When Caregiving Takes Everything: How to Take Care of Yourself Too with Jen Widerstrom
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Filed in Season Johnson Podcast
Caring for yourself still matters.
Caregiving has a way of convincing you that everyone else’s needs have to come before your own.
When someone you love is navigating cancer or another health crisis, that can mean disrupted sleep, inconsistent meals, constant stress, and very little energy left for movement—while taking time for yourself can feel almost impossible.
In this episode, wellness leader and celebrity trainer Jen Widerstrom joins me to rethink what taking care of yourself can actually look like during a demanding season.
Instead of beginning with intense workouts or unrealistic routines, Jen brings us back to the foundations: sleep, nourishment, simple movement, and creating systems that fit who you are right now. We talk about lowering the bar enough to get started, listening to your body instead of judging it, and recognizing that your needs may change as your circumstances change.
Most importantly, caring for yourself doesn’t take away from the person who needs you. You are part of the equation too.
Guest
Jen Widerstrom is a wellness industry leader, celebrity fitness trainer, bestselling author, and coach. She became widely known through NBC’s American Gladiators and The Biggest Loser and has spent her career helping people make sustainable changes through fitness, behavior change, accountability, and community.
Today, she is also involved with Arnold’s Pump Club and hosts The Kids Table podcast. In this conversation, Jen brings her coaching experience into the realities of caregiving—where simply getting through the day can already feel like a workout.
In This Episode
03:50 Why this conversation matters for caregivers
09:32 Building fitness around support, accountability, and simplicity
14:09 Why getting healthier takes less than most people think
18:52 How caregiving affects sleep, nutrition, and energy
24:27 Lowering the barrier to movement when you’re depleted
29:05 The hidden cost of putting yourself last as a caregiver
35:24 Why discipline can be an act of self-love
36:13 Creating a “love list” for taking care of yourself
44:54 Where to start moving when your energy is low
50:20 Building a routine around who you actually are
52:50 Stop judging yourself and start asking what you need
Key Takeaways
- Start with the foundation. Sleep and nutrition can come before worrying about a perfect workout routine.
- Lower the barrier to movement. A walk, eight minutes of exercise, or simply getting through the gym door still counts.
- Work with your body, not against it. Pay attention to what you have the capacity for today.
- Create rules that fit your life. Simple systems can help you stay connected to healthy habits during difficult seasons.
- Self-care isn’t selfish. Caring for yourself helps preserve the person doing the caregiving.
- Stay curious instead of judgmental. Notice what works, adjust what doesn’t, and allow your needs to evolve.
“Ask yourself what you need and see what happens.” — Jen Widerstrom
Resources Mentioned
Guest Links:
Website: jenwiderstrom.com
Instagram: @jenwiderstrom
LinkedIn: Jen Widerstrom
Youtube: Jen Widerstrom
Recommended Tools & Resources:
Arnold’s Pump Club
A fitness and wellness community designed to make getting stronger simpler, with structured training programs, coaching, education, and accountability. Jen recommends it as an option for anyone who wants a clear plan they can follow—including from home.
Equilife At-Home Testing:
Get clear, data-driven insights into your health with Equilife’s at-home lab tests—covering toxins, nutrients, gut health, and more. No practitioner required, plus personalized recommendations included.
Access here: https://bit.ly/seasonsEquilife
Use code SEASON for 10% off
Community & Support:
Join Thrive Through Cancer Community: https://biodynamicwellness.com/thrive-through-cancer
Thrive Beyond Cancer Program: https://biodynamicwellness.com/thrive-beyond-cancer
Learn More About Biodynamic Wellness: https://biodynamicwellness.com
Connect with Season:
Website: seasonjohnson.com
Follow along on Instagram: @seasonjohnson
Follow Season on Facebook: Season Johnson
Whether you're looking for evidence-based guidance, real stories of hope, or personalized support, there are so many ways to connect. Explore the blog for nutrition and detox strategies, listen to the podcast for expert interviews and cancer thriver stories, browse the shop for trusted resources, or work directly with Season through Biodynamic Wellness for 1:1 or group support tailored to your family's journey.
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