In Pakistan, many people shoulder heavy responsibilities while navigating daily stresses, family expectations, financial pressures and the toxic behaviours often embedded in our workplaces, organizations and social systems. In the midst of all this, we tend to overlook one of the most essential aspects of a healthy life: self-care. Unfortunately, self-care has not evolved into a normal part of our lifestyle. It is frequently misunderstood or stereotyped as selfishness, especially in a society where sacrifice and endurance are seen as virtues.
This neglect of self-care has serious consequences. When individuals consistently ignore their emotional and physical needs, they become more vulnerable to depression, anxiety, burnout, and other mental health challenges. Pakistan is already witnessing rising rates of stress-related illness, yet conversations around wellbeing remain limited. The absence of self-care in our daily routines can therefore be considered a major contributor to the declining mental health of our population—and even to the lower average life expectancy compared to many other countries. Recognizing self-care as a necessary, responsible practice is crucial for improving personal wellbeing and strengthening our communities as a whole.
1. Establish Small Daily Rituals
Self-care doesn't always require big life changes or long hours—you can transform your wellbeing through small, consistent rituals woven into your everyday routine. These rituals act as gentle anchors that keep you grounded, balanced, and mentally steady throughout the day.
In fast-paced environments like Pakistan, where mornings often begin with rush, responsibilities, and noise, starting your day with intention can completely shift your emotional tone. Small rituals signal to your mind and body that your wellbeing matters, even in the midst of stress and responsibility.
Here's how these simple practices help:
i. Offering morning prayers and recitation of the Holy Quran:
ii. Making ablution, offering the morning prayers and reciting a few verses from the Holy Quran with translation set a grounded and purposeful tone for the entire day. Spending just two minutes in slow, deep breathing helps calm the nervous system, ease morning anxiety, and restore a sense of inner control. It becomes both a spiritual and psychological reset before the day truly begins.
iii. Getting up early in the morning starts with going to bed early and giving yourself at least 7–8 hours of sleep before sunrise. Avoid taking caffeine—tea or coffee—in the evening so your sleep cycle stays undisturbed. In big cities, it's common for people to disrupt their routine on weekends, but protecting your sleep schedule is essential. Try not to make weekend exceptions; maintaining consistency preserves your energy, discipline, and overall well-being.
iv. Keep yourself hydrated. It’s a small act with a big impact. Hydrating first thing improves energy levels, digestion, and mental clarity. It reminds you to prioritize your physical health before your cravings or routines take over.
v. Spend quiet time with yourself (5–10 minutes). Before the world demands your attention, give yourself a few minutes of silence. Sit alone, reflect, stretch, or simply breathe. This small pocket of quiet helps you begin the day with clarity instead of chaos. It strengthens emotional regulation, reduces overwhelm, and allows you to focus your mind. Take some time to prioritize your tasks, plan your day, and update your to-do list.
vi. Take almost one hour in the morning for exercise—whether it's a gym session, a run, or a walk in the park. Physical activity stimulates your metabolism and naturally builds a craving for a healthy, home-cooked breakfast such as eggs, bread, chickpeas, yoghurt, and fresh fruit juices. Try to avoid refined bakery items if possible.
vii. Also, control the urge to have tea with or immediately after breakfast. It's better to wait about an hour after having breakfast. This might align with the time you reach your workplace, university, or college. Delaying tea or coffee allows your body to absorb the nutrients from your meal before caffeine begins to take effect. This small habit can make a meaningful difference in your overall digestion and energy levels.
viii. The best time to consume salads, fruits, and other plant-based foods is during lunch. Fresh fruits make an excellent midday meal—they are light, rich in minerals and vitamins, and contribute to healthy aging. Choosing plant-based options at lunch keeps you energized without feeling heavy and supports overall well-being.
ix. As far as dinner timings are concerned, it is best to have dinner soon after sunset and avoid delaying it unnecessarily. Once you've eaten, try not to snack or munch late at night. This keeps your digestion light, supports better sleep, and helps maintain a healthy daily rhythm. Eat home-cooked meals more often. Reduce the intake of carbonated drinks and oily, fried, or junk foods.
x. Stretch your body every few hours, especially if your work requires long periods of sitting. Take small, regular breaks to prevent stiffness and fatigue. If your work involves reading—on paper or on a screen—rub your palms together until they feel warm, then gently place them over your closed eyes. This simple practice relaxes the eye muscles and gives your eyes much-needed rest during short intervals.
These rituals may seem small, but over time they build resilience, calm, self-awareness, and discipline. They act as a protective buffer against daily stress and help you reconnect with your internal state—something we often lose in the constant rush of responsibilities.
In a society that values productivity over peace, these tiny rituals become your personal act of self-preservation. They are simple, doable, and powerful—and they set the tone for a healthier, more centred life.
2. Set Healthy Boundaries
Setting healthy boundaries is an essential principle of self-care, especially in Pakistan where people often hesitate to say “no” due to cultural expectations and social pressure. However, constantly agreeing to unnecessary demands can lead to stress, exhaustion, and emotional burnout. A wise person learns to politely limit social obligations that are not important or productive. It is also necessary to reduce time with individuals who constantly criticize, gossip, or drain mental energy. Similarly, protecting personal time is crucial, and one should try to keep off-hours free from work calls and unnecessary responsibilities. In reality, boundaries are not disrespect—they are a form of self-respect and a key step toward mental peace and balance.
3. Prioritise Physical Health
As already explained, self-care begins with the body. Engage yourself regularly in physical activities and sports. Try learning new games—if you've never played volleyball or lawn tennis, give them a try. Exploring new skills and activities adds fresh dimensions of interest to your life. Remember, there is no age limit for learning something new. You can also incorporate yoga or meditation into your routine. Stay versatile, experiment with different activities, and take a little time each day to try something new.
4. Practice Mental and Emotional Self-Care
Given the toxic environments and stress many face, mental health is crucial. Limit exposure to negative news, social media fights, or political chaos. Filter what you see, hear, read, listen to, and speak—because every input shapes your mindset and your moves. Not everything deserves space in your mind. Cut the noise. Filter the trash. Protect your peace—and keep on growing. Talk to a supportive friend or family member once a week. Keep a small journal to write feelings. Normalize seeking counselling if stress becomes overwhelming.
6. Create Personal Space—Even in a Busy Home
Homes in Pakistan can be crowded and noisy, but personal space is still possible. A corner of your room, a chair near a window, or even your rooftop can be your “reset point.” Spend a few minutes there daily with no interruptions.
7. Reduce Digital Toxicity
Reducing digital toxicity is an important part of self-care because smartphone overuse has become a serious problem in modern life. Constant notifications, unnecessary scrolling, and excessive social media exposure disturb mental peace and reduce productivity. A healthy habit is to avoid checking WhatsApp or social media immediately after waking up, as it often fills the mind with stress before the day even begins. Muting unnecessary groups and avoiding irrelevant online discussions also helps protect mental energy. Similarly, setting screen-free time before bed improves sleep quality and supports emotional well-being. Controlling digital habits is not a luxury—it is a necessity for a calm and balanced life.
8. Engage in Activities That Bring Joy
Engaging in activities that bring joy is an important principle of self-care because happiness is not a reward—it is a daily need. Life becomes stressful when a person only works and carries responsibilities without making time for relaxation. Simple activities such as reading, gardening, cooking, playing any physical sport of your choice, painting, or going for a walk can refresh the mind and reduce emotional pressure. Even giving yourself just 10 to 15 minutes each day for something you genuinely enjoy can improve mood, increase motivation, and restore inner peace. Small moments of joy are powerful tools for maintaining a healthy and balanced life.
9. Practice Financial Self-Care
Financial self-care is one of the most overlooked yet most important principles of a peaceful and balanced life. Money-related stress has become extremely common due to inflation, rising household expenses, unstable income opportunities, and growing social expectations. Many people live under continuous anxiety because their spending is not aligned with their earning capacity. A wise person therefore treats financial discipline as a form of self-respect. Developing a habit of saving—even if it is a small amount every month—creates a sense of security and protects a person during emergencies such as illness, sudden travel, or unexpected family responsibilities. Financial self-care also requires resisting unnecessary purchases made only for showing off or maintaining social status. In our society, people often spend beyond their limits to impress others, which later becomes a source of regret and emotional burden. Instead, money should be spent on meaningful experiences, personal development, and health, because these investments provide long-term benefits. Avoiding unnecessary shopping, staying away from interest-based loans, and refusing to fall into debt traps are essential practices for maintaining financial stability. A debt-free life brings mental peace, self-confidence, and independence. Financial self-care is not about becoming rich—it is about becoming smart, stable, and stress-free.
10. Build Supportive Relationships
Human beings are naturally social, and we thrive emotionally, mentally, and even physically when we remain connected with the right people. Supportive relationships are a major source of strength during difficult times, while unhealthy relationships can silently damage confidence, peace of mind, and personal growth. Therefore, one of the most important principles of self-care is to surround oneself with positive, respectful, and sincere individuals who encourage growth and bring comfort rather than stress. In contrast, spending too much time with people who constantly criticize, discourage, or create negativity can drain emotional energy and weaken self-esteem. A wise person learns to protect his or her mental space by setting boundaries and limiting unnecessary interaction with toxic individuals. Self-care also means having the courage to share feelings and burdens with someone trustworthy, because emotional expression reduces stress and strengthens human connection. Healthy relationships require continuous effort, patience, respect, and responsibility. A person should strive to become a good son or daughter, a caring brother or sister, a loyal husband or wife, a responsible father or mother, and a supportive friend, because strong family and social ties create emotional stability and a sense of belonging. Most importantly, self-care demands that we never become toxic ourselves. Toxic behaviour, harsh words, ego, and unnecessary conflicts destroy relationships and harm both sides. Building and maintaining healthy relationships is not only a social skill—it is a form of emotional self-care that brings peace, balance, and long-term happiness.
11. Practice Gratitude Daily
Last but not least, practicing gratitude is one of the most powerful principles of self-care. A person should remain thankful to Allah Almighty for His countless blessings, both big and small. Gratitude should not be limited to major achievements or special occasions; rather, it should become a daily habit. Simple moments such as waking up healthy, having water in the tap, reaching home safely, or even finding the traffic signal green are blessings worth appreciating. These small everyday events can be used as reminders and cues to thank Allah Almighty. The more we train ourselves to notice such blessings, the more peaceful and content we become. Gratitude strengthens faith, increases happiness, and keeps the heart connected to the mercy and kindness of Allah Almighty.
Seek professional help when needed
Talking to a therapist, counsellor, or trusted mental health professional is an important form of self-care—especially during difficult phases.
Self-care is not selfish; it's essential. It's simply giving yourself the physical, emotional, and spiritual attention you need to function well. When you take care of yourself, you become a better parent, better spouse, better friend, and better professional.
The writer is a civil servant, belonging to the Police Service of Pakistan (PSP). He is currently pursuing Master of Criminology at the University of Melbourne. He can be reached at: asimjasraa@gmail.com
