Wellness Burnout Before I Even Began

I Burned Out Before I Even Started

I hadn’t even bought a journal or a serum when I already felt the effects of wellness burnout—the kind that comes before you even begin. It seemed like wellness wasn’t something you did—it was something you had to perform, perfectly, on a beige Instagram feed with oat milk, matching sets, and 5 AM routines. And somewhere between the green smoothies and dry brushing tutorials, I felt more overwhelmed than inspired.

So before I even began, I burned out. This wellness burnout hit me hard and fast.

But instead of quitting, I decided to start smaller—and softer.

Drowning in ‘Healthy’ Noise

Everywhere I looked, there were rules:

Drink water—but make it lemon water, and warm, and first thing in the morning.
Move your body—but do Pilates, lift weights, walk 10,000 steps, stretch, and don’t forget yoga.
Skincare? Must be 7 steps, twice a day, with a serum that costs more than rent.
Mental health? Gratitude journaling, therapy, shadow work, manifesting, and a vision board.

It was too much. Too much information. Too many routines. Too many “shoulds.” It felt like being overwhelmed by self-care instead of supported by it.

And what started as a desire to take care of myself quickly turned into feeling like I was behind before I’d even taken a single step. All these rules blurred together into a confusing cloud that made me question if any of it was truly for me or just another checklist I was failing to complete. The wellness burnout made me want to give up before I even began.

I Wanted Wellness—Just Not Like That

The truth is, I do want to feel better in my body. I want my skin to glow. I want to feel clear in my head and light in my spirit.

But I also want to wake up slowly. I want wellness to feel like an invitation, not an obligation. I want to be able to say, “I don’t do that yet,” and not feel like I’m failing.

Somewhere along the line, the idea of being well got tangled with being perfect. And that’s the version I’m letting go of.

A Softer Beginning

This blog, Sweat & Serum, isn’t about expertise. It’s about honesty. I’m not here because I’ve figured it all out—I’m here because I’m trying.

Here’s what I’m starting with—not because the internet told me to, but because it actually feels manageable:

• Move when I can. Even if it’s just stretching or walking while listening to music.

• Wash my face at night. No 10 steps, just enough to feel fresh.

• Check in with myself once a week. That might be writing, or just taking 5 quiet minutes without my phone.

That’s it. For now.

Simple Starts Are Still Starts

If you’ve ever felt like you’re already behind in your wellness journey, I get it. If you’ve ever saved a skincare video and never watched it again, me too. If you’re tired just thinking about all the “habits” you’re supposed to be tracking—you’re not alone.

Simple wellness habits might not trend online—but they’re what actually move us forward.

One of the first things I simplified was my skincare. 

Here’s how I created a beginner-friendly routine without the 10-step stress.

Let’s stop chasing the perfect version of wellness and start creating a real one, however small and personal it may be.

This is my beginning—and it’s more than enough.