Home automation is intended to make your life easier. Not more stressful. You can do as little or as much as you want. But every step should either be aimed at something that will have a practical value, or something which is just fun for you.
Try this. Look at the thread which is the “top 10 Uses for Beginners.” Then pick just one of those things that you would actually like to do in your own house. Just in one room of your own house.
And then plan exactly how you would do it. What devices would you need? Would you just use a routine? The official smartlights feature? Or core?
I think if you focus on a specific project that would have actual value to you everything will flow a lot more easily for you and you’ll feel less stressed.
And there will be plenty of people in the forums who will be glad to help you once you get into specifics if you get stuck. 