Isolation can cast a shadow over mental health in ways that a boring routine might not. While a routine might lack excitement, it offers a sense of structure and predictability that our minds often crave. On the other hand, isolation severs the vital connections we have with others, triggering feelings of loneliness and detachment. Human interaction fuels our emotional well-being, providing avenues for sharing experiences, receiving support, and cultivating a sense of belonging. The absence of social engagement, which isolation tends to amplify, can lead to heightened stress, anxiety, and even depression. While a monotonous routine might seem unappealing, it inherently maintains a semblance of stability that can act as a buffer against the detrimental effects of isolation on our mental health.
It’s no accident that most people tend to sleep at night and are awake during the day. Our sleep-wake cycle is determined by our circadian rhythm, the body’s internal clock.
What is Shadow-Self?
The shadow self refers to parts of yourself—whether personality traits, emotions, thoughts—that are difficult to accept. You often don't want to acknowledge, identify, or embrace these things.
We all have a shadow self. It is generally made up of the parts of ourselves we deem unacceptable. For many people this could mean things like their own sadness, rage, laziness, and cruelty.