Words by Sally Jane // photograph by Taylor Daugherty
I used to think I was fine. Busy, yes, but fine. Mornings were a blur of toast crumbs, laundry piles that seemed to multiply overnight, and the endless hunt for lost keys. Somehow, I convinced myself that surviving all this chaos without collapsing meant I was winning at life. But I realise now, surviving isn’t thriving.
After I turned 30, my body started sending little messages. Tight shoulders, random twinges, headaches that just wouldn’t quit. At first, I ignored them as any sane human would. But as my discomfort grew, I realised something life changing: I was treating myself worse than I treat my car.
Since I bought my very first car at age 21, my mum drilled it into me that taking care of a car is paramount to longevity. I always take my car in for regular servicing, fill it with premium fuel (when I can afford it), check the tyres and even wash it when it looks sad (gotta boost her self esteem). But my body? Oh no, she is a work horse with no breaks.
So I decided to start treating my body how I treat my car. I started small. A morning walk, weekly yoga and a tune up for my body with a visit to my local chiropractor. After feeling so much more balanced, I also explored a few other things that I heard good things about: Chinese medicine, electronic sundowns and daily journaling. After a few months I felt… balanced?
I’d never really expected to feel so different, so calm and steady but suddenly I wasn’t yelling at my kids so much, I wasn’t chastising myself for things I hadn’t got done, my self esteem sky rocketed and I just felt more in tune with myself.
While looking after my body like it’s my car, I’ve also delved into looking after my mental health. I schedule quiet moments, even just a cup of tea on the balcony, without my phone, without thinking about everything I “should” be doing (easier said than done). I schedule chats with friends (usually on walks), and I allow myself to step back from the endless to-do list. While it’s so satisfying to tick off a to-do, I want to feel content just being!
Everyone’s approach is different, and that’s okay. For me, chiro care, Chinese medicine, and yoga is what helps my body feel balanced. For someone else, it might be running, dancing, meditation, or simply sleeping in on a Saturday. The point is that caring for your body isn’t indulgent—it’s maintenance.
The habit change is the hardest but the little victories add up. A 20-minute stretch session every day, a calm cup of tea, a nourishing meal, a check-in with someone who you love, they reset my energy and my focus. I remind myself that my body is my vehicle that gets me through the day—it’s the place I live, the place that carries me through chaos, laughter, exhaustion, and joy.
Taking time out for your health isn’t selfish. It’s smart. It’s what allows you to work well, love well, and live well. So my advice to anyone who needs it. Treat your body like your car! Spend time and money on maintaining it and it will reward you with a balanced and fulfilling life!
