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Self-care - it’s both a profoundly important concept for our physical and mental well-being - a radical step in a culture that demands ever more of us, and it’s a phenomenon that has been trivialized by the wellness world - and any number of influencers and companies that suggest a bubble bath and a candle is enough for what stresses us. But real self care is so much more - it’s an inside job, as my guest  Pooja Lakshmin, MD, shares with us. A-psychiatrist, author, and the founder of Gemma Pooja shares her journey from disillusionment in mainstream medicine to a unique commune experience, leading to her mission of redefining self-care in her new book, "Real Self-Care.”

In today’s episode we discuss: 

• The turning point that led Pooja to drop out her medical residency training program and nd explore alternative paths.
• Pooja’s surprising decision to join an orgasmic meditation commune in San Francisco, the eventual decision to leave, and the lessons she learned.
• Her personal mental health struggles, including depression and thoughts of suicide. 
• The pivotal moment that motivated her to return to residency and pursue her calling.
• The nuances between genuine self-care and the commodified wellness industry, clarifying that the book does not dismiss common self-care practices but challenges their commodification.
• The three common reasons people turn to self-care and how these dynamics manifest in her life and the lives of her patients.
• The principles of real self-care and the importance of internal processes, emphasizing the role of boundaries and their significance in fostering genuine well-being.
• The intersection of privilege and self-care, especially for mothers juggling multiple responsibilities.
• The systemic issues causing stress, reframing the conversation from burnout to betrayal and the societal pressures for perfection 
• The importance of embracing "good enough., balancing excellence with realistic expectations.
• How positive psychology methods contribute to individual change and reshape the wellness narrative
• The challenges of balancing motherhood, professional responsibilities, and real self care.

Please share the love by sending this to someone in your life who could benefit from the kinds of things we talk about in this space. Make sure to follow me on Instagram @dr.avivaromm to join the conversation.

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