Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
Fall, marshmallows and mug and book
Fall, marshmallows and mug and book
Photo by Alisa Anton from Unsplash
Delhi North | Life

Me Time in a Fast-Paced World: Finding Solace in Simplicity

Sara Saleem Student Contributor, University of Delhi - North Campus
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Delhi North chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

The Overcomplication of Personal Time: When Luxury Leaves No Room for Peace

In today’s fast-paced world, ‘Me Time’ has become increasingly complex. It is often equated with luxury, from elaborate skincare to spa retreats. But the essence of personal time lies in simplicity, not indulgence.

Modern society has convinced us that self-care means spending money and chasing trends. We all see influencers promoting expensive skincare routines, fancy café treats, and luxury shopping sprees as self-care. While these things might be enjoyable, they are not for everyone. The pressure to make even personal time look perfect for social media is exhausting. People today often seek peace by portraying an ideal life to society rather than genuinely finding happiness within themselves. Their focus shifts from personal fulfillment to gaining external validation, prioritizing the happiness of others over their own well-being.

Finding Peace in Simplicity: Small Changes for a More Fulfilling Life

Personal time is necessary for a person’s mental health and well-being. It does not need to be complex. True self-care lies in embracing the moments of stillness and small habits that bring us peace. So, here are some simple, no-fuss ways to enjoy personal time without being aesthetic.

scrapbooking
Estee Janssens
  • Take Small Breaks: Sometimes all you need is a little pause between your tasks. A short walk, stretching or just closing your eyes and taking deep breathes can reset your mind. They help in reducing mental stress and improves focus. During my exam season, stepping outside for even five minutes between study sessions made a world of difference.
  • Journaling: You don’t need to be the Shakespeare to do journaling. Jotting down your thoughts or ideas can really be therapeutic. It helps us to process our emotions and understand our feelings. I once ended up writing a whole page rant about a really bad day, and later found myself laughing at how dramatic it was. Unlike social media, you can misspell words, rant about your day, or doodle cats—no judgment!
  • Enjoying Silence: In a world we live, silence is a luxury. The constant noise, notifications and interactions with other people becomes overwhelming. Enjoying a few minutes of silence, while sipping coffee and gazing out the window can relax the mind.
  • Doing Absolutely Nothing: Doing nothing doesn’t always means wasting time. It can be valuable too. Lying on your bed, daydreaming, or just watching the ceiling can be incredibly refreshing. I enjoy watching clouds shift and take different shapes in the sky- it always refreshes my mind and feels way better than scrolling through social media. Unpopular opinion but, productivity is overrated!
  • Engaging in Hobbies: Whether it’s reading, painting, baking, or playing an instrument, hobbies are an excellent way to relax and unwind. They acts as an outlet for creativity and increases happiness.
  • Practicing Meditation: Meditation and mindfulness exercises keeps us grounded and reduces mental stress. Few minutes of deep breathing exercises can improve our overall well-being.
  • Spending Time in Nature: Nature is the OG self-care guru. It is the best form of self-care as it has a unique way of healing and restoring our peace. A walk in the park, watching sunset, or laying under the starlit sky can provide you happiness like nothing else.
  • Listening to Music: Music has an incredible ability to shift your mood. Whether you’re vibing to lo-fi beats, jamming to old-school classics, or crying to sad songs for no reason, music is one of the easiest ways to escape reality for a bit. On bad days, blasting my favorite playlist while walking alone has been my go-to therapy.
  • Digital Detox: Spending too much time on screens can be mentally draining. Taking a break from social media, emails, and news updates for a few hours or even an entire day, can help declutter your mind and promote mental well-being.
  • Connecting with Loved Ones: Self-care isn’t always about being alone. Spending quality time with friends or loved ones can be a good way of self-care. A simple conversation, having dinner together, or a sleep-over can bring joy and strengthen relationships.

Personal time shouldn’t feel like an obligation or a luxury only a few can afford. For students, self-care can often seem out of reach, with social media glorifying expensive rituals. But true self-care isn’t about spending- it’s about what genuinely helps you unwind, whether it’s listening to music, taking a walk, or enjoying a quiet cup of coffee.

Online trends may push the idea that happiness comes from luxury, but real fulfillment lies in appreciating the little things. Buying a dress from Zara or shoes from Sarojini shouldn’t define our joy- it’s the thought behind treating ourselves that truly matters. Staying grounded, supporting one another, and embracing simplicity make ‘Me Time’ truly valuable.

So, the next time you plan to spend your ‘Me Time’, will you chase the perfect aesthetic or focus on what truly brings you peace?

Sara Saleem

Delhi North '26

Sara Saleem is a Writer at Her Campus Delhi North, where she showcase her writing skills under the Editorial Team.

She is currently a second year Bachelor's of Commerce student at Shri Ram College of Commerce, University of Delhi. Alongside, she works as the HR head at Youth India Foundation SRCC and a Member in The Aarambh Organisation. She has prior experience as a Junior Consultant at ShARE SRCC.

A proud introvert who’d rather dive into fictional worlds than attend social gatherings, she finds joy in the simplest pleasures: listening to music, napping like it's an Olympic sport, and dreaming up fantastical scenarios. Most days, you'll find her cozied up in her bed, reading fictional stories imagining her as the female lead ready to save the world—or at least rescue the last slice of cake! Life motto? "Why socialize when you can snack, nap, and vibe to tunes!"