Hit the pause button to rejuvenate

The New Year brings with it a fresh start and a sense of rejuvenation and renewal. But it is also a time to hit the pause button, take a deep breath and reflect on the past year.

If years are like movie genres, then as I look back at 2018, it was definitely an action-adventure kind of year; moving so fast from one scene to another that my body and mind had to seriously work hard to keep up. I’m left wondering where the months have gone and taking a moment to make a serious, conscious ‘whoa’ to click that pause button. Whether you are into new year’s resolutions (which I loving call ‘January to-do lists’), goal setting or vision boards, this is a great time to take what we have learned from the past year and use it to improve our lives and the lives of those around us, leading to a true sense of rejuvenation, to start fresh in 2019.

I often take the perspective (and explain to my clients) that our healthy life is a holistic circle, where one area blends and feeds into the vibrancy of the other. One that encompasses nutrition, rest, fulfillment, stress management, environment and fitness. When one area may slack or grow, that will directly affect the other parts of the circle. So where do we start? Nutrition is really the foundation, and I’m not just saying that because it is my ‘thing’. But for real rejuvenation, let’s start with the billions of little things we all share: our cells. All of us have the ability to rejuvenate our cells. Think about how cuts heal or how we grow. Diet plays a huge role in that rejuvenation process. Making sure we are eating good whole foods rich in phytonutrients, essential fatty acids and amino acids gives us the right building blocks for stronger, more vibrant cells. The hearty rejuvenation bowl featured on page 39 is not only full of flavour and texture, but it is also stacked with the best rejuvenating and seasonal foods our cells (and tummies) will love.

This issue is full of inspiration that will help you on that journey to make this year your most vibrant and rejuvenating yet. Maybe for you, is it focusing on more quality consistent sleep? If so, check out “Tired of Being Tired?: 3 Statistics About Fatigue Factors You May Not Know” on page 15. Or maybe your environment needs a serious Joanna Gaines pick-meup: see page 18 for “DIY Ways to Make Your Home an Energizing Space”.

So, as we enter 2019, the last year of this decade, take a moment and hit your pause button to reflect on which area of your holistic health circle needs some extra love and attention. Which area would you love to rejuvenate, ultimately leading to a more vibrant and vital you?

MONIKA TUPHOLME (BSc., Biology/ Chemistry/ Biochemistry, PT, PN, FNC) has over 25 years of experience as a personal trainer and in functional and performance nutrition. The 46-year-old mom of two works with women in their 40s to teach them a new way to eat, train and recuperate, so they can achieve their health goals. She is the founder of the 3M System To Rev Your Over 40 Metabolism, and is also a former professional volleyball player.