Autumn always feels like nature’s gentle invitation to pause and reset. The leaves put on their fiery show, the air sharpens with crispness, and pumpkin spice somehow sneaks its way into everything. For me, fall has become more than a season of cozy sweaters and apple cider—it’s a season of reflection and recalibration.

Self-care has become the modern-day mantra. We’ve been sold the idea that candles, bubble baths, and yoga mats are the ultimate antidotes for stress. And while there’s nothing wrong with a luxurious soak or a gentle flow, here’s a question I’ve had to ask myself (sometimes painfully): is my self-care actually helping me, or is it a sophisticated form of avoidance?

Autumn has always carried a kind of quiet magic. The first chill in the air, the amber leaves swirling on sidewalks, the way pumpkin spice seems to sneak its way into every latte and candle. But here’s the flip side: the season also tends to arrive with a tidal wave of responsibilities. School ramps up, work deadlines stack, holiday planning looms—and suddenly, instead of soaking in the beauty, you’re running on autopilot.

It starts out like any ordinary afternoon. Your phone’s pinging, your inbox is overflowing, your smartwatch buzzes like it has an opinion—and suddenly, you’re stuck in a loop of half-finished tasks and brain fog. You’re not lazy, and you’re definitely not alone. You, my friend, are overstimulated.