Realistic Self-Care In Survival Mode Seasons
There are seasons of life when everything feels harder than it should. Your nervous system is on edge, your energy is low, and taking care of yourself feels like one more thing on an already overwhelming to-do list. Whether you’re dealing with pregnancy fatigue, postpartum exhaustion, sleep regressions, sick kids, or heightened stress and anxiety, these are what I call survival mode seasons.
In these moments, self-care doesn’t need to look like pushing harder—or giving up completely. Instead, it’s about honoring the season you’re in and setting a very low baseline expectation for yourself. This baseline isn’t about progress or goals; it’s about support. It’s the small, grounding habits that help you feel a little more like yourself, even on your hardest days.
In episode 148 of the Strong Mama Podcast, I talk through what self-care can realistically look like when life feels chaotic. We cover simple movement anchors you can rely on no matter how low your capacity is, why splitting workouts into short 5–10 minute chunks still matters, and how sticking to familiar routines can act like glue when everything else feels like it’s falling apart.
Most importantly, this episode is a reminder that chaotic seasons are normal—and temporary. When you maintain a low, sustainable baseline, you move through them with more resilience and clarity, and you’re better prepared to build momentum again when the time is right.
If you’re feeling stretched thin but still want to care for yourself in a way that feels supportive—not stressful—this episode is for you.
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