Self Care Might Look Like You're Slacking February 2026

I used to really hold things together quite well. In the weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day I would have a small, but thoughtful gift ready for my daughter. I would probably have written some kind of letter to my husband and maybe made a little play list (what can I say we have been together through many iterations and timeframes- so we used to burn CDs).

Then, burn out.

I had a baby during Covid (November in 2020). I kept up that intense pace of having it all together for a little while after he arrived, but my health really started to suffer. I really looked like a superstar from the outside…. but I almost always had a migraine.

Today it dawned on me to write a little note about self compassion today and of course in the process, I started thinking of all the ways I am falling short.

Like today for example. We have nothing planned. I purchased no heart covered socks for Natalie, no matchbox cars for Ben. And am tired enough to just say hey Happy Valentine’s Day to Nick. We plan on trying the new restaurant in town tonight (if they do take out 🤞 ) and maybe watch some Bluey.

I actually don’t feel too bad about it but my 2019 self would be appalled to be honest.

I sometimes have to try to catch up that little voice that tells me everything should be special that everything is already special and I don't have to spread myself so thin.

I have also been thinking about all the little things I do that are really self compassion (even when my thoughts sometimes are pointing out the other ways I am not doing the most excellent job).

1. Therapy. My favorite thing that I do is actually doing therapy of my own. We all have things we need support in, and this helps me be the most true version of myself. It also helps me continue to support my patients. My empathy often lands me in a place when I need a little extra support and I am so grateful for it.

   
   

2. Exercising. Oh by the way this doesn’t have to be on your list all the time. Even the exercises I give you. I like exercising. I like being with my friends and lifting heavy (sometimes very heavy). When I leave the gym, I always feel like I connected with myself in a way I can’t in any other way.

   
   

3. Asking for help (gah). I am married. I have two kids. I am very much an introvert. It is hard season I am in. Running a business (and doing it by myself- when you call or text it is always with me, when you hear about me through a provider- I met with them usually in person over coffee). I have to ask Nick on more often than feels comfortable to take the kids. I legit need silence sometimes just so I can process.

   
   

4. Honoring my actual feelings. I wish I just had positive things going on. I could be smiley all the time and positive and hopeful. But in real life. I get sad. I get annoyed. I feel things I don’t really want to post on instagram- but I do feel them anyway. (Which quite frankly 0/5 stars sometimes)- Still, what a lesson in actually honoring yourself for real.

   
   

Over the last 15 years I’ve found that patients do better when they do things because they love doing them — not because they feel bad about not doing them. (Was there a 25-year-old Bridget who just wanted everyone to do the damn exercises? Maybe. Forgive me — I’ve grown.)

I’m curious — what are your favorite ways to care for yourself?

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