Author: Darlene Marshall 

Life has a way of throwing curveballs, whether it’s a busy travel schedule, the holiday season, or just an unexpected shift in routine. These moments can disrupt even the most carefully maintained self-care habits. So, how can you stay on track when everything feels upended? The key lies in establishing personal non-negotiables, practicing flexibility, and letting go of perfectionism.

The Power of Personal Non-Negotiables

One of the most effective strategies for maintaining self-care during unpredictable times is identifying your personal non-negotiables. These are the habits or routines that you prioritize no matter what.

For example, I have a strict rule about sleep—I never allow myself less than seven hours. If I have an early morning flight, I’ll shift my schedule, use melatonin, and ensure I get to bed on time. Why? Because I know that without adequate rest, I’m not at my best physically, mentally, or emotionally.

Another personal non-negotiable is movement. Even during busy weeks packed with workshops, travel, and deadlines, I won’t cancel my workouts. I might reschedule them to fit around my obligations, but skipping altogether isn’t an option unless there’s an emergency.

Identifying these baseline habits—whether it’s sleep, exercise, or any other form of self-care — creates a foundation for well-being that can withstand life’s chaos.

Flexibility Over Perfection

While non-negotiables provide a baseline, it’s equally important to practice flexibility. Life isn’t always conducive to sticking rigidly to your routine, and that’s okay. As long as you’re hitting the essentials, give yourself grace for the rest.

Research by Barry Schwartz, author of The Paradox of Choice, shows that people who constantly strive for perfection are often more stressed and less happy than those who adopt a “good enough” mindset. Trying to tick every box perfectly—whether it’s eating healthily, exercising daily, or maintaining strict routines—can actually do more harm than good.

Instead of pressuring yourself to achieve perfection, focus on what you can do. Maybe you can’t fit in a full workout, but a 10-minute walk still counts. Perhaps your meals aren’t as balanced as usual, but making one healthier choice is better than none. As my friend Rick Ritchie likes to say, “A little bit of something is better than a whole lot of nothing.”

Avoiding the All-or-Nothing Trap

One common pitfall is the all-or-nothing mindset: If you can’t stick to your full routine, you abandon it entirely. For example, someone might miss a few workouts and decide not to move at all for the rest of the week, or indulge in unhealthy foods and then stop eating anything nutritious.

This approach often backfires, leaving you feeling worse physically and emotionally. Instead, aim for balance. Adjust your expectations and focus on maintaining some aspects of your routine, even if they’re scaled back.

For instance, during the holiday season, you might not be able to exercise as frequently or intensively, but a daily walk can help you stay active. Similarly, enjoying festive treats doesn’t mean abandoning healthy eating altogether—balance indulgence with nourishment.

Self-Care Enhances Enjoyment

Maintaining even a modified version of your self-care routine during busy or unpredictable times can enhance your overall experience. When you feel good physically and emotionally, you’re more present and able to enjoy the moment.

I’ve experienced this firsthand. In the past, I’d completely neglected movement or other self-care habits during the holidays, only to find that I didn’t enjoy the season as much. Now, I make time for small acts of self-care, and it’s made a world of difference.

Final Thoughts

Maintaining healthy habits during chaotic times isn’t about perfection—it’s about finding what works for you in the moment. Identify your non-negotiables, give yourself grace, and remember that small actions add up.

When you feel better physically and emotionally, you’re not only more resilient but also better equipped to fully enjoy life’s moments—even the unpredictable ones. After all, a little bit of something is always better than a whole lot of nothing. 

Ready to build resilience and embrace life’s moments? Start your journey with Darlene’s course, Holistic Self-care.