Sometimes I feel like running away. That feeling is always a signal, a heads-up that something is wrong. Usually, it happens because I’m running on fumes—depleted of basic things like food, sleep, or fun. Other times, I start thinking about everything I need to do for the day, and the sheer size of the list overwhelms me. Sometimes, it’s because I really don’t like the tasks on my plate, and that feels especially heavy.
But here’s the thing: I still have responsibilities. Like every other adult, I have things that need to get done. I don’t want to be scared of my day, but sometimes, that’s exactly how it feels.
This is where taking care of myself becomes crucial. It’s not a luxury—it’s a necessity. And the more I make self-care a daily habit, the more familiar I become with giving myself the care I need, even when things get tough.
Self-care doesn’t mean blowing money at the spa every time I feel overwhelmed, afraid, or sad. It’s about practicing small but effective actions regularly, so when the stress hits, I know what to do. It can be as simple as taking a break, going for a walk, journaling, or even just sitting still to re-center myself.
When emotions are high, even small actions feel hard. But when I’ve practiced caring for myself, I can take the steps needed to manage my feelings before making decisions. It allows me to move through my day with a bit more flexibility, grounding myself, and coming back to the present moment instead of letting overwhelm take over.
**ACTION:** Practice starting your day with a pause. Sit still for one minute, following your breath as it moves in and out. By beginning the day with this small moment of mindfulness, you can set a calm, focused tone before the day’s tasks begin.
