Why This Matters to Us
If you've been in agricultural research or extension work for any length of time, you know the drill. There's always another trial to set up, data to analyze, field work waiting, workshops to organize, and emails piling up. We push through because the work matters, and it absolutely does. But somewhere in that push, we often forget something equally important.

Lynn Sosnoskie, an Assistant Professor at Cornell University working in weed science, posted something on LinkedIn that really stayed with me: "My friend, your science is important. So is your health. Take care of yourself so you can take care of others."  

It's straightforward advice, but it's worth sitting with for a moment. Because she's right

The Real Talk on Health
When it comes to wellness, there's something important to acknowledge upfront: not everyone can take care of their health in the same way. Some people don't have the same resources, financial or otherwise, to exercise like others do. Some people face real barriers to time, accessibility, and capability that make wellness look different from person to person. And that's okay.

The point isn't to shame anyone into exercise routines or perfect eating habits. The point is to recognize that when we invest in our own well-being, however that looks for us personally, we're building resilience. We're improving our mental and physical capacity to handle the demands we face. We're investing in our ability to do the research better, mentor our colleagues better, and serve our communities better.

When we do find ways to take care of ourselves, moving regularly, eating real food instead of grabbing whatever's convenient, our thinking is clearer. Our problem-solving improves. We're genuinely better at what we do. But that wellness journey is personal, and it looks different for everyone.

As we head into Thanksgiving week, that feels particularly relevant. Taking care of yourself during the holidays—and being thoughtful about it—isn't about restriction or missing out. It's about showing up for yourself in ways that let you enjoy the season without derailing the health habits you've built.

Simple Moves Make a Real Difference
Remember: wellness doesn't have to be complicated. Simple physical activity can go a long way. Something as basic as tapping your body—literally tapping different areas of your body—can increase your energy and reduce the stress that builds up from sitting at a desk for hours. The point is this: wellness doesn't have to be complicated. It doesn't have to cost money. It doesn't have to take up your whole day. Sometimes it's just about recognizing what your body needs in the moment and giving it that, whether that's movement, a break from the screen, or a few minutes to breathe.

An Unexpected Connection: Weeds and Wellness
Here's something interesting that bridges weed science with personal wellness, some of the weeds we deal with in the field actually have real nutritional value.

Take Purslane, for instance. Most of us have seen it popping up where it shouldn't be, especially with the recent rain events. But in fact, this common weed is packed with antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and actually contains plant-based omega-3 fatty acids. Research suggests it may help with blood pressure, diabetes management, and even bone health. It's not a miracle plant, but it's legitimate food.

In many cultures around the world, purslane, or Barbeen (bar-BEEN)/Barbeer (bar-BEER) as it's called in Arabic, is very common. Used for its tangy and slightly tart flavor, often used in Middle Eastern cuisine to add zing to rice dishes. It's not exotic or special; it's just food that's nourishing and readily available. What's fascinating is that traditional food knowledge aligns with what modern nutrition science validates: the omega-3 fatty acids, the heart-healthy properties, the minerals, it all checks out.

Back when Marco Peña was in this position, he created a video called "If you can't beat em, eat em!" that explores this exact idea. The title's catchy, but the concept is real understanding that the plants we work with can have dimensions beyond our immediate management concerns. Also, check the article from the UC Master Gardener Program of Alameda County. Sometimes it's educational, sometimes it's practical, and sometimes it just reminds us that nature's more complex than we give it credit for.

Resources We Can Count On
We're fortunate to have our Associate in Extension, Maria Doten. She works as a Family, Consumer, and Health Science (FCHS), basically helping people navigate the real-world stuff that matters, nutrition, family health, financial wellness, that kind of thing. She's not just spouting theory; she's focused on what actually improves people's quality of life in our communities. Check out her posts on the Yuma County Cooperative Extension Facebook webpage.

If you're looking for solid, research-based guidance on nutrition, stress management, or just practical strategies for balancing work with taking care of yourself, that's who you reach out to. She gets that extension work is about serving real people with real challenges.

The Bottom Line
The bottom line is this: you can't pour from an empty cup. We all know that phrase by now, probably because it's true. When we invest in our own health and wellbeing, in whatever way works for us, we're not being selfish. We're building the foundation to do everything else better.

Your science matters. Your health matters too. And so does self-worth. Taking care of yourself isn't about perfection or doing it exactly like someone else. It's about recognizing that you deserve that investment and doing what you can with what you have.

As we head into the holidays, give yourself permission to enjoy the season. Eat the food that brings you joy. Spend time with family. And then, when the holidays are over, get back to the practices that help you feel your best—moving your body, eating real food, getting rest, and being kind to yourself in the process.

Taking care of yourself isn't about perfection. It's about recognizing that you deserve that investment, and doing what you can with what you have.

Take the time to move your body in ways that feel good. Eat actual food when you can. Talk to someone if you're struggling. Get outside. Rest when you need it. And remember, sometimes the simplest things, a few taps on your shoulders, a walk around the building, a moment to breathe, are exactly what you need in that moment.

These aren't luxuries or distractions from the work. They're part of doing the work well and being the kind of person and scientist you want to be. Happy Thanksgiving!