My Guilty Pleasure? A TV Show, A Mug, and a Little Bit of Magic

When people think about health, they usually picture salads, supplements, or someone enthusiastically drinking a green smoothie. And yes, nutrition matters. A lot. But health is bigger than what's on your plate.

One of the tools I use when working with clients is something called the wellness wheel. It looks at all the different areas that make up our wellbeing, things like relationships, purpose, fun, environment, movement, emotional health, and the simple things that make life feel good. Because wellness isn't just about eating broccoli. It's also about joy. Although I must say, the plant chemical in broccoli, sulphuraphane, has really good research around it.

Which brings me to my guilty pleasure.

Well, I have a few but this one comes in the form of a mug, and I have an embarrassingly deep affection for it. I’m actually quite intentional about not being materialistic or getting overly attached to physical things. I’m not typically a 'brand girlie', unless we’re talking about health products, where I need to see research and history first. But there is a tiny, elite sprinkling of items I will buy without hesitation, and this pop in my bag, pop-culturey mug is absolutely one of them.

Not just any mug, though... My The Magicians sticker style mug from Fae Alley. It has all the moments. Well, most of them. I also have a tote that covers other moments.

Now, if you've watched The Magicians, you'll know it can be... a lot. At times. It’s dark and twisty. There are episodes and scenes I still can't bring myself to rewatch. But there are also moments that I absolutely love and rewatch often. And every time I make a cup of whatever herbal tea mix I’m enjoying at the time, in that mug, it does exactly that. It makes me smile.

Is it life changing? No. Is it evidence based medicine? Also no. Well... maybe.

Ok, so as a clinical nutritionist, (yes, I’m going to say or put the word 'clinical' before nutritionist every time because that’s what I am. Deal. And, and, and I’m also going to be adding 'naturopath' to that title real soon, so there's that) I’m trained to look at the data, but environmental psychology makes a pretty compelling case here. Studies show that keeping a beloved ‘comfort object’ on your workspace acts as an emotional anchor, lowering stress and giving your brain a mini dose of dopamine every time you look at it.

So, while it’s not a clinical intervention, gazing at it genuinely triggers a somatic grounding response that tells my nervous system, 'We’ve got this.' So, while a doctor won't write you a prescription for a fandom mug, your vagus nerve approves of it. In a world full of complex health advice, never underestimate the clinical power of a micro dose of pure comfort sitting right next to your keyboard.

Those small moments of pleasure, comfort, nostalgia, and connection matter more than we often give them credit for. Life can be hard. Sometimes really hard. So, if your version of self care is a favourite TV series reruns, a stickered mug, re-reading Harry Potter for the seventeenth time, castor oil slathered feet wrapped in cotton and covered in socks, or singing dramatically in the car like you're auditioning for a musical nobody asked for, I don’t see any issue here.

Your wellness wheel should have room for joy. Preferably served in your favourite mug.

I also got the ACOTAR hoodie blanket and plan to be wrapped in that when the last 2 books drop. There will be photos lol.

What's your anchor?

Specwell Nutrition

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Natasha Victoria

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ANTA Accredited Clinical Nutritionist® (AACN)

is LGBTQIA+ inclusive. I welcome all clients regardless of background, gender, or identity. It’s a privilege to partner with others on their journey, helping to define what health means for each person, providing a path toward it, and supporting the ability to make choices that align with their vision of health.

I acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia, particularly the Turrbal and Jagera peoples, the Traditional Custodians of the land where I live, work and play. I recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community, and I pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging.