Life is hard, and sometimes it catches up with me in ways I don’t expect. In this self-care vlog, I’m sharing what it looked like to slow down after getting really sick (yes, I ended up at the ER) and how that experience forced me to take my health seriously. At this stage of my PhD, I honestly feel like I can’t afford to be sick—financially, mentally, or time-wise—because deadlines and research don’t pause just because I do. Lately I’ve been focusing on tiny acts of care that I used to overlook, like flossing and showering before bed. They used to feel like a hassle, but now they’re rituals that make me feel fresh and cared for. I also talk about simple skincare (cleansing + moisturizing) and how I add more hydration when the seasons shift, plus the most underrated self-care: drinking more water (especially for my ladies—please, I’m begging you). I also share the “future me will thank me” side of self-care: weekly laundry, cleaning my humidifier (sensitive nose problems), and keeping my space cozy even with roommates. Food has become fuel for me—balanced meals, more protein, meal prep, even making my own yogurt—because taking care of myself in small ways is what makes the weight of life feel a little lighter.