In the past two years, illustrator and journalist Molly Hunt has been busier than ever.
But despite being flat out, the Balanggarra and Yolngu woman from the Kimberley in WA says she's a "whole different beast" to who she was in 2022.
"I had a very unhealthy relationship with myself; I believed I didn't deserve time off, breaks or time with friends," 27-year-old Molly says.
"The guilt would seep in whenever I tried to unwind.
"It took years to break that survival cycle, to accept I am human and my work is not life or death."
We asked Molly how she's mastered the art of Zen, and she shared how regular time off her device, dancing when she's in a funk, and a reliable coffee machine are part of it.
Unwind with… is a weekly column that explores the simple ways interesting people take care of themselves.
What are your favourite ways to unwind?
Being an artist, I always have a bunch of canvases lying around.
I get the biggest canvas and just paint bit by bit. Sometimes it'll be an hour, or 10 minutes, painting one line or a face.
I am currently painting one, and I have no plan with it, only to chill myself out.
If I am not working and not painting, then I'm baking. TikTok has become my digital recipe book, and I love it.
I guess when I get stressed, baking and cooking are something I can control, with a guaranteed outcome … sometimes.
Then there's being a humbug to my neighbours through music. I work from home, and I have to entertain myself sometimes.
Nothing brings the serotonin up more than pretending you're one of the new dancers of Soul Train.
How do you give yourself permission to unwind?
It's too easy to be hard on yourself. So, I try to be kind now.
Years of work in progress. I don't feel guilty anymore when I relax.
I accept myself, and I know who I am.
Do you have any rituals to stay connected with family and friends?
My family has a group chat, and we love updating each other on our lives.
We all say good morning every day and good night before bed.
Living in different towns, we try to stay connected.
Then, on Sundays, a bunch of us go out to a friend's house on his property.
We go out for a swim, have a bevvy and a feed accompanied by good yarns.
It's a great way to end the week.
How do you switch off digitally?
The best thing I've discovered is putting my Instagram on silent mode, which has been amazing.
Also, do not disturb me on Sundays; I don't even use my phone on that day.
It's the one time I can go old school.
Are there any recipes or shows you're currently loving?
My favourite recipe that I'm loving is mac and cheese.
It's such a feel-good dish, so easy to make, and I love making a big batch and delivering it to my friends.
I grew up in a very hospitable family, and we love sharing through food.
It's my way to show my appreciation to everyone.
What is your small joy?
Making a decent coffee for myself. The best thing in my household is my boyfriend's coffee machine.
What's a change you've made or something you've stopped to have space for rest?
I've been bra-free for years, and I don't party anymore. My wallet and body have never been happier.#newsletter:abc-life_optin
