Self-care Stories: A Conversation with Abigail Parague

Welcome to Self-care Stories. In this series, we are spotlighting real-life persons and their self-care lifestyle.

Each month, our featured guests will share their unique experiences, insights, and practices that have helped them cultivate a deeper connection with themselves and the world around them. From mindfulness and self-reflection to intentional habits and rituals, we'll dive into the ways our guests prioritize their well-being and make self-care a vital part of their journey.

This month we're talking to holistic therapist and career coach Abigail Parague. Read her self-care story here.

How has your personal journey influenced your approach to healing and self-care?

I grew up as a middle child who never felt like she fit in. I often felt overlooked or overshadowed by my siblings and I wanted to be just as appreciated for my talents. I ended up becoming a perfectionist who was driven to succeed academically. I was very hard on myself as it related to getting good grades. I avoided failure like the plague. However, as I transitioned from high school to college, I went through a series of traumatic events from cult indoctrination to a broken engagement to catching on fire at school.

As a consequence, I developed multiple chronic illnesses such as GERD, major depression, and functional neurological disorders (seizures). To understand why a young woman like me became suddenly sick, I discovered that chronic stress was the root cause of my illness. I didn't want to depend solely on medication anymore. I decided to transform my lifestyle into a holistic one incorporating self-care and alternative medicine.

Describe your morning routine. How does it set you up for the day?

My morning routine is pretty simple. I slowly wake up, pray or meditate, and drink water. I do gentle yoga sometimes. I drink herbal teas to energize me or calm me to set the tone for the day. I like to drink green tea, black tea, or chamomile tea. I do "Morning Pages", a form of free writing in my journal. I pack my lunch kit with a healthy breakfast with fruit or yogurt. I get ready for work while listening to a podcast.

What are some non-negotiables in your daily routine that make you feel grounded and refreshed?

Some non-negotiables are drinking water and eating well throughout the day as well as deep breathing. I work in healthcare which can be a bit stressful at times. So it's so important to take care of myself while caring for my patients.

How do you listen to your body and honor its needs?

I like to practice mindfulness when I feel overwhelmed and I limit my technology usage so I am not constantly overstimulated by tragic news or entertainment. I honor my body by also going outside in nature for a walk or taking off my shoes and walking in the grass as a grounding activity.

What coping mechanisms help you navigate difficult days?

Talking to my partner, friends, family, or even AI helps me garner a new perspective and give myself grace and new solutions to my problems. Practicing patience and self-compassion through my art and business is so vital.

How do you maintain a healthy balance between work and your personal life?

I am very aware that too many tasks within a day will drain me, and trigger my anxiety or seizures. When it is time to do my day job, I focus on each patient and the given task in front of me. When I come home I make time for dinner and my hobbies while creating digital content. I enjoy myself on the weekends every chance I get. I maintain a clean home and attend new events and activities.

What advice would you give to someone struggling to prioritize self-care while navigating a chronic illness?

My advice: Put yourself first. Your health is true wealth. Honesty and discipline is required to create a new lifestyle routine that serves your unique health needs. Get your regular checkups with your medical doctor, counselor and/or holistic health practitioner. Caring for yourself using natural sustainable methods is the best thing that you can do. If you are not sure where to start on your wellness journey, do your research, explore Pinterest and learn from experts. 

Connect with Abigail

Instagram:@healwithabi

Tiktok:@healwithabi

Threads: @healwithabi

Substack:healwithabi.substack.com

Medium: medium.com/@healwithabi