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Minimalism

Zero-Waste

Adulting

Lessons from slow living and life update as a remote worker


Slow living in 2024 was never my plan. Well, I never really had a plan- aside from resigning as an Administrative Assistant from a local government agency. I've been with the company for a little over six years, and it was a scary decision. The workload is heavy but the people are good that's why I stayed for so long, but I always knew that it'll never be my retirement job. 

After I resigned, I was able to land freelancing gigs as a content writer. It's not as stable, but it's freeing. I get to be creative again and I was looking forward to it! It had ups and downs like others.

I've updated my CV multiple times and done some upskilling to make me more valuable, aside from tens and even hundreds of applications sent, unending cover letters, and tens of introduction videos, I found myself in the world of freelancing again.

To be honest, it was hard to come back to freelancing. The freelancing world has evolved, and while it is good that many adapt to it, which means more opportunities, it was also hard because I had to relearn things again. The tech that we have right now is so advanced than when I started freelancing in 2017.


1. SAVINGS IS THE KEY

I'll be honest, I wouldn't have done what I did last year if I didn't have enough savings to get me through. I resigned without any job offer from any company, I was freelancing way before VA trended but it was a different field now, and I only started applying seriously after I resigned. 

There's a perception that if you're in a government position, you're good already because it's stable. And while it is true, I didn't see myself aging in the position that I am in. The desire of not having a regret for not trying is heavier than the stability my regular job was giving. And so I resigned.

I was fortunate to have saved decently, and I had an Emergency Fund, so resigning was a bit easier for me. The rule of thumb that I followed was to save 6 months' worth of my monthly salary. Others followed the 6 months' worth of monthly expenses, but I went over it and did the 6 months' salary just to have more leeway when push came to shove.

Prior to my resignation, to manage my finances, I first listed down all the fixed bills that I had for the year and separated the money for those payments so I wouldn't spend it on other stuff. The kinds of fixed bills that I have were internet, insurance, electric bills, and food. I made sure that those necessities were covered for the next months, and that gave me peace of mind.


2. NEVER STOP LEARNING

When I finished college, and until now, I never had the urge to take any Master's degrees. I just didn't have the urge to do it because I didn't see the use for me. Aside from the fact that there are no Communication-related post-graduate degrees nearby, I don't know if it'll be of use to me.

But what I could say is that it doesn't matter what kind of education or learning you want to pursue, just never stop learning. It doesn't matter if you want to learn other soft skills or venture into other things, just don't stop learning.

In my case, I never dove into anything that deep, but I learned enough stuff about things that can be useful to me. For example, basic coding that I've used for this blog. I can't say that I'm good at it, but I can definitely do customisation and fix my template whenever I want to change it. I've learned the basic SEO, digital marketing, and copywriting.

These skills will help you put yourself out there and negotiate better terms when it comes to job opportunities. 


3. PRIORITIZE YOUR HEALTH

I've talked about this with a friend recently. My latest realization is that we shouldn't take our health for granted because it'll keep up on us by surprise.

When I was a kid, my dysmenorrhea fix was a cold soda, especially Sprite. I was so confident with how my body could take it without repercussions that I drank them first thing in the morning without any food. And back then I thought being able to burp when I wanted to was a talent because apparently not everyone could do it, but looking back at it now, I realized that it is easy for me to burp because of so much acid in my body.

I have had bouts of acid reflux the past couple of months since transitioning as a remote worker and it wasn't good. I overthink things when it comes to health and in the process, the symptoms that I had were magnified. I admit that since transitioning to remote work, I wasn't able to move and be active. I was working a graveyard shift in the early months and to be honest I just kept making excuses.

Well, to be fair, working a graveyard shift is hard, and it is scientifically proven to weaken the immune system. And my goal was just to get as much rest and sleep because it was tiring. But in that process, I neglected my body. I wasn't doing any exercises at all. I was averaging 300 steps in a day for the past 7 months! And on top of that, the food that I'm consuming is not really healthy.

I had 3 check-ups in 4 months because of that. The first, it was acid reflux around October. The second was in January due to a virus that caused me bronchitis, and the last one is in February and it is acid reflux again.

The latest one was eye-opening for me. I realized that I was overweight too and I had to do something about my health. I started exercising and running. I also shifted my diet and focus on whole foods to clean my gut because apparently, 80% of our immune system is in our gut.


4. REST IS IMPORTANT

As I've mentioned, I lacked exercise because I was trying to rest and get some sleep. But what I did wrong was that I wasn't getting any quality sleep or rest. I was resting yet I'm not well-rested.

I realized that rest is not just sleep. It is that walk you take mindlessly to increase your step counts, it is the off-time eating healthy and hearty food, it is the few minutes with nature maybe tending to a garden or watering plants, it is the short book reading session or that quick yoga or meditation.


5. KEEP MOVING

This is a literal and figurative lesson. Life moves on, we have to keep moving and target our next goal even if we feel like we haven't reached our current goals. I think life was bearable for me because I am optimistic about life and have so many things that I want to achieve.




Spending for food

I often complain about how expensive food is nowadays. Even when ordering online, I feel defeated if I can't find a discount voucher to lessen the cost— to the point that I won’t order anymore because I can't swallow paying ₱60 for a delivery fee.

When 2025 started, I looked back and realized how much I had spent on eating out and food deliveries. And I felt guilty because, with all that excess spending, I could have bought myself a Kindle Paperwhite or a nice pair of shoes!

And those foods weren’t even healthy.

Yesterday, during my lunch break, I went to a nearby tindahan that sells produce and bought some fruits and vegetables. It was expensive! Total is ₱200 for a sweet corn, an apple, a pear, two carrots, ginger, garlic, chilis, and some bananas.

While walking back home, I realized that we choose our own hardships in life—and the expensive things we allow ourselves to spend on.

I'm trying to change my mindset when it comes to food.

I'm allowing myself to spend on food that’s good for my body. Why should I complain about ₱200 worth of whole foods that nourish me when I normally spend the same amount on drinks at a café?

When I look back on this year and see how much I spent on food, I don’t want to feel guilty. I want to be happy knowing I spent it on the right kinds of food.


There's strength in vulnerability

Honesty hour. The past few weeks have been stressful for me. I'm extremely anxious about my health, no serious illness but I'm extremely anxious and my brain is highlighting the symptoms which makes me overthink that I have a more serious disease.

There was a time when my co-workers from my previous work noticed that I've been sickly since starting my remote work and I agree. I've worked graveyard for a couple of months and it is scientifically proven that lack of sleep can really weaken our immune system. But to be honest, it's my fault. I was so unhealthy because I didn't make time to be healthy. No movement, no exercise.

I needed an outlet for all my worries but I can't. I'm torn between needing to have an outlet and being scared that once I verbalise or write them down they will become my truth. I guess the past few years made me unemotional. I've always been vulnerable, I wear my emotions on my sleeves. I was never scared of being vulnerable until I was. I've recently realized why, but it'll take more courage for me to finally share it.

I'm taking baby steps. And this, reviving this account, is one of the first steps I'm taking to be vulnerable.

I had a conversation last week, and a learning that struck me was that it's okay to feel scared and anxious. Those are negative feelings but they are still emotions. Our society highlights that bliss is the goal, and being happy is the normal emotion. I guess that's the reason why when we encounter these negative feelings, we break down. But negative emotions are also valid.

I knew in my heart and my mind that I was strong. And I guess, along the way, I never allowed myself to be vulnerable because I'm supposed to be strong.

But there's also strength in vulnerability.

If you are searching for cafes to work in within Tarlac City, this article is for you. I've listed down my favorite work-friendly cafes in Tarlac City that you can check out.

I know I speak for a lot of people when I say that working outside your home or office is very productive. That's why I've created this article and listed down the best working cafes in Tarlac City. I've known a lot of remote workers and I myself enjoy doing personal stuff on a weekend sipping a cold drink at a cafe.

Working at a cafe improves productivity levels compared to working in your house. New ambiance, comfy chairs, different surroundings, foods, and drinks.

Usually, on weekends, I go out and work in cafes to cut the monotonous work. More often than not, I see friends and colleagues in cafes who are there to also do some work.

Discover Tarlac City's best work-friendly cafes
Photo: Canva Pro

Internet Speed in Tarlac City

The internet speed in Tarlac City depends on a few factors, some of these are the location and internet provider. For mobile users, Tarlac City is already a 5G city so if you are out and happened to dine in a non-wifi cafe your data can be a life savior.

The average internet speed is around 92mbps for download speed and 95mbps for upload speed.

Best Internet Provider in Tarlac City

Tarlac City is a well-developed city, and most parts already have a strong connection. The top two internet providers in Tarlac City are Converge and PLDT.

Traffic in Tarlac City

Traffic in Tarlac City is bad, especially during rush hours. Traffic is caused by road repairs, floods, and the number of private vehicles.

If you're from the south and are traveling to the city center, avoid rush hours in these areas to prevent you from being stuck in traffic for a minimum of 1 hour.

These areas are usually traffic, especially in rush hours: Creston to Sta. Monica Subdivision, San Sebastian-Getha intersection, SM City Tarlac, Siesta, Citywalk, Cathedral.


8 Work-friendly Cafes in Tarlac City

1. Urban Brew Cafe

Address: Terazza Bldg., 30 Romulo Blvd, Tarlac City
Wifi: Available
Can charge your device: Yes

Discover Tarlac City's best work-friendly cafes
Photo: Urban Brew

Urban Brew is one of the oldest cafes in Tarlac City and it is very work-friendly. This is one of the first cafes that I've frequented every weekend to destress from my admin work to do personal stuff like creating blogs and just musing. They are open from 10:00AM - 09:00PM

This cafe is very cozy, with different kinds of seats and tables to choose from. There are areas with electric sockets where you can charge your devices. This is one of the best cafes to work in within Tarlac City

Their food is also good. My go-to order is their YP1 combo which is a combination of alfredo pasta, fries, and a sip. You can also try their buko-spring roll, this is one of the best for me. For the pastry, tres leches cake is a must-try.


2. Cush Lounge

Address: 2nd Floor, Citywalk Mall, San Roque, Tarlac City
Wifi: Available
Can charge your device: Yes

Discover Tarlac City's best work-friendly cafes
Photo: Cush Lounge

Cush Lounge is located inside a local mall so time is a bit constraining since it's mall hours only, 10:00AM - 07:00PM. This place is a work-friendly cafe located in the center of Tarlac City. 

This cafe is a paid co-working space. You have to pay additional for every hour stayed inside since they already have a dessert buffet stand that comes with your stay.

You can stay and enjoy their place with a purchase of drinks and an hourly stay fee. 


3. Sulo

Address: 222, Brgy Ligtasan, Tarlac City
Wifi: Available
Can charge your device: Yes

Discover Tarlac City's best work-friendly cafes
Photo: Sulo

Sulo is a work-friendly cafe in Tarlac City just along McArthur Highway. It is a quaint cafe that is more industrial in design. The seats are not that comfortable so it's not really good for those who have back problems.

The food they serve is also vegan, and the pastries are the bomb. For rice meals, their garlic tapa is a must-try, while for drinks, their Matcha Latte is a good one. All of their pastries are good but a must-try is their croissant and blueberry burnt cheesecake.


4. TeaCoff Klatch

Address: Bypass Road, Tarlac City
Wifi: Available
Can charge your device: Yes

Discover Tarlac City's best work-friendly cafes
Photo: TeaCoff Klatch

TeaCoff Klatch is not just a nice work-friendly cafe in Tarlac City, it is also a nice place to hang out with friends since it has a pool table. It is located on Bypass Road, Fairlane and is open from 10:00 AM-09:00 PM.

Since it is a nice hangout place, you might be worried about noise but rest assured that the place has an area far from the pool table so you can't be really bothered. Also, for meetings and events they have an area that can be converted and used for private functions.

Their menu is a bit expensive but the place is nice.


5. Flower's Republic Cafe

Address: Unit A201, The Capital Building, Bypass Road, Tarlac City, Tarlac
Wifi: Available
Can charge your device: Yes

Discover Tarlac City's best work-friendly cafes
Photo: Flower's Republic Cafe

Flower's Republic Cafe is a pretty new cafe but it is gaining popularity already, their Champorado Chocolate Dome went viral recently. It is along Bypass Fairlane and is open from 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM.

This cafe is located on the second floor of a building and is loft-style, with few seating on the first floor. It has a fast internet connection and you can plug your device if needed.

For food, their Teri No Teriyaki is a must-try together with their strawberry-matcha latte. They also serve pastries and even flowers! The owner of this cafe is a florist with an events business so you'll see different flowers as well which you can buy.


6. Starbucks (SM City Tarlac)

Address:
Wifi: Not Available
Can charge your device: Yes

When working outside, internet connection is always a concern, and Starbucks doesn't have wifi. But Starbucks is still a great place to work in. Starbucks SM City Tarlac opens at 09:00AM, while Starbucks Lusita opens at 08:00AM.

Some seats have power outlets where you can charge your devices and their drinks and food are great. When I need very early morning work to do, Starbucks is my top options to go to. Both branches are accessible too.


7. Betty's Native Cake Cafe

Address: Zamora Street, San Roque, Tarlac City
Wifi: Available
Can charge your device: Unknown

Discover Tarlac City's best work-friendly cafes
Photo: Betty's Native Cake Cafe

Another work-friendly cafe in Tarlac where you can work is Betty's Native Cake Cafe, located at San Roque, Tarlac City. The cafe is giving Bridgerton a vibe with its colorful interior.

The place has wifi and serves one of Tarlac's best native cakes! They also have beverages and rice meal and other Filipino foods.

8. Starbucks Manila North Road Tarlac Drive-Thru

Address: McArthur Highway, San Roque, Tarlac City
Wifi: Available (First 60 minutes free)
Can charge your device: Unknown

Cafes in Tarlac City
Photo: Starbucks Philippines

Starbucks Manila North Road Tarlac Drive-Thru is a newly opened cafe. It is a 2-storey building with a bigger seating capacity than the SM Tarlac and Luisita branches. It also has a spacious parking area and a drive-thru.

Me and Ate Bee went here to work one afternoon. We kinda expected that there would be no wifi like the other Starbucks branches, but when we asked, they said that there is, and it's free. So after we ordered, we went to the second floor. Ate Bee tried to connect to the internet and the prompt said something about prepaid payment for connectivity longer than 60 minutes so we deducted that the wifi is free for the first hour but for longer than that you have to pay.

I expected that there wouldn't be wifi, and it's okay since I have a mobile data subscription. But the Starbucks Manila North Road Tarlac wifi speed is slow, and I was expecting a call. I used my data but there are blind spots so the speed is also not that good. We both tried using Globe and Smart 5G data.





Regular exercise, especially running, is often labeled as a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle.

Not only does it improve cardiovascular fitness and help manage weight, but it also provides other health benefits, including reducing the risk of various diseases.

In this blog post, we'll explore some diseases you're less likely to encounter if you incorporate running into your routine.

1. Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke, are among the leading causes of death worldwide.

Regular running strengthens the heart, improves circulation, and helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

By reducing these risk factors, running significantly decreases the likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases.

2. Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels and insulin resistance.

Engaging in regular exercise, such as running, enhances insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, thereby reducing the risk of developing diabetes.

Additionally, running aids in weight management, which is crucial for preventing and managing type 2 diabetes.

3. Obesity

Obesity is a significant risk factor for numerous health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and certain cancers.

Running is an effective calorie-burning exercise that helps maintain a healthy weight by burning excess calories and increasing metabolism.

Consistent running, combined with a balanced diet, can prevent obesity and its associated health complications.

4. Certain Cancers

Several studies have shown that regular physical activity, including running, is associated with a reduced risk of certain types of cancer, such as colon, breast, and lung cancer.

Exercise helps regulate hormone levels, boost the immune system, and reduce inflammation, all of which contribute to lowering cancer risk.

While running alone may not completely eliminate the risk of cancer, it significantly reduces the likelihood of developing these types of cancer.

5. Depression and Anxiety

Mental health is as crucial as physical health, and regular exercise has been shown to have profound effects on mood and emotional well-being.

Running stimulates the release of endorphins, neurotransmitters that promote feelings of happiness and reduce stress.

It also provides a sense of accomplishment and improves self-esteem, which can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

6. Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by weakened bones, increasing the risk of fractures and injuries.

Weight-bearing exercises like running help build and maintain bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and improving overall bone health.

Incorporating running into your routine, especially during younger years, can have long-term benefits for bone strength and density.

7. Alzheimer's Disease and Cognitive Decline

Regular physical activity, including running, has been linked to a lower risk of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults.

Exercise promotes blood flow to the brain, stimulates the growth of new brain cells, and reduces the risk of conditions like Alzheimer's disease.

Staying physically active throughout life can help preserve cognitive function and promote brain health as you age.

Incorporating running into your regular routine offers a multitude of health benefits, including reducing the risk of various diseases and improving overall well-being.


From cardiovascular health to mental well-being, the positive effects of running extend to nearly every aspect of health.


But it's essential to start gradually, listen to your body, and consult with a healthcare professional before beginning any new exercise regimen, especially if you have existing health concerns.





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ABOUT ME

Hey, I'm Teresa. A gentle reminder that it's okay to not have life figured out!

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