Press Release: Montreal mental health non-profit hosts wellness event with panel of self-care experts
Self Care in Action, a thought-provoking and inclusive event that provides practical self-care tools by a panel of experts and resources, is set to take place on March 18, 2023, from 5 pm to 8 pm at Cafe Leo
What we’re leaving behind in 2022
We asked our Vent Over TeaM what they were leaving behind in 2022 and focusing on in the New Year.
A Year In Review: Coming Out Edition
Truth is, I didn’t know that I was allowed to be gay. With little to no queer representation growing up, I had determined in my head that I would end up alone.
Becoming Unstuck
view being stuck as either being bored or overstimulated. It’s that inability to find the balance to keep going, all while juggling the different challenges life throws at me.
How to Navigate Grief in the Post-Pandemic Workplace
Due to the COVID-19, there is grief locked up inside the offices, teams, and workplaces of every organization across the country, and maybe even around the world.
Q&A with Executive Director Talya Azreili
Vent Over Tea is highlight their Executive Director, Talya Azrieli. Get to know Talya in this Q & A spotlight and learn about the tireless work that goes on behind the scenes of Vent Over Tea.
Living with Insomnia
Sleep is so important. But what happens if you can’t seem to fall or stay asleep, no matter how hard you try?
How To Deal With a Positive STI Test Result
Receiving a positive STI result can be heart-wrenching. This is due to the stigma sexually transmitted infections carry. Society makes it easy to feel “dirty” or have a sense of shame when seeing these results.
How to Practice Self Love
Self-love is practiced in the difficult moments—when it is the hardest to come by. It is noticing when the unloving thoughts appear and staying open to the more loving thought. Maybe even increasing the volume until that is the only one you hear.
5 Ways to Find What Drives You
We’ve got to take it easy and look within ourselves to uncover what drives us to achieve better results in the long term.
How Nutrition Plays a Role in Caring for Your Mental Health
Along with journaling, mindfulness, talk therapy, exercising, medication, and other interventions, a change in diet or a new supplement plan to receive your necessary daily vitamins could be exactly what you need!
Navigating COVID-19 During the Holidays
With the holidays coming up, it is harder to turn a blind eye to what we’ve been dreading—setting COVID boundaries for our physical and mental health.
5 Things to Remember When You’re Burnt Out
For the tired hearts, that feel like they can’t take another bump in the road. For the exhausted minds that can’t latch to anything for more than a minute.
4 Small Boundaries That Make an Impact
The boundary conversation can sometimes feel scary or uncomfortable. But the people around us cannot read our minds and it’s on us to let them know how we’re feeling.
The Power of a Simple Act of Kindness
Never underestimate any act of kindness. You never know how many people you can make happy with simple support.
Death Literacy is Life Literacy
Death literacy is about the acquisition of knowledge and understanding death systems. This can include examining our society’s reactions to death and navigating end-of-life and deathcare options.
How to Survive Midterm Season
Whether you decide to take these tips to heart or are just mindlessly scrolling the internet to avoid studying, I wish you the best of luck in your midterms.
Normalizing the Uncommon
None of us go through life thinking we’ll be the ones facing uncommon challenges, yet we often do at one point or another.
Things That Could Help You Get Over A Breakup At Home
Breakups and divorce could trigger a roller coaster of emotions. But that doesn’t mean we have to ride this roller coaster wherever it takes us.
Taking a Step Back From Self Help
If you’re like me, working to the point of exhaustion, it’s okay to actively take a step back and let things be for a bit
Obtaining a Healthy Diet with Tiny Goals
How to break down big lifestyle goals to small but impactful changes that are more conducive to long-term positive transformation.
Setting Boundaries
Something to remember is that every relationship might look different when it comes to setting boundaries.
Relationships Nowadays
Some people believe that there is only one kind of relationship—intimate ones. However, relationships manifest themselves in multiple kinds of connections such as family, friends, and romantic partners.
How to Support the Men in Your Life with their Mental Health
Remember that we all hold the same capacity to love. We were made from the same materials, same proportions, and depending on your belief—the same source.
Navigating Compulsory Heterosexuality
Compulsory heterosexuality is ingrained from the moment you’re born—takes a long time to dismantle, which is why many people come out later in life.
What’s Weighing You Down?
I became weighed down by the fear of making others uncomfortable. The dread of feeling obligated to navigate other peoples’ problems and insecurities because I don’t fit neatly into the narrative they’ve created for me.
Staying Productive While Working from Home
For many, working from home is a dream come true, but it can quickly turn into a nightmare if you don’t manage your time properly or you get off task easily.
Forming Habits while Struggling with Mental Health
The discomfort of struggling with mental health can bring about strong desperation for change.
Thinking Across Time
Learning when to focus on the past, present, or future provides an opportunity to take the optimal outlook to benefit from our experiences.
How Our Emotions Impact Productivity
Our emotions play a large role in whether or not we get things done. Even if everything is set up perfectly for a productive work session, there are moments when our emotions get the best of us.
Navigating the Workplace with a Disability
How come people with health complications are accommodated during education but once they are in the working field they are perceived as an additional cost and a headache to deal with?
Finding Value
Values are not about what you want to get out of life—they are about how you strive to behave on an ongoing basis.
Grieving Who I Could’ve Been
I feel a bit of grief for the loss of this person I never even got to hold or embody. Can we grieve something we never had?
Ten Tips for Unemployment During COVID-19
After the COVID wave of unemployment, we all chose to lead our job search in a certain way. Read to find out how to make the most of your unemployment.
The Power of a Daily Routine
It can be hard to pinpoint the exact culprit of negative feelings. Most of the time, it comes down to one thing—routine, or lack thereof.
How to Change Your Unhelpful Thinking Styles
We all have unhelpful thinking styles. In any given situation, our brains find multiple ways to try to trick us into negative thinking patterns.
Love in Different Languages
Next time your anxiety is tricking you into believing that your partner doesn’t love you, take a minute to reflect on how their love language differentiates from yours
Ten Tips for Active Listening
People always talk about supporting others and being there for them, but how open are we really?
Living with Anxiety
It’s intrusive thoughts that simply won’t go away no matter how much you try to escape them.
I Tracked My Mood for a Month—This is What Happened
It was hard to see the big picture when all I could remember were my intense feelings of despair.
The Dangers of Labeling
Our use of labels combined with our own negative self-talk continues to fuel an already fragile human condition and can contribute to physical symptoms of depression to anxiety.
The Drip and the Spark
How an understanding of change in conjunction with an accurate understanding of self can allow us to accelerate learning in any area.
The Power of Positive Affirmations
It’s truly time to bring some positivity into our lives. Let’s make it our goal this new year!
Surviving the Holidays During a Pandemic
Although we cannot control the fact that there’s a pandemic during the holidays, there are still ways in which we can stay afloat during this confusing, unique season.
Finding Clarity Through the Healing Process
This is the magic of the healing process—it’s so much simpler than we sometimes make it out to be.
Feeling Like a Burden
We are not a burden; it is a mind trick that requires a swiftly concentrated brain to overcome it. We are more than capable of being our own heroes and saving our lost souls from the dark and stormy black sea of negative thoughts.
Confessions From an Instagram Newbie
The thing with Instagram is that it thrives on constant posting and most importantly garnering those critical likes! My need to have someone “like” me was turning into self-destruction.
Dating With Anxiety
Oftentimes, the thought of putting yourself out there and being vulnerable may sound anxiety-provoking. Sometimes we may find that relationships feel more difficult to maintain when we have anxiety.
Being Pluto
This feeling of disconnection is common amongst the general population but it doesn’t have to be a forever thing.
The Bell Jar Effect
Sometimes, finding support in anonymity or through introspection is more attainable than venting aloud, and that’s okay. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to getting through the depths of mental illness.
When Change Becomes Overwhelming
The leaves are changing colors and the sweaters are getting thicker. It’s a new season of change and if you’re finding yourself feeling overwhelmed about it, you’re not alone.
How to Prioritize Self-care While Working from Home
At the beginning of quarantine, I had a difficult time adjusting to what some called our “new normal.” I held a lot of hope that we were going to go back into the office.
My 5 Takeaways from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Whether you’re interested in trying this type of therapy or have already gone through it yourself and are looking to recommend it to someone in your life, I’m here to offer my five takeaways from CBT.
Goodbye From Your Blog Manager
Though I’ll be leaving the team, I won’t forget all the things I’ve learned at Vent Over Tea – and I hope to carry it with me wherever I go.
Meet Our New Blog Manager
I was scrolling online when my friend sent me a link to a job posting for a Blog Manager position. “Thought this might interest you,” he said.
Don’t Feed The Demon
As someone who struggles with a mental illness, I’ve often felt like I had to wrestle with an annoying little demon that lives in my brain.
Between Connection And Freedom
Most of us probably felt lonely and missed our friends during the covid-19 lockdown. But in some ways, it also gave us plenty of alone time to express ourselves freely, without fear of judgement.
In Queer Waters
As we celebrate Pride this week in Montreal, I wanted to share my journey about how I went from struggling with invalidation and self-doubt, to fully embracing my identity.
Common Myths About Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are debilitating conditions that can have life-threatening consequences. In order to help those who are affected, we must debunk the many myths that still surround them.
When Your Mind Lies To You
Not everything our minds tell us is true: it’s extremely common to fall into faulty thinking patterns, or cognitive distortions, that can take a toll on our mental health.
Love and Attachment
In the world of dating, some partners seem to be overly attached while others are allergic to commitment. More often than not, this is the result of different attachment styles.
What It’s Like to Have Emetophobia
No one likes being sick. But emetophobia is more than that: it’s an all-consuming, paralyzing fear of throwing up that affects many aspects of daily life.
Staying Resilient in a Pandemic
As the covid-19 pandemic upheaves our lives in unprecedented ways, we may have to make an extra effort to build our resilience.
To Eat or Not to Eat
The road to recovery from an eating disorder is long and complex. Although my battle isn’t over, I hope that I can help others by sharing my story.
Food For Thought
Summer is here, which means that the sun is shining, the weather is warm, and invites are rolling in for barbecues and get-togethers… socially-distanced ones, that is. It also means that we’re blessed with an abundance of fruit, vegetables, and other great nutrient-rich foods. And if you’ve been struggling with your mental health lately, you […]
More than a bad habit
We’ve all had bad habits. But when these behaviours become compulsive and distressing, they can be a symptom of something more serious.
Changing Careers in a Pandemic
Changing careers is almost always a scary decision, and these strange times can make it even easier to feel doubtful and insecure.
Gratitude in Isolation
As the pandemic makes us go through unprecedented challenges, practicing gratitude can help make our lives a little brighter.
The Problem With Self-Motivation
Staying motivated is fairly easy when you know you have to respect deadlines for school or for your job. But why does it get so hard when you’re the only person that can hold yourself accountable?
An Introvert’s Guide to Isolating With Others
In these times of social distancing, it’s common to feel lonely. But if you’re isolating with other people, it can also be hard to find time alone.
The Pressure to be Productive in a Pandemic
As everyone finds new ways to pass the time during the pandemic, many of us may feel guilty for not doing “enough.”
Journey in Psychosis
While conditions like anxiety and depression have become normalized, psychosis is still rarely talked about. By sharing my story, I hope I can contribute to lessening the stigma around it.
Self-Isolation and Mental Health
Self-isolation is a necessary step in our fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some tips to help you through this difficult time.
The Benefits of Walking in Circles
Labyrinths have existed for thousands of years. But did you know they could be used as a meditation tool?
The L Words
It’s easy to get caught up in chasing after romantic love. But if we make an effort to direct our attention elsewhere, we’ll see that we’re surrounded by all kinds of love that can be deeply fulfilling in their own ways.
Who Are We, Who Can We Be
Between social pressures and self-doubt, it can be a real struggle to figure out who you are – or who you want to be.
A Quick Guide to Virtual Mental Health Support
The current COVID-19 crisis has had a profound impact on the way we receive mental health services. Fortunately, there are things you can do to adjust to these new forms of therapy and active listening.
The Truth About Introverts and Extroverts
There’s a lot of stereotypes and misconceptions about what it means to be an introvert or an extrovert. Sometimes, it’s necessary to pull back and look at the truth behind the clichés.
End of the Tunnel
Panic attacks are terrifying and unpredictable. But it’s important to remember that they won’t last, and that there are things you can do to make them as painless as possible.
In Harmony
Music is one of the great joys of life, and like most good things, it’s better when it’s shared. Don’t underestimate its impact on your ability to form meaningful bonds with others.
Home Away From Home
Living abroad can teach us so many things, but it also has its ups and downs. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of this life-changing experience.
Boredom Isn’t Boring
Webster’s dictionary defines boredom as “the state of being weary and restless through lack of interest.” That doesn’t sound very fun, and anyone that has ever been bored can confirm that it isn’t. Boredom can strike anywhere: on a long car trip, during a seemingly endless work meeting, or even on a weekend morning when […]
Why You Should Try Practicing Self-Compassion
Most of us are used to pushing ourselves to give our best and accomplish our goals. But what if we tried to show compassion to ourselves instead?
It’s OK To Be Unproductive
With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it feels like we rarely get a minute to ourselves. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to be productive, but we must also learn to let ourselves unwind from time to time.
Surviving a Breakup 101
Going through a breakup isn’t easy, but it’s doable. Here are some things to remember in this difficult time.
How To Manage Holiday Stress
While we might be happy to see our family, eat delicious meals, and take a break from work, there is a stressful side to the holiday season. Here’s what you can do to take it in your stride.
The Value of Laughter
While it may seem counterintuitive to joke about mental illness, a sense of humour can be a powerful weapon to have in your arsenal.
Five Tips To Survive Job-Searching
Looking for work can be a taxing process, but there are things you can do to make it easier on your mental health.
Embracing the Holiday Pounds
After a few merry feasts, many of us struggle with feelings of shame and regret over gaining some “holiday weight.” This post-holiday season, it’s time to cut ourselves some slack.
The Magic of A Morning Routine
We’re all guilty of having a few bad habits. Fortunately, filling our mornings with healthier activities can help us turn our life around.
Speaking of Mental Illness
It’s easy to mention mental illnesses in a casual, joking way. But we often underestimate the damage our words can do.
Say Hi to our new Blog Manager, Anna
As the new blog manager here at Vent Over Tea, I’d like to introduce myself and tell you how I came to write for this community.
What Aristotle Teaches Us About Friendships
Friends can be a great source of support and joy for us. But there are many different types of friendships, and sometimes it’s a good idea to take a closer look at how they impact our lives.
A Good Routine Keeps the Winter Blues Away
Many of us are affected by the “winter blues.” But we can limit its impact on our mental health with a routine that includes a sleep schedule, healthy eating habits, and exercise.
Self-Care and Staycations
While it may be tempting to use your precious vacation days to travel and explore, unwinding in the comfort of your own home can be a calming and ultimately more restorative choice.
The Comfort of Routines
Having an established routine has lots of benefits: it can help you reduce procrastination, lower your stress, and be a more productive person.
The Paradox of Mental Health on Campus
Universities are increasingly advocating for programs and resources to promote mental wellness on campus. This progress is at odds with the harmful rhetoric that goes on between students equating high stress levels with academic success. Awareness can be the first step to breaking this cycle.
The Beauty of Boundaries
It can be hard to say no to people you care about, but sometimes boundaries can make your connections stronger and more sustainable in the long term. Sometimes in order to be a good friend, you need to prioritize your own emotional health.
Distress Tolerance, or the Art of Sitting in the Fire
It’s never easy or comfortable to feel bad. But accepting our negative feelings is often the first step to coping with them in a healthy, mindful way.
A Matter of Life and Death
I know that it’s honest. But if that’s what I really think, am I doing it in practice? Am I leaving my comfort zone enough? Am I taking time to give back to my community and appreciate the lighter moments in my life? It’s so easy to get caught up in our fast-paced world that […]
Understanding and Overcoming Intolerance
Intolerance towards certain groups of people is often fostered by fear and harmful stereotypes. Fortunately, there are steps we can take to challenge prejudices — starting with our own.
Staying Grounded with Radical Acceptance
Sometimes forgiving yourself and letting yourself off the hook can be the most difficult thing to do. Radical acceptance can be an invaluable tool when trying to move on from tough times.
Growing Pains
It can be tough to get comfortable being uncomfortable, but you’d be surprised how your life can change when you’re willing to be vulnerable.
Self Care and Creativity
The stereotype of the “tortured artist” is not necessarily accurate. Many individuals in artistic realms are choosing self-care to help sustain their creative energy.
On Empathy and Healing
Being an empathetic person is a wonderful quality to have, but it is also important to practice mindfulness to ensure that your own mental health is protected while connecting with others.
Why We Don’t Like To Talk About Anger
Anger is a complicated emotion, and one that hasn’t been spoken about as much as other mental health issues. Instead of repressing it, sometimes understanding it can be the first step of healing.
Perfectionism vs. Puppies
When we chase after achievements, it’s easy to feel like anything short of perfection just isn’t good enough. But spending time with our furry friends can give us a whole other perspective on life and happiness.
Summer is Coming
Take advantage of all the mood boosting activities and wellness benefits that these upcoming months have to offer!
The Benefits of Journaling
Putting our thoughts on paper allows us to release our emotions in a cathartic way, and to become more self-aware about our own patterns.
Meet our New Blog Manager, Elsa
I wanted to introduce myself and let you all know how I got involved with this amazing team!
Mindful Me-Time
Time is our most precious commodity, but we’re all guilty of taking it for granted sometimes. We all need a reminder to evaluate our lives and how we’re spending our “free time”.
Decisions, Decisions
Choosing a career can be a daunting task. Sometimes we are inundated with so many options that it’s hard to choose one at all. Luckily there are tools to help figure out where you want to go!
Three Reasons to Include Cooking in your Self-Care Routine
Cooking can be a wonderful opportunity to be mindful and to take care of yourself and others.
Under Pressure
Do you need to be mentally stronger than the rest of the population to be an elite athlete? What can we learn from the world-class athletes who have publicly talked about their struggles with mental illness?
The Value of Community
Creating connections and joining a community can be incredibly fulfilling. Now that spring is here (hopefully), seeking out new groups is a little easier!
What to do When Your Roommate has Depression
If your roommate is suffering from depression, it can be tough to know how to help them while still maintaining your own mental health. Here are some thoughts on how to navigate this situation empathetically.
The Procrastination Problem
It can be tempting to delay doing your work until the last second, but procrastination can take a toll on your mental health. Luckily, there are some good habits that can help you get things done!
Overcoming Loneliness
Loneliness can be a paralyzing feeling. Here are a few helpful ways to reconnect with others.
Netflix and Breaking Down Stigma
February weather can make going outside a challenge. Here are three shows that are not only entertaining, but also touch upon mental health in thoughtful ways.
Spread the Love this Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day can be a lot of pressure for people in and out of relationships, luckily there is another way to approach February 14th.
Are You Dismissing Uncommon Signs of Anxiety?
Getting by is not the same as thriving. Don’t ignore signs that feel off just because they don’t fit the stereotypes.
Stopping the Snowball Effect
The core issue with social anxiety is that nervous thoughts can accumulate and build upon themselves. Rumination is when you have one anxious thought, which leads to another, and a snowball effect occurs. But there are ways to stop it!
A Change in the Right Direction
A new year can bring with it some pressures that are difficult to avoid when self-improvement is the flavour of the month. Whether or not you made resolutions this year, there are a few things to consider when trying to make a change in your life.
Cold Comfort
It’s not uncommon to have a hard time in the winter months. The good news is, there are things you can do to make this time of year better.
How to Help Your Therapist Help You
Even as attitudes on mental health are changing, there seems to be a lingering sense of skepticism towards therapy. It’s crucial for us to believe in the solution just as much as we believe in the problem.
Homesick for the Holidays
Whether it’s your first or your fifth time, spending the holidays away from home can be tough. But it can still be great!
How Will You Spend Your Time This Holiday Season?
Everyone is busy around the holidays, but did you know that when you spend your time helping others, you feel like you have more free time? On top of that, people who volunteer tend to be happier than those who don’t!
Moving Toward Connection
There is quite a difference between being alone and being lonely, something I felt acutely when I moved to Taiwan.
Art In Mind: Supported by BCA Research
We are so excited for our second annual fundraiser tonight! We couldn’t have done it without our event partner, BCA Research!
What To Do After A Loved One’s Suicide Attempt
Coping with the aftermath of my sister’s suicide attempt was a lot like fumbling in the dark; I didn’t know what I was doing, or where I was going. Here are a few tips I wish someone would’ve told me.
Mental Illness and Dating
Do you feel that it’s necessary to disclose your mental illness to your partner and, if so, how? Do you use dating apps and, if so, how do they affect your mental health? What kinds of stigma have you experienced because of your mental illness?
Open the Floodgates
Suppressing the urge to cry is usually an attempt to suppress the emotions making you tear up, giving these negative feelings a chance to grow and become stronger
Speak from the Heart
We all have our own favorite ways to express and receive love. Talking about love languages to the people around you can be a great way to improve your relationships.
Just A Thought
Nearly our entire conscious life is filled up with thoughts, but do you ever stop to think about your them? Do you ever question them?
Gratitude is for more than Thanksgiving
You always think that when things get better, you’ll be happier again. But by practicing gratitude you’ll train yourself to see the good in your life regardless of the situation, which can have physical and mental health benefits.
Falling out of Fear
If falling = failing, rock climbing forced me to face failure over and over again. I lay on the mat – still dizzy from my fall, but otherwise unharmed – and thought to myself: “I have failed. What now?”
How to Stop Pulling Yourself Apart
I’ve lived my entire life with a compulsive need to pull myself apart – literally. I have a rare condition called trichotillomania. In English terms, I pull my hair out.
The Best Medicine
Getting your news through comedians isn’t about laughing things off or accepting the state of things, it’s about being reminded that what is going on IS absurd, that it ISN’T normal.
Breaking Down Coffee Breaks
I was kind of worried that it would be awkward initiating conversation with strangers, but it turned out to be really easy.
Get Down to the Nitty Gritty
Grit is all about passion and perseverance for meaningful goals, and you can develop it yourself with, well, grit.
My OCD Story, or How I Climbed back up the Staircase
When I was 13, it occurred to me that it was completely and terrifyingly possible for me to grab a knife and stab a random person if I wanted to, a thought I would obsess over for years.
The Light Side of Social Media
Social media is a big part of our daily lives. We’ve all heard about the negative side-effects of social media on our mental health and well-being. But how can we use social media in a positive way to enhance our lives?
Did You Hear…?
Everybody gossips. Everybody has derived some delight from sharing or hearing news about someone else. It’s human nature. But how is it impacting ourselves and others?
Self-Care Lessons from a Puppy
It’s so easy to get caught up in the rush around us that we forget to include time for personal care. Don’t forget to bring it back every now and then with these reminders from a puppy!
What’s a Habit Between Friends?
Sometimes they can help and sometimes they can hinder, but ultimately, having social support can make the difficulties of building new habits much more bearable. If nothing else, it can serve as a reminder that we aren’t alone.
Men and Mental Health
Men are less likely to put up their hands and ask for help than women, and it’s affecting their mental and physical health.
A Second Coming Out
There are stigmas around being in the LGBTQ+ community. And there are stigmas around having mental health issues. What if you fall into both categories?
Finding Happy Mediums
Compromise is something we have to do constantly in all kinds of relationships, and it can be crucial to developing closer connections with people.
Does Growing Up Mean Growing Apart?
Allowing yourself to grow is one of the most rewarding endeavours you can undertake, but many of us avoid personal development because they worry it will change their relationships.
Finding Your Group
I consider myself an outgoing person so I thought making friends would be a walk in the park! Unfortunately, it wasn’t so simple.
Summer Blues
While warm weather, longer days, and more vacation time can make some people feel euphoric and free, it can make others feel agitated, guilty, tired, and jealous.
Power in Vulnerability
Most of us know real connections are important, but research is finding more and more that many of us are lacking those exact types of meaningful relationships.
Vent Over Tea … in Calgary!
VENT OVER TEA IS HEADING WEST: June 1st marks the official launch date of the Calgary chapter of Vent Over Tea!
Support System and Success
How often do you set a goal, create a plan, and then…bow out early rather than hold out for the long-term success? When it comes to achieving our goals, some of us are better than others at sticking to our plans, especially when the payoff seems far away.
Don’t Walk Through Grief Alone
Hearing other people’s stories gave me hope that the sting of my mom’s absence would ease. That’s why I decided to share my story.
Mentally Healing from Physical Injury
Getting injured sucks. So how do you keep the feelings of anger, frustration, sadness, isolation, and lack of motivation at bay while you recover?
Warming Up to Working Out
Exercise is a fantastic tool to have in your mental health tool kit, but if we think of it as an intimidating production, we may not use it. Instead start small, and take it day by day.
Creature comforts
Whether you’re a self-proclaimed adorer of little critters or not, spending time around friendly animals can help reduce stress and feelings of loneliness as well as improve your self esteem and outlook on life. Plus, they’re cute!
Crashing to a HALT
HALT is a self-care technique where you check in with yourself to see if you’re feeling Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired – and then try to fix the problem in a deliberate, healthy way.
Coffee Break February 7th – Event Recap
On the evening of the seventh of February, there was a snowstorm in Montreal. This was not an unusual occurrence. However, as the chunky snowflakes tumbled their way down from the sky, veiling themselves over the snug streets of Saint-Henri, magic was happening at a beloved local joint, Cafe Joe.
Better Self-Care Together
It’s often easier to provide care than it is to ask for it, but when we’re feeling down, overwhelmed, or stressed, we should have someone in our life to turn to for comfort.
The Time to Talk is Now
The stigma surrounding mental illness is one of the leading reasons that people avoid seeking help, which is only made worse when leaders in society link mental illness to gun violence
Calling All Pals!
Palentine’s Day is about celebrating great relationships with the great people who are in our lives, and it might just be the perfect antidote to Valentine’s day
Being Heard
As a venter, I learned that sometimes what helps lessen the burden is talking to someone who will listen completely when you admit, “I’m hurting. Can I tell you my story?”
Let’s Talk. And Listen. And Volunteer.
Whether or not you suffer from mental illness, understanding mental health issues – what they are, how they affect people, how you can help – is important for everyone
State of the Art Therapy
Art therapy is the encouragement of free self-expression through different art mediums. In clinical practice, it has been used as a therapeutic tool to help with a variety of issues.
Grateful for Gratitude
Showing gratitude can have so many benefits. When you tell the important people in your life how they’ve helped you become the person you are, you can deepen your relationships and make them feel good.
New Rules for New Year’s Resolutions
New Year’s resolutions in particular have become a sort of cultural expectation. I get that the external hurrah surrounding New Year’s resolutions and the sense of community that comes with it provides a boost of motivation to achieve them, but, are they actually working?
Presence for the People
People who spend their days on city streets, particularly those who are begging for money, get ignored by hundreds of people every day.
Tender Loving Care
What is self-care? Admittedly, a smart ass such as myself would reply to that question with the confidence of a thousand horses saying, “It is the act of caring for oneself!” which, although not an incorrect description, doesn’t fully encapsulate all it means.
Write About It
The act of writing is cathartic. It allows you to process your thoughts and view them with more clarity. It is also a way to tangibly place your thoughts in another space where they can be distanced from you and your identity.
Feeling Under the Weather
With the world getting darker earlier and the sky sending it’s evil little white things down to us, this is the most common time of the year for people to get sad. Seasonal Affective Disorder, abbreviated as SAD, is a type of depression that relates to the changes of the seasons.
Stop Resisting Rest
Our nights are the indicators of how our days are going to go. When we rest well, we can face things more head on, think critically about our problems that ‘tired us’ would struggle with.
Curiouser and Curiouser
Being interesting is a pretty typical social goal to have, but have you tried being interested? As a big talker, I often try to think about ways to contribute to conversations that will make me seem funny, entertaining, or smart, but after doing a little research on the positive effects of curiosity on all kinds […]
Why Cyclist Safety in Montreal is a Community Problem
These incidents are indicative of a problem that extends beyond reckless lane changes and forgotten blind spots.
Run Stranger Run
There is a reason that people choose to sign up for races that you cannot fully understand until you sign up for one yourself. It’s only at an event that you get the adrenaline rush, the excitement, and the feeling that you are a part of an enormous community.
Get What You Need
Communicating your needs can be tricky because oftentimes you’re worried that you might offend someone, hurt their feelings, or seem presumptuous.
Falling for Fall
There are still lots of ways to make new connections before the weather turns cold and we all want to stay bundled inside our apartments with a few choice people.
Help Wanted
Being self aware enough to recognize that you need help and then knowing how to ask for it is no simple feat, and at times it’s a necessary one.
Changing Minds
This blog often talks about the power of conversation and all the wonders communication can bring, and I believe in every word that’s been written, but I’ve also been overwhelmed recently by how little impact conversations can have when it comes to changing people’s minds.
The New Friend Zone
Once you’ve left school, it dawns on you how difficult it is to make new friends. There’s a vulnerability to it, and sitting in the comfort of our homes typing on our phones or computers lessens that vulnerability a bit.
Talking to Yourself About It
Despite the negative connotations that go along with ‘talking’ to yourself, checking in with yourself, being aware of how you’re feeling, knowing how to express your thoughts and emotions, and encouraging or regulating yourself are all positive things.
Lessons from an Original Hippie Commune
Many of the communes that began in the 60’s have since died out – largely due to an inability to support themselves financially. Twin Oaks has been successfully supporting itself since 1967 through production of hammocks, furniture, and most recently tofu.
Emotion Palette
As humans, we have the unique ability to experience a colourful palette of complex, rich emotions: we can be green with envy, sometimes we have the blues and other times our faces are tinged red with embarrassment or rage.
Talking To Strangers
It may seem counterintuitive, but in certain contexts, you can feel more secure sharing a secret with a stranger than with someone close to you.
Updates and Reflections – July 2017
Conversations with strangers. I’ve always enjoyed them, but I never thought I would spend some of my mid-twenties building an organization around them. Such is life and here I am, watching what was once a tiny seed of an idea in Sarah Fennessey’s head blossom into an entirely volunteer-run organization that acts as the ears […]
Tiny Screens
Since the first brick hit the market, our phones have gotten smaller and smaller in the hopes of making our world feel a little smaller too, and while phones have made long distances feel small, they’ve also made small ones much bigger.
One Size Does Not Fit All
The problem with using clichés as a way of understanding and giving meaning to someone’s current situation is that, although they are not necessarily false, they are incomplete and simultaneously oversimplify and minimize people’s experiences
What to Expect When You’re Venting
What is Vent Over Tea? What happens during a vent session? And, what happens after? The short answer is that this is different for everyone; the long answer is that the concept of our vent sessions depends on two imperative elements: a sense of intimacy and no prior relationship or necessary follow-up.
Listen Between the Lines
Listening is the first step to communicating with someone, but there’s more to it than simply hearing the words the other person says.
Coffee Talk
Imagine walking into a coffee shop and everyone working on their laptop or looking at their phone was instead talking to another customer.
Escaping Escapism
Whether the stories are fantastical, realistic, silly, or dark, there’s a freedom that comes with allowing yourself to be engrossed in a fictional world. Sometimes we abuse this ability to avoid our own world.
Small Talk for a Big City
It’s strange how you can be pressed up against another person in a metro car during rush hour and yet feel completely alone.
Talk About It
There are some thingsin life that are tough to talk about. It’s important we make the space to talk about them anyway.
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