Life gets busy. Between school, work, responsibilities, and everything in between, it’s easy to let the things that ground you quietly slip away. Over time, I realized I need a few non-negotiables every week—habits that protect my mental health, my physical well-being, and my sense of identity.
Here are some of my weekly practices:
Chronic pain can be incredibly isolating. It’s easy to cancel plans, withdraw, or convince yourself it’s “easier” to stay in. But I’ve learned that connection is medicine.
Spending time with the people I love—whether it’s grabbing coffee, studying together, going on a walk, or just sitting and talking—reminds me that I’m not alone.
There’s something grounding about being outdoors. Even 20–30 minutes outside can shift my mood. It clears mental fog, softens stress, and makes me feel more present in my body instead of fighting against it. When pain feels overwhelming, being in nature reminds me that life is bigger than the moment I’m in.
Exercise doesn’t have to mean an intense workout. Sometimes it’s a walk. Sometimes it’s stretching. Sometimes it’s just 20 intentional minutes of movement.
Movement helps regulate my mood, supports my physical health, and gives me a sense of agency over my body. Especially when living with pain, moving gently but regularly feels empowering.
Cooking something new once a week keeps life interesting.
It pushes me to be creative. It makes me slow down. It gives me something to look forward to. And there’s something deeply satisfying about nourishing yourself with a meal you put effort into.
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