Spring. A season that whispers of new beginnings, where the earth sheds its winter layers and opens itself to the warmth of the sun. Flowers unfurl, the air takes on a new scent, and the light feels different—softer, but more purposeful. Nature’s renewal invites us to do the same, prompting a moment of reflection and the possibility of our own fresh start. But before we can truly begin to grow, we need to reflect and question —What are we consuming?

This goes much deeper than simply the food we nourish ourselves with; it includes the content we absorb, the energies we encounter, and the relationships we cultivate.

Each day, we take in far more than we realize. Beyond the sustenance we eat, we absorb the images we see, the words we hear, the thoughts we entertain, and perhaps most powerfully, the energy of those around us. Some of us carry the burdens of the world on our shoulders, while others are simply striving to exist. Yet, no matter where we stand, we are constantly consuming—whether it is in the form of information, relationships, or experiences. All of it—whether uplifting or detrimental—shapes us in ways we often fail to recognize until the effects have already taken root deep within.

In our beautiful city of Seattle, a place that wears its grey skies and eternal drizzle with pride, there’s always an undercurrent of disconnection and seemingly uncontrollable stress. Whether it’s the fast-paced demands of daily life, the pressure to meet career expectations or the constant influx of digital information, it’s easy to unknowingly consume things that negatively impact our well-being. What if we became more mindful of what we consume—truly pausing to consider the influences shaping our thoughts, our health, and our sense of self? How much of what we take in is nourishing us, and how much is quietly wearing us down?

Spring is a season of transformation, a natural turning point that invites us to shed the weight of what no longer serves us. True renewal isn’t just about embracing the new—it requires a deliberate release of the habits, patterns, and influences that hold us back. Just as nature instinctively clears the old to make space for growth, we, too, must reassess what we are feeding ourselves—physically, mentally, and emotionally—to cultivate a healthier, more intentional way of living.

The Food We Eat: A Mirror of Our Health

Let’s start with the obvious: food and drink. We all know that what we consume directly impacts how we feel. Yet, in a world obsessed with the latest diet trends, superfoods, and so-called miracle fixes, the truth is far simpler. Food—and yes, alcohol too—isn’t just fuel. It’s information. Every bite, every sip sends a message to our bodies, influencing how we function, how we feel, and whether we thrive or deteriorate.

You’ve felt it yourself. A few days of eating poorly or indulging in one too many drinks, and it’s not just your waistband that protests. Your energy plummets, your mood shifts, your sleep suffers, and suddenly, even simple tasks feel like an uphill battle. And let’s be real—waking up groggy after one too many cocktails isn’t exactly a mystery. It’s your body waving a red flag.

Now, zoom out. Chronic illness is at an all-time high—Type 2 diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and heart disease continue to rise. These conditions don’t appear overnight. They’re the slow, steady result of years of consuming processed foods, excess sugar, inflammatory ingredients, and yes, even alcohol in ways that strain the body. Over time, it all adds up.

I won’t sugarcoat it (literally)—making healthier choices isn’t always easy. We live in a world where convenience is king, and let’s be honest, the endless grey here in the PNW doesn’t exactly make you crave a salad over a cocktail. But here’s the thing: your body actually wants what’s best for it. When you start nourishing it with real, whole foods and being more mindful of your alcohol intake, it responds. Your sleep improves, energy levels rise, and suddenly, you’re not just surviving—you’re thriving.

And if you think eating well means sacrificing flavor or joy, let’s rethink that. Seattle is full of incredible local markets, co-ops, and farmer’s markets that provide fresh, nourishing food more easily accessible. It’s not about deprivation—it’s about finding balance. Because in the end, it’s not just about what we’re consuming. It’s about how we want to feel, live, and experience the world around us.

The Digital Overload: Consuming Content, Consuming Chaos

If you’re anything like me, the constant stream of information—news updates, social media posts, the world’s headlines—can leave you feeling beyond exhausted. Honestly, when was the last time you scrolled through your phone and actually felt better?

We live in an era of constant consumption—information, media, opinions—an endless stream of content demanding our attention. We are so plugged in, so conditioned to absorb more and more, that we’ve lost touch with what it means to truly disconnect, or more importantly, to reconnect with the world around us. In this hyper-connected reality, it’s no surprise that rates of anxiety, depression, and chronic stress have skyrocketed.

Overexposure to digital content, particularly the negative and divisive, isn’t just mentally exhausting—it’s physiologically harmful. Our nervous systems weren’t designed for the relentless stimulation of breaking news, online debates, and algorithm-driven outrage. Each moment of tension, each scroll through distressing headlines sends a signal to our bodies that we are under threat. Cortisol levels rise, our fight-or-flight response remains engaged, and over time, this constant state of heightened stress takes its toll—leading to emotional exhaustion, disrupted sleep, and even long-term health consequences.

We’ve all felt it. That lingering unease after a heated social media exchange, the exhaustion that sets in after hours of consuming the world’s problems through our screens. We may not always realize it, but we are internalizing this stress, carrying it with us in ways that shape our mood, our health, and our overall well-being. The question is—how much of it is truly serving us?

The effects of stress are not solely psychological—they permeate every facet of our physical well-being. Chronic stress undermines our immune system, diminishes our body’s capacity to ward off illness, and disrupts the delicate balance of our digestive system. It is, therefore, imperative that we become mindful of what we expose ourselves to, recognizing that, at times, the most restorative action we can take is simply to step back and allow ourselves the space to heal.

In today’s digital age, social media has fostered an environment of relentless comparison, wherein individuals juxtapose their daily realities with the meticulously curated highlight reels of others. This cycle of comparison fosters insecurity, erodes self-esteem, and, in the end, contributes to profound exhaustion. For those of us who reside in cities like Seattle, the pressure to perpetually keep pace—to appear flawless while balancing the demands of an often overstimulating life—can feel overwhelming. But let us be clear: the pursuit of perfection is a fallacy. There is no victory in the comparison game, for it is a race with no finish line.

It may be time to embrace a different approach—one that begins with intentional disconnection, even if only for a brief period each day. In those quiet moments, devoid of distractions, we find the opportunity to reconnect with ourselves, with the natural world, and with the relationships that ground us. When was the last time you spent an evening in utter stillness—without the intrusion of screens, the hum of notifications, or the clamor of external expectations? This seemingly simple act of stepping away from the noise can prove to be one of the most profound ways to recalibrate, re-center, and restore our health—both mentally and physically.

The Energy We Absorb: Relationships, Society, and the Unseen Weight

The reality is, the energy we absorb from those around us—and from the broader currents of society—shapes us in ways we often fail to recognize. In the world we inhabit, energy is everything. It is in the way we interact with others, the vibrations we receive from the people in our lives, and the influence of our environments. This energy, whether positive or negative, has the power to either elevate us or diminish us. And yet, it’s all too easy to fall into toxic cycles.

Perhaps it’s a relationship that feels draining, one where the emotional exchange is disproportionately taxing but we’re unsure how to free ourselves. Or perhaps it’s the relentless flood of negative news—the unyielding cycle of despair—that seeps into our consciousness, steadily eroding our sense of hope and well-being. The truth is, when we consume this toxic energy, we carry it with us long after the interactions or media consumption has ended. Chronic stress from toxic relationships, or from an overwhelming world, is not merely an emotional burden; it exacts a physical toll. Over time, it contributes to inflammation, undermines our immune system, and plays a role in the development of conditions like autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular ailments, and chronic fatigue.

But here is where the power lies: there is absolutely no shame in choosing to protect your peace. Setting boundaries—whether with people, situations, or even the digital world—is not only a sign of self-respect but an essential act of preservation. It is an affirmation of your right to safeguard your mental and physical health. Saying “no” to that which does not nourish you, and choosing instead what uplifts and strengthens you, is not an act of selfishness; it is one of profound self-awareness and self-care.

Spring: A Time for Reflection and Renewal

Spring presents us with a moment of grace—a natural pause that beckons us to turn inward and reflect. It encourages us to ask essential questions: What have we been consuming? How has it shaped us? And, perhaps most importantly, what needs to change?

True healing requires intention. To foster growth and well-being, we must be mindful of what we take in—whether it’s the food we eat, the information we absorb, or the individuals we allow into our lives. Conscious consumption is not just a choice; it is the cornerstone of our personal evolution.

Dr. Alexis often reminds us that true wellness extends beyond physical health and manifestation. It encompasses mental and emotional balance as well. To thrive, we must nurture our bodies, minds, and spirits in a way that supports us in our endeavors rather than diminishing us into a world of despair. Wellness is a holistic journey—and it begins with what we consume, in every sense of the word.

This spring, consider this a call to renewal. Release the habits, the relationships, and the energies that no longer serve you. Choose to nourish yourself—physically, mentally, and spiritually. While the world is rife with challenges, how you respond to them holds the greatest power.

At The Wellness Firm, we believe in holistic health that goes beyond just treating the body. If you’re ready to embrace a healthier way of living, where mind, body, and soul align, Dr. Alexis is here to help guide you on your journey toward balance and healing.