Chaithought: The comfort of microhabits

The hustlers will tell you that living in your comfort zone will be the end of your progress. It is the place where all your dreams go to die. But I believe that's not all there is to it. Small comforts found in our daily habits and those little idiosyncrasies — how we do things a certain way — are key to a content life.

For as long as I can remember, music has been part of my day. When I moved away from home, it became an essential part of my morning routine. I can recall it as if it were just yesterday.

I play the title track of "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" as soon as I wake up. The song blasts from my phone as I take a bath and start getting ready for office. Cut to a few years later. I carry my earphones everywhere to make up for my inability to strike up conversations with strangers. Whatever's the "in" song at the time keeps me company; the best part about earphones: no one can judge my playlist. I can go on repeat without irritating anyone else.

Even today, I sit on my dining table, paying little attention to the songs playing on the TV. Yet they're always there, giving me unmatched joy and a sense of belongingness. I can feel at home anywhere if my songs are playing.

The joy of little things is real. Weird things I do give me true delight, like saying hello to my flowers as I pass them by. My morning cup of tea with breakfast gives me unbridled joy. Enjoying it with my partner just adds more to it. The same goes for my evening chai; if I get to spend that time with friends and family with a side of verbal tea, it's all the more rewarding.

What I'm trying to say through all these little stories which make up my life is this: While we navigate the ever-evolving challenges of life, we still have the power to keep some things the same. It is truly a gift if you can do that. Life as you know it has and will always change. The characters also keep on evolving. We gain some, we lose some. Yet through all this, we can still savour our own idea of how we want our existence to unfold — even if it's just a measly hour. These microhabits afford us a sense of self. Maybe it's just an afternoon nap that makes you uniquely you. Not to say that you're the only one who enjoys these little pleasures. Still, if they help you connect with yourself and disengage from the grind, that's what makes them truly yours. So, what small comforts do you cherish in your daily life? Embrace those microhabits; they may just be the key to finding joy amidst the chaos.

Until next time.

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