Simple Self-Care

Written by: Hahyeon(Summer) Kim

In Korea, 힐링 (healing) has become more than a trend—it’s a lifestyle. Self-care is all about looking after your well-being by adding small but meaningful habits into your daily routine. Now that midterms are over, it’s the perfect time to slow down and recharge. Here are a few of my favorite self-care practices that are easy to try and truly effective.

         As my photo suggests, one of the most accessible ways to care for yourself is by enjoying healthy and comforting meals. This isn’t stress-eating or binge-eating, it’s about treating yourself to something you love:

• Eating out with friends
• Cooking a homemade nutritious meal
• Savoring your favorite comfort food

Food can do more than just satisfy hunger. It can lift your mood, stabilize stress hormones like cortisol, and help you build a better relationship with eating. A well-balanced meal fuels both your body and your emotions. Personally, I get cranky when I skip meals, so I’ve learned the power of mindful eating!

         Ending the day with a warm cup of tea can be incredibly soothing. It creates a moment of calm and helps ease digestion, reduce inflammation, and signal to your body that it’s time to rest. Herbal teas like chamomile, peppermint, lemon balm, rooibos, or lavender are great options. Avoid caffeinated teas like black, green, oolong, or chai, as they might keep you awake. If you make tea time a nightly ritual, your body might even start to recognize it as “down-time” a gentle cue to unwind.

         There’s something magical about listening to a song you love again and again. The repetition offers a sense of safety and predictability. Familiar songs can bring back good memories, trigger feel-good chemicals like dopamine, and reconnect you to your emotions. When your brain hears that familiar chorus or favorite verse, it says,
“This makes me feel okay, let’s stay here a little longer.”
So go ahead and press that repeat button.

         Self-care isn’t selfish, it’s essential. Taking time for yourself allows you to show up better in every part of your life, whether it’s studying, working, or connecting with others. These are just a few practices I love, but there are countless ways to bring peace into your day. Find what works for you, and make it a part of your lifestyle. Because you deserve it!