A lot of the optional areas are very tough, and I agree they can be rough at the start of the game. Once you start having a lot of trinkets though, it gets marginally easier. Some trinkets even let you brute force harder platforming sections of the game - like one that lets you just tank lightning damage.
Many platforming sections do have yellow flowers though which let you heal up though. Be sure to keep those for when you’re low and not just pick them up when you’re full.
A lot of the optional areas are very tough, and I agree they can be rough at the start of the game. Once you start having a lot of trinkets though, it gets marginally easier. Some trinkets even let you brute force harder platforming sections of the game - like one that lets you just tank lightning damage.
Many platforming sections do have yellow flowers though which let you heal up though. Be sure to keep those for when you’re low and not just pick them up when you’re full.