What If Wellness Felt Less Like a Checklist?
Letting Go of Striving with Christian Counseling in Chicago
Have you ever felt like wellness has become just another thing to check off your list?
August is National Wellness Month, a time when there’s often more focus on how to care for ourselves and our communities, especially those that have lacked access to support. You might see reminders about routines, hydration, or community care. While these can be helpful, they may also feel like a lot when your energy is already low.
As a dance therapist offering Christian counseling in Chicago, I often work with people who want to care for themselves but feel too overwhelmed or disconnected to know where to begin. Whether you’re longing for more peace in your relationships, trying to set healthier boundaries, or simply wanting to feel more at home in your body and spirit, I hope this reflection helps you reconnect with what wellness can truly mean for you, without the pressure to “get it right.”
What Does Wellness Mean?
Wellness isn’t about achieving perfect balance or keeping up with trends. At its core, wellness is about learning to care for yourself in ways that help you feel more whole—emotionally, spiritually, relationally, and physically.
My clients often share feeling surprised by how connecting with their bodies can offer valuable insight into their emotions and needs, helping them feel more grounded and reassured that they’re okay just as they are.
In Christian counseling, we often explore wellness through the lens of how we care for our bodies, hearts, and minds as part of honoring the life God gave us. And sometimes, that starts with unlearning the belief that we have to do more in order to be “well enough.”
Christian Counseling in Chicago Can Support More Sustainable Self-Care
If you’re finding it hard to take care of yourself lately, you’re not alone.
Sometimes the hardest part of wellness is recognizing what gets in the way. Maybe you’ve been pouring energy into everyone else and feel depleted. Or maybe setting boundaries or saying “no” brings up guilt or fear of disappointing someone. These patterns don’t shift overnight—they take time, reflection, and often, support.
In Christian counseling, I help people explore these internal barriers with compassion. Together, we can gently uncover what drives your exhaustion or discomfort, so you can begin responding with more kindness toward yourself.
Small Steps Toward Feeling More Grounded
If you're in a place where everything feels like too much, wellness doesn’t have to become a burden. It can begin with one simple act of care, like:
Noticing how your body feels when you're tired or tense
Taking five minutes to breathe or stretch between responsibilities
Letting yourself name what you really feel—even if it’s messy
Journaling, praying, or spending time in nature without needing to fix anything
Saying “no” to something that drains you
Letting someone know you’re struggling—even just a little
For some, even these small steps can feel difficult. If that’s the case for you, that’s okay. You don’t have to figure it out alone. Sometimes, the most caring thing you can do is reach out for help.
Wellness as a Way of Drawing Closer
As a dance therapist offering Christian counseling in Chicago, I’ve found that fostering wellness isn’t just about what we do; it’s about how we relate to ourselves and God in the process. It’s about reconnecting with your needs, your worth, and your story in a way that feels honest and healing.
And yes, sometimes wellness is active, like trying a movement practice that helps you feel more connected to your body. But other times, it’s quiet and unseen, like giving yourself permission to rest or recognizing that you’ve been holding a lot and deserve care, too.
You don’t have to have it all figured out. You’re allowed to be a work in progress.
Final Thoughts from a Christian Counselor in Chicago
If you're feeling disconnected from yourself or your relationships, or if you're longing to feel more confident and whole, I invite you to consider Christian counseling or dance therapy as part of your wellness journey.
Through a blend of conversation, mindful movement, and body awareness, I help you reconnect with your emotions, values, and identity, so that caring for yourself feels like a natural, nurturing part of life rather than just another task.
Book a Free Consultation for Christian Counseling in Chicago
Ready to feel more grounded in your body, your faith, and your relationships? Let’s take the first step together—book your free 15-minute consultation today for Christian counseling in Chicago.
Lisaura is a relationship therapist in Chicago who, through individual counseling and dance therapy, helps adults connect with themselves and others more fully.
Spanish-speaking therapy is available.
