How to Know When to Push Forward—or Rest: A Self-Care Compass for Deep Healing

We need to put our needs first.
We need to take care of ourselves so we can care for others.
And sometimes? Not doing anything is self-care.
All of these are true. 💯

But how do you know what’s best? Doing, or not doing?

I’m excited to share a simple, three-step self-care process to help you tune into your body’s wisdom and make aligned choices for your health. But first, let me tell you a quick story.

A Real-Life Reminder: When My Self-Care Routine Needed a Pause

This week, I’ve had a cold. Nothing major, just enough to make me feel run down. I wanted to rest, but I also had a packed schedule and so much I was excited to create and share.

I have a strong self-care routine. I’m up at 5:45am to exercise before my kids wake up. This morning activity is my anchor, my way of claiming time for myself before the day begins. It’s changed my life. I went from being pulled through my day to being in charge of it.

But lately, I’ve struggled to get to bed early enough to support that wakeup. So when I got sick, I had to ask: is it better to push through—or pause?

When Self-Care Looks Like Stillness

Let me be clear: this morning routine has transformed everything for me. I love how it makes me feel. But sometimes, the most loving choice isn’t pushing forward—it’s actually stopping. Not dialing it back a little. Fully stopping.

That’s hard when you're managing a business, raising three boys, and holding space for clients. But knowing when to pause is just as vital as knowing when to move forward.

So how can you tell the difference between a moment of resistance and a genuine need for rest?

The Answer: Listen to Your Body’s Compass

We all have an inner compass. I call this your body’s wisdom. It’s always available, but we have to learn how to tune in. This is especially important if you’re on a healing journey or managing chronic symptoms.

Knowing your default mode is key. Are you someone who tends to push? Or are you more likely to pull back?

Personally, I’m wired to push. It’s what led to a health crash 20 years ago. I’ve learned to recognize that “keep going no matter what” voice, and I know I have to watch it—especially when I’m unwell.

What’s your pattern? Take a moment to reflect:
➡ Do you avoid rest or overuse it?
➡ Do you act fast, or stall in indecision?
➡ Are you motivated by obligation or self love?

Understanding your habits helps you ask better questions—and listen for better answers.

A 3-Step Process to Create an Inner Dialogue and Listen to Your Body

Here's the self-check-in process I use and teach clients to help them make aligned choices:

1. Tune In

Get still. Breathe. Feel your feet on the floor. Notice your senses: what do you hear, feel, see? Connect to your breath, the chair you are sitting on, or any other sensory stimuli. This helps quiet your mind and bring you into the present moment with your body

2. Ask

Ask your body or inner wisdom a clear, simple question.

“Do I need rest today?”
“What would serve my healing most right now?”
“What needs my attention to move forward?”

Keep it short and focused. Don't add mental chatter or commentary.

3. Listen

Open to receive. Imagine just waiting in stillness for some sort of guidance. You may not hear a booming voice (most of us won’t!). But a moment of clarity, a conversation, a deep sigh—these can all be answers. Listen carefully for the whispers.

Bonus Step: Take Aligned Action
Follow the guidance you receive, even if the answer is “rest now.” Even if it's “wait.” Action can mean doing less. Or simply choosing to trust.

Final Thoughts: You Already Know

The more you practice listening inward, the less you’ll need to seek external validation. You’ll stop second-guessing. You’ll just know—because you’ll feel it in your bones and belly.

This way of living is not just possible—it’s powerful. You can learn to hear your body clearly and respond with deep trust and compassion.

And when you do? Your self-care becomes your superpower.

Ready to deepen your self-trust and support your body’s natural healing?
Let’s talk. This work is at the heart of what I do—helping you hear what your body’s been trying to say all along.