🌿 Hi, I’m Suzanne — the heart and voice behind Suzanne Horrocks Wellness.
Around here, we do wellness a little differently. I’m not here to sell you a perfect routine, a green smoothie obsession, or a 6 a.m. bootcamp (unless that’s your thing — then I’ll cheer you on!).
What I am here to do is help you rediscover what self-care really means — in real life, with real people, and real laughter along the way.
My journey has taken me from chasing “healthy” to living well — with curiosity, kindness, and a good dose of humor.
I share stories, resources, and gentle challenges that make wellness feel less like a checklist and more like an adventure back to yourself.
If you’ve ever thought, “I want to feel better, but I don’t know where to start,” you’re in the right place.
Let’s take it one step, one breath, one sip of water at a time.
✨ Welcome to Suzanne Horrocks Wellness — where self-care gets real, lighthearted, and beautifully human.
August can feel like a tipping point. The first half of the month often carries the energy of summer freedom, while the second half hints at the structure of fall. This in-between season is the perfect time to pause and ask yourself an important question:
Am I nourishing myself—or just numbing out?
We all fall into patterns that make us feel better in the short term but leave us drained over time. The scroll through social media. The late-night snacks. The third cup of coffee. These habits might feel comforting in the moment, but they don’t actually replenish us.
The truth is, there’s a big difference between nourishing habits that fuel your mind and body and numbing habits that just help you pass the time.
Here’s how to spot the difference—and how to reset your energy in the second half of the month.
What Does “Numbing” Look Like?
Numbing is what we do when we’re tired, stressed, or overwhelmed and we just want to check out. Some common examples include:
Scrolling endlessly on your phone.
Reaching for snacks when you’re not hungry.
Binge-watching shows until you fall asleep.
Pouring another drink instead of addressing your stress.
Filling every spare moment with noise, so you don’t have to sit with your thoughts.
These aren’t “bad” things on their own. Watching a show or enjoying dessert can be part of a balanced life. The difference is in the why and the how often. When these habits become your main way of coping, they keep you from feeling truly restored.
What Does “Nourishing” Look Like?
Nourishment, on the other hand, is about giving yourself what you genuinely need to feel better in the long run. Examples include:
Drinking water when you’re low on energy.
Taking a short walk instead of another coffee.
Cooking a meal with fresh ingredients.
Journaling to process your thoughts.
Going to bed on time.
Spending quiet moments outdoors.
Nourishing choices may take a little more effort at first, but they leave you with more energy, clarity, and calm.
A Simple Mid-Month Check-In
Here’s a quick way to reset your habits:
Pause. Take a few minutes to reflect on how you’ve been spending your time this month.
Notice patterns. Which activities have left you feeling recharged? Which ones left you more tired or distracted?
Choose one shift. Pick just one habit to adjust for the rest of the month. Maybe you swap late-night scrolling for reading before bed, or trade an afternoon soda for water and a quick stretch.
Small, consistent changes often make the biggest difference. (Quiet down, impatience.)
Why It Matters Mid-Month
The middle of the month is a powerful moment. You have two weeks behind you and two weeks ahead. This is your chance to course-correct before the month slips away. If you’ve fallen into numbing patterns, now is the time to shift gently toward choices that help you feel grounded, clear, and energized.
Practical Ways to Nourish Yourself
Here are some easy swaps you can try right away:
Instead of scrolling before bed → read a chapter of a book or write down three things you’re grateful for.
Instead of reaching for sweets when stressed → take a five-minute walk or do a few deep breaths. Note to self…
Instead of binge-watching TV all weekend → set aside one evening for a creative hobby or time with friends.
Instead of pouring another cup of coffee → drink a tall glass of water and stretch your shoulders.
You don’t have to overhaul your life. Just start with one or two shifts that feel doable.
A Journal Prompt for Reflection
If you’d like to go deeper, here’s a simple prompt to write about:
“When I’m tired or stressed, what do I usually turn to? Does it truly restore me—or just distract me?”
“What’s one small nourishing choice I can make today that my future self will thank me for?”
Sometimes putting your thoughts on paper makes it easier to see where small changes can make a big difference.
The Bottom Line
By mid-August, it’s natural to feel stretched thin. Life pulls in many directions, and habits can slip. But you don’t have to wait until a new month—or a new season—to reset. You can start right now.
Ask yourself: Is this nourishing me or numbing me? That one question can guide your choices for the rest of the month. And when you choose nourishment, you’re choosing energy, clarity, and a sense of peace that numbing habits can never give.
This August, give yourself the gift of a reset. Keep what feels good, let go of what doesn’t, and carry forward habits that leave you feeling truly alive.
I want to make a difference in people’s lives, in the health and wellness arena, specifically I want to guide people in living a wellness lifestyle with grace and ease.
Widow & Empty Nestor
As a widow whose is grappling with an empty nest, I have come to rely on, (more like depend on), wellness practices to keep from “going off the deep end.” Do you ever feel like you are on the tip of falling off a ledge that you may not be able to recover from?
That was me a few years ago.
To make a long story short, I have a few wellness practices that I can rely on to help me live life with grace and ease.
Here’s the definition of living life with grace and ease, according to AI.
“Living life with grace and ease is about finding a sense of inner peace and calmness that allows you to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and composure. It’s about accepting that life will have its ups and downs, but approaching them with a gentle strength and a positive attitude.
I couldn’t have said it better myself.
Follow along with me to learn some wellness practices that I’m sure will help you too.
Wildflowers in Pierre Marquette State Park, Illinois
These are my favorite days.
So far today I have mowed the grass, dressed unused flower beds with fresh straw for our cats, made herbal tea from herbs that I grew and dried sweetened with local honey from my BIL.
Now I’m cooking yellow rice to go with the beans I have already cooked.
For lunch, I had a salad with raw spinach, cilantro, a little pickled cabbage, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, and my guilty pleasure – Ranch dressing. Topped with peanuts for more crunch.
I stretched and limbered up in the sun, in the backyard, in the freshly mowed grass.
I have been missing feeling strong. I’m beginning to feel strong again.
As we gracefully navigate the journey of life, embracing the process of aging is an integral part of our well-being. Today, I want to share some simple yet powerful tips that can help you age successfully, focusing on taking care of your physical, mental, and cognitive health.
Taking Care of Your Physical Health:
Stay Active: Embracing an active lifestyle doesn’t necessarily mean hitting the gym for intense workouts. Find activities you enjoy, whether it’s a leisurely walk, dancing to your favorite tunes, or tending to your garden. Physical activity not only benefits your body but also lifts your spirits.
Make Healthy Food Choices: Nourishing your body with wholesome foods is key to aging well. Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your diet. Stay hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day. Remember, it’s not about restriction but about choosing foods that make you feel good.
Get Enough Sleep: Quality sleep is a cornerstone of good health. Establish a bedtime routine that helps you unwind, and create a comfortable sleep environment. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to support your body’s natural rejuvenation process.
Taking Care of Your Mental Health:
Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine. Whether it’s a few minutes of deep breathing, meditation, or simply being present in the moment, these practices can help reduce stress and enhance your mental well-being.
Cultivate Social Connections: Surround yourself with positive relationships. Spend time with loved ones, engage in activities that bring you joy, and foster meaningful connections. Social support is a powerful buffer against the challenges that life may present.
Embrace Learning and Creativity: Keep your mind active and engaged. Pursue hobbies, learn new skills, and embrace your creativity. Whether it’s reading, painting, or solving puzzles, these activities stimulate your brain and contribute to mental agility.
Taking Care of Your Cognitive Health:
Challenge Your Brain: Keep your mind sharp by engaging in activities that challenge your cognitive abilities. Crossword puzzles, sudoku, or learning a new language are excellent ways to exercise your brain and promote cognitive health.
Prioritize Stress Management: Chronic stress can negatively impact cognitive function. Practice stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, or spending time in nature. Find what works for you and make it a regular part of your routine.
Stay Curious and Open-Minded: Approach life with curiosity and an open mind. Be willing to explore new ideas, embrace change, and adapt to the evolving world around you. A curious mind remains vibrant and continues to grow.
Remember, aging is a natural and beautiful part of life. By incorporating these simple practices into your daily routine, you’re not only taking care of your physical, mental, and cognitive health but also savoring the richness that each stage of life brings.
Wishing you joy, vitality, and fulfillment on your journey of aging gracefully.
Suzanne Horrocks 