Whilst watching a Halloween movie, and tucking into treats, one of which was a jar of Nutella, a thought popped into my head. Wellbeing is like Nutella: delicious, comforting and something you can’t get enough of.
I know you are likely thinking ‘what on earth’ but stick with me.
When you think about wellbeing, you likely think about caring for yourself. This could be going for a walk around the woods or on the river bank or coastal path, doing yoga or swimming outdoors in a lovely loch. Or maybe even, sitting quietly in a café reading a book.
I love eating Nutella with a spoon. I don’t see the point in spreading it on toast or anything else. I enjoy savouring each mouthful. It brings me joy and comfort and as it is a treat, a little indulgence now and then won’t do me any harm.
Going back to my thought, lets take a look at what Nutella and our own wellbeing have in common?
Small amounts can be deeply satisfying: Just like a spoonful of Nutella, a short walk around the block or a ten minute yoga session can give you a mental and physical boost of energy. Leaving you feeling great and pleased you took the time to yourself to indulge. You don’t need a lot and sometimes it is the smallest things that leave the biggest impact. For example a nourishing meal packed with vegetables, ten minutes on your yoga mat or a quick walk in the fresh air can leave you feeling surprisingly good.
It is something to savour rather than rush: With every spoonful or mouthful of Nutella you savour it and enjoy the taste, texture and even the smell of it. Wellbeing activities are the same (yes I know you are not eating them). Don’t rush them. Savour each moment you are doing the activity. Enjoy your weekly swim in the loch, feeling the cold pebbles or sand beneath your feet as you make your way slowly in, feeling the water rise up your body as you get used to the cold temperature. Once you are fully submerged and start to swim, the cold might take your breath away to begin but you savour it all and notice how good you feel. Be proud of doing it as it isn’t easy for many to be so cold, even if it is just for a few minutes. Once you come out of the water and as you dry off, wrapping yourself in a towel and warming your hands around a cuppa, you begin to notice the rewards. Over the following days you feel energised, refreshed and eager to experience it again. Or if like me you enjoy walking through the woods, next time you do, instead of rushing through the walk to get home, notice all the leaves, the colours, the trees, the birds, the paths, the fallen twigs and branches, the shapes and the smells. There are so many things to savour with every step. Take the time to enjoy it, remember the journey is as important as completing the activity.
Wellbeing works best when it stops feeling like a task: We often approach wellbeing like another item on our to-do list. “I should do yoga.” “I have to go for a walk.” But when we find activities we genuinely enjoy, we begin to think “I’d love a walk in the woods today,” or “I can’t wait to get into the loch.” Do you do the activities because you feel you should or because you enjoy them? Just as nobody needs convincing to reach for a spoonful of Nutella, we don’t need motivation when we’ve found wellbeing activities we enjoy that truly suit us and our lifestyle.
What if taking care of yourself was something we looked forward to just as much as a spoonful of Nutella? Would you make more time for it? Nutella is an indulgence that makes me feel good. Looking after our wellbeing shouldn’t be an indulgence. It should be a daily occurrence without compromise. Spending an extra 30 minutes at work versus spending those 30 minutes going for a walk or cycling or spending time with your family or friends is more nourishing to your soul than work.
Whether it’s a walk through the woods, cold water swimming, or even a spoonful of Nutella that nourishes your soul, find what nourishes your mind and body and do more of it.
Thank you for reading, have a great week and look after you.
Love Emma xx
