Healing Through Cafés and Clothes: A Journey to Self-Discovery and Comfort
- SRINIKHITA POLE
- 7 days ago
- 11 min read
Introduction
Hi guys. First of all, a very happy New Year to each one of you. I hope this year brings you good health, new opportunities, a little bit of luck, a lot of love—and everything your heart has been quietly wishing for.
I know I've been MIA for a long time. And while work definitely kept me busy, the truth is—I was healing.
Living with endometriosis has a way of pausing your life without asking for permission. It slows you down, forces you to sit with yourself, and makes you rebuild parts of you that you didn't even realize had cracked. Somewhere between hospital visits, long workdays, cancelled plans, and learning how to be strong quietly, writing took a backseat.
For months, I kept asking myself one question: What do I write about now? What feels honest enough?
And then it clicked.
A Quiet Beginning: Finding Comfort in Unexpected Places
Healing doesn't always happen in hospitals or therapy rooms. Sometimes, it happens over a cup of coffee. In a sunlit café. Wearing clothes that don't demand anything from your body.
Over the last year, as I navigated life with endometriosis, I found myself drawn to cafés across Hyderabad—not for food reviews or trends, but for comfort. For escape. For a few hours of normalcy.
These cafés became my soft landings. And without me realizing it at first, the clothes I chose to wear became part of that healing too.
This isn't a café guide. This is a story about healing—told through places and clothes.
Finding comfort in everyday moments can be a powerful way to heal and reconnect with ourselves. For many, the simple pleasures of visiting a cozy café or choosing clothes that reflect personal style offer more than just routine—they become a path to self-discovery and emotional well-being. This post shares a personal journey of how cafés and clothes provided solace, sparked reflection, and helped rebuild a sense of identity.
Finding Solace in the Café Atmosphere
When life feels overwhelming, stepping into a café can feel like entering a small sanctuary. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee, the gentle hum of quiet conversations, and the soft clinking of cups create a comforting backdrop. For me, cafés became a place to pause and breathe.
Sitting alone with a latte, I found space to reflect without distractions. The ritual of ordering a favorite drink and watching the barista work with care grounded me. It was not just about the coffee but the environment that invited calm and presence.
Why cafés became my therapy
Cafés became my quiet therapy long before I ever named it that. They gave me permission to pause. To sit. To breathe. To exist without explaining my body or my pain.
Some cafés were loud and joyful. Some were calm and grounding. But all of them gave me something precious—choice.
Choice to dress comfortably.Choice to leave early without guilt.Choice to simply be.
For a few hours at a time, cafés softened the edges of my reality.
How cafés helped me heal:
Created a peaceful routine during chaotic times
Offered a neutral space to process thoughts
Encouraged mindfulness through sensory experiences
Provided gentle social connection without pressure
This simple act of spending time in cafés helped me slow down and reconnect with my feelings. It was a small but meaningful step toward healing.
Café Hopping Through My Lens ☕✨
Each café I visited held a different version of me—the tired one, the hopeful one, the dressed-up one, the quiet one. Here's how they stayed with me.
☕ Conçu
Conçu always made me feel graceful without effort. It's calm, elegant, and quietly reassuring—like it doesn't need to prove anything.
What I wore: A flowy midi dress in soft, neutral tones with comfortable flats. Nothing clingy. Nothing loud.
Why it mattered: On days my body felt unpredictable, this place made me feel composed again.
☕ Amro Café
Amro felt emotionally safe from the moment I walked in. Warm, unhurried, and welcoming.
What I wore: A loose cotton kurta with straight pants in earthy colors.
Why it mattered: I could sit here for hours without feeling rushed—physically or emotionally.
☕ Lush Café
Green, airy, and full of light. Lush lifted my mood instantly.
What I wore: A bright co-ord or a flowy top with relaxed trousers.
Why it mattered: Sometimes healing looks like surrounding yourself with things that feel hopeful.
☕ TGIF
TGIF gave me permission to be loud, laugh freely, and not be "careful" for a while.
What I wore: A stretchy dress or oversized top with jeggings and sneakers.
Why it mattered: Healing isn't always quiet. Sometimes it's noisy and joyful.
☕ Monastery
Minimal. Quiet. Respectful of silence.
What I wore: A monochrome outfit—loose trousers and a soft tee.
Why it mattered: This café understands solitude. And so did I, that day.
☕ Niloufer Café
Niloufer feels like Hyderabad itself—familiar, grounding, unchanged.
What I wore: Simple Indian wear with flats.
Why it mattered: On days I needed comfort without effort, this place held me.
☕ Panchakattu
Panchakattu felt rooted in a way that instantly calmed me. There was something deeply familiar about being there—like being reminded of where you come from, without anyone needing to say it out loud.
What I wore: A handloom kurta with soft pants and minimal jewellery.
Why it mattered: This place grounded me. On days when my mind felt scattered, Panchakattu brought me back to myself.
☕ Ideal Kitchen
Ideal Kitchen was simple, honest, and unpretentious—and that's exactly why it worked for me.
What I wore: An everyday cotton kurta set.
Why it mattered: I didn't have to think. About how I looked. About how I felt. I could just exist comfortably, and sometimes that's everything.
☕ Virasat
Virasat felt like stepping into grace. Everything about it slowed me down—in a good way.
What I wore: A flowy ethnic dress with a dupatta.
Why it mattered: It reminded me that tradition can feel soft, not heavy. That elegance doesn't have to come at the cost of comfort.
☕ Chowman
Chowman was easy. Lively without being overwhelming. Familiar without being boring.
What I wore: A stretchy dress or a loose top with relaxed pants.
Why it mattered: On days I didn't want to overthink anything—not plans, not outfits, not emotions—Chowman made it simple.
☕ Nellai
Nellai felt nostalgic. Comforting. Like something that has existed long before you and will exist long after.
What I wore: A soft cotton kurta with flats.
Why it mattered: It felt grounding. Like being held by familiarity when your body feels anything but familiar.
☕ True Black
True Black was quiet, minimal, and composed—stylish without demanding attention.
What I wore: A monochrome outfit with a relaxed silhouette.
Why it mattered: It let me feel chic without effort. Calm without dullness. Seen without being loud.
☕ Macau
Macau brought in color and energy—a shift I didn't know I needed that day.
What I wore: A bright top with comfortable bottoms.
Why it mattered: Sometimes healing looks like choosing cheer. Macau felt like a gentle reminder that lightness still belongs in my life.
☕ Xero Degree
Xero Degree was playful and uncomplicated. No emotional weight attached.
What I wore: A casual tee with relaxed pants.
Why it mattered: This was for low-energy days—when I wanted to step out without spending emotional currency.
☕ Ugadi Café
Ugadi Café felt festive, familiar, and warm—like celebration without chaos.
What I wore: Ethnic wear in soft, comforting colors.
Why it mattered: It reminded me that culture can feel nurturing, not overwhelming.
☕ Almond House
Almond House felt like a Hyderabad constant—reliable and comforting.
What I wore: An everyday kurta or a casual dress.
Why it mattered: Sometimes comfort comes from knowing exactly what to expect. This place gave me that certainty.
☕ Delhi Mithaiwala
Delhi Mithaiwala felt old-school and unapologetically itself.
What I wore: Simple Indian wear.
Why it mattered: There's something deeply soothing about places that don't try to reinvent themselves. This one didn't—and I loved it for that.
☕ Tatva
Tatva felt calm in a way that went beyond aesthetics. It was quiet, peaceful, and almost meditative.
What I wore: A loose kurta or a flowy dress.
Why it mattered: It aligned with where my body and mind were that day—gentle, slow, and inward.
☕ La Sabroso
La Sabroso was cheerful and light, without trying too hard.
What I wore: A comfortable co-ord or a casual dress.
Why it mattered: It lifted my mood without demanding energy I didn't have.
☕ Taj Vivanta
Taj Vivanta felt like being cared for. Polished, calm, and quietly luxurious.
What I wore: An elegant yet forgiving dress with flats.
Why it mattered: It made me feel held—like I could soften without feeling small.
☕ Babylon (Jubilee Hills)
Babylon carried the city's pulse—stylish, social, alive.
What I wore: A flowy dress or co-ord that felt put together but comfortable.
Why it mattered: It reminded me that I'm still part of the city's rhythm, even on slower days.
☕ Chili's
Chili's felt familiar and easy—no expectations attached.
What I wore: A casual dress or stretch jeans with a comfortable top.
Why it mattered: It let me relax completely. No performing. No pretending.
☕ Roast CCX
Roast CCX felt intentional. Grown. Calm.
What I wore: A structured yet relaxed outfit.
Why it mattered: It matched the phase I'm in—more mindful, more selective, more at ease with myself.
What cafés taught me about healing
Healing doesn’t look the same every day.
Some days it’s dressing up.Some days it’s choosing flats over heels.Some days it’s just showing up.
Cafés taught me that life doesn’t pause for pain—but it can soften around it.And clothes taught me that comfort is not giving up—it’s choosing yourself.
Clothes as a Form of Self-Expression and Comfort
Clothing often goes beyond fashion. It can be a way to express who we are or who we want to become. After a difficult period, I realized that the clothes I wore affected how I felt inside. Choosing outfits that felt authentic and comfortable became a form of self-care.
I started paying attention to fabrics, colors, and styles that made me feel safe and confident. Soft textures like cotton and linen brought physical comfort, while colors like warm earth tones and gentle blues soothed my mood. Wearing clothes that reflected my personality helped me reclaim a sense of identity.
Comfort Dressing: Redefining What I Wear
Before illness, clothes were just clothes. After illness, they became care.
I stopped dressing for validation and started dressing for relief. Soft fabrics. Forgiving silhouettes. Colors that lifted my mood.
What comfort dressing really means to me:
Comfort dressing isn't sloppy. It isn't careless. And it definitely isn't invisible.
It means:
Choosing clothes that don't fight your body
Fabrics that feel gentle on sensitive skin
Fits that allow bloating, fatigue, and fluctuation
Not apologizing for ease
How My Style Shifted After Illness
Before illness, I dressed for:
Occasions
Trends
Social approval
After illness, I dress for:
How long I'll be out
How much energy I have
Whether I'll be sitting, walking, or resting
How safe I want my body to feel
This shift didn't happen overnight. It came slowly—through trial, discomfort, learning, and finally acceptance.
The Comfort-First Pieces I Now Swear By
🌿 Soft dresses with room to breathe. Flowy dresses became my safest option. They don't cling, don't judge, and don't need constant adjusting.
Why they work: They adapt to your body instead of asking your body to adapt to them.
🌿 Relaxed trousers & wide-leg pants. Elasticated waists and soft waistbands are not a weakness—they're freedom.
Why they work: They allow movement, sitting, bloating, and long hours without discomfort.
🌿 Breathable Indian wear, Cotton kurtas, straight pants, light dupattas—especially on days when I need grounding.
Why they work: They feel familiar, culturally comforting, and gentle on the body.
🌿 Co-ord sets that don't try too hardMatching sets give structure without restriction.Why they work: They look intentional while feeling effortless—perfect for low-energy days when you still want to feel "put together."
🌿 Layers that empower, not hideShrugs, jackets, light overlays—not to conceal, but to feel held.Why they work: They add confidence without pressure.
Colors That Heal Quietly
I stopped choosing colors based on trends and started choosing them based on emotion.
I gravitate towards:
Soft neutrals on heavy days
Earthy tones when I need grounding
Bright colors when I want to feel hopeful
Color became a way to communicate with myself—What do I need today?
Dressing for the day you have
One of the hardest lessons was letting go of what I should wear and honoring what I can wear today.
Some days, that's a dress and jewellery. Some days, it's flats and an oversized top.
Both are valid. Both are beautiful.
Tips for using clothes to support emotional well-being:
Pick fabrics that feel good on your skin
Choose colors that uplift or calm you
Mix and match pieces that reflect your mood
Allow yourself to experiment without judgment
This process was not about following trends but about honoring my feelings and needs through what I wore.
Combining Cafés and Clothes for Deeper Healing
The real transformation happened when I combined these two sources of comfort. I began planning café visits around wearing outfits that made me feel good. This combination created a positive feedback loop: feeling comfortable in my clothes enhanced my café experience, and the calm of the café reinforced my confidence in my style choices.
For example, on a chilly morning, I wore a cozy sweater and soft scarf to my favorite café. The warmth of the clothes matched the warmth of the coffee, creating a full sensory experience that felt nurturing. These moments became anchors in my healing journey.
The cafés that held me (and what I wore)
When I look back, the cafés almost fall into emotional categories.
Calm, grounding cafés
Monastery · Niloufer Café · Tatva · Last House Coffee
These were my quiet cafés.The ones where silence felt safe.
I wore loose cotton dresses, soft kurtas, and monochrome outfits.Nothing restrictive. Nothing performative.
They gave me space to sit with myself—without judgment.
Elegant, aesthetic spaces
Conçu · Manam Chocolate Factory · Roast CCX · Taj Vivanta
These cafés reminded me that softness and strength can coexist.
Flowy dresses. Elegant co-ords. Minimal jewellery.Outfits that made me feel put together even when my body didn’t feel that way.
Familiar, comforting places
Chutneys · Ideal Kitchen · Nellai · Almond House · Delhi Mithaiwala
Predictability became peace here.
I wore everyday Indian wear—breathable, familiar, effortless.These places reminded me that routine can be deeply healing.
Social, energetic cafés
TGIF · Hard Rock Cafe · Babylon · Chili’s
On these days, I chose stretchy dresses, relaxed jeans, and jackets that made me feel confident.
They reminded me that joy still exists—and I’m allowed to reach for it.
Easy, everyday coffee spots
Third Wave Coffee · Roast 24×7 · True Black · Xero Degree
Low-energy days. No expectations.
Athleisure. Oversized tops. Relaxed trousers.These cafés met me exactly where I was.
What Cafés and Clothes Taught Me About Healing
Healing doesn't look the same every day.
Some days it's dressing up
Some days it's choosing flats over heels
Some days it's just showing up
Cafés taught me that life doesn't pause for pain—but it can soften around it.
And clothes taught me that comfort is not giving up—it's choosing yourself.
How to create your own healing routine:
Identify cafés that feel welcoming and peaceful
Select clothes that bring you comfort and joy
Plan visits where you can enjoy both together
Use these moments to check in with your emotions
This approach helped me build a stronger connection to myself and find joy in simple, everyday acts.
Moving Forward with Mindful Comfort
Healing is rarely a straight path, but small rituals can provide steady support. For anyone feeling lost or disconnected, exploring comfort through cafés and clothes offers a gentle way to reconnect with yourself. These moments invite you to slow down, listen to your needs, and express your true self.
Try creating your own routine that combines sensory comfort and personal expression. Notice how these simple acts affect your mood and sense of well-being. Over time, they can become powerful tools for emotional healing and self-discovery.
Remember, healing starts with small steps. Find your favorite café, pick clothes that feel right, and give yourself permission to enjoy these moments fully. Your journey to comfort and self-understanding is waiting.