Why "no more meal-prep" has made me a happier freelancer

In the relentless pursuit of efficiency, meal-prep had become my staple. It was a well-oiled routine, but it lacked soul, spontaneity, and the simple joy of living in the moment. This efficiency, while praised in our hustle culture, often left me feeling disconnected from the very essence of life.

Thank you for reading Freelancer Etc. This post is public so feel free to share it.

The Ritual of Cooking: A Step Away from Work

Replacing meal-prep with cooking each meal was less about igniting work-related creativity and more about reclaiming time for myself. It was an act of stepping away from the grind, of not allowing every minute to be hijacked by the ethos of constant productivity and self-improvement. Cooking became a space where work didn't intrude, a sanctuary where thoughts about deadlines or projects were consciously set aside.

Savoring the Moment

In these culinary sessions, there was no pressure to solve work problems or hatch great ideas. Instead, it was about savoring the textures, aromas, and flavors; it was about being present in the act of cooking and enjoying the process for what it is. This approach echoes the philosophy of authors like Cal Newport, who advocate for deep work and meaningful breaks from our hyper-connected world.

The Unproductive Productivity

Here lies the paradox: by stepping away from work and immersing myself in something as mundane as cooking, I found a different kind of productivity. One that rejuvenates, rather than depletes. One that respects the need for a break from the constant push for self-improvement and efficiency.

Challenging the Hustle Culture

This transition was also a silent protest against the hustle culture that glorifies being busy as a badge of honor. It was about finding value in 'unproductive' time, in activities that don't necessarily enhance work but enrich life. By cooking, I was making a statement: not everything needs to contribute to work, and that's perfectly okay.

Finding Your 'Cooking'

What is your version of cooking? It doesn't have to be about culinary skills. It's about finding that activity that allows you to disconnect from work, to stop measuring your worth by your productivity. It's about engaging in something that brings you back to the joy of living, away from the relentless pursuit of self-optimization.

Embracing Life Beyond Work

As freelancers, it's easy to fall into the trap where our entire lives orbit around our work. But it's crucial to remember that we are more than our output. Activities like cooking remind us to live — not just work, not just improve, but to simply be.

In conclusion, the decision to ditch meal-prep was not just about changing my diet; it was about changing my approach to life and work. It was a small rebellion against the culture of constant self-improvement, a step towards embracing the ordinary, unoptimized moments that, in truth, make life extraordinary.

Let's challenge the narrative that every action must serve work. Let's reclaim our time, our joy, and our right to simply exist without the pressure to constantly improve. After all, isn't the essence of a fulfilling life found in these very moments?

Stay inspired, and remember, it's okay to sometimes just cook, eat, and enjoy. :)