Health and wellness starts from the inside out and the outside in
As women, inside and outside of business, we’re often wired to give. Give our time, our energy, and our attention to everyone and everything around us. From clients to colleagues to friends and family, there is a never ending number of people who need our time and our energy. But when was the last time you paused to ask: How am I nourishing myself?
Amy Finegold of Evolution Self + Style believes that true health and wellness starts from the inside out and the outside in. She teaches women how to reconnect with their inner strength, their sense of style, and their sense of self by helping them to align in three core areas: Nutrition, movement, and personal expression. While working with her, undoubtedly, is its own magical experience, we do have some powerful takeaways from Amy’s wisdom on how to help you get back on track and start nourishing yourself- without overhauling your entire life.
Start Where You Are. That’s Enough.
One of the most impactful things you can do for yourself to improve your well-being is to simplify. Oftentimes we feel that, in order to really prioritize our health, we have to dedicate ourselves to meal planning, tracking calories and steps, or intense regiments. As Amy reminds us, it doesn’t have to be hard. Small, meaningful steps lead to big change.
Start by asking yourself: What is my easiest way in? That might mean subbing out the crispy chicken for grilled chicken in your salad. Or taking a quick walk between meetings. Or, finally getting that dress you’ve had your eye on for weeks that makes you feel absolutely unstoppable. It doesn’t need to be a complete transformation overnight (in fact, that’s the quickest way to get overwhelmed and quit everything all at once). You just need one small shift to create momentum.
Nourishment is More Than Just Food
Food is fuel and good nutrition can lay the foundation for so many other important factors in your life. However, nourishment goes well beyond what you put on your plate. We nourish ourselves though movement, personal care, creativity, things that bring us joy, and the way we present ourselves to the world.
If you’ve found yourself feeling stuck or stagnant or like you don’t have the energy and enthusiasm you used to, ask yourself: What in my life isn’t feeling nourished right now?
Maybe you’re missing that infusion of joy in your life. Maybe your energy is low because you’re constantly zoning out instead of intentionally recharging. True nourishment comes from purposeful fulfillment- not mindless scrolling or other numbing habits.
Build Strength, Not Just Success
Did you know that, after the age of 35, women naturally begin to lose muscle mass? That decline can affect energy, metabolism, and overall vitality. We often think our metabolism slows with age but the reality is that our metabolism is reacting to a number of different factors. Many of which are inside our control. So what do you think? Are you ready to regain your sense of self, prioritize your needs and health, and start stepping into an energized and empowered you? We know what, you’re thinking, “Absolutely! But that sounds hard and time-consuming and I don’t know where to start.”
Luckily for you, we have Amy’s top 3 tips to help you work yourself while building your business, without added stress.
- Prioritize Protein: It’s essential for maintaining muscle and keeping your metabolism humming. It can be as simple as adding some chicken or fish to your salad or having some apples and peanut butter or a handful of almonds as an afternoon snack.
- Keep Moving: Movement isn’t just workouts- it’s stairs, it’s stretching, it’s dancing at the sink while you do the dishes, it’s parking just a little farther away at the mall. Everything counts.
- Block off Time: If it’s not on your calendar there’s a high likelihood that you won’t do it. So first, figure out what your goals are. Is it an afternoon walk or a 20 minute quick workout? Whatever it is, schedule it into your day and week. You are work taking the time for.
Style Can Be Self-Care
When you’re in a self-esteem rut, sometimes the most simple thing- a new outfit, a fresh pair of shoes- can shift your energy. With style, you have the power to express who you are, how you feel, and boost your self-confidence. Personal style isn’t frivolous or vain, it’s a tool for empowerment.
For anyone looking to make themselves a priority and reclaim some of their sense of self all it takes is one small action. And it’s all about starting where you’re most comfortable. If that spark of confidence that getting your hair done leads you to take a fitness class or start making healthier lunches at home, that’s great! The starting point doesn’t matter- the ripple effect does.
Feeling Stuck? Follow These Three Prompts for Clarity
- Close your eyes and imagine your ideal future. You can be anyone, anywhere, doing anything. No restrictions. What do you see? How do you feel? What is that ideal version doing differently?
- What brings you joy? Write out a joy list for yourself. When you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsatisfied, come back to it and pick out one thing to do.
- What’s working for me right now? What’s not? You are your own best experiment. What nourishes one person may not nourish another- and that’s okay.
First and Foremost, You are in the Business of You
We know it can feel daunting to prioritize yourself while you’re building or running your business. There are only so many hours in a day. But the truth is: you are the most valuable asset in your business. When you’re showing up well-nourished, you’re able to show up stronger, more focused, and more fulfilled.
So go ahead. Take the walk. Eat the protein. Get yourself that power blazer or those empowerment pumps. Block out the time to do what feels good for you! You deserve to flourish and thrive – not just in your business, but in your whole self.
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Melissa Gilbo
Founder and CEO