Food For Your Soul: Dawn McGee
Sometimes we get so wrapped up in doing all the ‘right things’ to maintain a healthy life that we get totally overwhelmed.
5 Tips For Learning To Let Go:
We all have those moments when we wonder, “Is it okay to just stop pushing through?” It’s important to learn when to take a break. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy to do! So here are 5 tips to help you as you learn to let go.
1. Reject the ‘All or Nothing’ Mentality:
When you embark on a new lifestyle, like getting healthy or creating a gym habit, it’s easy to feel like a failure if you can’t do it all at once. But here’s the thing: it’s perfectly okay if you simply can’t do everything from Day One. Change takes time, and it often requires multiple attempts. Instead of doing everything, start small.
“Change takes time, and it often requires multiple attempts.“
This is where the 1% rule comes in—making small, incremental improvements each day. Before you know it, you’ll be so much further along than when you started. Let go of perfection and focus on a sustainable lifestyle.
2. Build a Consistent Foundation:
Even when you let go of that ‘all or nothing’ mentality, there will be days when even the most intentionally planned daily schedule is more than you can handle. You may not have time for your normal exercise regimen. Or maybe you’ll be too tired to cook. These moments will feel simpler if you have a strong, consistent foundation.
When you feel like you need to step back, you’ll have the basics to fall back on. For example, instead of your typical exercise routine, focus on the foundation: moving your body. Think about how you can fit that into your day in a manageable way!
3. Be Honest With Yourself:
It’s hard to admit when something isn’t working. Sometimes, you’ll try a new activity or habit and realize it’s not for you. And that’s okay, too. What’s important is being honest with yourself. If you truly feel something isn’t right for you, it’s fine to take a break or move on to something else.
“What’s important is being honest with yourself.”
Just don’t freeze in inactivity—find an alternative that better fits your life.
For example, one night during my recent trip to India, I was supposed to meet some folks. But it had been a long day, and I was tired. So, I called it an early night, sat down with a good book, and got ready for my flight in the morning. This is how I acknowledged my limits and took care of myself. Do what’s best for you, and don’t be afraid to be honest with yourself when something isn’t serving you.
4. Try Something New:
Sometimes when things aren’t working, you just need to get out of your rut. It’s good to try something new! I follow the PFC3 program all the time whether I’m at home, traveling, dining out, or hanging with friends. Using that formula of keeping all of my “plates spinning”, and eating healthy proteins, fats, and carbs allows me to try new foods while maintaining the core principles of my healthy life. So try a new cuisine. Take a dance class. Get out of your comfort zone!
5. Lean On Your Support System:
While it might seem like I’m juggling everything solo, the truth is, I have an incredible team behind me. From virtual assistants who help me maintain an online presence to my business partner who complements my skills perfectly, I’m never alone in this journey. We all communicate transparently and effectively, which is crucial when running a business with a team.
And this principle applies to your healthy lifestyle, too. You can’t do it all on your own. And you don’t have to! If you feel that there are things in your life that you need to let go of, ask yourself if some of those things can be taken on by someone else. For example, if cooking dinner is overwhelming you, ask your partner to cook on weekdays. This allows you to continue to eat healthy, nourishing foods even if you let go of the actual cooking!
Is It Time to Let Go?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, know that you’re not alone. But you can get through it! Ask yourself whether it’s time to let go of things in your life that are no longer serving you. Consider it a form of self-care. Your body and mind will thank you!
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About The Author:
Dawn McGee is a Nutrition Evangelist and Lazy Cook. She is super passionate about putting the fun back into being healthy and does that by teaching women how to eat to serve their body, brain, and soul so that they can get off the sidelines and back to doing all of the things that bring them joy. She works with women who are ready to make their health a priority and just need someone to help them get started and guide them through the process.
Dawn has been coaching clients in person, online, in groups, and in a 1:1 capacity for more than a dozen years. Prior to becoming a nutrition and fitness coach, she spent over 25 years in the high-tech industry, so she truly understands the life of busy professional women.
Join her free group www.facebook.com/groups/NeverDiet and follow her on IG @dmnutrition and on FB @dmnutritioncoach to hear about all the other fun stuff she has (and get a ton of free + valuable info) If you’re ready to cut through the noise, grab her free guide to 7 Nutrition Lies here –> Free Guide: 7 Nutrition Lies We’ve All Been Fed
