We hear “self-care” everywhere these days. It’s on coffee mugs, Instagram posts, and pretty much every mental health tip list out there. But here’s the truth: self-care isn’t about being perfect, or having an elaborate skincare routine, or spending a ton of money on fancy candles (but those Bath & Body Works 3-wick candles ARE pretty great.) Self-care is about noticing when you’re running on empty — and actually doing something about it.

Hobbies get a bad rap. People act like you should have a “passion” you dedicate hours to every week. Meanwhile, you’re thinking, “My hobby is scrolling TikTok and crying about my student loans. Does that count?” (Spoiler: yes, kind of.) The truth is, hobbies aren’t about being impressive — they’re about doing something that makes you feel alive, relaxed, or just a little bit less like a robot.

Let’s be honest — social media can kind of be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s amazing: hilarious memes, new TikTok dances, friends’ updates, and endless cat videos. On the other hand, it can be exhausting, overwhelming, and honestly, sometimes make you feel like everyone else has their life way more together than you do.