Taking Care of Yourself During Major Life Changes

Life is full of big changes and major events—whether it’s starting a new job, moving to a new city, or navigating a significant relationship shift. These transitions can be both exciting and overwhelming, often pulling us in multiple directions and leaving little room for self-care. Reflecting on my own experiences, I realize that I have not always managed to take care of myself during these periods, but I have learned some valuable lessons in creating boundaries to prioritize my well-being.

In the past, I often pushed through stress and changes without acknowledging their impact on my mental and physical health. It wasn’t uncommon for me to ignore the warning signs my body sent me—like fatigue, anxiety, or tension. Instead of listening and adjusting my pace, I would find myself crashing. This usually manifested in the form of severe sickness or debilitating migraines that forced me to halt everything and take care of myself. It was as if my body was screaming for a break, and I had no choice but to listen when it was too late.

Over the past few years, I’ve come to understand the importance of setting boundaries around self-care, especially during tumultuous times. A key realization for me has been that self-care isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. This shift in mindset has allowed me to adopt a slower pace, one that consciously protects me from the burn-out I once faced.

Here are some strategies that have helped me cultivate a healthier approach to self-care during major life changes:

1. Prioritizing Rest

I’ve learned to prioritize rest and recognize that it’s not a sign of weakness but rather a crucial component of resilience. Scheduling downtime, even amidst busy transitions, has become essential for my well-being.

2. Creating Boundaries

Establishing clear boundaries has been transformative. I’ve started to say no to commitments that drain my energy, allowing myself the space to focus on my own needs without feeling guilty. This includes limiting time with individuals who drain my cup instead of filling it. This doesn’t mean these are bad relationships but there are some that simply require more of me than I have to give during very busy seasons.

3. Mindful Practices

Incorporating mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, has helped me stay grounded. These techniques promote relaxation and equip me to handle stress more effectively. My husband tends to ask me what’s wrong when I am breathing slow and out through my mouth. But in realty it is a helpful way of letting my body release tension so I can keep moving on the task at hand.

4. Listening to My Body

Rather than pushing through discomfort, I’ve made a conscious effort to listen to my body’s signals. A headache isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a reminder that I may need to slow down or reassess my priorities.

5. Seeking Helpful Support

One of the other really helpful things I have started is really caring for my body. And no that does not mean I make it to the gym multiple times a week. (Although I do consider that a win- it is not always realistic when life is busy.) Adding things like soaking my feet in magnesium and adding red light therapy has been a game changer. This red light matt has become one of my favorite things. It does not take much digging to find the growing evidence that supports red light therapy and I sure have found it makes an amazing difference.

While I may not have always excelled in self-care, my journey over the past few years has taught me the importance of being proactive. By embracing a slower pace and focusing on self-preservation, I’ve significantly reduced the frequency of issues like migraines and exhaustion.

Creating boundaries, being intentional about rest, and listening to my body have not only helped me survive life’s changes but thrive in them. As I continue navigating the complexities of life, I’m committed to developing my self-care practices further, ensuring I remain centered regardless of what comes my way.