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Writer's pictureMonique West, LCSW-R

Radical Self-Care During Hard Times: Nurturing Yourself When It Feels Most Counterintuitive



In life, there are moments when stress seems overwhelming, emotions spiral, and the very thought of self-care feels impossible. When we're neck-deep in struggle, whether it’s a personal crisis, work burnout, or societal chaos, taking care of ourselves can feel selfish, or worse, futile. But it’s exactly during these times that self-care becomes most crucial — and radical self-care is the antidote we often don’t realize we need.


What is Radical Self-Care?

Radical self-care goes beyond bubble baths and Netflix binges. It’s about a deeper, more intentional practice of prioritizing your well-being in ways that may feel rebellious in a society that often glorifies productivity over rest, and achievement over well-being. It’s setting boundaries when everyone around you demands more of you than you can give. It’s choosing rest when your to-do list is endless. It’s giving yourself compassion when the world says to just "tough it out."

Radical self-care is an act of defiance in a world that thrives on hustle culture. It's an intentional reclaiming of your energy and mental health when everything in life feels like it's falling apart. It’s committing to take care of yourself even when it feels like the last thing you want or deserve.


Why Radical Self-Care Feels Counterintuitive

When stress is at its peak, our natural instincts often drive us to survival mode. We focus on immediate needs: getting through the next day, the next meeting, the next crisis. Self-care, especially the radical kind, feels counterintuitive because we’re conditioned to believe that taking a break, asking for help, or stepping away is a sign of weakness.

During these moments, guilt creeps in. How can we justify taking care of ourselves when things are so bad? How can we rest when there’s so much left to do? The truth is, radical self-care is not about escaping reality — it’s about equipping yourself with the mental and emotional tools to face it head-on.


The Importance of Radical Self-Care During Hard Times

When we neglect self-care during difficult periods, we risk burnout, emotional exhaustion, and even physical illness. Stress isn’t just a mental or emotional state — it manifests in the body in the form of tension, sleep disturbances, and weakened immunity. Radical self-care, by contrast, helps mitigate the toll that stress takes on your entire being.

Think of self-care as a way to build your resilience. When you pour into yourself — even in small, radical ways — you create a well of strength to draw from when life feels overwhelming. You are better able to show up for yourself and others when you prioritize your well-being.


Practical Steps for Radical Self-Care

  1. Set Firm Boundaries One of the most radical acts of self-care is saying "no" when your plate is full. It's okay to turn down additional responsibilities or obligations, even if it's uncomfortable. Boundaries protect your energy and help you focus on what truly matters in the moment.

  2. Prioritize Rest Sleep and rest are not luxuries; they are essential. When you’re in crisis, your body and mind need downtime to recover. Schedule time to rest, whether it's a short nap, stepping away from your phone, or giving yourself permission to relax without guilt.

  3. Tune Into Your BodyOften, during stressful times, we become disconnected from our bodies. Radical self-care means checking in with yourself physically: Are you tense? Are you breathing deeply? Small, mindful actions like stretching, breathing exercises, or even a few minutes of yoga can help ground you.

  4. Nourish Yourself Under stress, it’s easy to skip meals or grab quick, unhealthy options. Radical self-care means making a conscious effort to nourish your body with foods that support your well-being. Drink water, eat whole foods, and take time to savor each bite. You're fueling your strength.

  5. Seek Support Self-care doesn’t mean doing everything alone. Sometimes, the most radical thing you can do is ask for help. Whether it’s leaning on friends, family, or a therapist, seeking support is an essential part of taking care of yourself when you feel overwhelmed.

  6. Practice Compassion Be kind to yourself. It’s normal to feel guilty or resistant when prioritizing self-care in tough times, but remember that you're not superhuman. Radical self-compassion means allowing yourself to struggle, rest, and heal without judgment. You deserve care, even when the world tells you otherwise.



Reframing Self-Care as a Necessity, Not a Luxury

In difficult times, self-care can feel like an indulgence, but it’s truly a necessity. Without it, we risk losing our capacity to cope, make decisions, and be present for ourselves and others. Radical self-care is a reminder that you are worthy of rest, healing, and peace, even when life feels chaotic.

It’s about believing that you matter — and taking action on that belief. In the moments when it feels most counterintuitive to care for yourself, that’s exactly when you need it most. Radical self-care is an act of resistance against a world that often demands more than we can give. It’s reclaiming your right to well-being, in every sense of the word.

Final Thoughts

The next time life throws you into chaos and you feel the urge to ignore your needs, remember: Radical self-care isn’t a sign of weakness, but of profound strength. It’s an intentional decision to take care of yourself so you can continue showing up for whatever life demands of you — and do so without sacrificing your health or peace of mind.

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