When Survival Mode Burns Through All Your Adrenaline-Episode 45.m4a

Welcome to the Set Her Free podcast! I'm Dana Lyons, your host. You may have noticed the podcast has a new name—formerly "Get Well, Live Well, and Thrive." While the title has changed, the essence remains the same. The core belief driving this podcast is freedom, a theme rooted in the idea that Christ set us free for an abundant life, which I equate with thriving.

This podcast aims to explore the interconnectedness of our spirit, soul, and body. I'm passionate about holistic health, focusing on all aspects of our being because when one area suffers, it affects the others. My goal is to nurture a sense of community among women. Sharing our journeys and supporting one another is essential, and I believe we’re stronger together.

Often, I engage in discussions with women about self-care, a topic that feels increasingly relevant as many face overwhelming life challenges. To those going through tough times—divorce, illness of a loved one, financial stress—this message is for you. If you find yourself in a long-term survival mode, where unrelenting difficulties leave you feeling depleted, it’s essential to prioritize your well-being. While we may feel compelled to serve others during tough times, neglecting our own health can lead to burnout and resentment.

This episode serves as a reminder about healthy self-care. Many of us have been conditioned to prioritize others’ needs; we are often socialized to be caregivers or martyrs. While our capacity to support others is a gift, it can also become a burden if we take on more than we should. Healthy self-care is about stewardship—managing our spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical health to thrive rather than just survive.

When navigating self-care discussions, I often encounter concerns, particularly among women of faith. Some might feel guilty prioritizing self-care, convinced that doing so is selfish or goes against the teachings of putting others first. I acknowledge this tension, but I urge you to reconsider. Self-care is not about selfishness; it’s about ensuring we are in a healthy state to support others effectively.

There's a critical balance to strike. While it’s important to manage our responsibilities, we must also be aware of our limits and the consequences of neglecting our own needs. If your own health declines, you become less able to care for others. 

I'd like to highlight two common perspectives among women of faith regarding self-care. Some may be overly legalistic, equating self-care with selfishness, while others might swing to the opposite end, disregarding their own needs entirely. It’s vital to find a middle ground—understanding that caring for oneself is not a rejection of faith or service to others, but rather a foundational piece that enables us to live out our calling more fully.

As you reflect on your life, ask yourself, “How am I taking care of myself?” Healthy self-care practices can significantly vary from person to person, but they should encompass nurturing your spirit, soul, and body. This may mean engaging in prayer, seeking community, resting, or pursuing activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.

Life can feel overwhelming and demanding. There will be seasons that challenge us deeply. It’s crucial to acknowledge these challenges but also to seek ways to sustain ourselves through them. When we ignore our needs, we risk spiraling into a cycle of exhaustion and disappointment.

In conclusion, I encourage you not to neglect your well-being. Healthy self-care is vital for thriving in your life and supporting those you love. Let’s challenge the narrative that self-care is selfish and embrace it as an essential part of living freely and abundantly. Thank you for joining me today on the Set Her Free podcast. Remember, whatever you're going through, you don't have to do it alone—we're in this to