Charger for myself

You charge your phone when it is low on battery. What about you?

I recently came across Instagram posts titled “Charger for my phone” and “Charger for myself.”

In these posts, they typically display their phone charger at the top, like a Type-C cable.

At the bottom, they showcase a collection of images featuring items such as coffee, salad, a journal, and fitness equipment.

• Exhibit A

• Exhibit B

Just as different devices require different types of chargers, what recharges us can vary from person to person, aside from sleep, of course.

This inspired me to reflect on my list of things that rejuvenate me.

Below are the items that are included in my version.

1. A glass of water

2. PS5 controller

3. Music keyboard

4. Dumbbells

5. Do Not Disturb mode

6. Notion app

On second thought, this reads like a list of quick fixes.

Or worse, to make an impulse purchase in the hope of feeling recharged.

The truth is, it’s hard to quantify what actually recharges someone, and it certainly takes more context than a visual element alone.

Below is my attempt to unpack each item I listed.

1. Choosing water over sugary drinks

2. Playing video games with my brother instead of by myself

3. Learning to play my favorite songs on the keyboard

4. Doing push-ups or lifting weights to stay active at home

5. Taking back my own space by not being available to others 24/7

6. Organizing my digital workspace to reduce clutter and focus on what matters

Having done so, I hope it becomes clearer, as it did for me, that making time to recharge is not as straightforward as it seems.

Recharging is often confused with escaping, such as drinking away stress, partying every night, or binge-watching Netflix until 2 a.m.

In reality, recharging requires the same level of intention and discipline that we apply to work.

Now it’s your turn.

What truly recharges you?