Beyond Bubble Baths: A Radical Take on Real Self-Care
By Dr. Rachel Oppitz, ND
Founder of Itasca Naturopathic Clinic
We talk a lot about self-care at Itasca Naturopathic Clinic. But let’s be honest: for many of the women I work with, self-care feels less like a breath of fresh air and more like another box to check.
Drink more water. Get better sleep. Meditate. Journal. Walk 10,000 steps. Eat more fiber. And somewhere in there, please also relax. 😅
It’s no wonder so many women feel burned out by the very concept of self-care.
That’s why I found Real Self-Care by Dr. Pooja Lakshmin such a refreshing and needed read. Dr. Lakshmin is a psychiatrist specializing in women’s mental health, and she’s not here for the fluffy “treat yourself” wellness advice. Her book dives deeper into what self-care really means—especially for women navigating stress, caregiving, hormonal changes, and life transitions.
Real Self-Care Isn’t Something You Buy
The book is divided into two parts:
“The Tyranny of Faux Self-Care” – where Dr. Lakshmin explains why common self-care solutions feel superficial or unsatisfying
“Real Self-Care Is an Inside Job” – where she outlines a more sustainable, values-based approach to well-being
She introduces four key principles that redefine the foundation of self-care:
Learning to set boundaries
Changing your inner self-talk
Identifying and living by your personal values
Reclaiming your power—and using it intentionally
These aren’t quick fixes or spa day hacks. They’re mindset shifts. And they’re exactly the kind of internal work that leads to the outward change we’re really craving: more ease, more clarity, and more meaning in how we live and care for ourselves.
Why This Book Matters for Our Community
Whether you’re navigating perimenopause, healing from burnout, or simply trying to feel like yourself again, Real Self-Care offers both validation and direction. It also pairs beautifully with the work we do at Itasca—because true hormone harmony isn’t just about balancing labs. It’s also about aligning your life with your values, boundaries, and deeper needs.
The book includes relatable patient stories, therapeutic tools, a values quiz, and a compassionate tone that never feels judgmental. Dr. Lakshmin also emphasizes that this book is educational—not a replacement for therapy or professional support—which I deeply respect.
Here’s My Takeaway:
Self-care isn’t about doing more.
It’s about doing what matters.
So if you’ve ever felt like “self-care” is just another job on your plate, this book is your permission slip to rethink everything. And if you’re ready to apply this kind of deep, transformative self-care to your own wellness journey, we’re here to help.
💛 Ready to Redefine Your Wellness?
If this message resonates with you, check out our blog archive or book a discovery session. We specialize in helping midlife women regain energy, balance hormones, and reclaim their joy—with tools that work for real life.
