective. I’ve been making a point to go for two walks a day, and it has been such a great way for me to take a break from my work and spend time with my family. 

 2. Set Boundaries With Your Stressors. 

Being outdoors is great for setting boundaries between your work and home life, and it’s also important to set boundaries for your other stressors. There are always things we have to do, especially during the holidays, but you can minimize that by designating a time for work and a time to be away from work. This is especially difficult when we work from home and can feel like we always have to be on call, but it’s really more important than ever in a work-from-home situation. 

 3. Lie on the Floor and Take Some Deep Breaths.

For some reason, there’s really nothing like just lying on the floor, allowing your body to sink in and relax, and just breathing deeply. This is another chance to take a break from the screens and the stressors. Just five deep breaths can make a miraculous difference in your day. 

 4. Drink Plenty of Water Every Day. 

It might seem unrelated to stress and mental health, but drinking enough water is super important for our bodies. Drinking enough water will help you to stay hydrated and feel better overall. 

There are lots of ways that you can take a break to recharge and reduce the stress that seems to be all around us. These are just a few of my many favorite tips! I recently took a break from the stress of work and had a great time at our Perfect Pairings event! We have another coming up on December 4th, and I’m so excited to have another chance to gather virtually and enjoy fine wine, delicious food, and great company. Tickets for this event are closed now, but there will be more! Mark January 29th on your calendar for our first Perfect Pairings of 2021.

If you have any questions about reducing stress and recharging, please reply and let me know how I can help! In the meantime, what’s the best part of this time of year for you? Let me know in the comments!