The Perfectionism of Self-Care

Anxiety hit me hardest during finals week sophomore year when my routine was failing.

I was meditating, meal prepping, and color coding everything, yet I felt

more anxious. The twist? I was using self care as just another thing

to be perfect at. My roommate noticed I was spiraling and dragged me

to the campus counseling center. That therapist taught me that real self compassion isn't

about doing everything perfectly. Now I use tools like Calm when I can,

not because I have to. I text my study group when I am struggling

instead of isolating myself. Seeking help wasn't admitting failure. It was the