Psychiatrist Dr. Pooja Lakshmin discusses real self-care vs. faux self-care, setting boundaries, distinguishing between goals and values, escaping martyr mode, and the power of saying 'no' for authentic wellness.

Dr. Pooja Lakshmin, a board-certified psychiatrist and bestselling author, delves into the vital topic of personal boundaries. She reveals three surprising signs that indicate you might be giving too much of yourself. The conversation covers the importance of self-care that goes beyond surface-level practices, particularly in high-pressure environments. Dr. Lakshmin provides practical steps for reclaiming your power and prioritizing your well-being, ensuring you never feel guilty for saying 'no' or establishing limits again.

Dr. Pooja Lakshmin, a psychiatrist, shares her journey of discovering the true essence of self-care and unravels the concept of 'faux self-care.' She discusses the four principles of real self-care, setting boundaries, societal challenges, self-care and activism, and values in nurturing authentic practices.

#208 — "Real self care is a verb. It's not a noun," Dr. Pooja Lakshmin tells host Sarah K Peck in this week’s enlightening episode of Startup Parent.As women, we're taught that our value lies in being perfect, selfless mothers. But what if there's more to motherhood than martyrdom?In this episode, Dr. Pooja Lakshmin, founder of Gemma, and Sarah K Peck discuss how to redefine motherhood, overcome mom guilt and prioritize self-care. They explore the intersection of mental health and gender, and how the language of individualism can exonerate poorly designed systems. They also delve into the importance of creating safe spaces for women to have conversations about motherhood. Pooja describes how Gemma is providing a platform for women to redefine wellness and challenge systems of oppression.Dr. Pooja Lakshmin is Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the George Washington University School of Medicine and a psychiatrist specializing in women's mental health. As the founder of Gemma, a digital community focused on women's mental health and equity, she has spent thousands of hours taking care of women who are struggling with burnout, despair, depression, and anxiety. Dr. Lakshmin is a contributor to The New York Times and her work focuses on the intersection of mental health and gender. She is also the author of Real Self-Care: A Transformative Program for Redefining Wellness (Crystals, Cleanses, and Bubble Baths Not Included), which aims to redefine self-care in a way that prioritizes asking ourselves different questions.Where to find Pooja: Website | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | FacebookFull show notes at startupparent.com/208Resources:Gemma at Website | Twitter | InstagramStartup Parent | Substack | SponsorReal Self-Care: A Transformative Program for Redefining Wellness (Crystals, Cleanses, and Bubble Baths Not IncludedWe Don't Need Self-Care, We Need Boundaries.How Society Has Turned Its Back on MothersSaying “No” Is Self-Care for ParentsThis episode is sponsored by WWC

Pooja Lakshmin MD, a board-certified psychiatrist and author of "Real Self-Care," dives deep into the pitfalls of commodified self-care. She critiques superficial solutions peddled to mothers and professionals alike while emphasizing personal agency amidst systemic pressures. Pooja highlights the evolving nature of self-care, especially for Gen Z, and addresses the struggle against perfectionism in personal and professional life. Tune in for insights on celebrating achievements authentically and navigating wellness in a corporate landscape.