Dare to Heal... Let's Talk!’s Post

"Self-Care Is Selfish"—And 100% Essential Hey, overachievers, caregivers, and perfectionists!  💜 Let’s have an honest moment: when was the last time you unapologetically put yourself first? Here’s the truth: self-care is selfish, and it’s 100% essential. Why? Because we can’t give our best to the world if we’re running on empty. Let’s talk about something most of us struggle to prioritize: self-care. If I could, I’d hire a Human Pamper-er to: ☕ Keep my coffee refilled and my wisdom topped up 📝 Gently nudge me to put down the never-ending to-do list 💤 Lovingly force me into a guilt-free nap when I’m running on fumes OHHHH and wash my hair!!!! I am fully capable but my arms get tired 🤣 Sounds dreamy, right? But here’s the reality: we don’t need a pamper-er—we need a mindset shift. The truth is, self-care IS selfish AND it’s indispensable. And it’s especially critical during the holiday rush, when we’re pulled in a million directions.   Prioritizing yourself is more than a luxury—it’s a necessity. Without it, burnout creeps in, joy fades, and the things that matter most feel harder to hold onto. 💜 Here’s the plan: This January, let’s flip the script on how we set goals and care for ourselves.  Join me on January 3rd for my FREE webinar: New Year, New Mindset: Goal Setting for Mental Health We’ll cover: 👉 How to create goals that nourish instead of pressure you 👉 Strategies for unlearning stress patterns and saying “yes” to calm 👉 A roadmap to align your actions with what truly matters >>>You deserve a life that feels balanced and intentional, not overwhelming.  This webinar is your first step toward making 2025 the year you reclaim your peace. 💜 Save your spot today: https://lnkd.in/gsBqrveP Let’s kickstart the new year with clarity, connection, and a whole lot of self-love. You deserve it—because even superheroes need rest. #HolidayStress #MentalWellness #NewYearNewYou #TherapyCanada #BurnoutAwareness #PTSDRecovery #TorontoONTherapist #MentalBeauty #RichmondHillONTherapist #Psychotherapist #MarkhamONTherapist #MentalHealthforDoctors #TorontoWellness #DareToHeal #MississaugaONTherapist #MentalHealthforLawyers #MentalBeauty #OntarioBusiness #SalimaJadavji #Counselling #TherapyinCanada #MentalHealthisWealth #OntarioProfessionals #SelfCareIsSelfish #HamiltonONTherapist

What do you see in this picture? For me, it’s a stark reminder of a time I never want to revisit. But to you, it might convey something entirely different. Perception and reality often diverge, don't they? This photo captures a moment from my first outing after emergency surgery in 2020. I remember trying on this new red coat in a shop (in quite a daze) before heading out for dinner with my husband. To everyone else, I may have appeared fine. However, I was still battling a post-operative infection, my stomach tender and constantly aching. Despite feeling fragile, my smile and the pose in my 'on-brand' coat likely concealed a lot to many, including myself. You see, I've always pushed through life and every challenge it's thrown at me with relentless positivity. At the time, I didn’t even realize how unwell I truly was. In less than a month, I found myself in the hospital, physically and mentally incapacitated. I spent six weeks there, feeling somewhat 'trapped' amidst the chaos of COVID-19 and the overwhelmed healthcare system. As we recognise Mental Health Awareness Week, I'm compelled to share a lesson I learned through my journey, woven into my conversations, social posts, and speaking engagements. Wearing many hats—as a mother, wife, opera singer, award-winning franchisor, and podcast co-host—I know the familiar feeling of juggling life's demands. Yet, amidst the hustle, I neglected to prioritise myself. It took a seriously life altering event with my head ‘popping’ to realise that my pursuit of success was incomplete without self-care. The "push on, deal with it" mentality sustained me in business, but it wasn't sustainable in the long run. My breakdown, where I lost all sense of self, forced me to confront the reality that true success encompasses more than achievements—it's about holistic well-being. Embarking on a journey of self-discovery, I redefined success to include adequate sleep, mindful nutrition, and nurturing hobbies. I surrounded myself with a supportive circle—one that pours into my cup rather than draining it. Now, I stand at the center of my circle, armed with a renewed perspective. Instead of merely surviving, I've learned to thrive amidst life's challenges. And now, I'm passionate about empowering others to do the same—prioritising self-care, nurturing mental health, and finding their voice to seek help or support others. So, as we observe Mental Health Awareness Week, I urge you to reassess your own circle. Are you at the centre, where you belong? If not, it's time to listen to your inner voice and make a change. Remember, true success begins with compassion for ourselves and a commitment to our well-being. #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #SelfCare #PrioritiseYourself

𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚 𝐣𝐨𝐛 - 𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐚 𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞. Ever wondered what it's like to live life in the fast lane? Spoiler alert: it's not as glamorous as it sounds, especially when you are a healthcare worker in the midst of a pandemic. Buckle up guys, and allow me to take you through a week in my life on the frontline. 𝕀𝕥'𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕪𝕖𝕒𝕣 𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟘 Monday: The week kicks off with a 12-hour shift, where water and coffee become my best friends and PPE my constant companion. Every patient I see is a potential COVID-19 case. The physical toll is real—aching feet, a sore back, and that N95 mask making me look like a raccoon by the end of the day. Tuesday: Mental exhaustion hits hard. The constant fear of exposure, the rapid decision-making, and the heartbreaking conversations with families take their toll. I juggle between being a caregiver, a counselor, and sometimes, a family member. My mind races even when I finally crash into bed. Wednesday: Emotionally, it's a rollercoaster. From the joy of seeing a patient recover to the devastation of losing another. The highs are fleeting, but the lows linger. Support from my colleagues is a lifeline—we share laughs, tears, and everything in between. Thursday: Burnout starts to creep in. It's not just the long hours; it's the emotional labor that drains me. I catch myself on the verge of tears while grabbing lunch in the breakroom. It's a quick reality check—ᴍᴇɴᴛᴀʟ ʜᴇᴀʟᴛʜ ᴍᴀᴛᴛᴇʀꜱ. I remind myself to breathe, to take a moment, and to reach out for support. Friday: Resilience kicks in. Despite the chaos, there's a profound sense of purpose. I remember why I chose this path. We share stories of hope and courage, lifting each other up. Patients' gratitude fuels my spirit, even if my body feels like it's been through a marathon. Saturday: A rare day off. Time to echarge. Self-care is crucial—whether it's a long walk, a good book, or just catching up on sleep. It's a struggle to disconnect, but it's necessary to prevent burnout. My mental health is just as important as my physical health. Sunday: Reflection day. I think about the lives touched, the battles fought, and the resilience shown. It's a tough journey, but knowing I made a difference keeps me going. My colleagues and I are in this together, fighting on the frontline, supporting one another through the toughest of times. This is an example of the ongoing battles we face. The pandemic highlighted the incredible strength and dedication of healthcare workers and also shone a light on the mental health challenges we endure. We are heroes, yes, but we are also 🅷🆄🅼🅰🅽. To all my fellow healthcare warriors (Doctors, Nurses, Care assistants, etc) — keep fighting, keep supporting each other, and don't forget to take care of your mental health. We were in this together, and together, we came out stronger. #HealthcareHeroes #MentalHealthMatters #PandemicLife #FrontlineWarriors #ResilienceAndHope

When burnout hits hard, it leaves us disconnected and struggling to feel our best. In times like these, self-care isn’t just about rest—it’s about intentional recovery and reconnecting with what grounds us. Our latest blog, "The Self-Care Shift: Recovery through Reclaiming Self-Energy," explores how understanding and nurturing your core self can help you overcome burnout. Inspired by Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy model, we look at the concept of “self-energy”—traits like confidence, calm, and compassion that guide meaningful healing and growth. If you’re feeling drained, remember: giving what you can is enough. Recovery is a journey, and validating your needs along the way is essential. Tap into The Self-Care Shift to learn more about intentional self-recovery and start feeling connected again. 🔗: https://lnkd.in/eEreAh5e #theintentionalinternpodcast #intentionalinsights

Burnout isn’t a badge of honour—it’s a call for change. If you’re: Feeling exhausted, even after a full night’s sleep. Struggling to stay motivated at work. Wondering how you’re supposed to keep going like this... It’s time to press pause and realign. Through 1:1 customized therapy & coaching sessions, I’ll help you: ✨ Understand the root causes of your burnout. ✨ Reclaim your energy and set healthy boundaries. ✨ Develop a clear plan to prioritize your wellbeing without sacrificing your ambitions. You don’t have to figure it out alone. These sessions are designed to give you the tools and clarity to move forward with purpose and balance. Book a session today and take the first step toward a more energized, fulfilled you. Click here to learn more and schedule your session → https://lnkd.in/eG8mtVeh Your wellbeing is worth investing in. Let’s work together to help you thrive—inside and outside of work.

Feeling overwhelmed by deadlines and targets can turn your job into a source of constant stress and anxiety. This relentless pressure can sap your joy and leave you exhausted, affecting both work and home life. As a solution-focused hypnotherapist, I can help you find relief and build coping strategies. Together, we'll aim for a state of calm and focus, enabling you to tackle workplace challenges with renewed energy and perspective. Imagine your workday feeling manageable and rewarding once again. Book your free online consultation now at sphypno.com or call me on 07999 900770. Remember, hypnotherapy isn't limited to overcoming stress and anxiety. It can also be effective for low mood, fears and phobias, unwanted behaviours, and health issues made worse by anxiety. Let's work together towards your preferred future—your wellbeing is worth the investment. #AnxietyFreeWorkday #CalmConfidentYou #HypnotherapySolutions #SeanParryHypnotherapy #sphypno #StressReliefStrategies #WorkplaceWellbeing

Now I am back on LinkedIn again, I thought I'd start my little series back up with advice I would give to myself if I could rewind the clock... ⏰ And this week, it got me thinking about how I would tell myself to prioritise my wellbeing. Physical, mental, and emotional—because everything else flows from it. 🧘🏼♀️ It’s easy to get caught up in the chase for success, pushing through sleepless nights, sacrificing self-care, and thinking that health can wait until later. But here's the thing: without good health, nothing else truly matters. For me, I didn’t fully realise how important health was until December 2023, when I received a diagnosis that completely changed my whole mindset. It was a wake-up call, one that shifted my entire approach to life and work. Suddenly, I understood that well-being isn’t just a part of life—it’s the foundation for everything we do. Here’s what I would tell myself if I could rewind time: 💤 Sleep is not optional—it’s a foundation for productivity and creativity. 🏃🏼♀️ Exercise isn’t just for the body—it’s a way to clear your mind and build resilience. 🧠 Mental health matters—it’s okay to ask for help, take breaks, or simply pause when life feels overwhelming. 🙅🏼♀️ Boundaries are crucial—learn to say no, so you can say yes to what really matters. Well-being is a long-term investment, not a short-term fix. The better we take care of ourselves, the better we can take care of our work, our relationships, and everything else in life. Prioritise yourself. Your future self will thank you for it ✨

Why does stress seem to stick around while joy slips away so quickly? The brain’s negativity bias is wired for survival, but it can keep us stuck in a cycle of stress, especially when living with a chronic condition. In my latest Substack post, I explain how the amygdala and limbic system contribute to this bias, how chronic conditions can keep our nervous systems locked in fight-or-flight, and—most importantly—what we can do about it. I’m also sharing the practice of seeking glimmers — small moments of joy that help rewire the brain for healing and calm. Feeling overwhelmed or burned out? There’s still time to grab a ticket for today’s masterclass — Overcoming Burnout: Reclaiming Energy and Confidence with Chronic Illness at 4pm PT / 7pm ET! We’ll dive deeper into these topics and give you practical tools to break the burnout cycle. Stay tuned throughout the day, too—we might offer a last-minute discount for the final few tickets! TICKETS: https://lnkd.in/g9ubhSaB SUBSTACK: https://lnkd.in/gvk4e-Hs #Neuroplasticity #ChronicIllnessSupport #BurnoutRecovery #Glimmers #SelfCompassion #StressRelief #HealingJourney #MentalHealth #NegativityBias #LimbicSystem #Masterclass #LastChance #ChronicFatigue #ChronicIllnessWarrior #AutoimmuneDisease #FightOrFlight #NervousSystemHealing #EnergyHealing #InvisibleIllness #ChronicPain #MindBodyConnection #Hashimotos #BurnoutHelp #StressManagement #RestAndDigest #Inflammation #Resilience #HealingIsPossible #PolyvagalTheory

🌟 Navigating the Storm: Prioritize Your Well-Being in Toxic Relationships 🌟 In our journey through life, we often encounter challenging relationships that test our resilience and strength. It may happen to you that sometimes dealing with toxic relatives or living in a relationship where you find yourself constantly surrounded by negative emotions becomes incredibly difficult. Over time, these negative feelings can seep into our minds and hearts, affecting our mental and emotional well-being. 💡 If you find yourself or someone you care about trapped in such a situation, it’s crucial to recognize the impact it can have on your overall health. Remember, we all deserve a life filled with positivity, growth, and happiness. Here’s what you can do to safeguard your well-being: 1. Acknowledge the Situation: The first step towards healing is acknowledging that you’re in a toxic environment. Denial can only prolong your suffering. 2. Communicate Your Feelings: Share your thoughts and feelings with a trusted friend or a life coach. Expressing your emotions can provide clarity and relief. 3. Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries to protect your mental and emotional space. It’s okay to say no and prioritize your needs. 4. Seek Professional Help: Don’t hesitate to seek help from mental health professionals. Therapy can provide you with the tools to cope and thrive. 5. Take Decisive Action: Whether it’s distancing yourself from toxic relatives, ending a harmful relationship, or finding a new environment, take the necessary steps to move forward. Your health and happiness should always be a top priority. 🌿 Self-care is not selfish; it’s essential. By taking care of yourself, you empower yourself to lead a life that truly reflects your worth and potential. Break free from the chains of negativity and embrace a journey towards a brighter, healthier future. Let's support each other in creating lives filled with love, positivity, and growth. If you or someone you know is struggling, share this message. Together, we can inspire change and foster well-being. 💖 Remember, you deserve the best that life has to offer. Take that step today for a happier tomorrow. #lifecoach #mentalhealth #emotionalwellbeing #toxicrelationships #selfcare #personalgrowth #positivevibes #empowerment

Are you feeling low on energy, struggling with focus, or finding it more challenging to stay motivated? You're not alone. In today’s fast-paced world, achieving peak health and mental clarity is more challenging than ever. That's why I've shared 8 essential strategies to help you regain control, boost your energy, and enhance your overall well-being. From taking ownership of your health to balancing your diet, improving sleep, and breaking bad habits, these simple yet powerful steps will help you unleash your inner greatness. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in. https://lnkd.in/eCgCziW5