Small Ways to Care for Yourself When Life Is a Lot

"Self-care isn't selfish; it's what helps us show up more well-resourced for whatever comes our way."

"Even our most trusted self-care routines can vanish the moment life starts to feel unpredictable, complicated, or challenging."

"We fall into the "when-then" trap, and we start negotiating with ourselves about when we will look after ourselves."

"To bridge the knowing-doing gap, it is important that we slow down and really check in with ourselves."

Amid overwhelming circumstances, self-care practices can be challenging to maintain, even when they are known to be beneficial. Many individuals excel at self-care when life feels manageable. During tough times, feelings of exhaustion can undermine established routines. People often fall into the "when-then" trap, postponing self-care under the belief that they will take action once busier periods are over. Bridging the knowing-doing gap requires individuals to slow down and check in with their feelings, reiterating the importance of addressing wellness consistently, even during life's challenges.

Read at Psychology Today