Photography by Jasmin Chew (@majestical_jasmin) from Unsplash
Experiences of a Woman in Progress®️
“As soon as I finished my studies, my vision board consisted of working my dream job balancing the heaviest of workloads with consistent healthy meals, time to socialize during the weekends, and making the most out of a gym subscription.
It seemed like a no-brainer achievement to me. I was ready to be 'that girl,' and I knew I would stop at nothing to achieve that.
Looking back, I realized I've centered a chunk of my time around my work— the vision board swiftly turned into things held for "later" or "when the time was right." I was committed to solely doing well in one area that I quickly forget that there's more to my journey than that one aspect. Not only did I feel it in my bones, but it also manifested physically and with the connections I had.
During that time, my skin became noticeably dull and would break out (often when I needed my skin to cooperate) when I didn't have that problem at all before. Tired skin became an additional stressor to an already tough act to balance. Tied and affected by hormones and a physical manifestation of stressors, my skin became one of the many things I put on hold. I switched from a specific skincare routine I brought from college to one that I could do with a swipe (hello, micellar water) and a quick wash. I thought it was enough to have that on the few occasions that I'd let myself have 'self-care days' and that it would be enough for my skin, that it would magically be better.
“Looking at my progress now and seeing that while it's still very much under the works, there's a conscious effort to keep watering the other parts of my life. And while I know some people could flourish and thrive that way, I see that my journey is very different.”
When the mist of it all disappeared, and now that I look back with clearer eyes, I learned that while my cup was never empty, to begin with, I focused on watering only one aspect of my life. Looking at my progress now and seeing that while it's still very much under the works, there's a conscious effort to keep watering the other parts of my life. And while I know some people could flourish and thrive that way, I see that my journey is very different. I resonate well with the empty-cup-saying. I see that "you could never pour from an empty cup" feels more like a cycle— you water what makes you happy, feel fulfilled (think of it as work, relationships, self.) They're interconnected to fill my cup, so there's always something left to pour, even add one more aspect to make it more enriched. What I have now is a commitment to make sure it's filled and that it flows in the direction I want.
While my journey is still very much in progress, if there are a few things I could share about my year of breakouts and burnout, take some time to remind yourself:”
“You're not an occasion.
Photography from Simply Skin
When it comes to skin and taking days for yourself, try not to do it sparsely. As much as you can, try to keep regular care to make sure you're on track with what fills your cup. Putting yourself for later will later catch up on you and your goals and needs, so take the time and effort to make self-care a regular.”
How we’re applying this tip:
Try finding skincare that you'd love to keep when it comes to skin! Care for yourself might sometimes feel like a chore, so keep it easy, simple, and effective to make it sustainable and manageable to follow through. With Simply Skin's Progress Plans, it's easier to keep track of whatever your skin goals and needs are without the guesswork and the heavy-lifting. Let our skin-loving experts let out your skin's potential with skin treatments that show progress you can see and feel.
“It's okay not to follow other people's paths.
Photography by Pigsy Jinx (@suetxxuan) from Unsplash
Your journey is yours alone, and it's unique because it suits you. One of the things that could've helped during my year of burnout was understanding that being 'that girl' was not meant for me and that the less I could've forced myself to fit that mold, the more I may have lifted an unbearable weight off my shoulders. While some people may be able to carry it all, it's okay if you thrive on an entirely different path!”
How we’re applying this tip:
Instead of forcing yourself into the mold, allow yourself to refocus on your unique path! Root and admire other people's journeys, but don't feel let down when you can't follow the same path, the exact same way they did.
“Don't skimp on yourself.
Photography by Ramiro Pianarosa (@rapiana) from Unsplash
We may tend to keep giving to be available and present for the people we love. While this is usually a good thing and a great way to connect with people, try to leave enough space and boundaries for yourself. That might mean allowing yourself to say no especially when you know you deserve more— let that be time, opportunities, or standards.”
How we’re applying this tip:
When your body's already screaming for a break during work, allow yourself to take it. Usually, when we begin to slow down, it's a sign that our bodies need to take a moment to recoup. Allow yourself to step away and take a pause— regain and redo as often as you need to.
When it comes to your skin, don’t settle for less. Being able to put the effort and resources in the right treatments and care is what our future selves will be grateful for, so make sure to choose a skin place that gives you what you deserve— all in a way that makes it easier for you no matter what you’re going through or however your skin changes.
Burnout isn't a one-time thing, and it could happen to even the most productive people. Although our experiences may differ and the time to regain the strength to carry on again would be different, the best way we can move forward is to take those setbacks as they are. Learn (but try not to dwell) and see what we could do differently for the bigger, better picture.
Thumbnail by José Ignacio González Pansiera (@nachogonza) and Pigsy Jinx (@suetxxuan)