I recently stumbled upon a book in a New York bookstore that immediately caught my eye: How to Be Well by Amy Larocca. As someone who’s endlessly curious about real wellness—and how it gets distorted by trends and pressure— I was instantly intrigued. With its bold subtitle promising to navigate our “self-care epidemic, one dubious cure at a time,” I knew I had to pick it up.
But more than that, I was hopeful. Hopeful that this wouldn’t be just another book listing miracle potions or rigid routines. And thankfully, it wasn’t.
Larocca’s writing is equal parts humorous, critical, and compassionate. She explores how self-care has become a booming industry, often leaving us feeling like we’re not doing enough or that we need to buy more, try harder, and hustle even in our healing.
Sound familiar?
This same pressure to self-optimize is loud and clear in longevity culture, which has gone mainstream. The belief that if we just track a little more, optimize a little harder, and perfect every routine, we’ll finally “earn” a healthy future. I explored that trap in Self-Optimization Pressure: Are We Trying So Hard to Live Longer That We Forget How to Live?
Fact is, chasing someone else’s health and wellness routines often leaves us feeling off. I wrote more about this in Wellness Is a Puzzle, where I share why this is the case and how to piece together the habits that actually work for YOU.
So, if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by all the advice out there (take this, cut that, move more, meditate better), this book might feel like a deep exhale. And if you’ve ever wondered whether all this effort is making you feel better, How to Be Well offers a refreshing (and at times hilariously honest) perspective.
Real Wellness Starts Small—and Feels Personal
As a wellness coach, I’m all for self-care.
But I’m also a firm believer that:
- Self-care shouldn’t feel like a second job
- You don’t need more complexity
- You are already enough
- And most importantly, you already hold the answers within you
That last one? It’s not just fluff. It’s a cornerstone of my work.
Real wellness starts small.
It’s not about following someone else’s exact blueprint.
It’s about tuning in, staying curious, and honoring your own needs—even if they don’t match what’s trending.
That’s why Larocca’s reflections resonated so deeply. Her stories (and the slightly absurd health trends she tries out) made me laugh, nod in agreement, and remind myself of something I tell my clients all the time: you do you. Always.
If you’re curious about wellness but tired of the noise, this book is a great place to start. Not because it gives you all the answers, but because it encourages you to question, explore, and most of all—trust yourself.
Stop Comparing Your Beginning to Someone Else’s Highlight Reel
And maybe most importantly, it reminds us that what we often see online is the polished version of someone else’s life. The highlight reel.
It’s easy to tell yourself you don’t have the time, money, or background to be well when your starting point looks different. After all, you may not have live-in staff, a personal trainer, or a private chef, like some celebrities and influencers promoting their wellness routines. And that’s okay.
What if real wellness didn’t have to look a certain way? What if it felt empowering instead of out of reach?
Real Wellness That Starts With the Basics (Yes, Like Your Grandma Did)
There are so many ways to support your well-being without chasing trends or spending a fortune.
Local superfoods—yes, the ones your grandmother probably already cooked with—are often just as nourishing as the trendy powders lining store shelves.
Many of them come from traditions passed down for generations. Sauerkraut and Kimchi, for example, are time-tested foods that support gut health and add simple, everyday nourishment.
Other superfoods to think of are berries, broccoli, oats, nuts, beans, lentils, flaxseed, and leafy greens, to mention just a few.
These whole, real foods are packed with nutrients and fiber, and many are rich in antioxidants — all of which support your overall health and gut microbiome, without the additives and fillers often found in supplements or processed products. And you can find them literally anywhere.
Simplicity works. And sometimes, the most powerful shift you can make is eating more of what grows nearby, what feels grounding, and what you can easily find at your local market.
Instead of chasing what’s fancy or exotic, focus on variety — filling your plate with a diverse mix of colors, flavors, and textures that your body will thank you for.
But real wellness doesn’t stop with food.
Sometimes, the most nourishing choice is to pause and reflect.
Take a breath before rushing into your next task. Sit quietly with your coffee, or step outside and feel the sun on your skin.
These tiny moments of presence are powerful wellness habits, too—and they’re often free.
Wellness That Feels Good, Not Perfect
This isn’t about doing things the “right” way.
It’s about doing what’s right for you.
That’s the heart of my blog post, Wellness Is a Puzzle, too. It’s a reminder that the missing piece isn’t out there; it’s already within you.
That means:
- Skipping what feels like pressure
- Starting with what feels grounding
- And remembering that perfection isn’t the point, progress and presence are
Letting go of the need to keep everyone happy before you take care of yourself (here’s how).
Real Wellness Is Personal—and Playful
I say this to empower you: you’re already much further along than you think. It’s easier to make small, supportive changes than we often believe.
You don’t have to figure it all out or get it perfect on day one.
And please—take it easy. Keep it playful. Say yes to new things that spark curiosity, not desperation.
My advice to you: keep it simple. Keep it small. If you’re looking for a place to begin, this guide to simple healthy habits in midlife walks you through exactly how to start — gently and at your own pace.
And if you want to go big, come back and keep it simple again.
Your Next Step
✨ Want to keep things simple?
Start with my free guides:
-
5-Minute Morning Magic Guide → gentle rituals to begin your day with clarity and calm.
-
Stress Reset Mini Checklist → five quick tools to return to balance when life gets hectic.
Or, if you’re curious how I can support you in creating your own version of well-being, book a free 30-minute Quick Chat with me. I’d love to explore what’s possible together.
Related Reads to Support Your Journey
Looking for inspiration to take your next step? You might enjoy these blog posts on:
Habits & Gentle Change
- Gentle Wellness Habits for Women 40+: What If Change Doesn’t Look the Way You Think It Does?
- Healthy Habits in Midlife: How to Start Small and Stick With It
- Trust the Dots: How Small Acts of Self-care Add Up to Big Change
Mindset & Self-Compassion
- Why Self-Compassion—Not Perfection—Is the Key to Your Wellness Routine
- The Courage to Change: What Sets Real Growth in Motion
- Stop Self-Sabotage: Reclaim Energy, Calm, and Self-Trust
Inner Wisdom & Tuning In
- Listen to Your Inner Wisdom: Trust Yourself and Thrive
- How to Reconnect With Yourself: Why You Feel Off—and What to Do About It
- Trust Your Intuition, Why It’s Your Inner North Star (Not A Perfect Plan) That Leads the Way
- How to Tune In To Your Body: The Skill That Changes Everything
Self-Care & Boundaries
- Beyond Bubble Baths: What “Real Self-Care” Actually Means for Women Over 40
- Building Your Self-Care Toolbox: The Essentials for Busy Women
- Honoring Your Well-Being: The Gentle Art of Setting Boundaries
Rest & Presence
- The Magic of Rest: How Doing Nothing Sparks Clarity and Creativity
- Mindfulness for Busy Women: The Power of the Pause
Action & Energy
