How do you practice self-care?
The year 2025 has been a year of learning and unlearning. How important well being is nobody knows better than a person who has survived a life and death crisis. Listening to the body is majorly overlooked. The body does give signals. My body did but I chose to adopt short cuts. Consequently, I suffered. But suffering is a precursor to a new beginning.
It is generally believed that mental well being precedes physical well being. In my experience both are intertwined and essential for healing. Mental strength depends on physical strength and vice versa. However, sustaining both, physical and mental health, is crucial and requires constant self care.
I have now conditioned myself to take care of both. I eat well, sleep well and consciously maintain a daily routine which includes physical and mental exercises. I also have cheat days when I break all self imposed rules. But that is also at times necessary.
As we all know we have to restrict ourselves to a nutritional diet supplemented by prescribed medicines to be healthy. At present, I have been advised to take high protein and high fibre meals and lots of liquids. Accordingly, I regulate my intakes and check the parameters on a daily basis
To keep my mind off overthinking I have divided the hours of the day into small activities. I read. I write. I cook. I watch TV. I take care of the strays. I try to do most of the household chores myself. I have also picked up my childhood habit of colouring and doodling. I am trying to reduce screentime and binging.
I have become very conscious of what I consume on a day to day basis. I avoid news, books, serials and movies which disturb. I listen to talks which enrich and allow me to see things in a larger perspective. I am also careful in personal conversations and steer clear of being judgmental or too emotional on any issue.
I have also learnt to draw a line and tell myself repeatedly that I will not focus on bad memories. Life is linear. We cannot go back in time and undo what we were not supposed to do. Taking the lesson from mistakes committed and moving on is a healthier option.
Lately, I have started keeping mobiles out of reach during bedtime. Scrolling is a disease I am trying to cure myself of.
I am also trying to make my reading more intellect oriented. Same with what I watch. Meditation is ideal before retiring to bed. Also listening to relaxing music and stories.
All said and done, there are days when everything goes haywire. But again coming back to “new normal” is rejuvenating and reminds me that I have to unlearn a lot.
I guess life goes on like that. Nothing is permanent, orderly or perfect. But rising again and again from the ashes like a phoenix is our calling in the last leg of this journey.
Everything here reads like a soft reminder that life isn’t about balance—it’s about returning to it. Again and again. That’s power.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am glad to note that it resonates with you. Thank you for being here🙏🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure. Your posts depict frank expression without online fear!
🙏🙏🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
GC, true strength is often silent… just the gentle courage to keep going.
Healing takes time, and you’ve given it care. That’s something beautiful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Healing is part of a natural process. As in Nature it is imperceptible and gradual. The change is not visible or tangible overnight. It takes its own time and cannot be hastened.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agree, 100%
LikeLike
That should all work well. Keep it up
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Derrick. I hope it does.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is a deeply moving and honest reflection—thank you for sharing it. Your journey through suffering, awareness, and healing is not just inspiring but also grounding. The way you’ve highlighted the symbiotic relationship between mental and physical well-being resonates strongly. It’s heartening to see how you’ve rebuilt a rhythm in life with compassion, structure, and mindfulness—yet with the wisdom to allow space for imperfections and “cheat days.” Your conscious choices, from mindful consumption to nurturing stray animals, are not only healing but also life-affirming. Rising like a phoenix, as you say, is indeed a quiet act of courage—and you’re living it every day.
Wishing for your speedier healing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much. But I started too late. That’s the only regret.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The start is important and you’re in the process already.
LikeLiked by 2 people
🙏🙏🙏🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are right about how we are affected by the news and events around us. We need a balance between being aware and not letting it all eat us up.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A reminder of that saying:
‘Health is wealth . . . ‘
It is better to eat one’s food like ‘drugs’ than to take one’s drugs like ‘food’ . . . ‘
LikeLiked by 1 person
Health truly is wealth 🙏🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nothing else can replace it . . . Sometimes, even money can’t buy it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can’t agree with you more.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hope you find rhythm and joy in your new routine activities. Before long you will set in a healthy life style.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, hope so too
LikeLiked by 1 person
A wonderful and much needed post! The topic of self-care definitely resonates with my own personal journey as it has been a continuing learning experience. The last line is indeed very powerful: “Nothing is permanent, orderly or perfect. But rising again and again from the ashes like a phoenix is our calling in the last leg of this journey”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Deeptangshu. I am sure you are taking care of yourself.
LikeLike