Hello there! As I’ve mentioned in my last entry, I’m currently on a break from working full-time. I’m currently filling up my time with chores and freelance work for various clients.
Work and productivity are Sisyphean themes in my life. I’ve always felt that I needed to work hard, be productive, and be an achiever in order to feel seen and accepted in various spaces. When I first ventured into freelancing, I made it a point to write at least eight articles a month for a niche Philippine website to get my portfolio going. Having /that/ portfolio meant that I wasn’t just prattling on about being a writer— I was actually doing it.
Anyway, my struggles with work and productivity are for another entry, but allow me to share the seven things that I’ve enjoyed last March, aka hell month.
Finch
I’ve had mixed success with self-care apps or productivity apps in the past. Luckily, having a self-care app like Finch has made self-care bearable and accessible for me. My dopamine-seeking brain loves anything gamified, so having an app that’s a mix of Neopets and Pet Society is always a win for me—especially when taking care of myself. Having Finch installed on my phone has also been helpful whenever I miss Berry.
Set Me Free by Twice
Twice is my favorite K-pop girl group next to Red Velvet. Their latest release has been a bop, and a symbolic one at that. Who knew that listening to Set Me Free has been instrumental in attaining freedom from my last job? Haha. Woo-woo aside, I’ve been enjoying this song whenever I go out on walks or whenever I’m on my own.
Detail Cosmetics’ Satin Luxe Lite lipstick in Black Cherry Soda
As a lipstick lover-slash-hoarder, I’m always on the hunt for a good lipstick. This sheer lipstick from Detail Cosmetics has been a must-have for me on days where I can barely wear makeup. I got the shade Black Cherry Soda, which is a plummy wine shade that is somewhat inspired by Clinique’s Black Honey. Formula-wise, it’s balmy and comfortable, yet stiff —perfect for the summer heat and good for people who dislike messy formulas.
Self-Care for People with ADHD by Dr. Sasha Hamdani
I have a confession to make: I don’t like self-help books. Why? It’s because they’re not nuanced enough to include the experiences of neurodivergent people, or other communities at large.
Since then, I’ve made it a point to find self-help books that are geared towards people with ADHD. This one by Dr. Sasha Hamdani is my favorite so far. It’s a quick read, and the tips that she shared in this book feel doable for me—especially for days when my executive dysfunction and demand avoidance show up.
The Glory
Moon Dong-eun-hive, where you at?
The drama has been pretty triggering for me, but I really enjoyed watching how Moon Dong-eun strategized her revenge plan throughout the series. This is schadenfreude in the form of a Korean drama. If you live in the Philippines, please watch this in the Tagalog dub. It’s best watched that way.
Derrick Gee Speaks Volumes
I love a good podcast, and this one by Derrick Gee has become a favorite of mine. Derrick Gee Speaks Volumes explores music and pop culture across various genres, ranging from K-pop to Harry Styles. My favorite episode from this podcast is the one about the late Ryuichi Sakamoto. Derrick’s way of explaining things is very compelling and engaging, which encourages you to check out the subjects that he’s talking about. Also, Derrick’s interview with NewJeans is a very good example of how to talk to K-pop stars about their body of work.
Limiting my coffee intake
After years of downing coffee like water, I made the decision to minimize my coffee consumption. Coffee makes me feel more miserable, sleepless, and anxious than usual, so I needed to slowly break up with it.
I’m now consuming coffee three times a week (at most). It has made a difference in my sleep and mood, and I’m glad that I’m able to exercise this level of self-control.
And that wraps up my March favorites! March has been awful, but I’m looking forward to resting this month and working at my own pace.
Anyway, I’m currently accepting writing commissions at the moment. If you need something related to content writing, I’m your girl. I can take on press releases, articles, and even resumes! Just comment on this post.