If you had a time machine and could send just one message to your past self, what would it say?
Me in October of 2022My poetry notebooks in 2022
To myself in 2022,
As I sit here in 2026 with the news of the 6th poetry acceptance, I’ll just tell you to never stop writing, never stop being yourself, never stop chasing your dreams and sharing your poetry. There is a place in the world for your simple verses and stanzas. There is community to be found online and locally. There will come a day like today that the path you chose as a writer, storyteller, and poet will one day be worth it. 🥳🥳🥳
I’d love to have dinner with Isabel Allende. I’m absolutely fascinated with her and love all of her books I’ve read so far. I’d like to pick her brain about her creative process and get writing advice from her. I have watched many of her interviews and a couple of Ted talks from her but I think being to talk to her in person would be so much better. Then again, I might fangirl too hard and go mute. 😳😪
The Science Behind Mood Swings in Borderline Personality Disorder by Sara from Mind Align Psychiatry
Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) requires a transition away from outdated misconceptions and toward a sophisticated appreciation of the biological and psychological mechanisms that orchestrate the human experience. At the epicenter of this disorder lies affective instability, a phenomenon commonly categorized as mood swings. It is vital to recognize that these fluctuations are not mere expressions of a temperamental disposition or manifestations of willful behavior. Rather, they are the profound result of intricate, cascading interactions within the brain, specifically involving the neural circuits responsible for emotional regulation and impulse control. By conducting a deep analysis of the neurobiology and the psychological frameworks that govern these rapid shifts, we can attain a much clearer, more compassionate perspective on why they manifest and the specific ways in which they can be mitigated through evidence-based practice.
The Neurobiological Architecture of Emotional Dysregulation
To fully grasp the intense nature of mood swings in the context of BPD, one must first examine the specific neurological structures that govern emotional processing. The limbic system, frequently described as the emotional command center of the human brain, occupies a primary role in this dynamic. In individuals living with BPD, this system often demonstrates a state of profound and persistent hyper-reactivity.
At the center of this reactivity is the amygdala, a small, almond-shaped structure tasked with functioning as the brain’s primary alarm system. Its evolutionarily ancient role is to detect environmental threats and initiate the physiological fight-or-flight response. Scientific research consistently indicates that the amygdala in those with BPD is exceptionally sensitive. This signifies that even neutral stimuli or mildly stressful interpersonal exchanges can be perceived by the brain as significant existential threats. This misinterpretation triggers an immediate, overwhelming, and highly intense emotional reaction before the higher-order brain centers have the opportunity to analyze the situation objectively.
Simultaneously, the prefrontal cortex—situated at the very front of the brain—is responsible for executive functions, including complex reasoning, long-term planning, and the regulation of volatile emotions. Under optimal conditions, the prefrontal cortex exerts top-down control over the amygdala, allowing an individual to perform a reality check before responding. However, in BPD, the neurological communication pathway between the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala is frequently compromised. The regulating brake of the prefrontal cortex often lacks the necessary strength to successfully dampen the rapid, surging accelerator of the amygdala. Consequently, emotions spike with extreme velocity and remain elevated for significantly longer durations than they would in neurotypical individuals. This systemic disconnect is a foundational biological pillar that drives the frequency and severity of BPD-related mood swings.
Psychological Catalysts and Rigid Cognitive Patterns
While the biological infrastructure provides the underlying capacity for emotional volatility, ingrained cognitive patterns and specific environmental triggers serve as the immediate catalysts for these shifts. A central psychological concept in the study of BPD is the mechanism of splitting, often referred to as black-and-white thinking. This cognitive bias forces the individual to process the world, other people, and their own sense of self into rigid, mutually exclusive categories of either “all good” or “all bad.”
When an individual experiences a perceived sign of rejection, failure, or criticism, this black-and-white lens intensifies the resulting emotional impact exponentially. If someone living with BPD interprets a delayed text message or a slightly blunt tone of voice as a definitive sign of abandonment, the amygdala initiates a fight-or-flight response, and the thought process pivots instantly toward the “all bad” extreme. Because there is no nuanced middle ground within this cognitive framework, the transition from feeling secure and attached to feeling entirely devastated occurs in a matter of seconds.
These shifts are further exacerbated by an extreme sensitivity to subtle social cues. Research suggests that the BPD brain is uniquely attuned to the minutiae of human interaction. Minor changes in facial expressions, shifts in body language, or variations in vocal tone are often magnified, leading to a state of heightened hypervigilance. The brain essentially works overtime to scan the environment for evidence of impending abandonment, which unfortunately creates a self-fulfilling cycle. In this state, the desperate attempt to avoid pain ends up triggering the very emotional instability that threatens the stability of important relationships. This level of sensitivity is not a deficit of character; it is a neurological state of constant high alert that makes the process of emotional regulation a monumental, exhausting endeavor.
The Intersection of Developmental Stress and Invalidation
It is impossible to conduct a thorough analysis of the science of BPD without acknowledging the crucial intersection of biological predisposition and environmental history. The prevailing scientific consensus is established through the biosocial model, which posits that BPD emerges from a complex interaction between a child’s innate biological vulnerability and a long-term invalidating environment.
Biological vulnerability refers to a natural temperament characterized by heightened emotional sensitivity, extreme emotional intensity, and a notably slow return to an emotional baseline after being triggered. When a child possessing this specific temperament is raised in an environment that consistently invalidates, dismisses, or punishes their internal emotional experiences, they often fail to acquire the foundational skills necessary to label, manage, or self-soothe their emotions effectively.
Invalidation manifests when a person’s authentic internal experiences are disregarded or trivialized as being “dramatic” or “unfounded.” Over time, the child internalizes the message that their internal signals are incorrect or unacceptable. As they progress into adulthood, this historical lack of self-validation makes it profoundly difficult to regulate mood swings independently. The brain effectively remains stuck in a developmental state where emotions are experienced as external, uncontrollable, and dangerous forces rather than manageable, internal occurrences. This history of chronic invalidation reinforces the brain’s inability to calm itself, as the neural pathways required for effective self-soothing were never given the chance to develop or strengthen during critical developmental years.
Pathways to Neuroplasticity and Stability
The science behind BPD is not a permanent sentence of unavoidable suffering. The concept of neuroplasticity—the brain’s inherent ability to reorganize its structure by forming new, healthier neural connections—provides a scientifically supported path toward increased stability. Modern therapeutic interventions are explicitly designed to physically alter how the brain processes, interprets, and reacts to emotional stimuli.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) serves as the gold standard for clinical treatment in BPD. It focuses on teaching concrete, actionable skills across four primary modules: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Through the consistent and repeated application of these skills, patients help strengthen the prefrontal cortex’s functional ability to exert influence over the amygdala. In a sense, the consistent application of DBT acts as a form of neuro-physical therapy, training the brain to shift from impulsive bottom-up reactivity to measured, top-down regulation.
Beyond traditional clinical settings, some individuals find supplemental support through digital resources or the guidance of a virtual psychiatrist to facilitate consistent access to cognitive behavioral exercises. While personalized, face-to-face professional guidance remains the most potent tool, the core of long-term recovery resides in the diligent, consistent internal work of recognizing, labeling, and mitigating emotional surges as they arise. By maintaining consistency in therapy and prioritizing lifestyle habits like structured sleep hygiene and active stress management, the nervous system can eventually transition from a state of exhausting hypervigilance to one of sustainable calm.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The emotional fluctuations associated with Borderline Personality Disorder are deeply embedded within the complex architecture of the brain and the nuanced interplay of an individual’s life history. By viewing these behavioral challenges through a rigorous scientific lens, we have the opportunity to replace the weight of stigma with the light of empathy, and the confusion of uncertainty with the clarity of clinical understanding. The hyper-reactivity of the limbic system, the rigid cognitive distortions of black-and-white thinking, and the cumulative impact of chronic environmental invalidation all converge to produce the intense emotional shifts that define this experience.
It is critical to understand that recovery is not only possible but is a demonstrated reality for countless individuals who commit to the process. This journey begins with the fundamental acknowledgement that emotional regulation is not an innate talent, but rather a functional skill that can be developed and refined over time. As scientific research continues to advance our knowledge of the neurobiology of personality, our capacity to provide targeted, effective, and compassionate support will only continue to grow.
What’s the best way to deal with negative thoughts?
On the days when I feel like a complete failure cause I got like 3 or 4 rejection emails for my poems and my bank account is almost in the negative. I do a couple of things.
Go for a walk or the gym to exercise the frustration out.
Selfie while on the treadmill
Or I write a list of new goals and manifestations.
I also remind myself that bad days are inevitable and temporary. Try to remind myself how much progress I’ve had the past 10 years and I’ve been through worst times and made it through the other side. Also, at the very least, I will have gotten inspiration for a new poem so, technically I still win. I also remind myself that rejection and failure are part of the process and have also been my greatest lessons.
Mastering the Business Side of Creativity Without Losing Your Passion by Ian Garza
For small creative business owners, designers, writers, makers, and photographers, the work itself often feels electric, and everything around it can feel like a drag. Business management challenges stack up fast: money conversations, client expectations, messy timelines, and the constant fear that structure will smother artistic passion. Many creative entrepreneurs end up balancing creativity and business by pushing the admin tasks to late nights, then wondering why the spark starts to dim. With a few steady foundations, the business can support the art instead of competing with it.
Quick Summary: Creative Business Basics
Set pricing with confidence by choosing a simple strategy you can explain and stand behind.
Use basic contracts and clear invoices to protect your work and get paid smoothly.
Build a lightweight workflow that keeps projects moving without draining your creative energy.
Market authentically by showing your work and values in a way that feels like you.
Organize finances with simple systems so you always know what is coming in and going out.
Set Up Your Creative Business in One Clean Pass
Here’s one way to walk through this.
This process helps you put simple business foundations in place without smothering your creative energy. For general readers, it matters because a few clear defaults reduce stress, speed up payment, and prevent awkward client or contractor situations.
Pick a basic legal structure you can live with Start with the simplest option that fits your reality today, not an imaginary future version of your career. If you are solo and testing demand, many people begin as a sole proprietor, then switch later if taxes, liability, or growth make it worthwhile. If you are weighing an LLC, use a clear state-by-state breakdown like Zippy LLCs to compare filing requirements and formation-service options without overthinking it. Write down what you are optimizing for this year: simplicity, protection, or scalability.
Compare setup paths and choose your “today plan” Create a side-by-side list with three columns: “Do it myself,” “Use a formation service,” and “Hire a pro.” Compare them by cost, time, and how confident you will feel filing and tracking basics. Choose the path that you will actually complete this week, because finish beats perfect.
Set pricing with a minimum floor and a simple menu Pick a baseline rate that covers your time, tools, and admin work, then build a small menu of 2 to 4 common offers with clear deliverables. A quick way to keep your spark is to price for outcomes and boundaries, not endless revisions. Add one sentence to each offer that defines what “done” means.
Use an independent-contractor contract and stay consistent Use a straightforward contract template for every project, even with friends, so expectations stay calm and professional. If you ever hire help, start with a contractor vs employee classification assessment so you do not accidentally treat a contractor like staff. Watch for red flags like company-provided training that can blur the relationship.
Invoice from a template and lock in a repeatable workflow Create one invoice template with your pay terms, late fee language if you use it, and a short description of what the client is paying for. Then build a tiny workflow you reuse: inquiry, scope, contract, first invoice, work, final delivery, final invoice, archive. Put it in a checklist so your admin takes minutes, not mental space.
You are building a container that protects your art, not a cage that limits it.
Streamline Admin with One Hub for Setup, Compliance, and Routines
Once your foundation is in place, the next win is making the day-to-day admin feel lighter instead of louder.
A comprehensive business platform can pull your scattered tasks, contracts, invoices, expense tracking, branding, and compliance, into one place, so you’re not rebuilding the wheel every time a new project lands. That kind of “single hub” setup reduces decision fatigue: fewer logins, fewer tabs, fewer half-finished systems competing for your attention. Whether you’re forming an LLC, keeping up with compliance requirements, creating a website, or handling finances, a platform like ZenBusiness can pair comprehensive services with expert support, helping you keep the back office moving without it stealing your creative energy. The result isn’t a more complicated business, it’s a simpler, more reliable one, where your tools and routines protect your time, keep your work organized, and make steady growth feel doable.
With that steadiness under you, marketing can shift from “ugh, I should” to a repeatable, low-pressure way to be found by the right people.
Market Yourself Without Feeling Salesy: A Simple Playbook
Marketing gets a lot easier when it stops feeling like a separate personality you have to put on. The goal is an authentic marketing rhythm you can repeat, even on busy weeks, without draining your creative spark.
Build a “small but sharp” portfolio: Pick 6–10 pieces that show the work you want more of, not everything you can do. Give each piece a 1–2 sentence caption: the problem, your approach, and the outcome (even if the outcome is qualitative, like “approved on first round”). Put it all in one link you can drop into emails, proposals, and invoices so your admin “hub” supports your marketing instead of creating extra steps.
Choose three brand anchors and reuse them everywhere: Consistent personal branding doesn’t mean a perfect aesthetic, it means people recognize you quickly. Decide on (a) one sentence for what you do, (b) three words for your vibe (e.g., “playful, precise, calm”), and (c) two proof points (e.g., turnaround time, process, niche). A useful reminder is that a personal brand isn’t about performance, it’s about purpose, so keep your anchors tied to what you value, not what you think will “sell.”
Write two case studies using a repeatable template: You don’t need a long blog, two solid “before/after” stories do a lot of heavy lifting. Use this structure: Context → Constraints → Your process → Result → What you’d do again. Keep each one to 200–300 words and add one image or screenshot. This gives you ready-made material for your website, pitch emails, and even a proposal section.
Collect social proof like it’s part of the project: Add a 2-minute “wrap” step to your workflow: request a testimonial the day you deliver, while the win is fresh. Offer prompts so it’s easy: “What were you struggling with before?” “What changed?” “What would you tell a friend about working together?” The most common types of social proof include reviews, testimonials, user-generated content, and case studies, pick two formats and standardize them.
Use low-pressure outreach that sounds like you: Save three short messages and personalize them in under five minutes: a “saw your work” compliment, a “quick idea” relevant to their project, and a clear ask (a 15-minute call or permission to send a one-page scope). This works because it’s human; 45% of respondents say incessant advertising made them lose confidence in a brand, so lead with relevance and respect, not volume.
Set a sustainable weekly marketing block (and track it like admin): Put one 30–45 minute block on your calendar for “visibility”: update one portfolio caption, request one testimonial, send two outreach notes, or post one process photo. Keep a simple log in the same place you track invoices and deadlines so you can see what effort leads to inquiries. That clarity also makes it easier to set confident policies around deposits, boundaries, and what happens when the scope shifts.
Business Boundaries FAQs for Busy Creatives
Q: How do I set boundaries with clients without sounding “difficult”? A: Frame boundaries as a process that protects the work, not a rule that punishes people. Use simple lines like, “Here’s what I can deliver by Friday,” and “Here’s what needs a change request.” Put response hours and revision limits in writing before you start.
Q: What should a deposit policy actually say? A: Keep it plain: the deposit amount or percentage, when it’s due, and that work begins after payment clears. Add one sentence on refunds, such as “Deposits are non-refundable once scheduling and prep begin.” Include the remaining payment timing tied to milestones or delivery.
Q: How do I stop scope creep when clients keep adding “tiny” requests? A:Understand scope creep to name the issue, then offer two options: swap something out, or approve a paid add-on. This matters because uncontrolled requirement changes can derail projects, even when everyone has good intentions.
Q: When should I use a change order versus just being flexible? A: Use a change order when the request affects time, deliverables, or number of revisions. If it’s truly minor, confirm it in one sentence in email so both of you agree on what changed. The goal is clarity, not bureaucracy.
Q: Can financial tracking be simple enough for tax time? A: Yes: track income, expenses, and receipts in one place, and schedule a 15-minute weekly update. A practical starting point is pulling last year’s tax return so you know which forms and categories you’ll likely need again.
Small policies create big calm, and calm is where your best work shows up.
Simplify Your Systems So Your Creativity Stays Centered
When you’re trying to protect your creative spark, business tasks can feel like a constant tug-of-war with your time and energy. The steadier path is a simple, repeatable approach: start small, keep it consistent, and let confidence in business systems build through practice rather than pressure. With clear boundaries, basic tracking, and a few foundational business tools, finances and workflows stay tidy enough that decisions get easier instead of louder. A simple system you use beats a perfect system you avoid. Pick three tools, then schedule a 30-minute monthly business review to keep things honest and manageable as you begin scaling your creative business. That steady rhythm is what turns talent into resilience, stability, and room to grow.
this is inspired by the 2006 poem, “did I ask for your advice”
well meaning unsolicited advice and opinions from others Made me feel like I was a failure like I wasn’t doing enough to better myself it always comes after a life changing event- a new baby, marriage, and most recently my divorce In my 20s it drove me crazy In my 40s I nod, smile, take whatever is helpful and move on
In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become an unwelcome companion for many of us, often creeping into our lives when we least expect it. Whether it stems from our professional responsibilities, personal relationships, or the myriad of challenges that daily life presents, understanding and managing stress is crucial for maintaining our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. This guide from Life on the BPD aims to shed light on the common stressors that pervade our lives, offering insights on how to identify them and practical strategies for handling these pressures effectively.
Understand Your Stress
Carving out time for reflection is crucial for identifying the root causes of your stress. By setting aside moments each day or week to acknowledge instances when you felt overwhelmed, you can gain insights into what triggers your stress responses. This understanding is foundational, as it guides you toward effective stress management strategies. Reflecting on your experiences not only sheds light on the sources of your stress but also helps you recognize patterns and triggers, making it easier to address them moving forward.
Embrace Mindfulness
Mindfulness serves as a stabilizing force amidst the tumultuous waves of stress. Practices such as deep breathing exercises and meditation offer refuge by anchoring you in the present moment. This focus on the here and now acts as a buffer against the chaos of stress, providing a sense of calm and clarity. By integrating mindfulness into your daily routine, you can develop a resilient mindset that is better equipped to handle stress, ensuring that you remain centered and balanced even in challenging times.
Establish Boundaries for Stress Reduction
Setting clear boundaries is essential in safeguarding your mental health. By defining limits in work, relationships, and personal commitments, you can prevent stress from encroaching on your well-being. This practice helps in managing expectations and commitments, ensuring that your time and energy are spent on what truly matters. Establishing boundaries empowers you to navigate life with more ease and less stress, promoting a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.
Lean Into Physical Activity
Physical activity is a potent tool in the fight against stress. Engaging in exercises, whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga, or a session at the gym, can significantly relieve tension. The physical exertion releases endorphins, improving your mood and reducing stress. Regular physical activity not only benefits your physical health but also acts as a therapeutic release for emotional and psychological stress, contributing to overall well-being.
Explore Alternative Stress Relief Methods
Diverse approaches to stress management can offer fresh perspectives and solutions. Techniques such as yoga, acupuncture, and guided imagery provide unique pathways to relaxation and mental clarity.
Yoga: Practicing yoga combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to reduce stress and enhance overall well-being. Yoga helps release tension in the body, while the meditative aspects can improve mental clarity and reduce anxiety.
Acupuncture: This ancient Chinese medicine technique involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to balance energy flow. It can help reduce stress by promoting relaxation, decreasing the body’s production of stress hormones, and improving sleep quality.
THCa (Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid): THCa, a non-psychoactive precursor to THC found in available forms of THCa in raw cannabis, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Its potential to reduce stress comes from its ability to modulate the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a key role in regulating mood and stress responses.
Ashwagandha: This herb, used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, is known for its adaptogenic properties, helping the body manage stress more effectively. Ashwagandha can lower cortisol levels, enhance brain function, and improve sleep patterns, making it a powerful tool for combating stress and anxiety.
Exploring these alternatives can uncover new methods to alleviate stress, catering to individual preferences and needs. By being open to different therapies, you can find the most effective and enjoyable ways to maintain your mental well-being, enhancing your ability to cope with stress.
The Importance of Social Support
Sharing your struggles with stress can be incredibly therapeutic. Opening up to trusted individuals creates a support network that can offer comfort and advice. This act of vulnerability can illuminate both the sources of your stress and potential solutions, making the burden easier to bear. The support of friends, family, or professionals not only provides emotional relief but also strengthens your resilience, making you better equipped to manage stress.
As we journey through the complexities of life, embracing a holistic approach to managing stress can lead to a more fulfilling and balanced existence. By identifying the sources of our stress and exploring both traditional and alternative methods for addressing them, we empower ourselves to navigate life’s ups and downs with grace and resilience. Remember, managing stress is not about eliminating challenges from our lives but about enhancing our ability to cope with them. With patience, practice, and persistence, we can transform our relationship with stress, turning our experiences into opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
Join the journey at Life on the BPD, where trauma is turned into triumph. Dive deep into stories that resonate, learn from shared experiences, and become part of a community that embraces growth and healing.
and if they don’t heed my warning, I’ll be here for them and get revenge for them
I warn my sons about falling in love with poets and writers I try to dissuade them from it They’ll use any insensitive comment you ever made into a salty verse dripped with not so subtle insults They’ll use your most intimate moments as metaphors for heaven or earthquakes They’ll describe you as God or the Devil depending on how you left them They’ll make you a villain in their stories or worst, the hero in them And the worst part- They’ll make you way bigger in their mind than you ever wanted to be so , I plead with you, fall in love with a boring accountant or a teacher or even a lawyer You’ll avoid the stress of being someone’s inspiration, someone’s muse and the chaos and drama that comes along with it
Since the world is more social than ever, with connections available at every moment of the day, an introvert can quickly become burnt out. Introspective individuals like yourself need personal time to refresh and recharge, and it often requires creative ideas to carve that time out. Today, Life on the BPD presents some techniques you can implement to boost your self-care and live your best life.
Do a Daily Digital Detox
Just because you can be available 24/7 doesn’t mean you should be. Before smartphones and tablets, people could remain productive without having every friend and family member on demand. Train others to get used to you being unavailable at every moment by scheduling do not disturb times on your devices. Set automatic instant message and email responses for when you’re not on the clock that mentions when you can respond to messages again.
Unapologetically acknowledge your busy schedule to let people know you value them, but you give each assignment your undivided attention. Set at least a half-hour daily to disconnect from all devices and social media for the sake of your mental health.
Use Breathing Exercises
Henry Ford Health notes that a few minutes for a breathing break can be all you need to recalibrate your mind and body during overwhelming moments. Try pursed lip breathing to calm your mind and lessen stress. Diaphragmatic breathing can help you to fall asleep and manage your nervous system. The lion’s breath technique is useful for invigorating yourself when you feel exhausted.
Change Your Mattress
We all know how vital a good night’s rest can be when it comes to helping us recharge to face the next day’s challenge, but sometimes, that’s easier said than done. Luckily, you can greatly improve your sleep quality with a mattress – especially if you haven’t changed yours in ages! Here are some top-rated options that make the most of modern technology to give you a sleep solution that’s impossible to beat.
Keep Things Tidy
Cleaning and decluttering your home can be an incredibly effective way to reduce stress and improve living spaces. Having a neat, organized space can help reduce anxiety as it allows for better concentration and focus. Additionally, getting rid of excess clutter can make your space feel fresher and lighter. This allows for better air circulation, creating more positive energy in the space.
Decluttering also helps reduce distractions in the environment, promoting a calmer atmosphere that leads to better clarity of thought and focus. Cleaning up also gives you an opportunity to destress by focusing on tasks that don’t require a lot of mental stimulation. In conclusion, cleaning and decluttering your home can be helpful for reducing anxiety and ushering out negative energy from the environment.
Establish Personal Boundaries
Establishing boundaries with your time is crucial for productivity, overall well-being, and healthy relationships. Without setting limits and prioritizing your time, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and fall into a cycle of stress and burnout, especially if you are an introvert.
By intentionally setting aside time for work, self-care, and relationships, you can create a balance that allows you to be more present and efficient in all aspects of your life. Boundaries can look different for different people. Perhaps you limit time with certain friends or family members who rub you the wrong way, or you cut toxic people out of your life.
You can also use technology to provide buffers, like a video doorbell that allows you to screen visitors or security cameras you can check to ensure your pesky neighbor isn’t outside when you leave for your run. If you encounter any technical glitches, look online for free troubleshooting resources first in order to avoid yet another social encounter with a repair person. Fortunately, many of these small glitches can be handled quickly and easily with a little guidance.
Start Gardening
Creating your own private paradise offers many benefits. Thrive Global points out that emotional and physical health benefits from regular immersion in fresh air. Getting on your hands and knees or working with tools to cultivate the earth provides needed movement. Caring for plants reinforces the value of self-care and promotes calm, concentration, and creativity.
Begin a Fitness Program
Physical activity gives you the energy to endure moments of stress and can stave off depression and worry. Make room for exercise in your weekly plan. Even if you have a lot of work taking up your time, you can find unique ways to add some movement to your day. Forgo the elevator and use the stairs. Go for a walk or a bike ride during your lunch break. If you work in a walkable area, make it a point to walk to get your daily coffee or set up a lunch meeting at a location that you can walk to.
If you have your own office and can’t physically go outside for a walk or ride, put up a “Do not disturb” sign and set up a piece of exercise equipment with virtual software and apps to take a trip through new and exciting areas.
Make a Career Adjustment
Don’t continue with employment that saps your energy and is unrewarding. If possible, start your own business to guarantee that you’re involved in an industry and service that is fulfilling and helpful to others. Identify your strengths and market opportunities to determine where you can provide a unique offering.
However, be aware that starting your own business also means carrying your own health insurance. Fortunately, there are discounted plans available through state-specific programs that were implemented because of the Affordable Care Act. Check out your options before you dive into entrepreneurship so you aren’t left without the ability to care for your physical and mental health.
Once you decide to move forward with your business, you’ll need to spend time developing a robust marketing campaign. Your creativity can help distinguish you from the competition and create a brand identity. In addition to spreading the word via social media, broaden your customer base through some old fashioned approaches like putting up posters. To save money, design a custom poster all by yourself using these free templates that you can customize as needed.
Care for Your Mental and Physical Health
Believe it or not, it’s impossible to thrive as an introvert in this overly connected world. Work time into your schedule to break away, spend some time decluttering and cleaning your home, change up your mattress to improve your sleep quality, proudly promote your work, and care for your mind and body so you can remain joyful and healthy.
Life on the BPD is here to help you survive and even thrive in the face of trauma. Please scroll down to find our comment form.
Anxiety can affect your long-term health. It can limit your ability to exert control, paralyze you, and make you feel helpless. In fact, according to a study by the Global Burden of Disease, depression is the sixth-leading cause of disability. Fortunately, there are things you can do to prevent anxiety attacks. Here are just a few, presented below by Life on the BPD.
Spend Time Outdoors
Spending more time outdoors can reduce anxiety and stress. Your brain receives more oxygen when you breathe in the fresh air, resulting in increased levels of serotonin — the neurotransmitter that alters your mood. Simply walking to the store for milk can lower your levels of cortisol, a stress-causing chemical in your body.
You’re more likely to feel tired at night if you spend more time outdoors during the day. The better sleep you get at night, the less anxiety you’ll experience the following day.
Find a More Rewarding Job
Many people find themselves in jobs that they do not enjoy which causes anxiety. If you are one of these people, it may be time to start looking for a more rewarding job. When searching for a new job, think about what you are looking for in a job and consider your interests and skills.
Once you have a good idea of what you want, begin your search by looking at job postings online. Take the time to update your resume with your latest skills and experience. This free resume may help you get started. You can use this – or similar – templates, which you can modify by adding your own fonts, colors, and images. It will give you a great start to refreshing your current resume.
You may find that, instead of a new job, you’re more interested in a new career with new possibilities. In that case, consider going back to school. There are plenty of reputable, accredited schools with online degree and certification programs, so you can complete coursework on your own time. This page deserves a look if you are interested in technology-related certifications, like CompTIA A+, Cloud+, or Operations Specialist.
Keep an Anxiety Journal
Recording your daily stress and anxiety levels through an anxiety journal is a simple and guided process. Writing them down helps you identify triggers and negative situations that cause your anxiety. So where do you start?
Write down your concerns. Write down any immediate concerns you have. Describe them in detail while remembering that with anxiety, it’s not always about what’s happening in the here and now but what’s on the horizon.
Review what you’ve written. Ask yourself questions along the lines of: what are the odds of this happening? How do you know? Are you certain? How could you change a negative into a positive if your worries materialize?
Rewrite the script. Write down one or more ways to approach a thought or fear differently. Next to your fears, write down different possibilities, and create new endings.
These are just a few ideas to get you started on your anxiety journal. VeryWell Mind explains that writing in your journal daily helps you better understand your anxiety and hopefully prevents future anxiety attacks.
Create a Happy and Clutter-Free Environment
Your anxiety levels may increase if your family constantly argues, complains, and is overly critical. You can relieve tension in your home by creating a welcoming and vibrant space. Open your windows to let in the fresh air, declutter, and do a deep clean to bring positivity.
It helps if you optimize your workspace to avoid work-related stress. Rather than sitting in a traditional office chair for long periods, try an ergonomic one. They help keep your body safe and upright to reduce stress on the spine and neck. Insufficient office lighting can reduce energy, dampen mood, and cause eyestrain. Position your desk so that your back is facing the window. You’ll benefit from the light and avoid distractions. In the absence of natural light in your workspace, you can create the illusion of natural window lighting using light colors, such as white and cream, on the walls.
Start Living Again
Having anxiety can prevent you from leading a normal life. You can get so worked up about an upcoming event that when it arrives, you’re a nervous wreck. Or the simple idea of doing things becomes overwhelming. Anxiety can be debilitating, but there are strategies you can use to calm yourself and lower your anxiety levels. Start by spending some time outside every day (if possible) and use an anxiety journal to help process your feelings. And if your job – or career – isn’t working for you, build a new resume and find a new opportunity. This is your life. Don’t let your anxious mind control it for you.
Life can be challenging, but it’s better to experience it together. Life on the BPD is my attempt to share my challenges to make others feel less alone – and to process my own experiences. Visit my website today to join our community.
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