Choose Wellbeing Over Exhaustion
Because taking care of yourself in the day to day does not have to cost a fortune.
Last month, I posted a Note about self-care that received a positive response in the community. It made me realise that all of us want to take care of ourselves, but somehow, the world out there convinces us that self-care equates to an expensive skin-care regime and expensive vacations, which, to be honest, not all of us have the luxury to experience. An unexpected shopping spree may give you an instant dopamine hit, but you are left feeling empty as soon as it wears off. So you end up wanting it more.
With chaos flawlessly dancing around us the minute we step out in the world, it is crucial to acknowledge that we need to nourish ourselves more than ever before right now. And the best part is, it does not have to cost a fortune.
We do so much self-care each day without even realising it. It’s the little things we often seek in life for peace, and somehow, we always end up feeling guilty the minute we consciously make them a priority. You know you do it. I know I do it too. It’s time we embrace the beauty of these little moments that nourish us and acknowledge that even though we may not have the luxury to afford all those expensive vacations, we can build something more meaningful and sustainable in our day-to-day lives.
These last two weeks, I journaled about how I have taken care of myself so far and came up with a HUGE list that surprised me. Until that point, I did not realise how my idea of self-care adapted as seasons passed, but it always existed in some shape or form.
Here are some things from the list that I feel are worthy of sharing. I hope this makes you realise that you are allowed to take care of yourself in every season of life, even in the middle of chaos, and it does not require you to go out of the way from your daily routine.
What Self-Care Has Looked Like For Me In The Last Few Years
Stepping outside the house. The freedom you gain by moving your body can never be found anywhere else in this world.
Journalling my way through the good and bad seasons of life. What you are reading right now is my 105th journal entry, which took two weeks to finish.
Scented candles. There is something so cosy about scented candles that makes you want to pause, breathe and smile wide.
Changing the way I converse with my mind about the idea of rest. Instead of, “I only have an hour of quiet time before I move on to the next task”, I try to tell myself, “I have a whole hour to slow down and allow my mind and body to BE.”
Holding on to the feeling of comfort from the past. The feeling of walking around my neighbourhood, spending hours playing with friends, having no to-do lists in mind and peacefully enjoying the warmth of the sun in my room on a cold winter afternoon. It may not be possible to re-create some of these memories again, but if I can relive anything even remotely close to these experiences, it is a blessing.
Fresh sheets. Green tea. And a book.
Accepting that my idea of rest can change with the seasons of life I am in. Sometimes, it may look like writing every day for at least an hour. Other times, it may look like searching for moments in a busy schedule simply to breathe.
A nice solo lunch, accompanied by a book, of course.
The sound of waves. The beauty of the ocean and the sound of the waves is like free therapy that you should never miss an opportunity to attend if given the chance.
A nice, slow morning. The other day, instead of reaching out for my laptop to log in for work first thing in the morning, I sat down in my little zen corner and read some lovely newsletters here on Substack, followed by a 15-minute nap as I felt the warmth of the sun through the glass window in this slightly cold weather.
A puzzle. There is something about solving puzzles which draws me towards it when life starts to feel chaotic. Maybe because it serves as a reminder that even the messiest looking things can eventually take shape and look the most beautiful.
Pursuing hobbies that I don’t intend to transform into a source of income. It has been life-changing in my journey of learning to take care of myself, especially as I age in my twenties.
THIS WEEK’s RECOMMENDATIONS
This Is What Happens When People Cheer For Each Other by
.You Don’t Have To Finish Everything You Start by
.The person I've become since I left social media by
.Stop Scrolling - Start Living! by
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Absolutely beautiful piece Mansi! A whole heap of much needed wisdom. Another aspect of self care that I feel frequently goes under represented is taking care of your Inner child. We all have it, and we all desperately want it to come out. Surround yourself with people that dont make you feel bad about and let the kid be free. Do things that excite that part of you. Being an adult doesn’t have to be the depressing, linear lifestyle that we adopt after college.
I loved this Mansi! I'm a huge fan of modes of self-care that don't involve participating in consumerism – often we already have more than enough to take care of ourselves without buying things we *think* we need.