Showing up for yourself. What does it mean for chronic health?

Taking care of your health can feel like a big responsibility, with a sense of overwhelm associated to it. Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of daily life, putting your needs on the backburner, while you take care of everyone else. But showing up for yourself—especially when it comes to your health—doesn’t just mean booking healthcare appointments or following the latest health trends. It’s about making a conscious, consistent decision to honor your body and mind, to invest in your well-being, and to take responsibility for your own healthcare journey.

When you have chronic health concerns it is difficult to find the motivation to put the additional mental resources into your health. Here are the explanation of how you can do it to be successful, while shifting the guilt, shame or negative self talk.

The first step in showing up for yourself is becoming aware of where you currently stand in terms of your health. You want to take a non-judgmental look at your habits, lifestyle, and how you’re feeling both physically and emotionally. Self-awareness means tuning into your body’s signals- understanding when you’re tired, stressed, or feeling off, and acknowledging when something just doesn’t feel right. This process can take a while to master. The below steps will help you to transition into this new way of thinking about yourself and your health.

When you show up for yourself, you give yourself permission to listen to your body. Are you feeling fatigued? Maybe your sleep isn’t as restful as it should be. Perhaps you’ve been ignoring ongoing digestive discomfort or chronic aches and pains. These signs are often messages that something needs attention. By tuning in, you can identify areas in your life where improvement is needed, and begin to take proactive steps to address them. It’s the foundation of creating a healthier, happier version of yourself. Take your time with this to master it, you will be able to use this skill for a long time.

When it comes to your health, showing up isn’t about achieving perfection. No one is perfect, and health isn’t a one-time fix—it’s an ongoing, lifelong journey. We are currently in this world of social media promoting quick fixes, making it easy to feel overwhelmed by the idea that health is a destination you need to reach. But showing up for yourself is more about consistency than perfection.

Small, positive changes add up over time. Whether it's choosing to eat nourishing foods, moving your body every day, prioritizing rest, or seeking the right kind of support, the key is consistency. You don’t have to be perfect to show up for yourself, but you do need to be consistent. It’s the small actions, repeated daily, that create lasting change. This may seem overwhelming for a person with chronic disease, but lets break it down a little more. Did you walk for 5 minutes, or do some deep breathing exercises to support your body? Have you drank enough water today? Did you choose to have all junk food today or did you prioritise healthy snacks? Did you have an appointment today where you voiced your health concerns? These are examples of positive ways to show up for yourself.

If you struggle with motivation, start with one simple health habit that you can commit to. Maybe it’s drinking an extra glass of water every day or scheduling a walk after dinner to help manage your blood glucose. The important thing is that you make it a routine, something you can rely on no matter what. Over time, these small steps add up to big health benefits, and they make showing up for yourself feel natural, not like a chore.

When you have chronic health concerns it can be easy to focus on physical health, but emotional and mental well-being are just as important. Showing up for yourself in terms of your health means taking care of your mind, too. Mental health doesn’t just mean addressing issues like anxiety or depression, but also nurturing your emotional resilience, managing stress, and giving yourself space to relax and recharge.

Self-care for your mental and emotional health can take many forms. It might mean saying no to things that drain you or create unnecessary stress. Yes, especially those people and situations that make you feel even more exhausted... yes, it is possible. It could be spending time doing something you love, like reading, painting, swimming, singing or walking in nature. Perhaps it’s taking the time to process difficult emotions or seeking therapy or counseling when needed. All of these practices contribute to your overall sense of health and well-being.

One of the most empowering ways to show up for yourself is by recognising when you need help and seeking support. No one can do everything alone, and sometimes, asking for help is one of the most powerful things you can do for your health. Whether it’s reaching out to a healthcare provider, such as a naturopath, who understands your unique needs, or asking a loved one to support you in making healthier choices, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It’s about acknowledging that you deserve care and that your health is worth investing in.

At the same time, support doesn’t just come from professionals or loved ones—it can also come from your community. Surrounding yourself with people who share similar health values or goals can provide motivation, encouragement, and a sense of accountability. Whether it’s joining a class, a wellness group, or simply chatting with a friend who understands your health journey, having people by your side makes the journey feel less daunting.

Ultimately, showing up for yourself means taking charge of your health in a way that feels sustainable and realistic for you. This isn’t about quick fixes or drastic changes that you can’t maintain; it’s about creating a routine that supports long-term well-being that the future you will be proud of.

Creating a sustainable health routine involves setting realistic goals and being patient with yourself. You’ll face setbacks and challenges along the way, and that’s okay. The key is to show up for yourself consistently, even on the tough days. The act of showing up for yourself is one of the most powerful decisions you can make.

In the end, showing up for yourself is about recognising that you deserve to feel good, inside and out. By taking small steps every day, nurturing your mental and physical health, and seeking support when needed, you create a foundation for a healthier, happier life.

You don’t have to be perfect—you just have to show up with kindness and love for yourself.