Working in healthcare marketing—especially when it involves helping families through emotional, complicated decisions—is incredibly rewarding. But I won’t lie: it can also be overwhelming. Some days are long, some conversations are heavy, and some situations don’t have easy answers. That’s the nature of this work. It’s people-centered, heart-centered, and constantly changing.
Over the years, I’ve learned that to keep showing up fully for others, I have to take care of myself too. It’s not selfish—it’s necessary. Staying grounded is what allows me to keep going, even on the hard days. And it’s something I’ve had to be intentional about.
If you’re in a field like this—or even just juggling a lot in life—maybe some of what works for me will speak to you, too.
Starting with Purpose
For me, everything starts with remembering why I do what I do. When things get stressful, I take a step back and think about the families I’ve helped—the look on a daughter’s face when she knows her mom is in safe hands, or the sigh of relief from a caregiver who finally feels supported.
That sense of purpose keeps me grounded. It reminds me that even when I’m tired, what I’m doing matters. It’s easy to get caught up in daily tasks, but reconnecting with my “why” helps me push through with heart and focus.
Making Time for Quiet
In such a fast-paced industry, there’s always something calling for my attention—emails, phone calls, updates, follow-ups. It would be easy to stay in “go mode” from morning to night. But I’ve learned that if I don’t make time for quiet, my mind starts to spiral.
Every day, even if it’s just for 10 or 15 minutes, I create space to breathe. Sometimes it’s prayer. Sometimes it’s just sitting in silence. Other times, I journal out my thoughts. That quiet time helps me reset, clear my head, and approach the rest of the day with more calm and clarity.
Leaning on My Faith
Faith has always been my anchor. When things feel out of control or when I’m unsure of what to do, I turn to prayer. It helps me feel less alone. I don’t have all the answers, but I believe I’m being guided—and that gives me peace in the chaos.
There are moments when I’ve faced really tough decisions or emotional situations with families, and I’ve had to pause, pray, and trust that I’ll be shown the next step. That quiet strength has gotten me through more days than I can count.
Having a Support System
I may work independently a lot, but I don’t do this work alone. I have people I trust—friends, family, mentors—who I can talk to when I need to decompress or just be real for a minute. Sometimes all it takes is a quick chat, a shared laugh, or someone saying, “You’re doing great. Keep going.”
Having that support reminds me that I don’t have to carry everything by myself. And it makes the hard days feel a little lighter.
Staying Organized to Stay Sane
Stress can come from uncertainty or feeling like everything is piling up. That’s why I keep things as organized as possible. I rely on simple systems—notes, calendars, and daily task lists—to stay on top of everything.
Knowing what I need to do and having a clear plan helps keep the overwhelm down. I might not get through every task perfectly, but having structure makes it all feel more manageable.
Doing Something Just for Me
It took me a while to learn this, but one of the best ways I manage stress is by making time for the things I enjoy—outside of work. For me, that’s cooking. There’s something so grounding about chopping ingredients, mixing flavors, and creating something nourishing with my hands. It slows me down and helps me reconnect with myself.
Whether I’m cooking for my own family or preparing meals to donate to a local independent living facility, it’s a way to give love and care in a different form. It fills me up, which helps me keep showing up for others.
Taking One Step at a Time
When things get overwhelming, I don’t try to solve everything at once. I focus on the next best step. Sometimes that means making one phone call, responding to one message, or checking in with one family. I remind myself that progress doesn’t always have to be fast—it just has to be steady.
I’ve also learned to be gentle with myself. I’m human. I won’t get everything right. But if I show up with integrity and heart, that’s enough.
It’s Okay to Pause
In this line of work, it’s easy to feel like you have to keep pushing no matter what. But I’ve learned that rest isn’t a reward—it’s part of being responsible. If I don’t take care of myself, I can’t serve others the way they deserve.
Staying grounded isn’t about being perfect or always having it together. It’s about building habits and having tools that help you come back to center—especially when life gets noisy.
So to anyone feeling overwhelmed in their work or life: give yourself permission to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with what matters most. You’ll find your strength there.