Self-love says "I love me" and self-care says "prove it"—but are your daily habits actually proving it, or are they just helping you forget you need healing? In this episode, we're breaking down the difference between true self-care and the numbing techniques society has rebranded as empowerment. From nightly wine rituals to doom-scrolling sessions, we're calling out the self-soothing traps that keep high-performing women stuck in burnout cycles while thinking they're "taking care of themselves."

You'll learn why your body doesn't distinguish between deserved indulgence and physiological stress, how to spot the difference between dopamine hits and actual restoration, and what intentional self-care actually looks like when you're ready to invest in long-term health instead of temporary relief. This isn't about perfection—it's about pattern recognition and proving to yourself through your daily choices that you're worth the discomfort of real growth.

If you've ever justified another glass of wine as self-care or wondered why you still feel exhausted despite all your "wellness" habits, this episode is your wake-up call.

Timestamps

[03:35] What self-care actually is (hint: it's not always comfortable or convenient)

[08:22] The ironic truth: numbing behaviors perpetuate the burnout cycle

[10:47] Why nightly wine disrupts REM sleep, taxes your liver, and suppresses progesterone

[15:32] How society rebranded escapism as empowerment

[22:25] Common "self-care" habits that are actually numbing techniques

[24:41] How to spot the difference: self-soothing vs. true self-care

[29:28] The unsexy truth about real self-care (meal prep > DoorDash)

[31:47] Physiological, nervous system, emotional, and practical self-care categories

[38:53] Implementation tips: start small, track how you feel, embrace discomfort

Resources Mentioned:

1. Free 2026 Journal Prompts
2. Simple Sourdough Guide

Work With Kailes:

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Connect:

📍 Instagram: @kaileigh.lauren | @rebelwellnesspodcast

📍 nourishwithin.me

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