When Self-Care Looks Like Survival

🎙️ When Self-Care Looks Like SurvivalA heartfelt conversation with Eileen King, BSN and certified Neural Integration System Therapy practitioner.Michelle is joined by her big sister Eileen King — a mother of seven, former labor and delivery nurse (for over 20 years), and functional neurology practitioner — for a raw, heartfelt conversation about what self-care really looks like when you're in survival mode. Whether you're a single parent working the night shift, walking through divorce, or just feeling overwhelmed by life, this episode offers practical wisdom rooted in faith, science, and lived experience.Key Takeaways: What Self-Care Looks Like in Survival ModeMichelle and Eileen share practical, real-life ways to care for yourself when life feels heavy:Lower the Bar — Self-care in hard seasons isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing what’s necessaryMove Your Body — Walking, dancing, and simple movement help regulate your nervous system and reduce stressCreate Small Wins — Focus on one task, one corner, or one step at a time to build momentumAsk for Help — True strength is found in humility; you were never meant to do this aloneReceive Support — Let others show up for you—sometimes self-care is allowing yourself to be cared forLet Go of Perfection — A lived-in home and simple meals are enough in hard seasonsProcess, Don’t Suppress — Emotions need an outlet; healing happens when we allow them to move through usStay Connected — Isolation deepens overwhelm; community brings grounding and supportCare for Your Body First — Sleep, hydration, and nourishment are foundational—not optionalLean Into Prayer — Even the simplest “God, help me” is powerful and enoughEpisode Chapters0:55 — Welcome & Introduction4:21 — Eileen's Story7:45 — Self-Care in Survival Mode10:00 — Your Nervous System & the Vagus Nerve13:30 — Overcoming Fear & Asking for Help20:00 — Practical Tips for the Overwhelmed Mom24:56 — Letting Go of Perfectionism30:01 — Sleep, Nutrition & the Essentials32:33 — Shame, Healing & God's Love51:02 — Self-Care Essentials Checklist52:21 — Closing EncouragementResources Mentioned:The Garden Within by Dr. Anita PhillipsThe Fly Lady (home organization method)Rising Strong by Brené BrownStay Connected with Living Fearlessly🎧 New episodes released weekly ➕ Subscribe, follow, and share with someone who needs encouragement ✉️ Contact the Living Fearlessly Podcast at [email protected]