Holli Thompson

the simple things add up to health

“Age is a function of what’s going on in our brains and our lives. Our thoughts can create an extraordinarily beautiful aging process.” Holli Thompson

I’ve been quiet and purposeful in recent months after what’s felt like years of tumultuous times.

Whether its grief, feeling unwell, or the pressures of a busy schedule, constant stress can catch up to all of us, and it can take a serious toll on your physical health and overall vitality. I’ve studied and observed this in my clients for nearly a decade, and it’s my mission to support you, my community, with cutting edge ways to manage it all, sharing tasty and clean recipes, and new discoveries on how to look and feel your best.

But now more than ever, it seems the quest for “perfect” health is actually making our society sicker and more crazy than when we started.

The stress of sticking to a diet or not going off whichever plan or goal we’ve set is driving all of us bonkers. And the pressure to stay young, stave off every last wrinkle and fit into whatever size we’ve determined makes us worthy is doing more harm than good.

I noted this years ago and my book, Discover Your Nutritional Style, was designed to debunk a one-size-fits-all plan to empower people to follow their own unique, individual blueprint for an incredible life. But somehow we’re still not getting it. We’re rigid and stubborn or too scared to make the changes our bodies and minds need the most.

So, it’s time to get back on my soapbox, to remind you — and myself — that it’s the simple pleasures and behaviors that combine to make our lives grand.

Here are a few ways to assess your current state and make shifts to right your ship. And how I’m navigating my life right now.

Check in with yourself weekly: Are you taking care of yourself? Are you surrounded by love, or giving love to others? Are you making time for friends, family and community? Are you moving every day and staying well hydrated? Consider what you did on the days you felt the best. These factors all matter and all play into our overall health. Get back to the basics, first things first.

I’m coming back from a running injury and it’s affected my life more than I like to admit. I gradually began drinking less water, and my eating gradually veered into things that I know aren’t great for me. My stress levels went up, my energy went down, and I felt like I was operating at half mast. So I’m rebooting my health, and (thankfully) getting back to my running routine. In the meantime, I tell myself that the stationary bike is not the end of the world, and as long as my Spotify list is cool, I can manage.

Assess your lifestyle: Beware of obsessing about your food and trying to be perfect, while living in a high stress, chaotic environment. This creates an inflammatory internal state that can erode your health, becoming the cause of minor irritations now or the root of a more serious condition down the road.

I no longer have guilt about down time, and I’m reading fiction again. Finally. The critical distance from life that great fiction provides, (or not so great fiction, but fun anyway) is invaluable. I also started cooking, ALOT. And I’ve rediscovered the joy of sharing fresh, home cooked meals with friends and family.

Give yourself the gift of quiet and relaxation: Allow yourself the luxury of doing the things you love, that inspire you and feed your soul. Whether it’s reading the Sunday paper, enjoying a hot bath or taking a morning walk, decide to give yourself permission for this without feeling guilty.

Last year I subscribed to the Sunday paper, as in real paper, not online. I can’t adequately describe how exciting it is to see that paper in the driveway on Sunday morning… to make a fresh pot of coffee or tea, and cozy up for a good couple of hours. To dream about art, rail about politics, browse real estate, study up on fashion, plan out movies… That’s what I call healthy.

The key to radiance at any age?

Laughter, good friends, happiness, and joy are at the top of my list. Trying new things, staying interested and exploring life as an adventure are far more valuable than striving for perfection. Last minute tickets to an ice hockey game? Sure, especially when it’s the Washington DC Caps. Drinking a beer with my guy, as we watch the Caps? That’s priceless.

I’ll be talking about this more and would love to hear from you. Drop me a line or comment below and let me know what simple pleasures make you look and feel your best. And if you want to do a reset, I’m here to help.