The concept of wellness is increasingly seen as a source of stress rather than relief for many individuals. The pressure to maintain extensive self-care routines has transformed what was once a refuge into an overwhelming to-do list, leaving individuals feeling burnt out rather than rejuvenated. This paradox is echoed by wellness experts who highlight the growing trend of self-care becoming yet another metric of success in a society already burdened by hustle culture.
Transformative Practices or Overwhelming Tasks?
Emily Austen, author of Smarter: 10 Lessons for a More Productive and Less Stressed Life, identifies a troubling shift in wellness culture. She describes it as “the new productivity theatre,” where individuals find themselves “drowning in self-improvement checklists,” including journaling, breathwork, and meditation. Instead of providing comfort, these practices become yet another obligation, contributing to feelings of failure when they remain unfulfilled. The pressure to continuously document and share wellness efforts has turned self-care into a performance, fostering a culture of self-surveillance.
Austen underscores that the majority of people do not have the luxury to step back for extended periods to recover from burnout. She emphasizes that wellness systems must integrate seamlessly into everyday life rather than existing as unattainable ideals. Otherwise, they serve merely as “expensive bandages” for deeper issues that need more substantial solutions.
Rethinking Wellness Routines
Alexis Haselberger, a time management and productivity coach, frequently encounters the pervasive myth that self-care consists of a predefined set of activities. She notes that many people feel inadequate if they are not adhering to these prescribed routines, such as drinking eight glasses of water daily or committing to early morning workouts. Haselberger challenges this notion, advocating for a more intuitive approach to wellness that prioritizes individual needs over arbitrary metrics.
She points out the absurdity of adhering strictly to guidelines without considering personal well-being. For example, many chase the ideal of being a “morning person” to fit wellness activities into their routine, often disregarding their natural body rhythms. This relentless pursuit is fueled by an overwhelming flow of wellness content that promises quick fixes to ongoing stress, creating unrealistic expectations.
According to Haselberger, genuine self-care often involves removing unnecessary obligations instead of adding to them. “No bubble bath or journaling session is going to solve burnout,” she states. Instead, focusing on boundaries, curating environments, and knowing when to step back can have a more profound impact on overall well-being.
Katherine Morgan Schafler, a therapist and author of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control, offers a straightforward approach to escaping the cycle of self-imposed pressure. She suggests that individuals should evaluate wellness practices based on two criteria: simplicity and sustainability.
For instance, rather than committing to a demanding gym routine, she proposes simpler alternatives like walking or doing jumping jacks at home. Schafler emphasizes that wellness should not be about enduring through rigorous practices but rather finding enjoyment in activities that contribute to long-term well-being.
Ultimately, the radical act of self-care may simply be the permission to do less. Schafler encourages individuals to trust their own bodies over influencer advice, protect their time, and choose genuine rest over the performative aspects of wellness. When self-care begins to feel like another job rather than a restorative practice, it is essential to reassess priorities and motivations.
In a world where wellness is marketed as a solution to burnout, it is crucial to recognize that true self-care should be about restoration, not depletion. As the wellness landscape continues to evolve, individuals must navigate it with mindfulness and an understanding that wellness practices should enhance life, not complicate it.
