New year, same me
A real-life reset: what my body taught me about rest, moderation, and sustainable growth this New Year.
This year when the clock struck midnight, I was cozied up on my couch nursing the worst stomach flu I have had since I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease at 16.
I popped a bottle of sparkling apple juice that my mum ever so graciously packed in a care package for me. And after drinking one glass (and finishing High School Musical — thats a New Year’s movie right?), I took a drowsy gravel and went straight to sleep
I’ve come to realize that being sick over the New Year can actually soften some of the pressure we put on ourselves at this time. Of course, there was still space for reflection, acknowledging what went well this year and what I’d like to improve on. But when your top priority is rest and recovery, it’s okay to not make a massive action plan to become a totally different person on January 1st.
One week later, I do, however, have a really great feeling about 2026. Maybe it’s because I can finally eat foods other than chicken bone broth and applesauce, or because I no longer rely on Gravol to get a decent night’s sleep. But more than that, this experience reminded me that January doesn’t have to be a make-or-break month in order to move closer to the most aligned version of myself.
Because of that, the first 2026 edition of the Curious Club looks a little different. Instead of diving straight into an educational topic, I wanted to share the themes of self-improvement and adding to myself that I’ve been exploring this first week of January. There will be plenty of Curious Club emails landing in your inbox every two weeks that I’m so excited to share so make sure you’re on the list so you don’t miss a thing.
New year, same Georgia (we’re just adding to her!)
My biggest lesson from being sick over the holidays was a reminder I’ve shared with almost every client I’ve worked with: you have to listen to your body and prioritize rest. The holidays can be stressful, but there is always some space, however small, to carve out time for yourself.
After Christmas, I noticed my appetite did a complete 180. The thought of food felt unappealing, which worried me both as a nutritionist and as someone who loves food and practices intuitive eating. I initially blamed it on indulging in richer foods and a few extra drinks over the holidays; this certainly played a role, but it was also paired with high stress, poor sleep, and pushing through as if everything was fine.
My intention for 2026 is to slow down and listen to these signals sooner. By checking in with myself throughout the day, I create opportunities to catch these cues before my body forces me into four days of total shutdown. Sh*t happens sometimes—but when we pay attention to our body’s signals, it becomes easier to support ourselves in the long run.
Put own your own oxygen mask first
I semi-jokingly said this at a movie night with friends recently, but when we actually unpacked the metaphor, it made a lot of sense. It’s so easy to spread yourself thin—especially during the holidays.
Post-illness, I’ve learned more about my limits. My first shift back at my serving job had me hitting a wall one to two hours earlier than usual. I communicated that, and fortunately it was the right time to wrap things up for the night.
Putting my own oxygen mask on has also meant returning to my foundation. Nourishment right now looks like prioritizing sleep and sticking to a nighttime routine, staying hydrated, and tuning into what foods feel supportive versus aggravating. I recognized that my gut health needed extra care, which helped guide my supplement choices and food decisions during recovery. Essentially, I’m treating myself like a client: going back to basics and resisting the urge to pile on more than I can handle so that future Georgia is set up for success.
If you’re looking for nutrition support, don’t hesitate to reach out and book a FREE discovery call.
Everything in Moderation
Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve had to adjust habits to better support my body. Right now, things like coffee and alcohol simply aren’t serving me.
I’ve had exactly one cup of coffee in 2026; and it hurt my stomach immediately. If you know me, you know how much I love coffee. I’m the girl who takes espresso shots at the gym, to the point where my trainer (and best friend) often had one ready for me when I arrived. While I miss my daily cortado or latte, this temporary break has helped me shift caffeine from something I need to something I get to enjoy in moderation.
Alcohol is often a taboo topic in the health space. Nutritionally speaking, it doesn’t offer benefits and can deplete the body of key vitamins and minerals. While I do drink socially, I’ve noticed a growing desire to consume less over the past year. For me, moderation feels like the most sustainable approach. I’ve chosen not to do Dry January so that I don’t place alcohol on a pedestal meaning there’s always room for a glass of wine if I truly want it. That being said, with gut health and recovery as my priority, I’ve been reaching for ginger-lemon immunity shots far more often than tequila. Who knows… Bartender Georgia might even start sharing some fun mocktail recipes on the gram.
One week down, 51 to go
Approaching this New Year as an opportunity for gentle growth feels refreshing. 2025 taught me so much about myself and my body, and instead of rushing to change everything at once, I’m choosing to build slowly, intentionally, and with curiosity.
We’re only one week in, and there’s still so much more to discover.
Here’s to listening, adding (not overhauling), and letting 2026 unfold one supportive choice at a time.
The next Curious Club newsletter will land in your inbox in two weeks.
Have a question or want to see something featured? I’d love to hear from you: just reply and let me know what you’re curious about!
Keep in touch on Instagram or send me an email at georgia@curiousgeorgiaholisticwellness.com.
Stay curious until then,
Georgia