When Doing Your Skincare Feels Like a Chore
A gentle reminder that joy can still live in the smallest rituals—even when life feels overwhelming.
There are mornings when I wake up and feel like I’m already behind. Before I’ve even gotten out of bed, my mind starts running through a list of everything I didn’t accomplish the day before or everything I have to do today. When life starts to feel like this, the things I normally enjoy begin to feel like obligations. I love my skincare routine, and I genuinely enjoy going to the gym, however when I’m overwhelmed, even those moments of self-care feel like just another obligation on that list. Going to the gym becomes something I have to do, not something I get to do. Skincare, which is usually a calming ritual, turns into a chore. My life starts to resemble a never-ending to-do list, that grows faster than I can keep up with.
What doesn’t help is that I’m the type of person who puts every event into Google Calendar. And while I love a well-planned day, there are moments when I feel less like a person and more like a robot. I genuinely enjoy being busy and having a full, exciting schedule but when it becomes too much, I’ve learned to slow down and do a few small things that help me recenter.
One of the most effective ways I reset is by “romanticizing” the smallest parts of my day. I’ll grab a chocolate chip cookie while I study. I’ll make my tea intently, savoring the sound of the kettle boiling and the bright, citrusy scent of the lemon I just cut. I choose outfits that reflect my mood, even if I’m just heading to the library. These little acts of rebellion against the hustle and bustle help remind me that life isn’t just about productivity, it’s about being present.
Creating beauty in the mundane doesn’t have to be dramatic. Sometimes, it’s as simple as listening to my favorite playlist while walking to class or switching up my workout routine by playing tennis with friends. These small moments of joy help me reframe my day not as a series of boxes to check, but as moments worth noticing.
When I feel especially overwhelmed, I give myself permission to step back. I’ll throw on comfortable clothes, do a full skincare routine, order in comfort food, and watch a movie my best friend has been recommending. I might sip my tea while scrolling through clothing websites or read a book I’ve been saving for one of these moments. Slowing down isn’t always easy when deadlines loom, but these reset rituals are necessary, especially to avoid burnout. They don’t hold me back; they help me move forward with clarity and calm.
As someone who loves fashion, I’ve been working on using personal style as a form of self-expression, but when I’m rushed, that intention often gets lost. I’ll throw on whatever’s clean and call it a day. Lately, I’ve been making an effort to dress in a way that reflects how I want to feel. Even if it’s just my favorite jeans and a unique shirt I picked up on a trip to Thailand; putting in that extra thought makes a difference. Fashion becomes a way of reclaiming my identity, especially when life feels like it’s pulling me in every direction. It’s not about impressing anyone else. It’s about showing up for myself.Sometimes, the only way out of a stress spiral is to simply feel it. I notice what I’m feeling in the moment, without labeling it as good or bad and I let the emotion be there without trying to fix, analyze, or push it away immediately. After I sit with my emotions for a moment, I utilize different outlets to process them better. I record videos on my phone or laptop to verbally talk it out with myself or I journal without editing or overthinking. Letting myself be vulnerable doesn’t make me weak, it allows me to grow. And, often, it leads me somewhere creative. Most importantly, it reminds me that I’m human.
When life starts to feel like sisyphus’ punishment, I look back at what I have accomplished and turn to these small, intentional practices. They don’t solve everything, but they bring me back to myself. They remind me that beneath all the deadlines and obligations, I need to be more present and enjoy each moment. This is a gentle landmark for myself to pause and act with intention. To breathe. To wear something that makes me feel good. To romanticize my routine. To call a friend. To take a break. Because I am not a machine and life is not meant to feel like a to-do list.
 | A guest post by
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