Redefining Wellness with Pooja Lakshmin MD
In a world saturated with self-care trends and quick fixes, Dr. Pooja Lakshmin offers a refreshing perspective in her book "Real Self-Care: A Transformative Program for Redefining Wellness (Crystals, Cleanses, and Bubble Baths Not Included)." Rather than promoting superficial practices or one-size-fits-all solutions, Dr. Lakshmin delves into the heart of true self-care, emphasizing the importance of holistic well-being and sustainable habits.
“Faux self-care is a method—in the moment, going for a run might improve your mood, but it does nothing to change the circumstances in your life that led you to feel drained, energy-less, or down. On the other hand, the work of real self-care is about going deeper and identifying the core principles to guide decision-making. When you apply these principles to your life, you don’t just feel relief in the moment, you design a system of living that prevents the problems from coming up in the first place.”
The concept of "Real Self-Care" emphasizes that self-care is not just about indulgence or escapism, but is based on self-awareness and self-compassion. Dr. Lakshmin urges readers to develop a better understanding of their physical, emotional, and mental needs, acknowledging that genuine well-being goes beyond superficial solutions.
One key takeaway from the book is the emphasis on building a self-care toolkit tailored to individual preferences and circumstances. Instead of prescribing generic practices, Dr. Lakshmin advocates for a personalized approach to self-care, where individuals identify activities and strategies that resonate with their unique values and goals.
"Real Self-Care" challenges the idea that self-care is only for those who have plenty of time and resources. Dr. Lakshmin recognizes the demands of everyday life and provides practical suggestions for incorporating self-care into busy schedules and tight budgets. The book offers actionable tips for prioritizing self-care, including mindfulness practices and boundary-setting techniques, to help manage life's demands.
"Real Self-Care" emphasizes the importance of community and connection in promoting well-being. Dr. Lakshmin stresses the role of social support networks in building resilience and provides guidance on nurturing meaningful relationships that feed the soul.
“Real self-care, as you’ll see, is not a one-stop shop like a fancy spa retreat or a journaling app; it’s an internal process that involves making difficult decisions that will pay off tenfold in the long run as a life built around the relationships and activities that matter most to you.”
Dr. Lakshmin reminds us that achieving true wellness is a multifaceted journey that demands patience, intentionality, and self-compassion. By adopting a holistic approach to self-care and focusing on practices that resonate with our values and needs, we can develop long-lasting well-being that goes beyond passing trends and surface-level solutions.
“This isn’t just another self-help book. It gives us a clear-eyed look at the way social systems drain our energy, and a concrete set of principles to rely on as we declare independence from these systems.”