Nutrition by Dawn - Blog

This week, my son and I are going to see a movie we’ve been wanting to watch. It might seem like a small thing, but in the midst of everything else going on, it’s a reminder of something incredibly important—stepping away, breathing deeply, and doing something just for yourself is essential.

When life gets overwhelming, self-care often takes a back seat. We convince ourselves that there’s no time, that other things or people need our attention more, or that taking a moment for ourselves is indulgent. But here’s the truth: if we don’t make time for ourselves, we run the risk of burnout, exhaustion, and even resentment.

Whatever self-care looks like for you—whether it’s taking a short break, an hour at the gym, a walk in nature, or simply enjoying a cup of tea in silence—it all matters. And it’s not just about the activity itself; it’s about the intention behind it. It’s about acknowledging your own needs and giving yourself permission to prioritize them.

Finding a Balance Between Caregiving and Self-Care

If you’ve ever been in a caregiving role, whether personally or professionally, you know how easy it is to put everyone else’s needs ahead of your own. You tell yourself, I’ll rest once they’re taken care of, or I’ll make time for myself after this crisis passes.

But the reality is, there will always be something or someone needing your attention. If you don’t carve out space for yourself, that time will never just appear on its own.

Finding a way to make self-care palatable to yourself can be a game-changer. Maybe you need to reframe it:

• Taking care of yourself allows you to show up stronger for others.
   

• Setting boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s necessary for sustainability.
   

• A well-rested, emotionally balanced version of you is far better than an exhausted, overwhelmed one.
   

Boundaries are key. They’re not about shutting people out; they’re about ensuring that your needs are also being met. And unapologetically setting those boundaries is one of the best things you can do for yourself and those around you.

Learning to Accept Help

I'll be the first to admit—I’m not great at asking for or accepting help. But I’m working on it. I’m learning to allow others to pick up some of the load so it doesn’t all fall on my shoulders.

If you’re in a caregiving role, whether it’s taking care of a loved one or working in a profession that revolves around helping others, I encourage you to do the same. You don’t have to do everything alone. Lean on your support system. Let people show up for you. Recognize that accepting help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength.

Many of us, especially those in caregiving professions, care so deeply that we blur boundaries, sometimes wanting health and healing for others more than they want it for themselves. That’s a difficult place to be. But the hard truth is: you can’t pour from an empty cup. If you continue to deplete yourself, you won’t be able to show up in the way you want to—for your loved ones, your clients, or yourself.

Moving Forward with Balance

Over the next few weeks and months, I invite you to join me on this journey of finding balance. Let’s work together to create space for self-care, to set boundaries that allow us to care without burnout, and to build lives that feel full and sustainable.

Because at the end of the day, self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. And the more we honor that, the better we’ll be, not just for ourselves, but for everyone around us.