Self care

None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.

How this was put together

If you only read a few

  1. Set strict work hours, take breaks, and leave work at work to ensure you enjoy your life.

    There is no point in earning money if you never get to enjoy it.

    one person who lived it

  2. Internalize the need to enjoy life and take care of yourself.

    Otherwise, it is unclear what the point of your efforts is.

    one person who lived it

  3. Focus on your own well-being so that you have surplus energy to share with others.

    This allows the people around you to enjoy what overflows from your cup.

    2 people, independently

  4. Cook for yourself and treat yourself as the friend you want to have around.

    You are the only one who will always be around.

    one person who lived it

  5. For a few months, closely observe how others receive you by noticing when they lose attention or feel calm versus fidgety.

    This observation helps you learn how to come across.

    one person who lived it

  1. Maintain balance while crafting a better life to avoid burnout.

    Balance is key.

    one person who lived it

  2. Stock easy-to-eat foods like frozen dinners and canned goods.

    It helps ensure you eat more when self-care is difficult.

    one person who lived it

  3. Put on a great outfit and watch Netflix while doing your skincare routine.

    It helps you look and feel confident.

    one person who lived it

  4. Take breaks when your body signals tiredness, viewing rest as a form of self-respect.

    Rest respects the signal your body sends that it is tired.

    one person who lived it

19 more on this
  1. If you are angry about traffic, try moving closer to work to eliminate the commute.

    One person found this allowed them to sleep well, eat well, pursue hobbies, and become a better person overall.

    one person who lived it

  2. Celebrate yourself and do things for yourself, even if no one else does.

    one person who lived it

  3. Make decisions and maintain habits by asking what would be good for your younger self.

    one person who lived it

  4. Take yourself on dates, such as dinner or concerts, to practice enjoying your own company when friends are unavailable.

    It is freeing to be comfortable taking yourself out if you feel like going.

    one person who lived it

  5. Set a routine that includes frequent breaks between periods of progress.

    It takes time.

    one person who lived it

  6. Soak in nature, take long showers, get sun, stretch, or walk at least one mile to feel better.

    one person who lived it

  7. Clean your living space slightly and invite friends over for laughter if you are social.

    Social interaction and a clean environment can boost mood.

    one person who lived it

  8. Before buying or doing something for comfort, ask if it helps fulfill your goals and how it will make you feel.

    one person who lived it

  9. Care for your nails using cuticle oil and growth enhancers to prevent infections and self-consciousness.

    It prevents infections, biting, and self-consciousness.

    one person who lived it

  10. If you believe looking good is the key to friendship, shift your focus to developing softer interpersonal skills instead.

    Soft skills are described as the fabric of genuine connection, whereas appearance alone does not attract everyone.

    one person who lived it

  11. Treat money and career as means to an end, while viewing family, friends, and shared experiences as the ultimate goal.

    one person who lived it

  12. Incorporate activities that help you love yourself, such as meditation, journaling, and art, into your routine to support discipline.

    Feeling good helps enable discipline.

    one person who lived it

  13. Practice self-awareness to recognize when your mind is making excuses for indulgence and dopamine seeking instead of discipline.

    The mind dislikes discipline and seeks indulgence, so it creates excuses to delay action.

    one person who lived it

  14. Reframe self-improvement goals by changing 'I need to' into 'I will'.

    This small vocabulary change shifts mindset and attitude positively.

    one person who lived it

  15. Host casual social gatherings at home, such as playdates with coffee or bringing homemade beer to friends, to foster connection.

    Hosting provides therapeutic opportunities to sit and talk with others.

    one person who lived it

  16. Have an at-home spa evening with activities like bubble baths, face masks, or manicures.

    3 people, independently

  17. Treat potential romantic interests like regular people without special treatment.

    Special treatment can make girls feel uncomfortable.

    one person who lived it

  18. Stop apologizing when someone else bumps into you to avoid devaluing your personal space and boundaries.

    Apologizing for another person's mistake implies you are responsible for their error and diminishes your own boundaries.

    one person who lived it

  19. Take up solitary creative acts like knitting scarves and donating them anonymously if you are not social.

    Creating and giving anonymously can provide satisfaction without social pressure.

    one person who lived it

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