If there’s one thing that helps me function like a semi-decent adult, it’s not my career ambitions or a well-planned 10-year goal. It’s the tiny, repeated things I do every single day to care for myself.
I used to think self-care was code for ‘treat yourself to things you can’t afford’ or self-indulgence retreats of taking bubble baths to fix generational trauma. Now I know better. Not to be dramatic, but some of these habits have literally kept me from losing it completely.
So here’s how I care for myself, day in and day out – in this Manila humidity, with a budget that says realistic, and a mindset that says ‘push na ’to’.
Morning reset
My morning routine isn’t aesthetic. It’s not captured in slow-mo or set to acoustic guitar. It’s… functional. And honestly, that’s the bar we’re aiming for: to feel like a functioning human before 9 AM. That includes:
- Drinking water before anything else
- Stretching for five minutes
- Showering (with the occasional tabo)
- Skincare routine
- Setting an intention
It’s maybe 30 minutes in total, but I swear I feel 30% more emotionally stable afterward. Morning resets are about starting the day not already annoyed at yourself because you likely have the full day ahead to deal with everything else.
☀️ 3-Step Daytime Skincare
Keeping it simple, smart and sun-protected.
Step 1. Serum
Start with something lightweight and hydrating like a water-based serum. Look for ingredients like Vitamin C (for brightening) or Niacinamide (for calming and oil control). Drop 3–4 dots onto slightly damp skin and press in gently.
Step 2. Moisturizer
Choose a formula that suits your skin type. If you’re oily or in a humid area, go for a gel-based option. If you’re on the drier side, pick something creamier. Smooth over the face and neck, and don’t forget the jawline.
Step 3. Sunscreen
When you live in a tropical climate, a lightweight, broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, becomes the ideal choice. Apply generously, about two fingers’ worth for the face, and reapply if you’re stepping out.
Mindfulness (even while stuck in traffic)
Filipino life means multitasking and often, commuting. Instead of letting that time drain my soul, I like to take the in-between moments where I can actually center myself.
Some apps have settings where you can put a hard stop to endless scrolling. I set mine to 1 hour, and whenever I reach my limit I put my phone down or switch to YouTube music to listen to throwbacks from the ’10s or a podcast.
I also do breathing exercises during random times of the day, using a 4-4-4 breathing technique. Basically, inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for four. You can repeat a few times while waiting for Grab or the MRT.
Lunch
I used to think lunch was just a necessary pit stop before I could dive into the “real” parts of the day. That was a mistake. I’ve learned that lunch breaks isn’t just fuel but also a moment to recalibrate.
I make it a point to eat real food, slowly. If it’s adobo, then I’m taking a bite with my half eyes closed and no TikTok scrolling while I chew. You can do this, too, by focusing on the flavors and letting your tastebuds do their thing.
And this is something I’m still getting better at: not skipping lunch for the sake of productivity. There’s no need to be a snack-crazed monster by 3 PM. You’re not a superhero for pushing through and you’ll only turn yourself into a hangry human who can’t focus.
Also, hydration is key. While coffee and milk tea are amazing, water is necessary.
Afternoon pick me-up
By 3 PM, I feel like I’ve already lived a whole day, and yet the workday is far from over. This is where things get tricky, where you feel your eyelids getting heavier, your shoulders stiffening, and your motivation going into hiding. Fight back, gently.
I’m not saying do a whole workout. Sometimes, it’s as simple as walking to the pantry to grab some water or stretching by the window. But moving your body is like pressing reset for your brain. You’d be surprised at how a quick change of scenery helps clear the fog.
Also, make an effort to look at something other than a screen. A tree outside. The ceiling. The office plant that you’ve been meaning to water for two weeks (guilty). Staring at something natural for just a minute gives your brain a break without shutting it down.
We always talk about morning and evening routines, but mid-afternoon is where most of us start to unravel. This is your gentle nudge to pause and breathe before spiraling into burnout or a late-day online shopping spree.
Evening wind-down
The evenings used to stress me out. All those things left to do, the lingering emails, the “you still need to” items on the to-do list. But I’ve come to realize that evenings shouldn’t be about finishing everything. They should be about unwinding.
One of the best ways I’ve found to signal to my body that the day is over is to shower the day off. Not a rushed rinse, but standing under the water, actually scrubbing off the day – the tension, the stress, the random comment from a coworker. Just letting it all go and afterward, you feel refreshed.
Then, I’ve started journaling. A simple line like, “Today was surprisingly calm,” is enough. It’s my way of noting what went right. It doesn’t always need to be a grand life lesson, just an honest observation of the day.
The final step before winding down is to log off gently. You’re not a machine. Set a boundary and give your brain permission to relax. I stop checking emails or messages by a certain time, a soft rule I’ve set for myself. It’s like hitting the pause button on the day, so I can fully switch off.
🌙 Easy Nighttime Skincare
A simple, no-fuss end-of-day routine.
Step 1: Cleanser
Start with a gentle cleanser to remove all the makeup, dirt, and the layer of sunscreen that your skin has been rocking all day. Massage it in for at least 30 seconds before rinsing it off with room temp water.
Step 2: Serum(s)
Nighttime is the best time to treat your skin. Choose a hydrating serum or a bit of retinol depending on what your skin needs. Start with the thinnest product and layer accordingly. Use a vitamin C serum for brightening (if it’s not too late) or a hyaluronic acid serum for hydration.
Step 3: Moisturizer
To seal everything in, use a heavier facial moisturizer at night, ones that hydrate the skin as you sleep. Don’ skip the neck and jawline – you’d be surprised how often those spots show the first signs of aging
Step 4: Lip balm or mask
Before you hit the pillow, apply a layer of lip balm or a nourishing lip mask, a small but essential part of your routine to avoid waking up with chapped lips.
Self-care is essential
There’s a version of self-care that’s been overbranded, wrapped in expensive routines and curated Pinterest boards. But for most of us, self-care looks more like: brushing our teeth before bed even when we’re sad. Logging off at a decent hour. Feeding ourselves when we’d rather skip the meal. Saying no without apology.
These daily rituals won’t make you a better person overnight. But they will help you become a steadier one. And in our landscape, where life moves fast, expectations are high, and rest often feels like a guilty pleasure, that kind of steadiness is everything.
