How I Hold It Together: Comfort Meals and More
As a writer and editor in New York City, I am constantly bogged down with deadlines. When I start worrying about my future, my therapist usually says, “You’re getting ahead of yourself.”
Here are some ways I tame my anxiety →
I make a glass of cucumber water 🥒
It sounds fancy, but it’s quite simple — and that’s the beauty of it. When I want to do something nice for myself but don’t have a lot of time, I fill a glass with ice water and plop in a few slices of fresh cucumber (or sometimes raspberries).
It’s refreshing, instantly lifts my mood and is the perfect example of how self-care doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming.
I treat myself like a friend 🫂
As I’ve grown older, I have increasingly learned how to be my own best friend — whether that means taking myself on a date at a bookstore or staying in rather than going out.
Sometimes, when I’m feeling down, I throw my arms around my shoulders and give myself a tight hug. It always makes me feel better.
I work on my children’s novel 📗
Every night, I spend 20 minutes working on my book, which is about a 12-year-old who loves Broadway. It’s a different type of storytelling than I do for my job — and that’s why I love it.
As I immerse myself in the wacky world of middle school and follow my character on her adventures, I remember how important it is to simply write and create for fun.
I ditch my to-do lists 👋🏼
I’m a big fan of bullet journals and organizers — they help me stay on top of all my projects, chores and everyday to-dos.
But on days when I’m struggling to get through even one task, like showering or vacuuming, I ignore my to-do lists altogether.
Instead, I turn to a blank page in my journal, write down the following affirmation and repeat it to myself throughout the day: “I am doing the best I can, and that’s enough.”
I cook comfort meals 🍝
In my Chinese American family, making and eating delicious food is a love language. On a tough day, I’ll pop into the kitchen and make one of my favorite meals, like macaroni and cheese with kielbasa or a green bean casserole.
As I eat, I think only about the tastes and textures — the creamy cheese slathered over pasta; the crunch of a perfectly well-done green bean. Every good meal is a reminder to slow down and enjoy what’s right in front of me.
Experts would probably call it mindful eating;I call it the best gift I can give to myself. For me, it’s purest form of self-love.
I invite someone to ‘sit in the dark’ with me 💙
When my depression overwhelms me, it can feel like I’m alone in the dark while everyone is mingling in a well-lit room next door. I’ll tell my partner what I’m going through, and instead of giving me advice or telling me to stay positive, he does what I need the most: He holds my hand and “sits in the dark” with me.
He stays until I’m feeling better — until I’m ready to step out to face the world once again.
Find more tips for living Well.
