What can I do when I’m too tired to ‘take care of myself’?

Feeling overwhelmed and too exhausted to focus on self-care is a common struggle for many women. Between juggling work, family, and personal responsibilities, finding the energy to take care of yourself can seem like an impossible task. However, neglecting self-care can lead to burnout and decreased well-being. This is where the concepts of micro-self-care and energy budgeting come into play. These strategies are designed to help you recharge and maintain your health, even on the busiest of days. 

In this blog post, we'll explore practical, beginner-friendly tips that can help you incorporate tiny, doable self-care practices into your daily routine.

Actionable Micro-Self-Care and Energy Budgeting Tips

Identify Your Energy Drains and Gains
The first step in effective energy budgeting is understanding what activities drain your energy and which ones replenish it. Take a few minutes to jot down your daily activities and rate them on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being extremely draining and 10 being highly energising. Once you have a clear picture, you can start to prioritise activities that give you energy and minimize those that deplete you.

Incorporate Micro-Self-Care Moments
Micro-self-care involves small, manageable actions that you can fit into your day without feeling overwhelmed. Here are a few ideas:
  • Take a 5-Minute Breathing Break: Set a timer for five minutes and focus solely on your breathing. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly through your nose. This simple practice can help reduce stress and increase your energy levels.
  • Enjoy a Cup of Tea: Brew your favorite tea and take a few minutes to savour it. Remember to notice what it looks like, the smell of it, and then the taste. The warmth and ritual of drinking tea can be incredibly soothing and grounding.
  • Listen to a Short Meditation: There are countless free meditation apps and podcasts available. Choose a 5-10 minute guided meditation and let it help you reset and recharge.
Prioritise Sleep
While it might seem counterintuitive when you're already feeling exhausted, prioritising sleep is crucial for energy budgeting. Even if you can't get a full eight hours, try to establish a consistent bedtime routine. This could include dimming the lights, reading a book, or practicing a short relaxation technique. Aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to help regulate your body's internal clock.

Set Boundaries
Learning to say no and setting boundaries is essential for managing your energy. If you find yourself constantly overcommitting, take a step back and evaluate which obligations are truly necessary. It's okay to decline invitations or delegate tasks when you need to focus on recharging.

Use Technology to Your Advantage
There are numerous apps and tools designed to help with self-care and energy management. Consider using a habit tracker to monitor your micro-self-care practices or a calendar app to schedule regular breaks throughout your day. These tools can help you stay accountable and ensure you're making time for yourself.

Connect with Others
Social connections can be a powerful source of energy. Even if you're feeling too tired to go out, a quick phone call or text message to a friend can boost your mood. Sharing your struggles with someone who understands can also provide emotional relief and help you feel less alone.

Celebrate Small Wins
Acknowledge and celebrate the small steps you take towards better self-care. Whether it's taking a short walk, drinking enough water, or simply getting to bed on time, recognising these achievements can motivate you to keep going.

Conclusion

Incorporating micro-self-care and energy budgeting into your daily life can make a significant difference in how you feel and function. By identifying your energy drains and gains, setting boundaries, and making time for small self-care practices, you can start to reclaim your energy and well-being. Remember, self-care doesn't have to be time-consuming or complicated. It's about finding what works for you and making it a priority.

If you're ready to take the next step in your self-care journey, I encourage you to schedule a free wellness call. During this call, we can discuss your unique challenges and develop a personalised plan to help you feel more energised and balanced. Don't wait—take action today and start prioritising your well-being. 

✨ Ready to Tune In to What Your Body’s Really Telling You? ✨
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to begin at your own pace.

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✨ Ready to Tune In to What Your Body’s Really Telling You? ✨
There’s a way to feel better—and it starts with clarity.

I’d love to help! 

🌻 Track What Matters – Grab your free Wellness Tracker  to start uncovering patterns.
🌻 Get a Personalised Review – Book your Serenity Health Review—a deep dive into your health story with tailored recommendations.
🌻 Ready to Go Deeper? – My wellness programmes guide you through hormone, energy, and gut support—without the overwhelm. You can Find Your Balance here.

to begin at your own pace.

Meet Jo

For over 40 years, I’ve been helping people like you take charge of their health with a calm, caring, and supportive approach. Clients (and friends) often say I’m a great listener and highly knowledgeable — qualities I bring to every session to ensure you feel understood, empowered, and on the right path to feeling better.

My passion for wellness started young. When I was 9, my mum was diagnosed with bladder cancer, which shaped my understanding of how deeply health challenges affect not just the individual but their entire family. Watching her recover through a long journey — navigating major surgery, menopause, and a stoma — taught me how important it is to support the whole person: body, mind, and emotions.

This experience has fuelled my lifelong mission to uncover what keeps us feeling our best. 

Working with me means learning how to:
  • Balance your blood sugars with nourishing foods tailored to your needs.
  • Reduce stressors — from food intolerances to emotional triggers.
  • Support your hormones, including those that regulate energy, mood, and digestion.
  • Improve gut health and build a thriving microbiome.
  • Strengthen your immune system for resilience.
  • Prioritize rest and relaxation for better energy and well-being.
Why Work with Me?
I understand how overwhelming health struggles can feel. Whether you’re navigating hormonal changes, dealing with persistent pain, or feeling like nothing is working, I’ll provide natural, practical solutions tailored to you. My approach isn’t about quick fixes — it’s about finding lasting answers and helping you build them into daily life.

My process also complements medical treatments, giving you tools and strategies to feel empowered while supporting your body’s natural healing ability.

What you need to know
I’m not just a therapist, I’m a listener, a teacher, and someone who’s walked alongside many clients on their health journeys. I believe in combining the best of science and holistic practices to help you feel your best.

On a personal note, I’m a wife, a mother to 2 beautiful girls, and a proud pet parent to Kiko the cat and Maisie the dog. Just like you, I know how busy life can get, which is why I’m here to make taking care of your health feel achievable and rewarding.



Photo of Jo Hayns