This past week, I was shaken in a way I didn’t expect. The tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, a Christian leader I deeply admired, hit me hard. His voice was one of boldness, teaching biblical truth to a generation in desperate need of it. To see his life cut short so suddenly and to see the flood of posts on social media left me grieving and, honestly, greatly distressed.

And it wasn’t just that. Maybe you saw the heartbreaking news about the young Ukrainian girl murdered on a bus while others sat idly by. Maybe you’ve been processing the grief of another school shooting. Or maybe what weighs on you isn’t in the headlines at all, maybe it’s something happening in your own workplace, your own family, your own life.

The truth is: sometimes we’re just not okay. And that’s part of being human.

Last week, I was exhausted, between the conferences, scheduled talks on stages, and endless network handshaking, I was ready to collapse. I returned to my hotel room after another great night of speaking and meeting new people. I opened social media to make a post, but I was flooded with more posts. In that moment, I knew I was not okay, and I needed self-care. That night, self-care didn’t look like a bubble bath or simply journaling about my feelings. It looked like stepping away. I logged off social media, leaned into Scripture, and spent time in prayer. When I returned home the next day, I hugged my kids, sat with my husband, and gave myself permission to admit I’m not okay right now.

No amount of “positive thinking” could make me feel better in that moment. But God’s Word comforted me. Space and stillness gave me room to process. And that’s also at the heart of what I teach in Optimize 60, knowing when to pause, recover, and reset so you don’t burn out.

If you find yourself in a season where you’re not okay, here are three simple self-care practices that may help:

1. Step Away from the Noise

Turn off social media, the news, or even work notifications. Give yourself permission to take a mental health day, unplug and quiet the constant stream of information. Create space for your mind and heart to breathe.

2. Lean Into What Grounds You

For me, that was Scripture and prayer. For you, it may be journaling, meditating, or going for a walk in nature. Choose something that centers you, reminds you of truth, and brings peace when the world feels chaotic.

3. Be Honest and Ask for Support

Say it out loud: “I am not okay.” Share it with a friend, family member, or mentor. I shared my struggles online with my husband. I leaned on him when I needed it most. Honesty builds connection, intimacy and sometimes just admitting it lifts a weight. It’s not a weakness. It’s wisdom.

4. Give Yourself a Recovery Window

Don’t pressure yourself to bounce back immediately. In Optimize 60, we talk about honoring your rhythms. Productivity isn’t about grinding through exhaustion; it’s about knowing when to step back so you can come back with clarity and strength.

By Monday, I returned to my work with renewed purpose. I realized again that my mission isn’t just about wellness, it’s about living boldly in truth. I’m a Christian author and coach. I ground my programs in science, psychology, nutrition, and biblical truth. I won’t hide that.

Self-care is about honesty, with ourselves, with others, and with God. So let me encourage you: if today isn’t your best day, say so. Step back. Take the time you need. And trust that you’ll be ready to return with clarity and purpose.

Because sometimes the purest thing you can do is to admit, I’m not okay right now and let God meet you there.