Here are 5 Things I would do IF I wanted to optimize my life:
Here are 5 things I would do if I were wanting to focus on optimizing my life and creating some solid habits. These are not the be all, end all habits, but ones I felt were simple enough to help one get started and gain some footing on creating optimization. This list is simply a guidepost, not a bible. Read it, draw inspiration, and create your own truth.
Stop consuming seed oils such as sunflower, canola, safflower, grapeseed, rapeseed, corn, soy, and cottonseed. These are highly inflammatory for the body and a body that is being inflamed is a breeding ground for a multitude of issues. These oils can create an explosion of free radicals in the body which in turn can be harmful (the body can handle a certain range of these, but only up to a point). Things such as low energy, brain fog, fatigue, hormonal issues, auto-immunity, mood swings, joint pain, and lingering body fat are just SOME of the disruptive things these seed oils can create. Instead, opt for oils such as coconut oil, olive oil, and avocado oil when looking at what oils to use or cook with.
Find movement you enjoy doing it and do it daily. Moving the body is a given for how it helps with mood, heart health, muscle growth, bone strength, lowering risk for certain cardiovascular issues, brain health, and so much more. BUT as a fitness professional I often see people forcing themselves into workout formats that they do not enjoy. To me, that is completely counterproductive. The mind is such a powerful force that drives outcomes, results, and effects. It will create an overall experience for whatever you're doing based upon your predominant thoughts as you do that action. I highly suggest finding whatever ways of moving your body that you love and showing up do to those. Whether it be walking, dance fitness, group fitness classes, lifting weights, pilates, yoga, or boxing finding your soulmate workout(s) is so vital to making movement a lasting habit in your life.
Take 10-15 minutes a day for nervous system regulation practices. You cannot and will not fully heal until your nervous system is regulated. This is something I have seem time and time again within my own scope of work and within my own life. Nervous system health is HIGHLY underrated and undervalued.....although I have seen quite the uptick in content being put out about it within the past year. I always, always help my clients find regulation practices they can use in their day to day life that make them feel calm, grounded, and SAFE. Nervous system regulation is about you creating a safe space from within to feel and heal. Your body cannot and will not fully heal UNTIL it feels SAFE to do so. Things such as somatic movement, breathwork, journaling, meditation, humming, singing, somatic shaking, shamanic journeying, and cold plunges can be beneficial to regulating your system. If you need help or support on your journey, please let me know.
Get outside and in nature, DAILY. My oh my, how we have become some disconnected with the healing hums of Earth herself and nature all around. I find it funny when people assume nature is my hobby....ummm, no, it's a way of life. Being outside and with nature is like breathing to me....it's something I don't think about too much and am intuitively pulled to be immersed in it. This is truly how humans as designed to be, but with modernization.....it's become more a "chore" for others to get up and out there. Sunshine, fresh air, plants, trees, and the dirt all provide massive healing. Being in nature helps one to feel more calm, less stress, provides clarity, and more groundedness. Try to get outside for at least 30-minutes minimum a day....bonus if you take your nature time outside for a walk among its's beauty.
Create space for quiet, rest, and daily contemplation. The world we live in doesn't promote the beauty in the slowing down. It shines a light on those who seem to be busy, in the hustle and bustle, or on the constant grind. What they do not show in the behind the doors of what happens when you are consistently going from this thing to the next.....burnout city. REST is so important and waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay undervalued. Creating space (even if it's simply 5-min per day, first thing in the morning, or before you go to bed at night) will give you a way to relax, connect deeper to self, talk to God, or simply just be. Grab a journal and let yourself free flow write, grab tea and sit in your favorite spot or outside as you drink it, lay down with your coziest blanket, listen to healing frequencies, take a hot epsom soak, or sit upon the Earth and just breathe. Whatever it is that will bring you to this slow pace....do it. This will become an anchor point anytime you begin to feel ungrounded, frazzled, or if you just need a moment of reconnection.
This list could go on and on and be quite long. If you know me, you know I have lots of tools, tips, and ideas for many facets of life. This is a short, sweet, and simple list to help you get started or to at least get those wheels turning : )
I hope as you usher out 2023 and welcome 2024 (in a couple of short days) you begin to gain more clarity within your path and your life.
Hugs, Nichol
