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Uncategorized  /  December 1, 2018

5 Tips to Creating Margin in Your Life

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Creating Margine in Your Life

Recently, while reading “Supernatural Power for Everyday People,” by Jared C. Wilson, I was intrigued by the concept of “margin.”

The definition of margin is “to provide with an edge or border.” So, what does it look like to live a life with margin? 

Many of us live margin-less lives, filled to the brim with social commitments, sports practices, bible studies, credit card payments, screen time, family gatherings, rushed conversations, lack of expectations, on-the-go lifestyles and mindsets, and so much more. Sound familiar? Of course, there’s nothing inherently wrong with many of the things that fill up our margins. I’ll be the first one to admit my tendency to live in a margin-less world. But, when these good, or sometimes bad time-occupiers reduce or delete all the margin in our lives, we’re left feeling overwhelmed, scatter-brained, physically and mentally exhausted, irritable and impatient, stressed, and rushed. I don’t know about you, but that’s not the kind of life I want to live.

Truth is, our society lives in an on-the-go mindset, always moving from one thing to the next. Take a look around and it won’t take long to see: angry drivers halted in traffic, annoyed pouts waiting in long checkout lines, double-booked calendars, drivers simultaneously eating, texting, and putting on mascara, and it doesn’t stop there. So, what would the world look like if we all created a little margin in our lives? The kind of margin that allows us to enjoy a freshly cooked dinners together as a family, dive deep into un-rushed conversations, intentionally meet one another’s needs, seek out new adventures and experiences, value the importance reading and education ourselves.

Despite the lack of margin in our world, there are endless ways to create it in our lives. It might look a little different for everyone, but today I’m sharing just 5 ways I’ve decided to create margin in my own life, in the hopes you’ll join me!

  1. Learn to say “no.” By saying “no,” you are saying “yes” to margin and, essentially, more wiggle room in your life. For me, sometimes saying “no” equates to much-needed sleep, prioritizing my health, spending quality time with Blake, or wallowing in my Bible reading just little bit longer. When saying “yes” to too much, you aren’t able to give 100% to everything and you certainly can’t give your best. As Lysa Terkheurst explains in her book, “The Best Yes,” sometimes you have to answer with “no” a few times in order to give your best “yes.”
  2. Limit screen time. In today’s world, it is far too easy to be distracted by screens- television, computers, phones, iPads, etc. Sure, they’re necessary for work, school, and daily tasks. But, did you know that according to The Nielsen Total Audience Report, the average American spends 11 hours interacting with some type of media platform per day? That’s certainly more hours than necessary for work purposes. Actually, that means we’re staring straight into screens more than the eyes of our loved ones! Have you ever been distracted scrolling through Instagram and before you know it an hour has passed by without achieving anything productive, much less interacting with other humans? I certainly have. By choosing to put down the screens more, I’m opting to use my time more efficiently, and as a result, creating more margin in my life.
  3. Make a plan. Each week, set aside time to create a schedule and to-do list. By making a plan, you’ll get to know a more organized and productive you. When I use Sunday afternoons to wrap my head around the upcoming week and the “clutter” it will bring, I can confidently say my days are less stressful and more accomplishing. (If you need a good planner, I recommend the Peacock Daily Planner.) By creating a plan for the week, as a whole, and each day, individually, you’re setting yourself up for a successful 7 days. 
  4. Set expectations with yourself and others. Be aware of the time and energy you have to give and don’t be afraid to make boundaries. Referring back to tip #1, it’s necessary to learn to say “no” to prevent spreading yourself too thin. If you’re a people-pleaser like me, it’s so easy to plan too much and become overwhelmed, shrinking any possibility of margin. But when expectations are set and shared, you won’t let down yourself or others. Personally, this often means reserving my Monday and Thursday nights because they are my only free nights for a little R&R. When I break this boundary, the introvert in me feels the consequence of an over-stimulated mind and body.
  5. Set a budget and stick to it to create financial margin. Most of us live beyond our financial means, living paycheck to paycheck. So when it comes to tithing/giving, we hesitantly give the little bit we have left, if any. Or, we might not give at all, claiming to not have the resources. I know I’ve been there. But, biblically, God wants us to give back to Him first. After all, everything we have is His. When setting a monthly or weekly budget, commit to tithing or giving first, before bills, spending, travel, etc. Recently, through the Lord’s work in our hearts, Blake and I have made a conscience effort to tithe before all other expenses (imperfectly, of course). Although it can be quite intimidating and/or unsettling, I’ve definitely seen it grow our trust in the Lord’s provision, financially and otherwise, in our own lives. And, what could be a better blessing?

While these are the 5 ways I’m personally creating margin, I want to encourage you to pray about the margin (or lack of) in your own life. I am confident that the Lord will reveal to you any and every way He wants to see the margin in your life grow.

Here’s to living a life filled with more than just to-do lists and creating space to live the life God created us to!

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2 comments

  • Tristen
    November 30, 2018

    I absolutely love this idea of creating margin! Such a good reminder to slow down & really think about what’s going on in your life!

    Reply
    • Kelsey Nicole
      November 30, 2018

      Thanks, girl!! Miss y’all so much!!!

      Reply

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Kelsey, FNTP, CC
Are you a Nutrition Professional who feels overwhe Are you a Nutrition Professional who feels overwhelmed and burdened by running a small business?! 

As a FNTP, who previously ran my own nutritional therapy practice, I know what it’s like to wear many hats. And let’s face it, small business owners can’t do it ALL. 

I‘ve personally experienced the overwhelm that comes with running your own business.

That’s when I decided to change directions and pursue content creation full time. Because I immediately saw the need for content creation in the nutrition sphere. Why?

Because as a nutrition professional, you want to share content that is accurate and original. Who’s better qualified to help you create content than a trained nutrition professional??

See where I’m going here? 🙃

I love combining my two passions: content creation and nutrition. Better yet, I love using these skill sets to better your business!

#nutritionaltherapy
#nutritionaltherapypractitioner
#nourishment
#nourishedoykelseynicole #foodblogging
#functionalhealth #bioindividuality
#holisticnutritionist #foodisfuel #foodismedicine
#hormonehealth #guthealth
#contentcreation #nutritioncontent
#nutritioncontentcreator #contentcreator
As a trained Functional Nutritional Therapy Practi As a trained Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, I have a unique advantage in my work as a Content Creator. 

My #1 goal is to create original, niche-focused, attention-grabbing digital content for my fellow nutrition professionals. 

My skill set includes creating content for the following:
• Social media platforms 
• Blogs
• Email campaigns
• And more!

Do you want more information about how I work 1:1 with nutrition professionals and business wonders? Send me a DM!

#nutritionaltherapy
#nutritionaltherapypractitioner 
#nourishment
#nourishedoykelseynicole #foodblogging 
#functionalhealth #bioindividuality
#holisticnutritionist #foodisfuel #foodismedicine
#hormonehealth #guthealth 
#contentcreation #nutritioncontent #nutritioncontentcreator #contentcreator
Hi, it’s me. I’m still here! 👋🏼 I’ve Hi, it’s me. I’m still here! 👋🏼 

I’ve taken an unintentional (yet, very long) hiatus from this social media account and my blog. But, I’m back for a good while (I think 😅). Here’s what’s been going on lately..

In case you didn’t know, I started my own  business as a Content Creator in 2018, while I was in school at the Nutritional Therapy Association. As a trained FNTP, my niche is specifically holistic health and nutrition. It’s a combination of my two expertise: nutrition + content creation!

As a FNTP with a strong passion for real food + balanced nutrition, I’ve always kept this account as an educational resource for you. And as a fun creative outlet for me, as well!

But, I’m here to say, it’s time for a new direction. As my content creation business continues to grow and as I become more invested as a Content Creator, it only feels right to bring a little bit of my profession to this space! 

So while I still plan to share nutritional tidbits and encouragement, I also want to use this platform as a resource for my content creation business.

Sound good?

If you’re a fellow FNTP or nutrition professional, feel free to reach out for content creation support! 

And, if you’re here for nutritional education, thank you for being here and participating in this awesome community!! 💛

#nutritonaltherapypractitioner #fntp #ntp #functionalnutritionaltherapypractitioner #contentcreator #contentcreation #contentmarketing #contentmarketer #nutritioncontent #nutritionresources
STOP SKIPPING BREAKFAST & DRINKING BLACK COFFEE ON STOP SKIPPING BREAKFAST & DRINKING BLACK COFFEE ON AN EMPTY STOMACH 🛑

*said with grace and love*

Seriously, I spent years sipping on black coffee before eating breakfast. But, not anymore. 

Here’s what happens when you skip breakfast and drink black coffee every morning:
👉🏼 The caffeine (AKA stimulant) spikes your blood sugar levels.
👉🏼 Your body moves into fight-or-flight mode, increasing stress hormones.
👉🏼 A couple hours later, the cravings and yawns kick in, so you binge on sugar and *more* coffee.

And in case you’re thinking, “I seem to feel just fine after drinking black coffee and skipping breakfast,” there’s a good chance your body is living on stress hormones and relies on the caffeine to keep your body functioning. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news 😬

Soooo, what should you do instead for a healthy metabolism & happy hormones?

Eat a balanced breakfast with protein, carbs, and fat, FIRST. Ideally, within an hour of waking up. Then, enjoy a cup of fresh coffee (preferably with high quality cream or milk) ☕️ 

TBH, there’s nothing better than a hot cup of coffee with frothy, raw milk 🤩 what’s your coffee order?

And, yes, my shirt says “you’re the pumpkin to my spice” because ‘tis the season 🎃 *from @hannahmcmorrison 

http://www.nourishedbykelseynicole.com/
#holistichealing #holisticnutrition #nutritionaltherapy #nutritionaltherapypractitioner #healthyrecipes #paleorecipes #nourishment #nourishedbykelseynicole #foodblogging #paleoblog #functionalhealth #bioindividuality #holisticnutritionist #foodisfuel #foodismedicine #hormonehealth #guthealth #blackcoffee #coffeeorder #balancedbreakfast #healthybreakfast
When you’re trying to master the reel game, but When you’re trying to master the reel game, but have a constant shadow 🐾

Good thing he’s the cutest!

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#holistichealing #holisticnutrition #nutritionaltherapy #nutritionaltherapypractitioner #healthyrecipes #paleorecipes #nourishment #nourishedbykelseynicole #foodblogging #paleoblog #functionalhealth #bioindividuality #holisticnutritionist #foodisfuel #foodismedicine #hormonehealth #guthealth #rhodesianridgeback #rhodie
I eat carbs at every meal! 🍎🥖🥔🫓🥛🍫

Here’s why…

Our bodies NEED carbohydrates for: 
• Physical energy
• Brain power
• Muscle repair and growth
• A healthy gut microbiome
• Metabolic efficiency 
• Healthy digestion 
• AND SO MUCH MORE

This is especially true when you’re exercising and strength training regularly!! 💪🏼

Some of my favorite carb sources are:
• Fresh sourdough bread 
• Sweet potatoes and red potatoes 
• Squash and carrots
• Seasonal fruit 
• Honey and maple syrup 
• Raw milk
• Cassava tortillas and pasta 
• Homemade baked goods with cassava flour
• Dark chocolate 

What are your favorite carbs?! 😋

http://www.nourishedbykelseynicole.com/
#holistichealing #holisticnutrition #nutritionaltherapy #nutritionaltherapypractitioner #healthyrecipes #paleorecipes #nourishment #nourishedbykelseynicole #foodblogging #paleoblog #functionalhealth #bioindividuality #holisticnutritionist #foodisfuel #foodismedicine #hormonehealth #guthealth #carbs #glutenfreecarbs #healthycarbs #carbsbenefits
As someone who aims to as many real, whole foods a As someone who aims to as many real, whole foods as possible (and always GF), I’ve learned a thing or two about “healthy baking.” Here are the swaps I always make in my baked goods for healthy hormones, metabolism, and tastebuds! 👇🏼

• Grass fed (raw, if possible) butter instead of oil 
• @bobsredmill 1-to-1 GF flour instead of all purpose flour
• Raw sugar, coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup instead of white sugar 
• Substitute a little bit of the flour with protein powder or collagen (usually about 10% of the total flour)
• Grass fed (raw, if possible) milk > nut milk
• Cassava, oat, or GF blend flour > almond flour

Save this post to refer back to this season! And, happy baking 🧁🍪

PS Get this oldie, but a goodie, Chocolate Zucchini Bread recipe on the blog! 👉🏼 @nourishedbykelseynicole

http://www.nourishedbykelseynicole.com/
#holisticnutrition #nutritionaltherapypractitioner #nourishment #nourishedbykelseynicole #foodblogging #paleoblog #foodisfuel #foodismedicine #healthyrecipesideas #paleorecipeideas #nutrientdenserecipes #glutenfree #glutenfreebaking #healthybaking
Gluten Free Protein Pumpkin Muffins 🧁🎃 Alwa Gluten Free Protein Pumpkin Muffins 🧁🎃

Always a Fall staple in my home! I usually double this recipe to share with others or put the freezer for later 😋

Ingredients:
1 cup all purpose GF flour
1/3 cup vanilla protein powder (I use @naked.protein)
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp baking powder
1+ tbs pumpkin spice 
1 1/4 cup pumpkin
1 pastured egg
1/2 cup maple syrup or honey 
1/4 butter, melted and cooled
1/4-1/2 cup milk of choice (I use raw whole milk)
1/2+ cup dark chocolate chips

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 450F and grease muffin tin with coconut oil or butter.
2. Add all dry ingredients to a large bowl and mix. Add wet ingredients and mix.
3. Fold in chocolate chips. 
4. Pour into muffin tin. Bake for 5 minutes. Reduce heat to 350F. Bake for 12-15 minutes.

Enjoy!!

*Recipe adapted from @fitmittenkitchen 

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5 “healthy” habits that actually cause MORE st 5 “healthy” habits that actually cause MORE stress in the body…

1. Drinking coffee on an empty stomach
2. Working out fasted 
3. Limiting consumption of fruit and natural sugars
4. Opting for “low fat” foods
5. Drinking a gallon of water daily.

All of these habits add excessive stress to the body and can eventually lead to symptoms of burn out and physiological imbalances, like:
PMS
Weight gain
Acne
Insomnia
Chronic fatigue
AND SO MUCH MORE

Sometimes, our bodies need us to intentionally do LESS, not more. If you’re in a constant (physical or mental) state of stress, this means YOU!

Did you know these “healthy” habits could be detrimental to your health? 

http://www.nourishedbykelseynicole.com/
#holistichealing #holisticnutrition #nutritionaltherapy #nutritionaltherapypractitioner #healthyrecipes #paleorecipes #nourishment #nourishedbykelseynicole #foodblogging #paleoblog #functionalhealth #bioindividuality #holisticnutritionist #foodisfuel #foodismedicine #hormonehealth #guthealth #stress #healthyhabits #healthylifestyle
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