I thought I had to stay strong for everyone else until I broke down in the parking lot.
Amrita, a 31-year-old ICU nurse, faced severe burnout after years of nonstop caregiving. She began experiencing anxiety, exhaustion, and emotional breakdowns. A panic attack at work pushed her to seek help.
With time off, therapy, and support from colleagues, Amrita learned to set boundaries and practice self-care. She now advocates for mental health in the workplace and encourages others to seek help early.
Prioritizing my mental health saved my career and my peace of mind.
What does self-care look like for you on a stressful day?
Talking to my loved ones; gentle and mindful walking observing what’s happening within me; going outside for a break and watching people, life, and world still moving; sipping a warm ginger tea; watching something that soothes my mind and gives me happy feelings; having some food that provides warmth; doing some art or hearing music of my favourite genre; silent meditation; aromatherapy and a good sleep - these are few of my self-care routines that I adopt on a stressful day. Self-care needs to be prioritized as that allows us to release the unwanted thoughts and emotions, because if they are not released time-to-time, they keep building up inside until one day they get burst like a volcano. So, we shouldn’t reach that moment (like what happened here) and build our own coping strategies and self-care methods accordingly. Small steps today can make a big difference in health tomorrow.
In high-pressure roles like healthcare, mental health is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. When we take care of ourselves, we show up better for others too.
Honestly, on stressful days, self-care for me means just slowing down — putting my phone away, taking deep breaths, talking to someone I trust, or even just sitting quietly with music. Sometimes it’s a walk, sometimes it’s crying it out. But most importantly, reminding myself that it’s okay to pause and feel.
When I’m stressed I remember the Japanese concept of 'Yutori’. It means to simply exist. It reminds me to slow down, stop thinking and just exist. Look at those little birds, watch the moving clouds and see what shapes they resemble. Put your phone down and just sit. Go for a walk, don’t think anything just walk. Talk to your loved ones, spend time watching greenary or flowing water it really calms your mind. Close your eyes and imagine yourself on a mountain or near a beach. Seek happiness and calmness even in the smallest things. Look at those ants moving in a line, just block all your thoughts away. I Read somewhere “all species on earth are at peace and only humans are rushing” it’s so true.
On a stressful day, self-care for me means taking a break from screens, going for a walk, and just breathing deeply for a few minutes. Sometimes, I write down my thoughts or talk to a close friend, it really helps lighten the mind. Even a short nap or listening to calming music makes a big difference.
My take on self-care on a stressful day would be a short break to pause and relax, a coffee, listening music, a talk/chat with a loved one and a stroll in the garden .
On a stressful day, self-care for me looks like taking a few moments to disconnect and recharge. I might step away from work, listen to some calming music, or take a short walk outside to clear my head. I also make time to journal or just sit quietly, focusing on my breath. It’s about creating a small space to reset and regain perspective, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
What does self-care look like for you on a stressful day?