ON THE BLOG
News and Updates
Setting Healthy Boundaries as an Introvert
If you’re an introvert, it’s important that you learn how to set healthy boundaries in your life. Especially if we want to preserve our energy and look after our mental health.
However, before we are able to set healthy boundaries, we need to actually understand what they look like. Boundaries can look different for all people, in all circumstances. We have boundaries with our partner, extended family members, friends, the community, business and social media. Sometimes we can fall within “enmeshed boundaries” or “rigid boundaries”.
In this video, I share more about what this looks like, and some journal questions that you can use to reflect on.
Gardening to be in your body.
As an INFJ, trauma survivor or empath- it can often be difficult to remain “in your body” and in the present moment.
In this weeks video, I share one way that we can be present, practicing mindfulness, and being in your body. I think when we master this, it helps us to be more balanced and overall happier.
8 Creative Ways to Develop Good Mental Health
Good mental health is more than developing a positive attitude. It involves understanding how to overcome daily stressors, being aware of your emotions, and learning methods to manage symptoms of mental health conditions. In addition to diet and fitness-based activities, this article will explore a few unique methods individuals can incorporate into their mental health routine.
Start Gardening
Working in your garden is a great way to distract yourself from work or relationship-related stressors. Additionally, being outside exposes you to some much-needed Vitamin-D, which helps increase the level of serotonin in your body. Serotonin is one of the prominent hormones which induce the feeling of happiness and make us experience positive moods.
If you don’t have a backyard, adding a few houseplants around the home will provide the same benefits. Aloe vera, peace lily, snake plant, and rosemary are some of the best options to consider.
2. Go for a Jog
At times, the best way to tackle stress is to put on your running shoes and go for a jog. Being a physically intensive activity, jogging prompts the release of various feel-good hormones such as endorphins, adrenaline, and oxytocin which are known for their stress alleviating effects. Additionally, jogging promotes mindfulness, helping your mind to enter a state of calm, the effects of which last well after you’ve completed the run.
3. Clean Your Home
Cleaning is often viewed as a chore; however, it has various therapeutic properties as well. If your home is a mess, decluttering will provide a sense of control and fulfillment. Additionally, as reported by Verywell Mind, individuals who live in a clean household experience lower levels of irritation, and stress, are high levels of productivity.
4. Work from Home
If work-related stress is bringing you down, negotiate with your employer to adopt a flexible working schedule that includes an option to work from home. Being at home allows you a safe space to manage mental health needs while avoiding the daily exertion of traveling and working in a rigid setting. Additionally, you’ll have more time for self-care activities such as cooking healthy meals, exercising, or practicing meditation.
5. Practice Creative Activities
Painting, drawing, origami, music, dancing, journaling, and signing are some of the many creative activities to channel your energy towards. Depending on your needs, these activities help you vent, introspect or explore thoughts that have been bothering you. Additionally, as you’ll undertake these activities in solitude, you don’t need to restrict yourself due to the fear of judgment.
6. Learn to Unplug
FOMO (fear of missing out) is one of the biggest drawbacks of constant social media use. It makes individuals feel that their lives aren’t as good as others resulting in low self-esteem, increased anxiety, and other mental health problems. Rather than scrolling for hours on social platforms, disconnect from the internet and invest time in activities that bring you joy, which could include reading, talking to friends, etc.
7. Volunteer at an Animal Shelter
Being around animals reduces feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress. If you’re not a pet owner, volunteering at the local animal shelter is a great way to spend time around animals. In addition to happier moods, you’ll find a sense of fulfillment through your efforts of helping the shelter manage their animal’s needs and find them a new home.
8. Try Personal Therapy
Talking about your mental health issues with a trained online counsellor from Paper Crane Of Hope is different compared to confiding in a friend or family member. A licensed mental-health therapist not only refrains from passing any judgment but will provide you guidance on managing symptoms. Additionally, a therapist serves as a trusted resource you can reach out to in times of need.
While eating healthy and being active are considered the pillars of good mental health, incorporating strategies like decluttering, working from home, and spending time with animals will provide an outlet to manage stress in any scenario that comes your way,
:Guest Blog Author- Harry Cline from NewCareGiver.org
Harry Cline is creator of NewCaregiver.org and author of the upcoming book, The A-Z Home Care Handbook: Health Management How-Tos for Senior Caregivers. As a retired nursing home administrator, father of three, and caregiver to his ninety-year-old uncle, Harry knows how challenging and rewarding caregiving can be. He also understands that caregiving is often overwhelming for those just starting out. He created his website and is writing his new book to offer new caregivers everywhere help and support.
Do introverts suit "hustle culture" ?
You might be surprised to know this, but many of my counselling clients are both introverts AND business owners (or in the phase of starting a business.)
This happened organically- it wasn’t something that I forced or put out there. But for some reason, I’ve had many introverted business people resonate with me and sign up for sessions.
Something that I don’t think gets talked about much is the “hustle culture”. Unfortunately, on the internet, there are so many loud people out there screaming things such as “Earn 6 figures in one month!” Or “Work hard, hustle harder”. Etc. And honestly, I’m not against the idea of someone earning 6 figures in a month (wouldn’t that be lovely! Haha!) but I do cringe at the hustle culture that is so often preached at us.
As introverts, INFJ’s or empaths- I just don’t think hustle culture is for us. Boy, I wish people understood this. That it’s okay to slowly build your business. That it’s okay to allow your business to work in with the life that YOU want. (i.e. Not feeling guilty for sleeping! Or taking time off! Or playing with your kids.)
I made the decision long ago, that I would be OKAY with slowly building a business… Because I knew then that my energy levels is not the same as someone else’s. When get get into comparison mode- that’s when we feel discouraged and fail.
So I’m here, giving you permission, that it’s okay to work within your own energy levels. As long as you keep taking one step at a time.
What about you? Do you like hustle culture? How does it make you feel when you read about it?