The Hidden Issue Behind Not Taking Care of Ourselves That No One Is Talking About
Have you ever set out with the best intentions to create a self-care routine, only to fall short?
You tell yourself…this time will be different… but somehow.. 🛏️ the cozy comfort of staying in bed… 📱 scrolling your phone.. 💻 or working instead wins again.
The cycle repeats, leaving you feeling disappointed, frustrated, and a little embarrassed. 🌀😤
Sound familiar?
Here’s the thing: It’s not just you.
The truth is, there are hidden layers behind why sticking to self-care routines can feel so hard—and it’s not a lack of willpower.
These challenges often stem from deep-seated beliefs, societal pressures, and habits that aren’t serving you.
Once you uncover these underlying blocks, it becomes much easier to approach self-care with compassion, curiosity, and strategies that actually work. 💡
By doing so, you’ll not only feel better physically and emotionally, but you’ll also build trust in yourself, break free from guilt, and experience a deeper sense of peace.
Ready?
Let’s explore three transformative strategies to help you create self-care routines that feel natural, nurturing, and achievable. 🌅
Here’s what I’m covering… (you can click on any link to jump to that section.)
Strategy 1: Move Your Body in the Opposite Way
Strategy 2: Anchor Habits to Existing Routines
Strategy 3: Use a Reset Button When You Slip
Strategy 1: Move Your Body in the Opposite Way
When you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or resistant, your body often mirrors your emotional state.
You might curl up in bed, hunch over your desk, or feel frozen in place.
A powerful way to shift this energy is to move your body intentionally—and in a way that’s opposite to how you’re feeling.
🪹 If you’re curled up: Stand tall, stretch your arms wide, and take a deep breath. Feel the expansiveness of your posture and notice how it shifts your energy.
🙍If you’re hunched over: Roll your shoulders back, open your chest, and look up. Allow yourself to feel a sense of pride and openness.
🧊 If you’re feeling frozen: Try rolling,wiggling, or gently shaking out your limbs. Even small movements, like tapping your feet or swaying, can help.
HOW TO PUT INTO ACTION
Movement helps shift stuck energy, clearing away feelings of heaviness or inertia. Your posture and movement influence your mood.
By changing how you hold your body, you can shift your emotional state.
Once you’ve moved, even briefly, it’s easier to transition into other self-care actions.
💡 Notice the Pattern: Pay attention to how your body reacts when you’re feeling overwhelmed or resistant. Are you shrinking inward, staying still, or avoiding movement altogether?
💡 Choose an Opposite Motion: Select a movement that feels expansive, energizing, or freeing. For example, stretch your arms wide as if you’re welcoming new possibilities, or take a brisk walk to reset your energy.
💡 Add Intention: While moving, focus on the sensation in your body or pair the motion with a positive affirmation, such as, “I am open to change,” or “This moment is for me.”
Inside my Healing Sessions, I guide clients through personalized movement practices tailored to their emotions and energy levels.
These small, intentional shifts create profound changes, helping you reconnect with your body and your sense of vitality.
The key is meeting yourself where you are and discovering what feels good in the moment.
Strategy 2: Anchor Habits to Existing Routines
One of the simplest ways to build a self-care routine is to tie it to something you’re already doing.
This removes the pressure of creating a whole new ritual and makes self-care feel more natural and effortless.
HOW TO DO IT
Identify a Daily Anchor: Look for routines that are already part of your day—such as brushing your teeth, brewing coffee, or setting your phone alarm.
Pair a Small Self-Care Action: Attach a manageable habit to the anchor. For example:
While brushing your teeth, think of three things you’re grateful for.
After making coffee, spend one minute stretching or taking a few deep breaths.
When setting your alarm, write down a quick reflection or intention for the next day.
Keep It Simple: Focus on actions that feel easy and achievable. Starting small helps you build consistency without feeling overwhelmed.
WHY IT WORKS
Uses Existing Momentum: Tying a habit to an established routine eliminates the need for extra mental effort, making it easier to remember.
Builds Consistency: Repeating the habit daily turns it into an automatic part of your life.
Reduces Overwhelm: Small, layered actions feel manageable and create a sense of accomplishment.
In my sessions, we work together to uncover natural anchor points in your daily life. I also help you design habits that align with your unique energy and goals, ensuring they feel supportive and sustainable.
Together, we create a framework that’s as cozy as it is effective. ❤️
Join Anchored in Awe—my email series for deep thinkers and sensitive souls. You’ll receive honest reflections, practical tools, and gentle support for your healing journey. Sign up here.
Found this helpful? 📌 Pin it to your ‘Healing’ board and come back whenever you need.
Strategy 3: Use a Reset Button When You Slip
We all miss a day (or more) of our routines.
Instead of letting guilt take over or waiting to “start fresh tomorrow,” give yourself permission to reset in the moment.
Every moment is an opportunity to begin again.
HOW TO RESET
Notice the Slip: If you miss your routine, acknowledge it without judgment. Say to yourself, “I didn’t do it today, and that’s okay.”
Ask What You Can Do Now: Look for a small, immediate action to reset:
If you missed your morning meditation, take three deep breaths during your lunch break.
If you skipped your evening skincare, wash your face quickly before bed.
If you forgot to journal, jot down one sentence of gratitude or reflection.
Be Kind to Yourself: Remind yourself that one missed day doesn’t erase your progress. Every reset is a step forward.
WHY IT WORKS
Fosters Compassion: Treating yourself with kindness reduces the guilt and frustration that often accompany missed routines.
Encourages Flexibility: By allowing room for imperfections, you’re more likely to stay consistent over time.
Keeps the Momentum: Resetting immediately prevents missed days from becoming barriers to progress.
In my sessions, I help clients reframe “slips” as learning opportunities rather than failures.
This mindset shift allows you to approach self-care with curiosity and grace, making it easier to get back on track without self-criticism.
You Might Be Wondering… What if I just don’t feel like it?
We all have days when sticking to a routine feels impossible.
That’s normal—and it’s not a sign of failure.
On those days, remember…
Recognize What’s Behind the Resistance: Often, resistance comes from layers of conditioning and societal expectations about what self-care “should” look like. Ask yourself:
What am I feeling right now? (Tired, overwhelmed, uninspired?)
What story am I telling myself about self-care? (That it’s too hard, not worth it, or that I’ll never stick to it?)
What’s one small thing I can do to feel supported in this moment?
Give Yourself Grace: Understand that resistance isn’t laziness—it’s often a response to unrealistic expectations or the weight of past experiences. Letting go of judgment creates space for progress.
Start Small: On tough days, redefine self-care as something tiny and achievable:
Drink a glass of water and take three deep breaths.
Write one thing you’re grateful for in your journal.
Stretch your arms or roll your shoulders back.
Every small action counts.
Self-care is not about perfection—it’s about connection.
Even on the hardest days, showing up for yourself in little ways can create meaningful change.
The Path Forward: Building Trust, Energy, and Peace
When you start incorporating these strategies into your life, you’ll notice profound shifts:
More Energy and Presence: Small, intentional moments of self-care reduce stress and help you feel more focused and grounded.
Rebuilt Self-Trust: Following through on even the smallest commitments restores your confidence and reminds you of your capacity for growth.
Emotional Resilience: Offering yourself grace and flexibility lightens the emotional burden of perfectionism.
You deserve routines that nourish you—not ones that feel like another chore.
By taking small, intentional steps, you can break free from guilt and build self-care habits that feel deeply supportive and sustainable.
If you’re ready to lighten the load and dive deeper, book a healing session with me or schedule a free 15-minute vibe check over Zoom.
Let’s work together to create a self-care practice that’s uniquely yours.
