Gentle Reminders from My Journey

Over the years, my own journey with mental health has taught me that healing isn’t linear. There are days I feel grounded and in flow, and days I just want to crawl into bed and disappear. Through it all, I’ve learned that well-being isn’t about being happy all the time, it’s about having a kind relationship with yourself. Today, I want to share a few gentle practices that have helped me feel more emotionally balanced, present, and alive.

1. Start Your Mornings Without Pressure

For a long time, I believed that a "successful" morning meant jumping out of bed, working out, meditating, and starting work by 9 AM. But I’ve learned that tuning into my body’s rhythm is far more nourishing. Some mornings I stretch in bed, sip warm water with lemon, and just sit quietly. No phone. No pressure. Just presence.

Try this: The moment you wake up, place your hand on your chest, take 3 deep breaths, and ask yourself, “What do I need this morning?”

2. Let Movement Be a Form of Care, Not Punishment

There were times when I used exercise as a way to “fix” my body or mind. But over time, I began seeing movement as a form of self-love. Whether it’s a short walk, dancing to music in my room, or a few stretches on the mat moving with intention helps me reconnect to myself.

Try this: Instead of setting rigid workout goals, ask: “What kind of movement would feel good today?”

7. Pause When Things Feel Too Much

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to pause when life starts to feel overwhelming. Especially when work gets intense or I find myself moving on autopilot, I try not to push through just for the sake of being “productive.” Instead, I take a step back and ask myself: “What do I need right now?”

Sometimes the answer is rest. Sometimes it’s silence. Sometimes it’s a long walk or simply a moment to cry without shame. These pauses are not setbacks — they are sacred moments of realignment.

Try this: If you're feeling mentally exhausted, give yourself permission to take a break without guilt. Use that time to check in with yourself gently:

"What’s really going on underneath the surface? What would feel supportive right now?"

4. Connect with Your Safe People

I used to carry everything on my own — my emotions, fears, overthinking spirals. But slowly, I allowed myself to open up to safe people: a friend, a mentor, my therapist. We don’t have to go through things alone.

Try this: Send a voice note or message to someone you trust and say, “Hey, I don’t need solutions right now — just someone to hear me.”

5. Create Mini Rituals That Ground You

When I feel overwhelmed, small rituals help me return to the present: lighting incense while journaling, changing into comfy clothes after work, or keeping a gratitude jar. These little things remind me I am held.

Try this: Pick one moment of your day — waking up, ending work, or bedtime — and create a small, loving ritual around it.

6. Be Gentle with Your Inner Dialogue

The way we speak to ourselves shapes our reality. I’ve learned to notice my inner critic and gently replace harshness with compassion. It’s not always easy, but it’s been life-changing.

Try this: When you catch yourself thinking, “I’m not good enough,” gently ask, “Would I say this to someone I love?”

These tips aren’t rules, they’re invitations. Some days they help me feel grounded, and other days I forget them entirely. That’s okay. The path to emotional well-being is a slow dance between remembering and forgetting, falling and rising, softening and starting again.

If you’re reading this, I hope you know this: You are not behind. You are not broken. You are human, and that’s more than enough.

With love,

Devanshi