The Self-Care Journey | Doing My Best-ish
Because sometimes taking care of yourself feels like another thing on your never-ending to-do list.
Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get discussed enough when it comes to mental health: taking care of your physical health when you’re already mentally exhausted.
When you’re living with anxiety, depression, or another mental illness, even the simplest everyday tasks can feel overwhelming.
Getting out of bed. Taking a shower. Making something to eat. Drinking enough water. Finding the energy to exercise.
Things that might seem easy to someone else can feel like climbing a mountain when your mind is already running on empty.
And then there’s the guilt.
Why can’t I just get motivated?
Why is it so hard to stick to a routine?
Why do I keep telling myself I’m going to take better care of myself, only to fall back into old habits?
If you’ve ever asked yourself these questions, you’re definitely not alone.
I’m still figuring this out myself.
I want to take better care of my physical health. I want to be more consistent with walking, eating healthier, managing my weight, and building routines that actually stick.
But some days, my mental health has other plans.
And I’ve been learning that maybe physical self-care isn’t about completely changing my lifestyle overnight.
Maybe it’s about learning how to take care of my body while also respecting what my mind is going through.
Because I’m not aiming for perfection anymore.
I’m just trying to do better-ish.
1. Understand That Mental Exhaustion Can Become Physical Exhaustion
One thing I’ve learned from living with mental illness is that being mentally exhausted doesn’t mean you’re only tired in your head.
Sometimes your whole body feels it.
Anxiety can leave your muscles tense, your heart racing, and your body feeling like it’s been running a marathon, even when you’ve barely moved.
Depression can make getting out of bed feel exhausting before the day has even started.
And when you’re dealing with both? Finding motivation can feel nearly impossible.
Mental health struggles can affect:
- Your energy levels and motivation
- Your appetite and eating habits
- Your sleeping patterns
- Your ability to concentrate
- Your personal hygiene routines
- Your desire to exercise
