Actor Lana Condor, known for her role in "Pretty Lethal," describes her approach to self-care as deliberately low-key and restorative. Rather than expensive spa treatments or intense wellness routines, Condor prioritizes simple activities that genuinely relax her: playing Nintendo games and watching "Love Island."
Her reset days center on what she calls "gaming and eating" — activities that allow her to decompress without pressure or performance. This mirrors growing recognition among wellness professionals that self-care doesn't require elaborate rituals or significant expense. Dr. Laurie Santos, a behavioral psychologist at Yale University who studies happiness, has found that people often overlook free or low-cost activities that genuinely boost mental well-being in favor of marketed wellness products.
Condor's approach aligns with research on stress recovery. Video gaming, when used intentionally, activates the brain's reward system and provides what psychologists call "flow state" — a mental state where worries fade into the background. A 2020 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that gaming for leisure reduced cortisol levels and improved mood, particularly when players experienced flow during gameplay.
The reality television component of her routine matters too. Passive entertainment like "Love Island" requires minimal cognitive load, allowing the nervous system to shift from sympathetic (fight-or-flight) to parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) activation. This downtime proves essential for recovery, especially for actors who face constant performance demands.
Condor's candid reflection normalizes self-care as something accessible and personal rather than aspirational. Not everyone needs meditation apps or wellness retreats. For some, reset looks like controllers, snacks, and a reality show. The key lies in identifying activities that genuinely restore you rather than chasing what wellness culture suggests you should do.
Her example offers permission to sid