That day, she rushed into the gym, detox, and 10 Step skincare every night, aiming to read a book a week and learn more English in the evening. Her Facebook is a series of photos showing off green smoothies, yoga classes at dawn, a well- staffed desk with scented candles and self-development books.
But once, in the midst of the morning session, she suddenly became dizzy and had to be hospitalized for a water supply. The doctor said she had hormonal disorders, chronic lack of sleep and prolonged stress.
She recalled, her voice was a bit sour: At that time, I thought taking care of myself was to be beautiful, healthy, and better every day. It turned out that I was forcing myself to live by a standard... tired of wanting to get bored.
After that, she changed. She still exercises, but no longer forces herself to wake up at 5am if she sleeps late the day before. There are days when she stays at home watching Korean movies, eating instant noodles, allowing herself to be lazy. She still skincare, but it is reduced to three steps: Wash your face, moisturize, and sun block.
Reading is subjective, sometimes even if I don't read it for a whole month, I can't blame myself. And most importantly: You learn to listen to yourself - when tired, rest, when sad, cry, when happy, laugh big. No painting, no rattan.
She is not an isolated case. Taking care of yourself is not necessarily about turning yourself into a model version according to TikTok or Instagram standards. It is not an unstained face or a toned body. It is not a "healthy - beautiful - active" schedule that is so stuffy.
Proper self-care is the harmony between the body, emotions and spirit. It is about knowing when to try and when to give up. It is sometimes eating the dishes you like without being lenient, allowing yourself to " dig a little life" without feeling guilty. That is, do not compare yourself with anyone and do not follow other people's standards just to see yourself as "good enough".
Taking care of yourself is not to get others' compliments, nor is it to prove that you are good. That is the way we are good to ourselves, in the right way, at the right time and in the right way. Harmony is enough, only the most beautiful.
