The pursuit of wellness has transformed into an overwhelming source of stress for many, as individuals grapple with the pressure to maintain extensive self-care routines. A growing number of people report feeling burnt out by the very practices designed to enhance their well-being. This paradox highlights the complexities of wellness culture, where self-care has evolved into another demanding checklist, rather than a means of genuine restoration.
Emily Austen, author of Smarter: 10 Lessons for a More Productive and Less Stressed Life, observes that wellness has shifted into what she describes as “the new productivity theatre.” Individuals now find themselves inundated with self-improvement tasks like journaling, meditation, and breathwork, leaving them exhausted rather than rejuvenated. Austen articulates a critical viewpoint: self-care has morphed into a form of self-surveillance, compelling individuals to curate their wellness journeys for an audience, whether real or imagined.
The commercialization of wellness exacerbates this issue. Brands leverage the prevailing exhaustion in society by promoting products like adaptogens and elaborate morning routines, promising relief for what is often described as a “fried nervous system.” According to Austen, many individuals lack the luxury to take extended time off for recovery, pointing to the need for wellness systems that integrate seamlessly into real life rather than presenting an idealized version of it. Otherwise, these practices serve merely as expensive temporary fixes for deeper issues.
The Reality of Self-Care Obligations
Alexis Haselberger, a time management and productivity coach, emphasizes the flawed belief that self-care consists solely of a series of activities such as yoga or meditation. She recounts an instance with a client who, following a time-tracking exercise, concluded he was not drinking enough water. Haselberger challenged this notion, asking, “How do you know?” This exchange highlighted the absurdity of adhering to arbitrary wellness rules, such as the commonly cited eight glasses of water per day, without listening to one’s own body.
Many individuals also strive to align their routines with societal expectations, such as attempting to adopt a 5 a.m. wake-up time to fit in wellness activities. Haselberger notes that this quest often leads to frustration rather than fulfillment, as many people are not naturally inclined to become early risers. She attributes this push to a “dystopian content machine” that perpetuates the idea that one more wellness activity will yield significant improvements in life quality.
Real self-care, according to Haselberger, often involves subtracting rather than adding obligations. “No bubble bath or journaling session is going to solve burnout,” she asserts. The focus should shift to protecting personal boundaries, curating a supportive environment, and recognizing when to step back from obligations.
Redefining Wellness Practices
Katherine Morgan Schafler, a therapist and author of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control, suggests a path toward more meaningful self-care through simplicity and sustainability. Before committing to any wellness practice, Schafler advises asking two fundamental questions: Is it simple? Is it sustainable? For instance, she encourages a shift from complex gym routines to more manageable activities like walking or doing jumping jacks at home.
Schafler emphasizes the importance of enjoyment in wellness practices. She states, “You’re supposed to do this thing called ‘enjoying your life.’” Fun and enjoyment should not be seen as trivial; they are essential components of mental wellness. She warns against formal wellness routines that lack an element of enjoyment, suggesting that if a practice feels burdensome, it is worth reconsidering.
The most radical act of self-care may not be adding another supplement or ritual but rather permitting oneself to do less. Trusting one’s body, prioritizing rest over performance, and protecting personal time are crucial. If a self-care routine feels like an additional job, it has strayed from its intended purpose and may be more about compliance than genuine care.
As the conversation around wellness continues to evolve, it is vital to acknowledge the complexities and pressures accompanying it. True wellness should serve to rejuvenate rather than exhaust, allowing individuals to cultivate a more balanced and fulfilling life.
