I Tried Therapy...

When I started this newsletter, my goal was simple:

1. To reflect on my thoughts and gain clarity at the moment.

2. To share that process with others in a useful way.

I never imagined I’d be writing about therapy, but here we are.

I’ve always believed therapy is important, and anyone who needs support should know there are professionals to help navigate life.

On a personal level, though, I wasn’t fully convinced. I’ve always thought a good lifestyle—balanced food, movement, meaningful relationships, and mindful content consumption—could solve most things.

But to challenge my thinking, I gave therapy a shot. Two sessions.

The first was nice—some breathwork, some talking. The second introduced me to Socratic questioning, where you dissect every decision you’ve made. Let’s just say, it left me feeling a bit numb. I also came across this thought on the internet recently which I think justifies my behavior now:

I often find myself on the edge—whether in self-growth or work.

Everything I want feels just one action away, and that is such an empowering yet unsettling thought.

Over time, I’ve discovered these go-to practices that keep me grounded, no matter how tough the day gets.

Again, therapy is a choice; if you feel the need for it, I’d be the first person to suggest you give it a shot.

But this is a list of everything that has been my lifeline through every bad day.

Gym

Lifting weights is my therapy. It clears my mind and strengthens both my body and soul. Progress in the gym mirrors progress in life—it’s about consistency, discipline, and showing up.

This is also not surprising and even backed by a study “Physical activity is 1.5 times more effective at reducing mild-to-moderate symptoms of depression, psychological stress, and anxiety than medication or cognitive behavior therapy”

Cold Showers

Five minutes under ice-cold water resets my entire mindset. It’s a quick, effective way to lower stress and boost energy.

Science agrees—cold exposure reduces cortisol and increases endorphins.

Running

Running makes me feel unstoppable, like the main character of my story. It clears my head and gives me a sense of freedom. It’s my reminder of how capable I am, both mentally and physically.

I have never felt like a failure after a run, even if it is just a mile.

Writing

Writing has been my go-to since I was 16. It’s how I process my thoughts and make sense of my world. Whether it’s a full draft or a quick note, writing is my way of staying connected to myself.

Talking to Friends

My circle may be small, but it’s deeply meaningful. Life feels incomplete without real connections. For me, success isn’t just about individual wins—it’s about shared joy, cheering for others, and having them cheer for me.

There’s also something transformative about making friends who live, think, and work differently than you. It reminds me that life is so much bigger and richer than the narrow lens we often view it through.

Coffee

Coffee is my morning ritual, my fuel. I’ve tried quitting before, but the dull, unproductive days just aren’t worth it. That first cup? It’s my daily dose of happiness and focus.

Some studies praise coffee for heart health, and others warn about the energy crash afterward. But this is one habit I don’t see myself changing anytime soon.

Going for Walks

Walking outdoors is my favorite way to disconnect and reflect. It’s a simple practice that brings clarity and mindfulness. I once read this somewhere, “One of my biggest happiness hacks is stepping out of my home at every possible opportunity” and I couldn’t agree more.

💡 Go out on a walk without your phone. life will feel much slower, calmer, and in control. I’ve done this thrice to date, and it has always felt amazing. 🙂 

Uninstalling Social Media Apps

While I love creating and sharing online, I’ve made it a habit to use apps like Twitter, LinkedIn, and even Amazon only on the web. It’s a small change, but it makes a huge difference. “Mobile app users spend an average 201.8 minutes per month shopping, compared to 10.9 minutes/month for website users.”

201 mins vs 10 mins? you know what to choose.

Sleeping Well

Sleep is my superpower. I’ve learned that reducing caffeine, staying active, and limiting screen time before bed work wonders for better rest. Waking up refreshed changes everything.

Being in Nature

There’s something magical about beaches, parks, mountains, and forests. Nature has a way of reminding me how small yet significant life is. Whether it’s birdwatching, stargazing, or hiking, these moments bring me peace and perspective. While I love tech, a part of my ideal life will always include being close to nature—it’s where I feel most at ease.

Deep Breaths

2 inhales through the nose, holding for five seconds, and exhaling slowly through the mouth—it’s simple but powerful. When I’m overwhelmed or spiraling, just a few deep breaths can bring me back to the present. Dr. Huberman’s insights on breathing have been incredibly helpful in understanding its impact:

What I Avoid

Alcohol

It’s just not me. I’ve never been drawn to it and prefer surrounding myself with people who inspire me in more meaningful ways.

Negative Self-Talk

When faced with unsettling thoughts, I ask: Can I change this? If yes, I act. If not, I let it go. It’s a mindset that’s saved me from unnecessary stress.

Naysayers

I gravitate toward people full of life and optimism. Sure, we all have bad days, and I’ll be there for my friends when they do, but life is too short to be around constant negativity.

Ending on this note: If you’ve been considering therapy, take this as your sign—go for it. These are my go-to life hacks, and they constantly remind me that life is richer and more expansive than the stories we tell ourselves. While so much can be resolved within, it’s always okay to seek support when needed. :)

Notes:

• I deeply believe in the transformative power of obsession with self-improvement. While being obsessive might not always be seen as “healthy,” I don’t know anyone who truly inspires me who isn’t. It’s odd how society often normalizes partying and drinking every week but views relentless passion for chasing an idea as strange.
  

  Pursuing that one idea you can’t stop thinking about often comes with sacrifices, tough choices, and even decisions that may require therapy to process later. But at the end of the day, it’s just one life. And from everything I’ve learned, the most important thing is to show up for yourself—every single day.
  

  I’ve done that in my fitness journey for over 1.5 years now, and I stand by this idea wholeheartedly. It’s this belief that pushed me out of bed at 2 a.m. to write this email.
  

• Some days, it’s important not to let emotions take so much control that we lose connection with life or ourselves. Emotions are beautiful, but the mind is an incredibly powerful space. If I allowed myself to believe that what I do doesn’t matter, I would’ve never started creating in the first place.

  My goal is simple: to make a positive impact on people’s lives—even if it’s just one person and simultaneously become the best version of myself (where I can look back and say, yep that’s me). And honestly, nothing beats a sense of unshakable optimism.

What Have I Been Upto

I played pickleball and basketball yesterday with a new friend! Saying yes to this was such a good decision. It was pretty much my first time stepping onto a court.

a great dopamine boost.