June Rejuvenation #2: Nourishment
A pre-summer reset for body, mind and soul
What nourishes you?
How often do you take the time to pause and really ask yourself that question?
And when you answer it, do you then give yourself those things you need to nourish yourself?
Or do they get deprioritised below all the obligations you have on your ever-growing to-do list?
Throughout June, I’m doing a little experiment, a reboot of sorts. 2025 has brought me lots of challenges and plenty of stress so far. So before we head fully into summer, I’m taking a break and refocusing on what my body, mind and soul need to thrive.
I started by focusing on rest, comfort and movement last week as the foundation of my recovery. I needed those building blocks to restore my physical energy first.
But now that I’m no longer napping away the afternoons, I’ve been adding more ingredients, focusing this week on things I find vital for my nourishment.
Hi, I’m Holly, a certified coach and Breathworks mindfulness facilitator. I’m here to help you lead a life full of zest, zen, and meaning. Come join the supportive Zestful Zen community. ✨
1. Body
Nutrition is the obvious starting point for nourishment. What we put into our bodies matters. I know this, you know this.
But when you’re exhausted after work, it’s easy to reach for a takeaway menu or grab a ready meal from the supermarket.
And if you’re like me, there’s also the risk of an all-or-nothing attitude to food.
I went overboard in April, cooking absolutely everything from scratch. Made my own bread, crackers, seed mixes, granola, various dressings, multiple types of hummus, plus three meals a day. While working full time and doing evening gym classes.
It was too much, and I crashed and burned in May, straight back to Deliveroo.
There’s got to be a balance between nutrition and convenience, or it’s just not sustainable within a busy lifestyle.
So, this time around, I’m cutting myself some slack. Maybe you can too?
I don’t need to make 14 different lunches/dinners a week – batch cooking and repurposing leftovers is fine. If I use a range of ingredients, I’m still getting plenty of diversity in my diet.
Having quick, convenient ingredients to hand is helping (canned beans/pulses, frozen veg, pre-chopped stir-fry veg).
And there’s nothing wrong with just roasting fish and steaming veg – not every meal has to be spectacular. I don’t need to earn a Michelin star!
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2. Mind
One of the things that had burnt me out was a lack of intellectual stimulation. As regular readers will know, I’m not enamoured of the day-job I’ve outgrown.
I’ve had some amazing experiences over the years. But lately I’ve been bored, with the killer combo of also feeling overworked. It can be a real slog when the volume of work is high (hello email overwhelm!), but the mental challenge has plummeted.
Having now finished my role in Belgium, I’ve taken a few weeks’ leave to be fully absorbed in the latest module of my mindfulness teacher training.
And it’s been such a pleasure! It’s great to use my brain on something I’m passionate about.
I also had the opportunity on Wednesday to join ’s Writing In Progress writers’ circle.
I was equal parts terrified and excited about attempting a piece of memoir. I’d never written something so personal before, but it was refreshing to get out of my comfort zone.
Recharging my brain’s batteries has gotten my neurones firing again in different ways, and I can feel the spark of creative and business ideas coming to the fore.
When/where does using your brain bring you passion and joy?
How can you do more of this?
3. Soul
Now that my physical exhaustion has passed, I’ve had the space and energy to nourish my soul too, through nature, art, and connection.
Restorative daily walks in nature: I’ve been slowing down and noticing new things, like fruits beginning to burgeon on apple and cherry trees in my local park.
My senses have been stimulated by spending five minutes each day either closing my eyes and just listening to sounds or gazing lightly at what’s around me.
I’ve been savouring pleasant sensory experiences (scented candles, tasty food) and things that make me smile (my kitties especially).
I’ve taken time for art too – enjoying exhibitions and thought-provoking documentaries. Next step will be creating my own art.
And connection is salving my soul. My favourite part of the writer’s circle was sharing the experience with a wonderful group of warm, welcoming, creative women. I can’t wait for more in-person conversations and art at WRITE UP. Pledge your support now and come join us on 19 July. 🎤
Rejuvenation results
As I reach the halfway point in my reset I’m feeling ALIVE again: physically, mentally and emotionally. My zest has returned.
I’m not back to peak energy and excitement yet, but there’s no big hurry.
Join me on the journey
Now that I’ve got more pep and pizazz, I’m going to focus on creativity next.
If you’d like to, join me on this rejuvenation journey. Start with week 1, or jump in midway if you prefer.
Week 2: Nourishment
Week 3: Creative Inspiration
Week 4: The Zen Zone
Self-reflection and journal prompts ✍️
Where do you most need nourishment, right now: for body, mind or soul?
When did you last do something purely for the fun or joy of it?
How can you make more space for connection in your life?
What steps could you take today to nourish yourself physically, emotionally, and/or mentally?
What simple sensory pleasures salve your soul? What makes you smile?
Share your perspective ✨
I’d love to hear your reflections on nourishment for body, mind and soul. What’s brought you joy recently? Have you got a go-to activity that recharges your batteries? Who nourishes you?
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Thanks so much for coming to the writers' circle. We all enjoyed your piece
"There’s got to be a balance between nutrition and convenience, or it’s just not sustainable within a busy lifestyle" OMG, yes.