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Welcome to The Wellness Rewind, your go-to weekly newsletter for practical tips and inspiration to create a balanced, mindful, and energized life. Forwarded this by a friend? Subscribe here to join the community and never miss out!
We’re officially one week into Q2 (how?!) and if your energy has been...weird lately, same. In this week’s issue, we’re doing a vibe check on our goals and getting real about something most of us mistake for laziness: the difference between burnout and boredom. I’ll walk you through a quick checklist to help you figure out which one you’re really dealing with—and a 15-minute ritual that’s been a game changer for me when motivation dips.
Also, a little win to share—I ran the Prague Half Marathon yesterday (my first SuperHalf!) and PB’d by 28 seconds. It wasn’t the finish I dreamed of, but considering I was deep in “meh” mode and processing a situationship breakup all month… I’ll call it a mental and physical win. I’m proud I showed up and letting go of expectations and leaning into grace right now.
Let’s dive in… But before we do, this week’s newsletter is brought to you by 1440 Media — the daily newsletter that delivers all your need-to-know news with zero spin. It’s how over 3 million readers stay informed without the drama, in just 5 minutes a day. It’s one of my personal favorite newsletters that I think you’ll enjoy too!
What's Inside
Quarterly Check-In: Are You Burned Out or Just Bored?
We made it through March, and while everyone else on social media is shouting about Q2 goals, I found myself quietly closing my out my planner within Notion and thinking… “Wait, do I even want to do this anymore?”
You know that feeling where you’re doing everything “right”—the workouts, the deadlines, the early mornings—but it still feels like you're dragging yourself through the week like a soggy gym towel? That was me last week.
It’s easy to assume that low energy means burnout. But what if you're not burned out? What if you're just... bored?
This thought came up after chatting with a few of you on Threads (@valeriealvarez + @wellnessbum), and it stopped me in my tracks. Because here’s the thing: when we’re high-achievers (aka all of us reading this), we’re not always good at recognizing when we’re stuck in a routine that no longer lights us up. We just keep pushing, adding more “shoulds,” until we hit a wall.
So let’s break it down…
Burnout vs. Boredom: What’s Really Going On?
You might be burned out if…
You’re mentally and emotionally fried, even after rest
The idea of doing anything feels overwhelming
You feel disconnected from your why
You’re procrastinating things you usually love
Your brain feels like a browser with 34 tabs open
You might be bored if…
You’re completing tasks on autopilot
You’re craving novelty or challenge but aren’t sure where to find it
You’re physically fine, just… uninspired
You’re still checking boxes, but it’s all starting to feel the same
You’re scrolling more than usual just to feel something 🙃
Sometimes it’s both. And that’s okay. But identifying the dominant feeling can help you take the right next step.
Your 15-Minute Realignment Ritual (My Sunday Secret)
Here’s a mini practice I started doing on Sundays (especially when I’m feeling off) that helped me recalibrate, especially before my half marathon this weekend—and honestly, before my brain short-circuited mid-Q1.
The Q2 Reset Ritual:
💡 Set a 15-minute timer and go through these four questions and brain-dump:
What energized me last month?
What drained me (even if it “shouldn’t” have)?
What’s one thing I want to try this month—even if I suck at it?
What would my life look like if it felt 10% more fun this month?
Bonus: Put your answers in a voice note, hit reply and type it out, or if you’re bold, post on Threads and tag @wellnessbum. I’ll be sharing some favorites next Sunday 👀
Your Turn: Let’s Reflect
Before you power into another packed week, I want you to ask yourself:
What’s one goal you’re no longer chasing, and why?
What are 3 goals for this quarter?
Ask yourself: This quarter I plant to _______________ in order to ____________.
This isn’t giving up. It’s editing your life with intention. Share your answers with me on Threads (@valeriealvarez) or reply to this email—I’ll feature a few in next week’s Rewind.
5 Self-Care & Mindset Hacks from My Threads Feed
(aka what’s been giving my routine life again)
1️⃣ The 5-Minute Rule
If it feels overwhelming to commit to a full routine, do it for 5 minutes. Stretch. Meditate. Walk. If you want to stop, you can. But most times, you’ll keep going.
2️⃣ Romanticize the Ordinary
Turn a boring moment into a vibe—light a candle while cleaning, put on a playlist while cooking, wear your “fancy” robe for a chill night in. Ambience is underrated wellness.
3️⃣ Don’t Earn Your Rest
You don’t have to “finish everything” to deserve downtime. In fact, rest will help you finish it better.
4️⃣ Screens Off, Thoughts On
Try a 1-hour digital sunset. No phone, no laptop—just you, your thoughts, maybe a journal or a book. It’s wild how much clarity comes when your brain isn't being pinged every 3 seconds.
5️⃣ Your Routine, Your Rules
Stop trying to follow someone else’s blueprint. Whether it’s 10 steps or two, your self-care is valid if it serves you.
Real Talk from the Rewind Crew
We asked, “What’s one goal you’re no longer chasing—and why?” And wow, your answers? Honest, refreshing, and a much-needed reminder that quitting isn’t always quitting—it’s choosing what matters more. Here’s what some of the Rewind Crew had to say:
Nina K., San Francisco
“Training for a full marathon was draining the joy out of my runs. I realized I was doing it to prove something, not because I wanted it. So I swapped it for trail runs on weekends. Way more me.”
Chris L., Vancouver, B.C.
“I let go of growing my side hustle on social media. I still love what I do, but forcing content was stressing me out. Now I focus on client work and connect offline.”
Jules A., Chicago
“I dropped the pressure to meditate daily. Some weeks I walk, stretch, or just drink my tea in silence—and that counts too.”
5 Self-Care & Mindset Hacks to Reset in Q2
Straight from my Threads scrolls and Sunday resets:
Rename your to-do list: Call it your “Energy List” and only include tasks that fuel your goals and your vibe.
Reclaim boredom: Use 10 minutes of unstructured time (no phone!) to think, doodle, or walk—boredom breeds creativity.
Switch up your space: Rearranging your desk or switching work locations can jumpstart fresh energy.
Movement = mood: Even 20 minutes of low-stakes movement (like a slow jog, or post-run stretch) can flip your mental state.
Let fun be the goal: I posted this last week: “You’re allowed to pursue something just because it’s fun—not profitable.” Try it.
Don’t forget to share your “goal you’re no longer chasing” with me on Threads. I’ll be sipping my post-run matcha and reading every one.
— Valerie
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