Nutrients are things that are good for us – they boost our health, and nourish us – and are essential for vitality.  Most of us deny ourselves pleasure because we feel it’s not essential, not necessary, wasteful or excessive.  Not true! Often, we simply aren’t used to doing things for ourselves.

During the upcoming holiday season (I know some of you have decorated for the Christmas season already!), I want you to take about 10 minutes.  Grab a pen and pad.  Write down three things you like to do, with no holds barred.  Think of things you’d do if time and money weren’t an issue.  Be specific.  For instance, I love to read purely for pleasure, but rarely give myself the time to do so, as I’m caught up reading for my job.

Next, commit to yourself to do your #1 ranked item for three hours this next week.  Put the time in your calendar.  Keep track in a journal of sorts, or in your phone, if you accomplish this, and how you felt about giving yourself this time.  Were you more relaxed? Did you have more energy?  Were you rested?  And so on.  If you couldn’t get the three hours in, did you provide any time at all?

Try again the next week.  Then, move on to your #2 pleasure.  And so on.

When you do things for yourself, you will be much more refreshed, and you’ll be able to keep up with the commitments you have to others. Give yourself the pleasure nutrient.  Your body and your mind will thank you!

To Your Vitality!