To replenish means “to fill or make complete again, to resupply, to inspire or nourish, to become full again”. Many things in life can be both replenishing and depleting. And it’s important to identify which it is and recognize what you need in the moment.
In a world where we are inundated with information 24/7, we need to know how to quiet the noise, and to listen to ourselves. To recognize what we need that day, that minute. We often seek a formula for what to do to attain optimal health – what to eat, what to do. Often we look outside ourselves to find the answers and we choose what we should be doing. It doesn’t fully work that way. Daily replenishment is not as obvious as being on vacation, but rather navigating through daily activities and recognizing whether something is working for you or not. Is it serving you or not at that time?
𝐍𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 is not only about what we eat or do, it’s also about identifying what will feed your soul. It’s a delicate balance of realizing what we need and adjusting on a daily basis. To listen to ourselves as we innately know what is best. It’s okay, more than okay, to recognize when something in your life is depleting you. Especially if it’s something that is good for you. Even if something usually replenishes you, it may also be depleting at times.
Consider the following:
- Many times exercise can help you to feel stronger, to boost your immunity. If you are overtired, it may deplete you, and perhaps you should choose to rest.
- Many times planning the nutrients of your meal can be fulfilling and nourishing. Other times it can be overwhelming, and take the joy out of preparation and mealtime. Know when to simplify and realize this break from routine may serve you better.
- Many times juggling work, kids, social activities is energizing and fun. Other times, it can tire you out, and you can miss being in the moment. It’s okay to say no, and choose only those activities most important to you.
Of course, this is not a free pass to eat and do whatever you please all the time. Rather build a foundation of healthy lifestyle choices, and learn to recognize when you need to adjust a behavior for your own well-being. You need to listen to your body. Give yourself a break. Take some of the pressure off about what you 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘥𝘰 and listen to what you 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘰. Is it working out? Curling up with a good book? Getting more sleep? Spending time with your kids? Playing with a pet? You will find listening to yourself when it matters most makes all the difference.
