How to Stop Being Overwhelmed with Self-Care (and Actually Enjoy It)

Hey Wellness Family!

Let’s be real.

Self-care is everywhere—plastered across Instagram, sold in morning routine checklists, and pushed like a prescription for everything from burnout to breakups.

But let’s also be honest...

Sometimes self-care feels like another thing on your to-do list.

You’re already juggling work, relationships, family, bills—and now you’re supposed to wake up at 5AM, meditate, juice kale, journal for 30 minutes, and end the night with a salt bath and 10-step skincare routine?

It’s exhausting just thinking about it.

So if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the idea of self-care, this post is for you.

The Misconception: “Self-Care Should Look a Certain Way”

Here’s the first myth we need to break:
Self-care doesn’t have to look like a perfectly curated routine.

You don’t need candles, crystal sound bowls, or a bullet journal with perfect handwriting to take care of yourself.

What’s happened is that the self-care movement has been commodified. We’ve turned something deeply personal into a performance. And suddenly, self-care becomes a competition—who can do it best, who can post it prettiest.

But real self-care?

It’s messy. It’s imperfect. It’s not always aesthetic.

It’s choosing a walk over another hour of scrolling.
It’s saying “no” when you usually say “yes.”
It’s eating something nourishing, not trendy.

And here’s the truth: Self-care isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s whatever brings you back to you.

The Conspiracy: Self-Care is “Soft” or “Selfish”

Let’s talk about another lie we’ve been sold:
That self-care is selfish. Or worse—that it’s only for people who have “time to waste.”

This narrative was designed to keep people—especially women, caregivers, and creatives—burnt out but productive.

But the truth?

🧠 Rested people think clearly.
❤️ Healed people love better.
🔥 Empowered people lead stronger lives.

Taking care of yourself is an act of resistance in a world that profits off your exhaustion.

And no, it’s not always easy. Especially if you’ve grown up believing your value comes from output. But the most radical thing you can do is stop outsourcing your well-being and start building it intentionally.

Why You Feel Overwhelmed—and Why That’s Actually a Good Thing

Feeling overwhelmed by self-care is actually a powerful sign.
It means your body and mind are craving something deeper than quick fixes or external validation.

It means:

• You’re ready to stop surviving and start thriving

• You’re done performing wellness and ready to live it

• You want to build a life that feels good—not just looks good

This overwhelm is the doorway to creating a routine that truly serves you. One that’s rooted in choice, not pressure.

The Shift: From “Should” to “Want”

Want to make self-care sustainable?
Stop asking, “What should I do?”
Start asking, “What do I want to feel today?”

That small shift changes everything.

Instead of forcing yourself to meditate because a podcast said to, ask:

• Do I need quiet?

• Do I need movement?

• Do I need connection?

Then choose something small that meets that need.

3 Easy, Instant Self-Care Shifts You Can Make Today

You don’t need a planner, a membership, or a complete lifestyle overhaul. You just need moments of intention. Here are a few to try:

1. The 5-Minute Reset

Set a timer. Put your phone down. Breathe.
Do nothing.
Let your mind wander. No productivity. Just presence.

2. The Check-In Practice

Ask yourself:

• What do I feel right now?

• What do I need right now?

• What’s one small thing I can do to support myself?

This builds self-trust like nothing else.

3. The Boundary Ritual

Say no to one thing that drains you this week. Just one.
Replace it with something that fills you up—even if it’s five minutes of sunlight or silence.

Here’s the Beautiful Truth

Self-care isn’t about adding more.
It’s about clearing the clutter.

It’s about tuning out the noise and coming back to what matters:
You. Your energy. Your life.

The more you slow down, the more space you create.
The more space you create, the more aligned you feel.
The more aligned you feel, the easier everything becomes.

So next time you feel overwhelmed by self-care, remember:
It doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful.

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes—including you.”
—Anne Lamott

Let’s Keep This Going

If this resonated with you, you’re not alone.
We’re building a community of humans who are tired of chasing perfection and ready to live with intention.

➡️ Visit SoulFlee.com for tools, journal prompts, and real conversations about growth.
➡️ Follow us on Instagram @SoulFlee for daily mindset shifts, encouragement, and connection.

This is your permission to breathe, reset, and start again—gently.
You’ve got this.
And we’ve got you.

The SoulFlee Team 💛

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