Episode 26 - Healing from Within: Holistic Self-Care, Body Awareness, and Women’s Wellness with Alexandra Birch

By Jessica Garrison

Episode trigger warning: eating disorder

Our first guest of the week is Alexandra Birch, who is holistic in mind, body, and spirit. Science is also part of what she does and who she is, keeping an open mind to explore all sides of healing. 

Self care first crossed Alexandra’s doorstep when it was just a “buzzword,” slapping the label on something materialistic you could buy without really considering if it was actually part of self care. She has since learned that the connection between taking care of yourself internally matches your health externally. She was a competitive athlete, obsessed with taking her performance to the next level. Without sports, she became lost and turned her attention to nutrition. I also was an athlete, playing softball all year round for 6 years. Once I stopped, my physique changed, and I quickly realized I couldn’t eat the way I used to. Although nutrition is always important, sometimes it takes something like weight gain or constant exhaustion to get you to focus inward like it had for me and for Alexandra. 

The body is constantly giving us signals and, although Alexandra is still learning, she’s more intune with herself and what she needs. She says she prioritizes stillness and quiet, coming back to her body and really listening to what it’s telling her. She also emphasizes the need to listen to yourself on a day to day basis to understand what you need, and I appreciate her bringing that up in this conversation. Sometimes what works one day may not have the same effect the next, and that can become frustrating. We’ve heard a few guests in the past talk about having a “self care menu,” where they have different activities listed that they can choose from depending on their mood. Even the things on your list might not work or need to be updated, but it’s a place to start. 

I also love how Alexandra brings up the selflessness of self care, even though women have been taught to think it’s selfish. Filling up your own cup allows you to pour into others, part of the reason Alexandra quit her corporate job and chose to specialize in her fertility. This work is healing to her and is a subject she is passionate about, which is so obvious when listening to her speak. Doing work that nourishes her soul not only fills her cup, but she is able to support other women in living unapologetically by pouring into them with this work. 

These subjects specifically involving women need to be talked about more and shared without shame. It’s scary to take that leap of faith, but it only leads to all of the answers you’ve been looking for, along with ways to accomplish your goals. I think Alexandra has so much knowledge and really articulates her story well while weaving that in. Her own courage and strength will inspire others for generations.

Ways to Engage: Try creating your own self care menu, choosing from the menu when you’re unsure of which self care practice to utilize. Starting with 5 activities that nourish you or 5 ways you want to feel in the 6 months is a great starting point towards a self care routine.

Resources: Eating Recovery Center, NEDA (National Eating Disorder Association)