Self-Care Isn’t Optional—It’s Survival with Dr. Zoe Shaw

Do you ever feel like burning your whole life down just to escape the overwhelm?

You're not alone.

Join Matt O'Neill and Dr. Zoe Shaw as they shatter the myths around self-care and reveal the revolutionary 360-degree approach that will transform your life from the inside out. Dr. Shaw, a licensed psychotherapist, bestselling author, and busy mom of five, shares how one commitment—practicing self-care every single day for an entire year—completely changed everything.

This isn't about bubble baths and spa days. This is about survival. You'll discover why self-care is as essential as brushing your teeth, why discipline is actually self-care, and how small daily habits create massive life transformations.

Whether you're drowning in responsibilities, struggling with burnout, or simply feeling like you've lost yourself in the chaos of life, this episode offers the practical tools and mindset shifts you need to reclaim your energy, time, sanity, and life.

0:00 Introduction

1:27 The "I Got It" Syndrome That's Destroying Women

3:06 What Self-Care Really Is (and what it isn't)

5:13 Why You Can't Binge Self-care

6:50 The Powerful Declaration: "I Am Worthy to be Cared For"

8:24 Why Women Feel Pressured to Sacrifice Everything

12:06 How Men Can Better Support Their Partners

15:14 The Four Wheels of Self-care: Body, Mind, Soul, Emotions

19:02 Why Self-Care is Not Optional—It's Survival

21:21 How to Handle Days When You Don't Feel Like It

24:08 The Power of Brain Dumps and Mind Clearing

25:31 Overcoming Guilt about Self-care

27:16 Sometimes Being the Best Parent Means Saying No

Resources Mentioned: 

📚 Dr. Zoe Shaw's book: "Stronger in the Difficult Places"

📚 "Get Over I Got It" by Elaine Fluker

🌐 Dr. Zoe Shaw's website: https://drzoeshaw.com  

🌐 "Stronger in the Difficult Places" podcast by Dr. Zoe Shaw

About the Guest:

Dr. Zoe Shaw is a licensed psychotherapist, bestselling author, and mother of five who specializes in helping overwhelmed individuals reclaim their lives through intentional self-care. After experiencing severe burnout herself, she embarked on a year-long journey of daily self-care that completely transformed her life. She's the author of "Stronger in the Difficult Places" and hosts a podcast by the same name, helping people understand that self-care isn't selfish—it's essential for survival and thriving.