On this transformative episode of the “Better Than Fine” podcast, host and wellness coach, Darlene Marshall, helps us rethink everything we know about self-care. Tired of the endless influencer-driven trends, fluffy hashtags, and the message that wellness is something you buy? Darlene takes us back to the roots, uncovering how self-care originated in social justice and chronic illness spaces, and how it became a commodity in recent years.

Darlene shares her personal journey with Ehlers Danlos syndrome and explains why real self-care isn’t found in supplements or spa days, but in consistently meeting your foundational needs. Using a fresh, evidence-based approach, she introduces the powerful concept of applying systems thinking—typically used in business and design—to your own wellbeing. Discover how habits, routines, and feedback loops can work together to support your physical, emotional, and higher order needs without cognitive overload or decision fatigue.

You’ll learn why self-care isn’t selfish and how it enables you to show up more powerfully for yourself and others. Darlene walks through Maslow’s hierarchy of needs with a twist: it’s not about climbing a pyramid but sending ripples of positive impact out into the world, starting with the essentials like sleep, nutrition, and boundaries.Packed with practical tips and compassionate insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to reclaim self-care from marketing trends and build lasting, meaningful systems for a better, more balanced life.

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The content shared in this podcast is solely for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek out the guidance of your healthcare provider or other qualified professional. Any opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASM.

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