Self-Care: Because Burnout Isn’t a Personality Trait
A Brutally Honest Guide to Keeping Your Sanity Without Moving to a Remote Cabin (Yet).
A Survival Guide for the Overwhelmed and Under-Caffeinated
I first wrote this gem in 2022, and guess what? The world is still a mess, and self-care is still non-negotiable. So, I’m reviving it, adding extra snark, and serving it fresh. Dig in.
Boy, oh boy, this is a big one today, so let’s get comfy—blanket forts encouraged. In fact, there’s so much to say, we’re splitting this into two parts. (Don’t worry, no cliffhangers here—you won’t have to wait long for the sequel. Unlike Game of Thrones, I actually finish things.)
The Sacred Art of Keeping Your Sanity
Taking care of yourself is crucial. Shocking, right? But really—keeping yourself happy is the secret sauce to being a functioning human being and not a walking stress ball. Pamper yourself every now and then. Get that haircut. Change your hair color to something questionable. Put on makeup—or don’t. Do a workout. Or just wear yoga pants and pretend you did. Pour yourself a Nojito (recipe in Mocktail Mania, wink wink) and take a bath, read a book, or stare at a wall in deep existential thought. Whatever floats your boat and keeps you from turning into a gremlin by 5 p.m.
Question for the class: What’s your go-to way to relax and recharge so you can continue being an absolute legend?
My Version of "Relaxing"
For me, relaxation is less about bubble baths and more about aggressively binge-watching a TV series in one sitting. I listen to true crime and self-improvement podcasts—because who doesn’t love mixing a little "I’m bettering myself" with "I now know 47 ways to get away with murder"? I get lost in my garden (sometimes literally—send help). Some days, I just become one with my bed, and honestly, 10/10 would recommend.
But lately, I’ve been diving into some serious self-care beyond just vegging out. I’ve come back to journaling, dumping all my chaotic thoughts onto paper instead of letting them run wild in my head like unsupervised toddlers. I’ve added in red light therapy, sauna therapy, and—gasp—the good ol’ fashioned therapist therapy. Because sometimes, no amount of self-reflection can get us unstuck, and we need an outside perspective to help us shake things loose. Mental self-care isn’t always fluffy—it’s the deep, sometimes uncomfortable, but ultimately healing work that actually helps us move forward. "It’s not about deserve. It’s about what you believe. And I believe in love." (Okay, that Wonder Woman quote was a stretch, but let’s roll with it.)
If you want to get a glimpse into what I truly love, check out this list!
Being Comfortable in Your Own Skin (Because Who Else’s Are You Gonna Wear?)
Newsflash: You’re not going to be everybody’s cup of tea, and that’s a good thing. If you are, you’re probably a vanilla latte with no espresso—just saying. I wasted years caring about what others thought, and in hindsight, what an absolute waste of my time. Spoiler alert: The people who don’t get you? Not your people. When you start unapologetically being you, the right ones will find you. And the wrong ones? Well, they can kindly exit stage left. "Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn." (There, Gone With the Wind—a classic.)
Mental Health: Because Losing Your Mind is Not a Good Look
Okay, real talk. I’ve dealt with anxiety and depression for years. I’ve tried medications, techniques, and at one point, just sheer willpower (spoiler: that last one didn’t go great). Knowing when you need help is key. It’s completely okay to ask for help and talk to someone.
My personal journey? I’ve been on and off meds. Some turned me into a zombie, which was fun for absolutely no one. I also tried non-medicated approaches—yoga (flailing with intention), tanning (vitamin D, folks), and just generally taking care of myself. And then, this past year happened, and let’s just say, life threw some plot twists I was not ready for. So back to medication I went, because functioning is preferable to spiraling. "To infinity and beyond!"—but like, in a way that’s actually grounded in reality.
Anxiety, Depression, and The People Who Just Don’t Get It
One of the biggest issues with mental health? People don’t know how to talk about it. Those who have it often feel weird bringing it up, and those who don’t have it are scared they’ll say the wrong thing. Here’s a pro tip: If someone you care about is struggling, just be there. No need to drop wisdom like some self-help guru—just show up. Bring coffee. Offer a hug. Listen. That’s it.
Also, let’s get one thing straight—solitude is peaceful, but isolation? That’s a black hole. If someone you love is disappearing into one, throw them a damn rope. "Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi, you’re my only hope."
Social Media is a Liar (And Other Things You Already Knew but Need to Hear Again)
Stop trying to fit into some unattainable mold of perfection—it doesn’t exist. Seriously. Throw all that worry and self-doubt out the window while driving 60 mph down the highway (metaphorically, of course, please drive safely). Quit comparing yourself to strangers on the internet—filters, lighting, and staged perfection are a thing. You are exactly where you’re supposed to be, and you’re doing just fine. "Just keep swimming." (Dory always knows what’s up.)
So, go forth. Be eccentric. Be loud. Speak your truth. Own your quirks. And most importantly? Don’t waste another second giving a damn about people who don’t get you.
Tell me—what’s one self-care ritual you refuse to skip, no matter how chaotic life gets?
Love my snarky takes on marriage, parenting, and the chaos of raising an AuDHD-fueled family—while still trying to live that crunchy dream, but do not want to upgrade to paid? Help keep the laughs rolling, the sourdough rising, and the wellness wisdom flowing. Toss a few bucks my way—because organic sarcasm and real talk deserve a little funding. 😉
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30 Journal prompts to help cultivate gratitude
1. Reflect on three things you're grateful for today. How do they enhance your life?