DiveThru is a mental wellbeing app that helps you take charge of your mental wellbeing. Harnessing the power of guided journaling exercises, we help you take charge of your mental wellbeing.
Ahhhh dating. Isn’t it a fun time? Just kidding. It can feel like playing the lottery every day and not even winning $25 to cover the cost of the tickets.
What’s even worse is when you feel like you’re getting somewhere with a person and then POOF! Ghosted! Out of nowhere!
If you’re reading this article then we assume that you’ve probably been ghosted. Sorry to hear that, friend. We’ve all been there. The DiveThru team member writing this blog has umm… some pretty fucking sad first-hand experience with being ghosted. She kept her Skype open for 5 HOURS one time waiting to talk to a boy who said he’d call but never did. DEVASTATING. So uhhh, ya. We definitely get it. Getting ghosted is never on the daily to-do list, and — like every victim of a supernatural occurrence such as this — we don’t know why it happened and can only guess as to why this person has left you on read.
Let’s theorize together, shall we?
Option 1: They Suck
If they’re anything like the boy who didn’t call back our writer, they probably suck (she’s CLEARLY not bitter about it since she keeps bringing it up). You seem like a really awesome person and your ghoster probably didn’t deserve to hang out with you anyway. We won’t ghost you. Promise!
Option 2: They Don’t Suck and Are Just Going Through Something
When people go through some tough shit, they can sometimes ghost a person because they just don’t have the emotional capacity to explore a relationship.They might not want to talk about their feelings or life with anyone, and the best way they can deal with the situation is by shutting down. Sometimes, people get too overwhelmed to communicate, and ignoring everyone and everything is just how they cope.
It can be really hard trying to balance a new person’s feelings AND an emotional crisis at the same time! It’s a lot to mentally and emotionally take on, so if this is the case, give them a little slack. They’re probably going through a lot.
Option 3: They’re a Player
‘Cause you know I love the players, and you love the game!
So, this clearly wasn’t forever and it went down in flames a bit, hey? Some people might just like the chase. They love the thrill of meeting someone new and the intense attraction that comes with it. But once that attraction dwindles a bit or they find someone new to fancy, they ghost the first person and focus their efforts on the new one.
Do they even care how getting ghosted feels?! It can really hurt when you feel like you’ve been used! It’s not an easy feeling to process, or even get over, so be gentle with yourself and allow yourself to feel the way you need to.
Option 4: Intimacy
Some people just can’t handle intimacy. Maybe they wanted a super casual thing but you might’ve wanted more? Getting to know someone on a deeper level can be some intense stuff, so they might not have been ready for that.
They also might not like when people get to know them in a romantic way, either. They might have gone through some stuff in the past that really hurt them and aren’t totally over that trauma. The only way they know to protect themselves is by keeping people at an arm’s length.
Option 5: They Don’t Want to Hurt Your Feelings
Sometimes ghosters don’t know how to easily let down a ghostee. The best way they know how to deal with it is just by not replying anymore.
It’s kind of the easy way out for them…but not you. You’re left with soooo many questions and zero closure about the situation. But sadly, they might just not know how to honestly and kindly communicate their feelings.
Option 6: They Don’t Want Anything Serious
Unfortunately, some people like to disappear if there is even a whiff of commitment in the air. “Making it official? No thanks!” Then they turn to dust and float away with the wind.
It can be frustrating because you didn’t even get the chance to communicate your thoughts and feelings about commitment to them. They might’ve just made an assumption and got scared.
We obviously can’t totally understand why someone might have ghosted you because we are just some words on the internet at the moment. But we hope that this allowed you to commiserate and maybe guess as to why someone might have ghosted you.
Like we said, you seem REALLY COOL! So, come back and talk to us again sometime. Neither of us will ghost the other. DEAL? Deal!
When you think of grief, what usually comes to mind? For us, it’s alllllll of the pain and the emotions that come with experiencing a huge loss. And for those who have had to face losing a loved one in the past, this may seem like a very familiar feeling. We’re glad you’re here. It’s important to recognize that we all handle grief differently and move through the process at our own pace. But it’s also important to note that we can grieve many different things…especially the things that have an impact on our lives. Like the environment, for instance! It’s called climate grief and yes, it’s becoming a real concern.
What Is Climate Grief?
We experience ecological grief when we take notice of, or fear, the negative effects on our planet due to climate change. This can include loss of species, ecosystems and the anticipation of natural disasters. If you’ve ever felt pain at the extinction of a rare animal or the clearcutting of trees in a historical park, then you’ve definitely experienced climate grief before!
It’s becoming more common as our society starts to take notice of the crisis we’re facing. More people are becoming conscious of their environmental impact and are making efforts to reduce their carbon footprint. But, with this awareness has come an overwhelming sense of eco-grief. And because it’s still very new to the conversation of mental health you might not know how to process it.
A report published by the American Psychological Association explains that “the ability to process information and make decisions without being disabled by extreme emotional responses is threatened by climate change.” Sooo yeah, the emotional trauma and distress so many of us are experiencing from the effects of climate change are very real and totally valid.
Grieving a loss can be challenging, especially when it’s something as massive as the whole planet! You might feel like no one else understands your feelings, but we promise that you’re not alone. So many others have the same fears you do! They grieve when another landscape is lost, another species becomes extinct, or another natural disaster hits.
You might be wondering: How will I ever process climate grief, especially when it seems like there’s more to grieve everyday?! It’s hard, we know. But, here are some ways you can deal without it consuming your overall wellbeing:
1. Acknowledge Your Feelings
Obviously, nobody LIKES to feel emotional pain. If we could, we’d probably turn off all negative emotions like a switch so that all of the hurt can never affect us again! Buuut that’s not reality, unfortunately.
Take the time to let yourself feel the clusterfuck of emotions you’re going through right now. You might be feeling sad, angry, scared, hopeless, or all of the above! And that’s okay. Remind yourself that your feelings are valid. Repressing these emotions will only weigh you down! Instead, tell yourself: I feel ___ because ___ and that’s okay.I’m allowed to feel how I feel. It’s a simple act but validating your emotions is the first step to navigating them — trust us!
2. Look at What You CAN Change
Watching natural disasters or large spills on the news might make you feel discouraged. Maybe even like your efforts are meaningless? Sure, you’re a recycling advocate and you bike to work instead of drive. But what’s the point when apparently one hundred energy companies are actually responsible for 71% of all industrial emissions?! You’re only one person…how can you make a real difference to combat climate change?
First of all, don’t beat yourself up or believe your actions aren’t ever enough. They absolutely are! The choices you make every day add up, no matter how small they might seem. Take notice of all the good you already do and look at areas where you can improve. It will help you regain that sense of control you might be missing right now.
3. Then Accept What You CAN’T Change
In a perfect world, we’d be able to save every endangered animal and ecosystem. Unfortunately, for every win we find, there are still gonna be some losses. We just can’t do it all! Even though your efforts do make a big difference, there’s still a lot that is ultimately out of your hands. It’s a realization that may be hard to accept, we know. But accepting some environmental loss comes with accepting what you cannot change. It can weigh heavy on your shoulders, but remember — you are still doing your part. And the fact that you care so much is a really POWERFUL thing!
4. Know That You’re Not Alone
Does it sometimes feel like you’re the only one who cares this much about the loss of the environment? You’re not alone, we promise! There are millions of people out there who also are incredibly passionate about our planet, even if they’re not in your immediate circle. If you don’t have anyone in your personal life who you can relate to, it’s not a bad idea to reach out to some like-minded people who feel the same way you do. Which brings us to the next point:
5. Get Involved With Like-Minded People
Climate grief can be a really personal thing to navigate, but teaming up with like-minded people can do wonders for your grieving process! Try volunteering in your community. Join an environmental club, or start your own. Set up an online group to talk about your feelings and ideas about climate change. Making new friends and connections who share your values can help you process all of the shitty emotions you’re dealing with and help you feel a little more hopeful about the future.
6. Use Your Support System
Finding a support system to vent your feelings to is super important! We don’t want you to bottle everything up inside (unless it’s a reusable bottle! HA) to the point where you feel like you might combust. It’s not so great for your mental, or overall, wellbeing. So lean on those like-minded people and find a safe space to share your feelings. Being there for other people and having them be there for you in return is a 10/10 great way to cope with climate grief. We’re alllll in this together!
7. Enjoy Spending Time in Nature
The internet can be a great place for connection. But when you’re exposed to one climate disaster after the next, and the loss of beautiful species and landscapes, it can actually make you feel super disconnected. Is there any beauty left in this world?!
We promise there is. Instead of doomscrolling about the latest in climate news, try logging off and going out to explore! Go hiking or kayaking or cycling. Swim in a lake, lay on a beach, ski a mountain…whatever you want! No matter where you live or what your budget is, take some time to absorb and appreciate the nature that still surrounds you. So get outside, friend!
8. Channel Your Creativity
Channeling your grief into a creative outlet is a really healthy coping strategy. And the good news is — there are endless ways to get creative! If you’re a words person, try blogging, poetry or writing stories. Love art? Then try painting, sketching, or sculpting! If you’re into music, play an instrument, sing or write your own songs.
Use these creative activities to explore your eco-grief and, if you feel comfortable, share your work with others! It might inspire them and open up more conversations about the environment and the universal climate grief so many of us are going through. Plus, getting creative is just really fun! So there’s that.
9. Practice Self-Care
It’s more than okay to take time for yourself and practice some much needed self-care. It’s also okay to say no to things that don’t align with your environmental values, or set boundaries with people who aren’t understanding of your feelings.
Self-care can look like so many things! It’s not just going for walks, lighting candles or doing a face mask (but we 100% love those options too!). It’s also about looking after your mental and emotional wellbeing, whatever that looks like for you. Take breaks when you need to and show yourself some love! You deserve it.
10. Grief Therapy Is a Valid Option
Talking about grief in therapy isn’t reserved only for breakups or the loss of loved ones. Your climate grief is also important and deserves attention! Speaking to a therapist about your feelings of grief, trauma and anxiety over the loss of the environment can be really helpful. Your therapist will help you navigate your thoughts and feelings in a safe space where you can feel heard and understood. It also doesn’t hurt to ask for recommendations to find a therapist who specializes in grief, or even eco-grief specifically! If there’s no one in your area, see if there are online options available.
We hope these tips help you process your climate grief and make you feel less alone. And we just wanna add that we’re sooo proud of you for recognizing your feelings and looking for ways to cope with environmental grief! ‘Cause your feelings matter, always.
So you’ve been educating yourself on climate change and doing tons and tons of research on the best ways to help save our planet. Recycling, composting, thrifting and eliminating single use plastics from your life are just the tip of the iceberg! You now consider yourself to be an environmental activist who’s ready to do what it takes to make this world a better place — and you know that means that you want to start talking about climate change with others. You want to get the people in your life aware and onboard with this SUPER important cause. Buuut sometimes it’s easier said than done! How do you even go about sharing all of your climate change knowledge with your family and friends? What if they dismiss your ideas or don’t seem interested in what you have to say? How do you inspire them to make their own lifestyle changes without sounding, well…super aggressive and preachy?!
First of all, can we just say how ahh-mazing you are?! We think it’s so inspiring that you’re making a conscious effort to reduce your carbon footprint. Every small change makes a huge difference in the long run, so keep up the good work! We’re so proud of you! NOW…here are some tips to help you get your climate conversations going.
How to Open a Conversation About Climate Change
When you start talking about climate change with your loved ones it can feel really intimidating. While it’s something you need to get off your chest, the anxiety around how and when to start the conversation can be a lot. You don’t wanna seem too intense or turn them off from the subject forever. Or worse, potentially ruin any of your relationships because of a major disagreement.
But the good news is — most people tend to be more open to new ideas when it’s presented to them by someone they know. Sooo, you do have an advantage here! As long as you go about it the right way, you have a really good shot at opening their minds on this topic. We’ve got some tips for you and we’re hoping they’ll make the initiation of this tough conversation way easier (and more likely to be successful):
1. Set the Tone
Whenever you approach a touchy subject, the last thing you wanna do is come across super aggressive and mean. It’s awesome that you’re so invested in saving the planet! While your dedication and commitment can shine through, make sure the overall tone of the conversation is neutral and free of judgment. We’re looking for healthy communication here. Bring up the conversation in an open-minded way: Hey, I’ve been learning a lot about the environment and would love to try talking about climate change with you — if you’re up for it! This approach highlights that you want to share your interest without being a preachy know-it-all.
2. Hear Them Out
During this conversation, try to listen and understand their point of view. Chances are, they probably have their own preconceived notions about the topic of climate change that are different from yours. Keep in mind that while you’ve been researching and developing a better understanding of climate change, they might not be as informed yet. That’s why you’re bringing it up in the first place, right? To drop some truth bombs! But ask about how they came to their conclusions so they feel heard: What makes you feel that way about it? I want to understand where you’re coming from.
3. Acknowledge Their Feelings
Topics like climate change can be kinda polarizing. Your friends and family might have opinions that differ from yours, but that’s okay! The point here isn’t to have them completely agree with all of your ideas. Maybe you’ve adopted a vegan lifestyle because you have researched the impact of the meat industry on climate change. But that type of change isn’t realistic or sustainable for everyone! They might think that you will judge them or expect them to do too much in order to be a good climate activist. Instead, acknowledge their feelings about it: I can understand why you’re hesitant to talk about this, but I’m not here to judge you! Your feelings are valid.
4. Ask Questions
To make the conversation less one-sided or lecture-like, ask questions about their views and what they think. Don’t assume you know the reasons behind their opinions on the subject. If you really want a healthy conversation on the topic, show interest in understanding their perspective and how they’ve come to their conclusions about climate change. Making sure they feel involved in the conversation shows you respect their opinions, even if you’re not entirely on the same page: What are your thoughts on climate change and activism? What can we do about climate change? Why do you think that?
5. Share Your Side
This topic clearly means a lot to you, which is why you’ve decided to bring it up with the people in your life. Hey, that’s great! Your family and friends love you, so they’re gonna be more receptive to your ideas than you might think. Explain to them why talking about climate change, and climate activism, is so important to you. Maybe you’re super outdoorsy and love spending time in nature, and the thought of our planet suffering is making you suffer. Or your house is covered in plants because anything green (even a tiny forest) makes you so damn happy. Or maybe your compassion for animals knows no bounds and you want to advocate for their rights. It could be that you’ve just always had an interest in the environment but the effects of climate change have pushed you more into the activism space. So share your thoughts and feelings about it! It will show them how much this subject means to you and how important it is to hear you out.
6. Know How to Present the Facts
When you’re talking about climate change with people who aren’t so passionate about it, you might hear a lot of questions like this: Why do you care so much? Isn’t it kinda too late to do anything about it now? How do you know that what you’re doing will help anyway?
Sharing your thoughts on climate change also means bringing the knowledge to back up your claims. Have those facts lined up to make your point! And in the same breath, don’t forget not to overwhelm everyone with too many statistics. Harsh truth but we tend to tune out people who just blab a ton of facts. Try this instead: That’s a common misconception but I’ve actually found that to be untrue when I was researching ___. I can share the article with you if you want? It was a great read!
7. Challenge Their Ideas
It’s safe to say that many of us don’t like confrontation. It’s uncomfortable. But, when approached right, a conversation doesn’t have to become an argument. And conversations work both ways! You’ve gotta be open to being challenged as well. So, let them share their thoughts without interruption. We know it can be hard! What if they are SO in left-field?! Your time to talk will come. Once you’ve heard them out, try to reposition their points.
8. Make It Personal for Them
People have an easier time discussing new ideas when they can relate. So make things personal (in a good way!). Ask how they think climate change will affect the future of their families, their livelihood, and their life overall. If they love to travel, climate change will affect the places they’re able to visit in the future. Outdoor hobbies like fishing, camping, hiking and skiing can also be impacted by climate change. Explain how we really have no life without this planet, which is why it’s so important for us all to work together! When you reframe the topic as something more personal, they’re wayyy more likely to take interest.
9. Encourage Action
Okay, so they’ve heard you out and they wanna start doing their part to act on climate change. But…they aren’t sure where to start. Maybe they’re worried it’ll be too difficult or unattainable for them, or that any effort they make won’t matter in the long run. Remind them that every small change counts, even everyday switches like taking the bus instead of driving or swapping out plastic grocery bags with reusable ones. Invite them to some of your environmental volunteer commitments! Make sure they know they’re not alone in this so that the transition is 1000x easier.
10. Be Open to Future Conversations
If talking about climate change doesn’t go great the first time, don’t sweat it! It takes practice, but you’ll get the hang of it. And if it went pretty well, that’s sooo amazing! Either way, make it clear that you’re open to more conversations about climate change in the future and that you’re available for any questions they might have. Now that you’ve planted the idea in their minds, give it some time to grow! They might just need to process what you’ve shared before they decide to get more involved.
No matter what, it’s so incredible that you’ve decided to start talking about climate change. This is a subject that affects us all (and affects our mental health!). So props to you for wanting to get the people in your life involved in climate activism, even if it’s baby steps. You’re changing the world as we know it!
Nutrition and mental health have been connected for yearssss and yearssss. You’ve probably seen article after article about eating right, what vitamins and supplements you should take, and what foods contain what benefits. These articles are usually published in the magazines that sit in a bin in the bathroom of your mom’s house. But are these bathroom-bin magazines right!? Actually, some of them are.
Proper nutrition is super important when it comes to brain health. And what’s brain health connected to? MENTAL HEALTH! Look at you go, you got the first question right!
How Mental Health Is Connected to Nutrition
Time for a metaphor that you’ve definitely heard before! (omg that rhymed)
Imagine that your body is a car. A car can’t run without fuel, right? And a car can’t run with the wrong kind of fuel, right? The fuel we put into our bodies impacts how it functions – that includes the brain. We need the right kind of fuel in our bodies because our brain is always working and it needs to be supported.
One of the biggest ways that food influences mental health is when it comes to eating disorders. A person’s relationship with food becomes damaged, and their mental and physical health suffers because of it. Depression and anxiety are also impacted by a person’s relationship with food. The food you eat might not be the direct cause of your mental health struggles, but it can definitely influence an already existing issue.
When we’re in the midst of a battle with our brain, we’re more likely to choose foods that don’t really nourish our body. And when we don’t eat or don’t eat the right kind of foods, we end up feeling worse physically. Here are some not-so-great things that happen when we’re not eating right:
– Fatigue
– Skipping meals makes us stressed and hangry
– Blood sugar and energy level drop and impact moods
If that’s not a long enough list to help you realize that your belly needs some good shit to send to your brain, we might need to make a longer list!
What Food Is Good for Your Brain
So, we’ve told you that you need to eat well. You’re probably thinking “Cool, but how do I do that?” Obviously, you know all about the food pyramid and what it means to have a balanced diet, but we’re going to talk about something else – food for thought! Get it? Because food impacts your mind! These vitamins and elements found in food are some of the things that impact our mental wellness and brain health:
– Vitamin D: Activates enzymes that produce neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. Norepinephrine impacts your sleep cycle and influences focus, and memory. Dopamine influences things like pleasure, desire, mood, and motivation.
– Fibre: Promotes good bacteria in your gut and can potentially help reduce anxiety.
– Carbs: Important to help keep your blood sugar levels elevated. Low blood sugar impacts your mood, attention, focus, and can make you feel sluggish.
– Vitamin B: Has been seen to help with depression and anxiety! There are a number of B vitamins that have different benefits. Vitamin B5 supports adrenal gland function (helping reduce anxiety), and Vitamin B9 and vitamin B12 can help balance out depressive moods.
All of these can be found in nutritious food options. That doesn’t mean you can’t keep eating chips and hummus (lol we basically live on that), but just make sure that you throw in some apples and spinach in your diet every now and again to help your brain out.
How to Incorporate Good Food Into Your Diet
When we’re having a hard time mentally, we don’t always eat the healthiest things, and that’s ok (see above admission about chips and hummus)! What you’re experiencing is hard on both your body and mind. Making a meal isn’t always possible, so you go for the easiest things to eat (again, chips and hummus).
You are absolutely allowed to eat however you want and need to. What’s important is that you have food in your body. But there are easy-to-make, healthy options that you can have on hand, and smoothies are a perfect way to get some important shit in your belly!
Our favourite option? Smoothies from Evive Nutrition! We love them because you can make these smoothies without a blender! You pop out the little triangles, put them in a glass, then shake it up! It’s an easy and healthy way to incorporate fruits and veggies into your diet when your body needs a boost.
They also have some really simple and easy lunch options that you can make too! Macaroni and cheese? Yep! Tom Thai? You betcha! The best part about their meals and smoothies is that they’re packed full of organic produce and essential nutrients. Plus, they’re all plant-based, so your lactose-intolerant tummy will thank you!
We’ve partnered up with Evive and got you a super awesome code, divethru10, that will take $10 off your first order! (USA & Canada only)
Do your best to include healthy foods that will get you the nutrients you need to support your sweet little brain. Just know that there is no rush or expectation for you to change however you’re nourishing your body right now. You do what you gotta do, baby!
*This article is sponsored by Evive Nutrition Inc.
AHHHH! You’re stressed and depressed and it feels like it’ll never end. What nasty little monsters those emotions can be. Sometimes we just want them to leave and never come back! Cool? Cool.
If only that were the case. Depression and stress can feel like such overwhelming forces, keeping us stuck in bed and feeling like we aren’t able to do anything. Like… ANYTHING! Showering? Nope. Dishes? No way in hell! What about making food? Pfft!
When our mental health is taking a toll, we often forget about self-care entirely. That’s ok! It’s hard work! If reading this article is all the self-care you can manage for yourself today, that’s all that matters. We’re proud of you!
What a lot of us forget is that our own definitions of self-care are allowed to change depending on how our brains are feeling. Yep, it’s not a static thing! If you’re having a great mental health day, some self-care might mean treating yourself to a nice meal, doing a face mask, drawing a bubble bath… all that good shit! But self-care can also be about completing simple tasks that seem too big to tackle.
We’re going to call these self-care tasks “realistic self-care.”
5 Ways to Practice Realistic Self-Care
Realistic self-care isn’t about doing massive things, but it’s about accomplishing necessary things to take care of yourself when you’re struggling. Here’s a checklist if you aren’t quite sure where to start:
1. Take a Shower
Sometimes we just don’t have the energy to take a shower! The thought of having to wash ourselves, do our hair, and get dressed is sooooo daunting. But it’s important to keep clean. Showering regularly keeps your immune system working well, your body bacteria-free, and helps you smell like a fresh little daisy!
2. Eat Something
Eating something can be considered self-care? You bet your booty it can! We literally need it to stay alive. If you have the ability and the energy to go the extra mile with your food-self-care, consider getting creative in the kitchen and making a super nutritious meal, or ordering in your favourite food. But if all you can manage is some cookies in bed, that’s ok! What matters most is that you’re feeding your body.
If you don’t feel like making a whole meal, there are easy options to keep you nourished with little effort. One of our favourite ways to do this is with Evive Nutrition’s smoothies! They’re super easy to make because you pop out the little triangles, put them in a glass with a lid, and shakeshakeshakeshake! Et voilà! You don’t even need a blender, which also means fewer dishes to clean up! The best part? You get a good dose of your organic fruits and veggies. It’s honestly a great option for making sure you’re nourishing your body when you’re stressed and depressed af.
We’ve partnered up with Evive and got you a super awesome code, divethru10, that will take $10 off your first order! (USA & Canada only)
3. Brush Your Teeth
You’re well aware of how important dental hygiene is. Having to go to the dentist can be an expensive trip that we don’t want! If you’re having one of those low days and you can’t bring yourself to do it, that’s okay. We’re just here to remind you that brushing your teeth counts as self-care. If you get to it today, that will be a small and mighty win for you! And for your chompers.
4. Clean Up Any Dirty Dishes to Prevent Mold
Mold is terrible and we know that you know that. We also know that it starts with one plate, then another, then some more, until suddenly you’re facing the leaning tower of dirty dishes. It’s much harder to tackle that tower than it is to tackle one plate at a time. Giving your sink a quick rinse after eating or drinking will help with this. You don’t have to do the dishes right away, but just make sure that any food and liquid is washed away from your plates and cups. This is also a form of self-care!
5. Brush Your Hair to Prevent Knots From Forming
If you’ve been feeling extra low than usual for the past day (or week, or month), you’ve likely been moving back and forth between your bed and the couch. Too many days of that in a row will definitely leave some tangles in your hair (iykyk). We like to call them hair nests. Make sure that you run a brush or a comb through your locks everyday or every other day to prevent tangles from forming. Your noggin will thank you for taking care of it! If your hair is long enough, put it in a simple braid to help keep it from getting all tangled up.
Be gentle with yourself and take time to celebrate the small wins. All of those small wins will eventually add up to make a massive difference. You’ll look back at where you started and it’ll blow your fricken mind at how far you’ve come! Each step you take is a step in the right direction. Omg that’s so cheesy. But it’s true! We’re here supporting you, holding the proverbial digital camera, shouting “You’re doing great sweetie!” You’ve got this!
*This article is sponsored by Evive Nutrition Inc.
It can be overwhelming when you first start looking at recipes and learning how to focus on healthy eating. There’s so much diet culture and diet-centred rhetoric out there that it’s hard to figure out fact from fiction when it comes to food. We don’t want you to be exposed to all that crap because we don’t believe in diets or diet culture, and we don’t believe in following people who promote it.
Well, don’t worry! You can avoid alllll of that because we’ve already done the work for you! Here’s a list of some of our favourite accounts that promote healthy eating with ZERO body shaming and diet-rhetoric.
1. @drjoshuawolrich
One of our favourite doctors, Dr. Joshua Wolrich, is all about helping people eat what they want and feel good while doing it. He’s here to fight the stigma around weight, champion his patients, and post some really cute pics of his pup.
This account doesn’t have a ton of followers yet, but it has some of the YUMMIEST recipes that we’ve come across. If you’re looking to make delicious food, this is basically the only account you need. They make everything from smoothie bowls, to pancakes, to homemade Reese’s eggs!
They create recipes that benefit your body and mind that also taste AMAZING. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we are going to go make one of these dishes for our supper.
Madalyn is a fantastic dietician who focuses on helping people with diabetes manage their blood sugar and still eat what they love!
She focuses on what you can add to a meal opposed to what someone needs to take away. It’s aaaalll about positive reinforcement with her and we are HERE FOR IT!
Rachel is a non-diet dietician who believes that you can eat good food and food that’s good for you!
She posts some delicious looking pictures of her meals that have also inspired us to cook some of her yummy recipes for ourselves.
We love her because she is NOT here for body shaming and diets either. Rachel is allll about intuitive eating and teaching people how to enjoy every bite of their delicious food.
Jessie Hoffman is a registered dietician and assistant professor in nutritional sciences. She lives for facts and helping people overcome their fear foods by breaking down the myths around them. Carbs? Totally cool! Corn? Go for it! She’s here to help us battle against diet culture while teaching people to love what they eat and listen to what their body needs.
Kathleen Bishop is the voice behind this awesome account that focuses on teaching people how to love the food they eat and feel great with noooo dieting whatsoever!
After years of fighting diet culture, she’s still going strong. Kathleen also takes an incredibly inclusive approach to her work and talks about how to support people in marginalized communities.
She cares deeply about helping people battle their body image issues and create a more positive relationship with food.
Cara Carin Cifelli has some of the most insta-worthy food pics everrrr! She also works hard to help people reconnect with their body and love themselves while feeling like they don’t have to restrict their food in order to change-up what they eat.
In her coaching, Cara takes a holistic approach and uses a lot of different modalities and techniques when working with her clients. Nutrition and mental health are soooo connected and she takes a full-body approach to her practice.
If you’re looking to be inspired on basically every level, she’s a fantastic person to follow!
7 awesome Instagram accounts that you can follow to help you eat more nutritiously. Hopefully, they will help you find positive information that encourages you to embrace all kinds of food and love your body the way it is–no matter what you eat!
Finding the interest to tackle your to-do list and accomplish all of your goals can be really challenging. Maybe you’re having a hard time focusing on your work, so you start scrolling through social media instead of meeting that important deadline. Or you might be struggling with boredom while studying for an exam — to the point where you’re considering just calling it a day to binge some Netflix instead. But deep down, you’ve got that nagging feeling inside that won’t let up. You know you HAVE to get your stuff done, or else there are gonna be some serious consequences. The problem is? You’re not sure how! You have absolutely no motivation.
We’ve all been there. It might feel impossible to get through the day when you have zero motivation, but you can get through it! Here are some ways you can accomplish what you need to, even when you don’t feel like it (at all).
1. Find the Reason Why You Have No Motivation
You might write off your lack of motivation for one simple reason: I just don’t feel like it. But your lack of motivation is probably deeper than that, so let’s dig some more. WHY don’t you feel like it? Are you a perfectionist who’s afraid you won’t meet your own high expectations? Have you convinced yourself you don’t know what you’re doing, so instead you’re choosing to not try?
Maybe there’s some discomfort there because it’s a mundane task, so you feel bored or frustrated and just wanna avoid it altogether. Whatever it might be, unpacking the real reason you feel no motivation to do anything can give you the clarity you need to overcome it!
2. Don’t Wait for Motivation to Come
Waiting to feel motivated to do something sounds like a good idea in the moment, but it’s really just setting yourself up to fail. When it comes to getting shit done, we don’t just magically WANT to do it. Instead of procrastinating and waiting for that fire to be lit under our asses, we’ve gotta do it ourselves. Sodon’t wait until you feel like doing it ‘cause chances are, that won’t happen. Reframe the task you NEED to do as something you actually WANT to do. It might take some convincing, but it can really help. Be your own firestarter!
3. Fake It ‘Til You Make It
Sometimes, tricking our brains is the best way to get shit done! Ask yourself: If I was motivated, what would I be doing right now? Chances are, you wouldn’t be lounging around in your pajamas as you scroll endlessly through TikTok. Instead, visualize what a productive day looks like for you. Maybe it’s starting the day earlier, having an organized workspace, or eliminating your most tempting distraction (again, lookin’ at you TikTok!). If you pretend, maybe you’ll convince yourself the motivation was there all along! Funny how the brain works, huh?
4. Be Kind to Yourself
When that drive is lacking, chances are you’re probably being hard on yourself. Remind yourself that, sometimes, it’s totally normal to have no motivation to work! In a perfect world, we’d all feel super motivated 24/7 and productivity would skyrocket. But that’s just not reality! We’re all just doing our best to get through the day, so show yourself some kindness. Try repeating these compassionate phrases out loud: Even though I feel unmotivated right now, I can get through today. I can push through and do what needs done. I am strong and capable!
5. Incorporate Some Fun
Incorporating a lil’ bit of fun into even the most boring tasks is a great way to build some intrinsic motivation. Play some upbeat music while you work. Move your work setup outside if the sun is shining. Have a quick brainstorming sesh with other people. There are so many different ways you can make your goals more enjoyable and these simple solutions can make a huuuge difference! You’ve just gotta get that mood shifted, and that spark will get going in no time.
6. Make Sure to Take Enough Breaks
Another reason you might have no motivation? Your. Brain. Needs. A. Break! And no, we don’t mean the kinda break that involves watching “just one more episode” and then suddenly hours have passed and holy shit you’ve accomplished nothing you said you would (no judgement, it happens to the best of us!). Set up designated breaks throughout your day so that your mind can rest and come back to work feeling refreshed and energized. Just make sure to set those limits and stick to ‘em!
7. Think of How It’ll Feel Once You’re Done
That feeling when you’ve accomplished everything you were supposed to at the end of the day — what an ahhhhh-mazing feeling! Try to visualize how it’s gonna feel after you crush your goals. You won’t be stressed or anxious about what you didn’t get done. Instead, you’ll feel a sense of pride and accomplishment! Then, you’ll feel no guilt about relaxing and taking some time for yourself ‘cause, after all, look at what you’ve achieved! Props to you and all of your hard work.
8. Reward Yourself
Lastly, you deserve to reward yourself with some self-care for getting through the day like a total boss. Even though you didn’t feel motivated, you still managed to pull through and get shit done! That’s pretty incredible, if you ask us. It’s so important to practiceself-care and make it part of your regular routine. Feeling unmotivated can be related to feelings ofstress andanxiety, so make sure to nurture your mental wellbeing. Self-care isn’t just candles and bubble baths — it’s a way of life, baby!
We hope we’ve inspired you to cross off the many things on your to-do list. It’s not always easy, but the results are so rewarding. You’ve got this!
There are lots of reasons why we might feel the need to skip lunch time during our work days. Maybe it’s rushing to complete a deadline, or not wanting to disrupt the workflow you’ve got going on. You might even convince yourself that you’re actually not THAT hungry. It’s perfectly fine to just wait until dinner time. We’ve all done it. After all, you’re just being productive, right?
Buuut this sorta flawed thinking can be SUPER counter-productive. Skipping lunch has negative impacts on both our physical and mental health, especially if you tend to do it pretty often. And when you’re not feeling your best, it can have some serious consequences for yourwork day! Here are some reasons you should never (ever ever ever) skip lunch at work.
1. You Deserve to Take a Break
Look, we don’t doubt how hard you work. Whether you’re on your feet all day or sitting at a desk, work is work! Everyone (we repeat: EVERYONE) deserves to take a lunch break at some point during the day. It doesn’t matter how busy you are, how hectic the day has gotten or how much left is on the to-do list. Your body and mind deserve time to step away, de-stress and be nourished with a balanced meal. So enjoy lunch time! We’re not taking no for an answer.
2. Your Body and Mind Need Fuel
Guess what happens when we feel hungry for too long. We get hangry! Really though, think about the last time you felt superhangry. You were probably sluggish, cranky and had a hard time focusing, right? Maybe you even felt a lil’ woozy. Not exactly what you want when you’re trying to work. This is why we don’t skip lunch!
It’s a LOT harder to function when you’re running on empty. Did you knowyour brain uses 20 percent of your body’s energy everyday? That’s a whole lot of energy which requires — you guessed it — food. Say it with us…FOOD IS FUEL!
It’s okay. Your work will be waiting for you when you get back. Plus, you’ll come back to it feeling more productive and alert! You CAN burn through that to-do list, but only after you get some nutrition in you.
3. It Might Become a Bad Habit
Skipping lunch can be a tough habit to break. If you usually skip it, you might train your mind to think it’s not hungry around lunchtime (even though your body still needs that nutrition to thrive!). Then you just get caught in this vicious cycle of missing an important meal, feeling like garbage and struggling to get through the rest of the work day.
This isn’t the kinda routine you want for yourself Monday through Friday. Eating balanced meals everyday is a must, including a nutritious lunch that will keep you going until it’s time to clock out. (Do people still say clock out?)
So we’ve convinced you to not skip lunch at work. But maybe part of the problem isn’t that you don’t want to take lunch… it’s that you don’t know how to plan your lunch. You’re super busy, aren’t you?! We get that. Meal planning can be tricky and figuring out what you wanna pack for lunch can be such a hassle.
How to Simplify Lunch Time
We know you’ve got a lot on your plate…but we want something on your ACTUAL plate when it comes to meal time. Cooking lunch from scratch can take too long, and so does trying to figure out what to eat on-the-go. What’s a pal to do?! ***rummaging around for our sidekick cape***
We’ve got the solution! Evive Nutrition makes smoothies that are the absolute bomb, whether you want a fruity snack or a quick lunch! They’re nutritious and tasty, but the best of all? They’re blender-free. You read that right — no appliances required, baby!
Evive Nutrition’s smoothies come in triangles that you simply shake up and drink up, making them a super easy option no matter where you work. They’re made with organic fruits and veggies, and contain plant-based protein. So you’re sure to get all of those nutrients to keep you going throughout the day.
Prep-time? Next to nothing. Clean up time? Also a non-issue. Nutritional value? It’s all there! Plus, we’ve partnered up with Evive Nutrition and got you a super awesome code, divethru10, that will take $10 off your first order! (USA & Canada only)
We hope this convinced you to never even THINK of skipping lunch at work again! Remember — your mind and body deserve proper nourishment, friend. You work hard. So treat yourself with care!
*This article is sponsored by Evive Nutrition Inc.
Learning more about going to therapy can be a bit daunting, especially if you’re at the beginning of your mental health journey. You probably have a ton of questions about the process and about your own mental health!
We did an Instagram deep dive and found some awesome accounts that we think would be really great for you to follow! They’re informative, educational, and are created by some really wonderful people. Most importantly, these accounts create a really cool community space where you can talk about mental health struggles! People supporting other people?? We’re here for it!!
If you’re already in therapy, we recommend that you follow these accounts anyway because they’re still prettyyyy great!
BIPOC communities have been going THROUGH it for so long. It can become really heavy trying to bear the weight of oppression, racism, violence, and sexism on your shoulders. The experiences of a Black person are something that a white therapist or counsellor could never fully understand.
That’s why we love this account! Dedicated to promoting mental wellbeing for Black girls and women, @therapyforblackgirls provides support, education and resources to those who need it. Give this account a follow! It doesn’t matter what colour your skin is because the mental wellbeing of BIPOC is something that we should all learn about and work to understand.
Dr. Jessica Clemons is a psychiatrist based out of NYC. She has graced Instagram with her welcoming energy and informative content!
She posts videos and hosts lives that talk aaaalll about mental health and going to therapy. Do you want to know more about what you’ve been feeling? Her content might be able to help you out!
Stephanie Essenfield has dedicated her Instagram to helping people not be afraid of going to therapy, and share ways that they can help their own mental health.
None of the tips are overwhelming, and she’s made her Instagram page an incredibly positive space. Stephanie is the perfect follow if you want to learn more about how you can help your own mental health! She gives different strategies to help you approach the issues you’re dealing with in a way that works for you. After all, therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of thing.
This lovely therapist, Edie Stark, is Fat Positive, LGBTQIA2S+ Inclusive, and specializes in eating disorders! She is also a certified intuitive eating counsellor!
We love her for her inspirational quotes as well as her awesome and fun content! Edie gets super real with us and lets us know that it’s ok to be human and have the feels that we have. And let’s be honest, we have a LOT of feels…
No matter what’s going on with us, Edie’s Instagram always makes us feel better!
Psychotherapist Taylor Broughton is one of our new favourite Instagram mental health advocates to follow. Not only is she a badass feminist, but she provides affirming therapy to people in the Queer Community! How awesome is that?
Her posts are super educational, welcoming, and break down the stigma around mental health and therapy. Honestly, her Instagram feels like a warm hug from a good friend. Like she says herself, she’s not a regular therapist, she’s a “cool therapist!”
Sara Kubric, AKA The Millennial Therapist, is an existential therapist, writer, and life-coach with an Instagram page that’s on point. Literally, her posts include bullet points of helpful tips from managing stress to positive self-talk. She also shares a ton of “note to self” and “reminder” posts for some bite-sized mental health wisdom. Defs give her a follow!
Whitney Goodman is a licensed marriage and family therapist who is also trained in trauma. Her IG page is filled with trauma and relationship-focused mental health content that is both honest and super insightful. We love how she keeps it real on the ‘gram, and you will too!
As a licensed therapist and relationship expert, Nedra Glover Tawwab’s Instagram gives the tools you need to maintain healthy relationships in your life. Plus, she gives great advice on how to set boundaries and why they’re so important! So ya, you’re gonna need to give her a follow.
Dr. Christina is a clinical psychologist and founder of the mental health action campaign #therapyiscool. Her feed is full of witty, to-the-point content that de-stigmatizes going to therapy. We gotta say, that’s pretty cool.
Therapist and mental health advocate Jake Ernst is the voice behind this awesome Instagram account! If you follow this account, it will help to reaffirm and validate your emotions and experiences.
Jake will give mental health tips and encourage you to practice self care in different ways. The threads and images posted to the account help break down complex mental health concepts into succinct messages that are also hella relatable.
The posts from @mswjake are super relatable and informative!
Mark Groves is a human connection specialist who posts “no-BS relationship advice.” His IG also features Live videos with therapists where they touch on a ton of different topics including healthy relationships, breakups and how to move on. We looove to see it!
She’s not just another therapist – her name is Amanda E. White and she’s relatable AF. Therapy For Women (*as mentioned in her bio, it’s not just for women btw) combines funny content that makes you feel seen, plus great advice for a range of mental health topics. Ummm, count us in!
We hope that you enjoy following these accounts as much as we do! They share incredibly helpful information and bring so much goodness to the internet. Feel free to give us a follow too! We share some pretty sick posts, but then again, we’re biased.
So, your kid is part of the Queer Community. That’s dope!! It sounds like they’re prettyyyy awesome. If you’re not part of the Queer Community or aren’t that involved with it, you’re most likely reading this article because you aren’t quite sure how to support your child after coming out to you. But we think you’re pretty dope too, because you’re here to learn!
You probably have a lot of emotions whirling around, or you’re totally chill. Either way, we’re going to give you some tips on how to support your newly Queer kiddo!
Tell Them You Love Them
This is the most important thing that you can do for your kid. Coming out is a maaaaaajor life event for some people! They were probably really worried that you wouldn’t love and accept them anymore.
We know that you care about your kid, so show them that you’ll love them unconditionally and forever. They need you right now because they’re probably feeling really vulnerable and raw. Your support means the world to them, especially right now!
Talk to Them
Keep that line of communication open! Let them know that they can go to you for anything they need. If there ever comes a time when they’re going through some really hard shit (hopefully that won’t happen, but it’s better to be prepared), they’ll know that they can trust you for guidance and support.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions too! Keep learning through them and work to understand how they need you to support them during this new stage of their life.
Educate Yourself
There is a lot to learn about the Queer Community! We won’t lie to you! But it’s important that you do your homework on Queer issues, Queer history, different gender and sexual identities, and the emotional state of Queer people before and after they come out.
Learn as much as you can! If you aren’t sure where to start, ask your kid. They’ll probably be really excited to teach you allll about themselves! But if they don’t, that’s okay. They’re probably still learning too.
Respect Their New Identity
Your child’s new identity might mean that they identify with a specific sexual orientation or a new gender (or no gender at all). They might even go by a new name or use a new set of pronouns.
It might be hard for you to adjust to at first, but even though it might be a tough transition, keep working towards it. Your child deserves to be respected. Practice your kid’s new pronouns! Do some research on their sexual identity! Honestly, respect can also be as simple as showing no judgement towards them and the choices they make. Just frickin’ love your kid!
Connect Them with a Queer Mentor
If you are straight and cisgender, you probably won’t know or understand the experiences of your Queer child, and that’s ok! Unfortunately, you can’t be an expert on everything even though you might want to be. That’s why you should look into connecting them to a mentor who is also part of the Queer Community!
This mentor could help your child through some experiences that are totally foreign to you. For example, dating a person of the same gender might not be something that you know how to navigate. There are a million dating apps for Queer people, and you might not even know what those dating apps are called! Isn’t Bumble something a bee does?
Validate Their Feelings
Even though you might not understand what they’re going through and experiencing, let them know that it’s totally fine for them to feel how they’re feeling. Whether their emotions have to do with gender dysphoria, heartbreak, or questioning their sexuality, let them know that it’s ok to feel this way!
Don’t negate or push down their experiences because that will be soooo painful for them. Validate how they feel and remind them that you’re there with them every step of the way.
Listen to Them
This tip kind of goes along with validating their feelings. Listening to your kid can make a world of a difference. Talking out problems can feel sooo cathartic and can help a person dive thru their problems.
Let them cry on your shoulder or vent to you about their day. Just be there to support them with a judgement-free and open ear. You can also encourage them to practice self-care after coming out, which can help them process all the emotions and feelings they’re feeling.
Respect Their Boundaries
As a parent to a newly Queer kid, you probably are really curious or concerned with how they will be living their life moving forward. You might want to be involved in everythinggg to make sure that they’re safe and happy, and that’s totally ok! But, at the same time, you’re going to have to respect their boundaries.
You can absolutely show a healthy interest in their life, but don’t pry or be overbearing. Don’t smother them or become a helicopter parent because they definitely won’t appreciate that!
If you’re wondering how to look after your kid and be respectful of their space, ask them! Have a conversation about boundaries and what you can do to be involved in their lives while still letting them live theirs.
Let Them Express Themselves
You might not like what we’re about to say, but we’re going to say it anyway! Let your kid express themselves through their appearance. This means supporting them if they want to change their hair colour, dress a certain way, change their style, start a new hobby, whatever!
You might not love that they want to do this, but this process is allll about self-discovery. Let them find who they are through the expression of their outer self.
Don’t Tease Them (and Stand Up for Them When Others Do)
Even though you might have a fun and jokey relationship with your kid, try to not tease them about their new identity. Obviously, we don’t know the inner workings of your family dynamic, but if your kid has recently come out, it might still be a sensitive topic.
If someone bullies your child or teases them in any way, stand up for them! Protect them and make sure that they know they can count on you to help them stand up to people who display prejudice and hate.
You’re probably feeling a little overwhelmed, and we totally get it! It’s a lot to take in all at once. But we know that you’re a great parent. How can we tell? Because you’re reading this article! You clearly want the best for your child and so do we. If you do these 10 things, your kid will definitely love and appreciate you for it. Now, go give them a hug!
