Lessons Learned from Neglecting My Self-Care

Hey Big Sisters! 💗

I did an IG story wellness check-in this past summer called the “sick edition” (if you don’t know already we live in the IG stories!).

It was so ironic how almost every week we take a moment to reflect and how we’re making space to prioritize wellness that the one week I neglected my health & well-being I ended up with a cold. The worst part of it was that I continued to work and try to meet every upcoming deadline.

I was so upset at myself for getting sick and instead of resting, I was trying to “outsmart” my body by kicking into overdrive. Nope.

While I should’ve been getting better each day, I only ended up feeling worse and both mentally & physically drained.

I should’ve cancelled or rescheduled client calls, pushed out deadlines or simply said no and solely focused on getting better.

The funny thing is I would never let a friend, family member, or team member work through a sickness like this.

I would’ve demanded they drop everything yet here I am expecting the most out of myself. I really had to stop and ask myself: Why do I do this?

Everyone was telling me to rest but because I have linked my worth so much to my ability to be “productive” even recovering from a physical illness felt like I was wasting time… Can you relate to this at all?

For most of my life, I prided myself on the “girl” who juggles it all, rarely gets sick, always on the go and can take on anything to help out others. I’m the eldest daughter, of course, I’m reliable and independent— I can take on anything 💁🏾‍♀️.

But this experience has forced me to redefine how I want to better show up for myself. How I can better practice what I preach. While I can do a lot, I can still choose to say no because I know what burnout and sickness look like.

Sidenote: It’s been over a year ago that I left a toxic job that left me feeling so burnt out that I needed time to relearn how to relax and ground myself again. Remember what it feels like to just enjoy life and take an extended break from the rat race. Now I’m far from that reality, I’ve actually reached a much better place of balance yet here I am taking up those habits again. I guess old habits do die hard 😅.

If you can relate to this at all, please let me know. Usually, I have big sis advice on how to overcome this but honestly this time I don’t. I’m still learning and going through it just like you. But I will share the top 3 takeaways from this experience and I invite you to reflect on these if you find yourself in a similar situation:

1. Your health and well-being is nothing to be played with

Delaying or earning rest is not sustainable. Rest is essential. There is no reward for “the grind” if you're bedridden because of it. We set and work towards goals to improve our lives, not diminish it. Stick to those daily and weekly habits that prioritize health and wellness and do not compromise.

2. If you don’t plan and prioritize rest, your body will force you to

This phrase is really something. I’ve “preached” this to soo many people in my life but I need to take this lesson myself.

To be able-bodied is a privilege that can realistically be taken away or lessened if I’m not maintaining what’s necessary to keep her strong.💕

3. Listen to your body and treat it as the temple it is

The signs were there. The headaches, tired eyes, body aches, lack of focus, upset stomach, extreme fatigue. I knew I was running my body to the ground but I was so focused on completing my to-do list, I ignored all the signs.

I’m so blessed to have this body and all the abilities it grants me to experience this life. I cannot take it for granted. To be able-bodied is a privilege that can realistically be taken away or lessened if I’m not maintaining what’s necessary to keep her strong.

Feel free to share your thoughts or additional tips in the comments. How do you keep up with your self-care and overall wellbeing? Let’s chat!

Until Next Time

Big Sis Tash💗