Every Day Mental Health Hacks from Dua Lipa

Levitating from the stage in a customized black bodysuit adorned with 120,000 crystals (see Future Nostalgia tour), Dua Lipa definitely is aware of how one can command a room. Certain, she has the assistance of stage lights, particular results, and her voice, in fact, however let’s be actual: She could possibly be carrying denims and a T-shirt and nonetheless flip heads.

Because of Vogue’s The Actual Dua Lipa story, I received an in-depth, BTS look into the two-time-Grammy-winning, 26-year-old pop star’s life. Behind all of the glitz and glamour and fame, Dua (which means “love” in Albanian) is a staunch advocate for refugee teams, LGBTQ rights, and racial justice. She’s additionally a yogi, good cook dinner, hugger, fan of star indicators, and total boss (AKA my new woman crush).

As if we wanted extra causes to adore her, she’s been open about her personal struggles with psychological well being. On an episode of The Gurls Speak Podcast with host Adwoa Aboah, Dua shared how she prioritized her well-being in the course of the pandemic. In fact, I took notes. Drawing inspiration from one other Vogue piece, I gathered Dua’s six tips about how one can care in your psychological well being from her visitor look on the podcast. Be warned, you’ll wish to be her BFF.  

1. Keep related with family members

If there’s one takeaway from the previous couple of years, it’s the significance of connection. We’re all responsible of laying aside calling our mothers or reconnecting with our highschool besties. However Dua inspired The Gurls Speak Podcast‘s listeners to make time to attach with their community to foster the sensation of togetherness. She credited group chats and FaceTime exercises with mates to holding her sane when quarantined (if solely I might’ve been a fly on the wall). Now that we’re again to some normalcy, IRL interactions have by no means felt higher or been extra precious for sustaining our psychological well being (however you continue to can’t go flawed with choosing up the telephone, whether or not we’re in the midst of a pandemic or not). 

2. Have a journaling routine (that works greatest for you)

It’s no secret we’re journaling stans at The Everygirl, and Dua would give us main props for making the apply a part of our routines (that virtually makes us BFFs, proper?).  Whereas writing songs is Dua’s important type of journaling, she recommended writing about your emotions and never being afraid of your ideas and placing them down on paper (no matter means feels greatest for you). Whether or not it’s a diary entry, poem, brief essay, or just some bullet factors about the way you’re feeling, Dua stated journaling actually helps deliver your psychological well being A-game. To make it even easier, she beneficial grabbing a chunk of paper and scribbling out no matter you’re pondering—it doesn’t must make sense and you may rip it up in spite of everything is alleged and accomplished. Go away it to Dua Lipa to make journaling even cooler. 

3. Attempt constructive escapism

Eager to take a break from difficult feelings (assume: a breakup, work pressures, a well being scare) is regular. Though non permanent, it offers us the possibility to disconnect and take our minds off our circumstances in order that we will reset and be in a greater headspace to deal with obstacles. Dua’s type of escapism? You guessed it: music. Typically, all we’d like is an effective cry or a solo dance get together to our go-to songs to shake issues off. However different instances, it takes extra effort.

In the event you might use an precise bodily escape to, say, a personal island nevertheless it isn’t within the price range (if solely), plan a weekend getaway or staycation to stay up for. And when future plans simply gained’t minimize it, settle in to e-book, decide up a brand new pastime, or get misplaced in a film or present. Whereas imagining your self as a Actual Housewife (you decide the placement) gained’t resolve your issues, it could present the area it’s worthwhile to acquire perspective and reframe your mindset.

4. Take a social media hiatus

We’ve all been down the IG rabbit gap of incessantly scrolling by the filtered and edited lives of mates and influencers—the subsequent factor you realize, you’re evaluating your self and your life to theirs. Dua Lipa instructed Adwoa that there was a degree when on-line criticism saved her from feeling pleased with her achievements. “I don’t assume I might have accomplished my second document if I hadn’t taken a step again from social media,” she stated. “You must all the time take away your self from issues which have a destructive influence in your psychological well being. Go away any good issues that encourage you, excite you, and make it enjoyable.” 

Taking Dua’s recommendation, set boundaries round your social media utilization. Restrict the period of time you spend on TikTok every day, schedule social media-free days, or take a month-long breather from sure apps. In the event you want extra convincing, contemplate this: A 2021 examine revealed that the majority individuals reported a constructive change in temper, lowered anxiousness, and improved sleep throughout and instantly after a break from social media. 

5. Recurrently apply kindness

Dua’s MO in a nutshell? “Work arduous and be good,” she shared with Adwoa (altering my standing to #1 fan). The ability of kindness goes past making the particular person on the receiving finish really feel good (though that’s ok!). In accordance with the American Psychological Affiliation, acts of kindness enhance happiness and well-being and is even linked to bodily well being advantages. Even observing or trying again on variety acts have been proven to extend well-being. So smile at each stranger, deal with a pal to espresso, or pay others a praise since you simply may begin a domino impact. Additionally, you deserve to indicate your self kindness. “Take into consideration what you’re saying to your self since you discuss to your self probably the most … Be variety to your self,” Dua acknowledged. I couldn’t have stated it higher. 

6. Give again

In the event you’ve ever volunteered for a company, donated cash to a trigger you consider in, or used your voice to assist others, you’re additionally doing all of your psychological well being good. Past contributing to charities (she works intently with UNICEF and UNHCR), Dua swears that supporting your family and friends shouldn’t be solely an necessary factor to do however can be a wellness hack. Whether or not it’s as small as sending a constructive textual content message to your gal pal or making dinner in your mother and father, displaying altruism does extra than simply produce feel-good moments. Analysis reveals that giving again is the closest factor to a magic tablet, filling our brains with dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin. In different phrases, deliver on the happiness!