In this episode of The Quest for Self, we talk about how to care for yourself while caring for a sick parent and why self-care during a family crisis isn't selfish, it's survival.

Three years ago, my mom had a severe stroke. She was in the ICU, unconscious, with tubes down her throat. And in those early days, I forgot to eat, couldn't sleep, and showed up to the hospital barely functioning. I thought: if I just stay here, if I don't leave, maybe she'll be okay.

But a nurse looked at me and said something that changed everything: "In order to care for your mom, you have to care for yourself first. You can't pour from an empty cup.”

This episode covers:

• What to do when you're caring for a sick parent and falling apart

• Why taking care of yourself isn't selfish, it's necessary

• Small steps that matter: drinking water, eating, resting (even when you can't sleep)

• The practice: One small thing you can do today to take care of yourself

• Why it's okay to take medication for sleep during a crisis

If you're watching a parent go through something terrifying, a stroke, cancer, a severe illness, ICU stay and you don't know how to take care of yourself in the process, this episode validates what you're going through and gives you permission to prioritize your own well-being.

Perfect for: adult children caring for aging parents, caregivers, anyone dealing with a family health crisis, people navigating grief and caretaking simultaneously, daughters and sons supporting sick parents.

New episodes every Tuesday at 6am PST.