Challenges with Regular Employment

For those with mental illnesses, there are a number of challenges that pop up when it comes to holding traditional employment – that is, a regular, 9-5 j-o-b JOB.

1. Inconsistency in Performance: Fluctuations in mood or energy levels can make it tough to maintain consistent job performance.
2. Stigmatization: Some workplaces lack understanding or awareness about mental illnesses, leading to potential bias or discrimination.
3. Demanding Schedules: Conventional 9-5 jobs might not align with the energy or focus levels of someone grappling with a mental illness.
4. Physical Demands: Jobs requiring intense physical exertion can exacerbate symptoms for some individuals.
5. Social Pressures: Occupations that necessitate extensive social interaction can be draining for people with anxiety disorders, BPD, or other conditions.

Fortunately, there are multiple alternative ways to make a living, even when facing such challenges. In fact, there are more opportunities now than ever before when it comes to carving out your own way of making a living. Here’s a guide to understanding the hurdles and exploring potential income sources.

Alternative Income Methods

1. Freelancing: Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr offer flexibility in choosing projects aligned with your pace and skill set.
2. Online Sales: Platforms like Etsy or eBay allow you to sell handmade crafts, upcycled items, or collectibles.
3. Online Tutoring/Teaching: Share knowledge in areas you’re passionate about via platforms like VIPKid or Chegg Tutors.
4. Blogging or Vlogging: Share your journey, passions, or experiences. Over time, ad revenue or affiliate marketing can add up.
5. Pet Services: Love animals? Consider dog walking or pet sitting through apps like Rover.
6. Rideshare or Delivery: Apps like Uber or DoorDash offer flexibility based on when you feel up to working.
7. Remote Work: Seek remote positions that allow you to work from the comfort of your home.
8. Craft or Farmer’s Markets: Showcase your creations or produce to your local community.
9. Investments: With careful planning and perhaps some advice, investing can be a source of passive income.

Tips for Success

1. Start Small: Don’t rush. Take one step at a time, ensuring you’re comfortable with your chosen method.
2. Build a Support Network: Connect with others who have similar experiences. They can offer advice, resources, and emotional support.
3. Set Boundaries: Ensure you have personal time to recover and manage your health.
4. Stay Informed: Continuously learn about new platforms, methods, and resources to optimize your income streams.
5. Seek Guidance: Therapists, counselors, or even career coaches can offer tailored advice.
6. Celebrate Small Wins: Every achievement, no matter how minor, is a step forward. Recognize and applaud your progress.

Living with a mental illness is undoubtedly challenging, but remember that your well-being and health are paramount. Financial stability is attainable, and with perseverance and the right strategies, you can navigate the professional world on your own terms.

If you are in an emergency situation, it’s a good idea to reach out to local support services. In the U.S., you can get connected to services by dialing 211.

The post How to Make Money When You Have a Mental Illness first appeared on Self Care School.

Productivity is not just about doing more—it’s about doing the right things. But how do you know what’s really important and what’s merely a distraction?

It’s all about alignment, prioritization, and clarity. Today, we’ll break down how you can be more productive, ensuring that you’re investing your time and energy in tasks and activities that truly resonate with your values.

1. Define Your Values

What’s Important to You?

Before you can dive into tasks and to-dos, it’s vital to take a step back and define your values. Ask yourself:

• What truly matters to me?
• What principles and beliefs guide my decisions?
• What are my long-term goals and aspirations?

By pinpointing what’s essential in your life, you can better understand where to direct your focus. This foundational step is crucial. When you’re clear about your values, it becomes easier to align your tasks with what you genuinely want to achieve.

2. Learn How to Prioritize: Big Rocks and Small Rocks Lesson

Understanding the Hierarchy of Importance

Imagine your day as a jar. The tasks and responsibilities you have are a combination of big rocks (major tasks) and small rocks (minor tasks). If you start your day by filling the jar with small rocks, there won’t be enough room for the big ones.

The key is to first place the big rocks, your most significant and essential tasks, in the jar. Once they’re settled, you can then fill in the gaps with the smaller rocks. This approach ensures you tackle the most critical tasks first, without getting lost in the minutiae of smaller ones.

3. Meditate for Mental Clarity

Finding Peace Amidst the Chaos

The constant hum of daily life, notifications, and information overload can clutter your mind, making it challenging to focus on tasks at hand. Meditation offers a refreshing mental reset.

By meditating, even if just for a few minutes each day, you can:

• Clear your mind of distractions.
• Enhance your focus on the present moment.
• Cultivate mindfulness, making you more aware of where your attention drifts.

The clearer and more focused your mind, the better you can discern which tasks deserve your energy and which do not.

4. Become a Master of Saying No to the Wrong Things

Protect Your Time and Energy

Every “yes” is a commitment of your time, energy, and resources. Before you agree to a task, meeting, or responsibility, consider:

• Does this align with my values?
• Is this task a ‘big rock’ or a ‘small rock’?
• Will this help me achieve my long-term goals?

It’s okay to decline opportunities that don’t align with your path. By mastering the art of saying “no” to the wrong things, you inherently say “yes” to what truly matters.

Being productive is more than just checking items off a list—it’s about ensuring each check aligns with your greater purpose. By defining your values, understanding prioritization, embracing mental clarity through meditation, and mastering the art of refusal, you’ll be on your way to achieving meaningful productivity. Remember, it’s not about doing more; it’s about doing what’s right for you.

The post How to Be More Productive (at the right things) first appeared on Self Care School.

Becoming queen of your own life with self-care is about taking ownership of your life and living it on your terms. After all, a queen is sovereign; she rules. She’s not passive or powerless.

Self-care is not just about taking care of your body or mind; it’s a way of life. When you imagine what it would be like to be a queen, you’re empowered to make decisions that align with your highest values and priorities.

In this blog post, we’ll explore how to be a queen of your own life with self-care and the benefits of adopting a self-care practice.

How to Self Care Like a Queen

1. Set boundaries: Setting boundaries is crucial in establishing healthy relationships with yourself and others. As a queen, you have the power to set clear boundaries that protect your time, energy, and emotional well-being. Make sure you communicate your boundaries clearly and stick to them. Don’t be afraid to say “no” when you need to.
2. Make self-care a priority: As a queen, you understand the importance of taking care of yourself first. Self-care should be a non-negotiable part of your daily routine. It can be as simple as taking a few minutes to meditate, going for a walk, or doing a hair care routine you enjoy. Whatever makes you feel your best. Prioritizing self-care will help you feel more balanced and centered in your daily life.
3. Practice gratitude: Gratitude is a powerful practice that can shift your perspective and help you find joy in the present moment. As a queen, you appreciate the good things in your life and focus on abundance rather than lack. Take time each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for, and watch your mood and outlook improve.
4. Embrace your unique qualities: As a queen, you celebrate your uniqueness and use it to your advantage. Embrace your strengths and quirks, and don’t worry about fitting into a mold. Remember, you are the ruler of your own life, and you have the power to create the life you want.
5. Connect with your spirituality: As a queen, you understand that spirituality can be an important part of your self-care practice. Whether you follow a specific religion or have adopted practices from different spiritual traditions, connecting with your spirituality can help you feel more grounded and connected to something greater than yourself.
6. Consider your legacy. How do you want to be remembered? What impact do you want to have on the world? By taking care of yourself, you’re not only benefiting yourself but also setting an example for others to follow. When you prioritize your well-being, you’re showing others that self care is essential and that they too deserve to take care of themselves.
7. Have rock solid self-worth. This is crucial for stepping into queen energy. Self-care rituals like affirmations can help you cultivate self-love and self-respect. When you take the time to care for yourself, you’re affirming your worth and setting boundaries that honor your needs.

Rituals for Self Care Queens

Now, let’s talk about some self-care rituals you can incorporate into your daily routine to step into queen energy:

1. Morning routine: Start your day off on the right foot with a morning ritual that nourishes your body, mind, and spirit. This could include meditation, yoga, journaling, and a nourishing breakfast.
2. Movement: Moving your body is an essential part of self care. Whether it’s a brisk walk outside, a yoga class, or a dance party in your living room, find a form of movement that feels good to you and do it regularly.
3. Mindfulness: Taking the time to be present and mindful can help reduce stress and increase overall well-being. Consider incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily routine, such as meditation, deep breathing, or simply taking a few moments to tune in to your senses.
4. Self-reflection: Regular self-reflection can help you gain clarity about what you want and need in life. Set aside some time each week to journal, meditate, or simply reflect on your goals and values.

By adopting these self-care rituals into your life, you’re not only taking care of yourself but also stepping into queen energy and embodying your highest self. Remember, you are worthy of love, respect, and care, and it all starts with prioritizing your well-being.

The post Become Queen of Your Reality with These Self Care Rituals first appeared on Self Care School.