How To Serve Your Love ✅

Step 15: Consistently Taking Care Yourself

As the semester drew to a close, Prae began to realize something important. While she had been giving her all to her studies, her relationship with Alex, and helping him through the stressful times, she hadn't been paying enough attention to one person—herself. She had always prided herself on being there for the people she loved, but now it was time to make sure she was giving herself that same care.

It started with a moment of reflection one evening, as Prae sat in front of her laptop, scrolling through the latest engineering assignments. Her body felt heavy with fatigue, her mind scattered from the nonstop grind. She had barely made time for herself lately, constantly prioritizing work, helping Alex, and planning for the future.

She closed her laptop with a deep sigh and leaned back in her chair, rubbing her temples. How can I be my best for Alex and everyone else if I'm running on empty? she thought.

Prae knew something needed to change. She couldn't keep pouring from an empty cup. It was time to start focusing on her own well-being again.

The very next day, she woke up with a new resolve. After sending Alex his usual good morning text, she decided to begin a daily routine of self-care, something she hadn't truly prioritized since the semester had started. She started by setting aside time for herself each morning—no work, no distractions, just a peaceful hour for her own mental and physical health.

Her first step was incorporating light exercise into her day. She knew it would help clear her mind and give her more energy. She wasn't aiming for anything extreme, just enough to get her blood pumping and feel connected to her body again. So she put on her workout clothes and went for a light jog around the campus. The cool morning air filled her lungs, and with each step, she felt her mind growing clearer, her stress slowly melting away.

After her jog, she returned to her dorm, taking time to stretch and cool down before hopping into the shower. She hadn't realized just how tense her body had been until now. As the warm water cascaded over her, she let herself relax, feeling a deep sense of peace wash over her. This simple act of taking care of herself, of slowing down and focusing on her own needs, felt like a gift.

In the evenings, instead of staying up late to finish just one more assignment, Prae began winding down earlier. She set boundaries for herself—no more late-night cramming, no more sacrificing sleep for the sake of productivity. She started reading for pleasure again, something she hadn't done in months. It felt good to lose herself in a book, to escape into a different world and let her mind rest from the constant buzz of her engineering work.

Alex noticed the change almost immediately.

"You seem more relaxed these days," he commented one afternoon when they were having lunch together. "I mean, I've always admired how much you care about everything—your work, helping me—but I can tell you're taking time for yourself now. And I really like seeing you this way."

Prae smiled, taking a sip of her drink. "Yeah, I realized I wasn't taking care of myself the way I should. I can't keep going at full speed all the time without burning out. So, I've made some changes."

Alex looked at her with admiration in his eyes. "I'm glad you're doing that, Prae. You deserve it. And honestly, it's inspiring to see you taking care of yourself like this."

His words filled her with warmth. She hadn't realized how much her own self-care would positively affect their relationship as well. By prioritizing her well-being, she was able to show up more fully for him too, without feeling overwhelmed or drained.

On weekends, Prae also made time for activities that brought her joy—whether it was cooking a healthy meal, going for walks in nature, or simply meditating. She discovered that these moments of self-care weren't selfish; they were essential. The more she nurtured herself, the more balanced and happy she felt.

One evening, after a particularly peaceful day, she decided to share some of her new self-care habits with Alex. He had been swamped with his own projects, and she could tell he was starting to feel the pressure.

"Hey," she said as they sat together on the couch, "I've been thinking... you should join me for a morning jog sometime. It's done wonders for my energy and stress levels, and I think it could help you too."

Alex raised an eyebrow, a small smile playing on his lips. "You're trying to get me into morning exercise now?"

Prae laughed, nudging him playfully. "Just once. See how you like it. I promise it'll make you feel better."

Alex thought for a moment before nodding. "Alright, I'm in. If it's working for you, I'll give it a shot."

The next morning, they went for a light jog together. As they ran side by side, Prae couldn't help but feel proud of herself for not only sticking to her routine but also encouraging Alex to take better care of himself.

Over the following weeks, Prae's commitment to her self-care grew stronger. She was more in tune with her body and mind, knowing when to push herself and when to rest. Her focus in her engineering studies improved, and she felt more present in her relationship with Alex.

She even began sharing some of her self-care routines with her friends, encouraging them to find time for themselves amidst the chaos of university life. "It's easy to get caught up in everything," she would tell them, "but you have to take care of yourself first. Trust me, it makes a huge difference."

As she reflected on the journey she had taken, Prae realized that self-care wasn't just about pampering herself; it was about building a sustainable lifestyle that allowed her to thrive in all areas of her life. By consistently taking care of herself, she was able to give more fully to the things and people she loved, without feeling depleted.

One night, as she and Alex lay in bed after a long but fulfilling day, he turned to her with a soft smile.

"I'm really proud of you, Prae," he said, his voice low. "You've been taking such good care of yourself, and it shows. You're glowing."

Prae smiled, feeling his words sink in. "Thanks, Alex. I feel better than I have in a long time. And I'm not stopping here—this is something I'm going to keep doing. For myself, and for us."

Alex kissed her forehead gently. "I'm with you all the way."

With those words, Prae knew that taking care of herself would always be a priority, not just for her own well-being, but for the strength of everything she cared about—her relationship, her studies, and her future.

TBC