Why Your Self-Care Routine Might Be Making You Feel Worse (and what to do instead)

In this blog post, I’m going to show you why your healthy habits and self-care routines might be making you feel worse and what to do instead.

If you feel overwhelmed by all the healthy habits and self-care routines you’re told are ‘good for you,’ you’re not alone.

This overload can lead to frustration, burnout, and even leave you feeling worse than before, until you eventually give up altogether.

If this sounds like you, read on.

#1 Trying to do too much at once

If you’re trying to change everything at once, completely shifting your diet, starting a new workout routine, meditating daily, or picking up a new hobby, it’s only a matter of time before overwhelm sets in.

By week two, instead of feeling better, you’re likely feeling stressed and exhausted from trying to keep up. The pressure becomes too much, and before long, you give up altogether leaving you frustrated, defeated, and stuck.

I’ve been there myself, and it wasn’t fun at all.

What to do instead:

Rather than adopting multiple habits at once, ask yourself:

“What ONE thing can I start with that will make me feel better and align with my goals?”

This simple shift helps you prioritize and focus on building sustainable habits.

Another reason why following multiple habits and routines (especially those recommended by friends or influencers) often doesn’t work is that they typically combine Vata, Pitta, and Kapha-balancing practices.

For example, you might be following Kapha-balancing exercises like dynamic or hot yoga and HIIT. In addition you do intermittent fasting and drink smoothies everyday.

However, if you have Pitta imbalances, these Kapha-balancing exercises can aggravate Pitta due to their intense and heating nature.

If you have Vata and Pitta imbalances, intermittent fasting can further disrupt

Vata, leading to issues like anxiety, digestive discomfort, and irregular energy levels.

Smoothies, especially when cold and raw, can aggravate Vata, weakening digestion and increasing dryness or bloating.”

To create sustainable wellness habits, you first need to understand your Ayurvedic Dosha (mind-body type) and any current imbalances.

This ensures that the habits you adopt actually support your wellbeing instead of making imbalances worse.

Don’t know your Dosha? Take my Dosha quiz today and find out your Ayurvedic Dosha – your natural constitution.

#2 Focusing on short-term fixes instead of long-term sustainability

If you constantly chase quick fixes and extreme wellness trends from social media, you might feel great at first but by month one or two, exhaustion sets in instead of feeling great…

That’s unfortunately not sustainable.

What to do instead:

Rather than looking for fast results, focus on small, consistent habits that support your overall well-being over time.

One-size-fits-all wellness routines rarely work because they don’t consider your unique mind-body type (Dosha) or current imbalances.

Instead of following generic wellness trends, use Ayurvedic principles to understand what works for YOU.

By aligning your habits with your Dosha and its imbalances, you create a sustainable routine that brings real, lasting benefits without the burnout.

Not sure what your Dosha is? Take my Dosha quiz to discover your Ayurvedic Dosha (natural constitution) and learn how to create a personalized wellness routine!

#3 Being too rigid with your routine

If you’re a Pitta type (hey, that’s me!), you might naturally lean toward perfectionism, striving to follow a rigid routine down to the last detail.

I remember when I first discovered Ayurveda, I used to go to yoga classes 3-4 times a week at my local yoga studio after work, and then prepare freshly cooked dinner AND even prepare lunch for the next day.

I felt that if I didn’t do everything perfectly, I wouldn’t feel better.

But then, one evening, I completely broke down. I found myself in tears, wondering why I felt so miserable despite doing all the ‘right’ things.

That’s when I realized that my rigid routine had taken over my life. I was so focused on being “healthy” that I forgot to enjoy life.

What to fo instead:

I now follow the 80:20 Rule, which I also teach to my students and clients.

For Yoga, I aim to practice daily, but life happens! If I get in at least five sessions a week, I feel good without guilt for missing a day.

For Food, I eat healthy most of the time but allow myself to enjoy sweet treats and even the occasional drink without stress.

This balanced approach keeps me feeling healthy, happy, and free, without the burnout.

And that’s exactly what I want for you.

So create your own 80:20 rule. Give yourself permission to be flexible, enjoy life, and embrace progress over perfection.

Because true health and happiness aren’t just about routines and habits. They’re about creating a life that feels good, inside and out.

Please feel free to forward this to a friend, colleague or family member who you feel could benefit.

Did you enjoy this blog post or have questions? DM me via Instagram and let me know!