Mental Wellness Mastery: Paula Liub Of Paula Mindfulness On Everyday Life Hacks For Optimal Mental Wellness
An Interview With Eden Gold
Setting healthy boundaries is essential for protecting your mental health and well-being. Boundaries involve defining and communicating your limits in relationships and situations, ensuring that your needs and values are respected and honored. Practice assertive communication and prioritize self-care, saying no to activities or commitments that drain you and prioritizing activities that align with your values and priorities.
In our modern, fast-paced society, mental wellness is a crucial aspect of leading a fulfilling life. However, for many people, achieving and maintaining good mental health can be a challenging task, with obstacles such as stress, anxiety, depression, and more. That’s why it’s essential to have practical and accessible strategies for mental wellness that can help build resilience, emotional intelligence, and overall well-being. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Paula Liub.
Paula helps highly sensitive and neurodivergent women to treat or prevent burnout and feel good again.
She has recovered from a cycle of burnouts and not only has found inner peace, but lives life to the full without a fear of ever burning out or getting overwhelmed as a neurodivergent person.
Combining her own burnout experience with a background in psychology, yoga, and 18 years of mindfulness practices, Paula has developed a unique system that beats and prevents burnout by using a combination of science backed and mindfulness tools.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion about Mental Wellness Life Hacks, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?
I honestly don’t remember how many burnouts I have had. I burnt out multiple times at school, university, and at work. I would take a break, rest, and then go back to routine and burnout again
I thought this was just how life was, up and down, exhaustion and rest. I thought something might be wrong with me (later found out I was neurodivergent).
I changed jobs, and I changed careers 4 times.
I was lost, frustrated, confused, thirsty for even a small break or temporary relief.
I went to therapy and seeked medical help.
I practised mindfulness, meditation, breathwork, and tried to set firmer boundaries.
Some of these things helped a little but I was still experiencing recurring burnouts year after year.
But they are not a complete solution. Burnout is not the problem, it is just a symptom
There is this misconception that burnout is just too much work, or just what happens when you have a demanding job/are a parent/are neurodivergent/etc. Truth is, it is a two way street: environment plays a role, but so do your self-care skills and strategies. And only when I got help with the latter I was able to heal completely.
Then I decided that I want to help others through this — so that nobody has to go through what I have in order to find wellness. Combining my own burnout experience with a background in psychology and mindfulness, I have created a simple system of small, manageable steps that work with your busy schedule and take you through the recovery.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
One of the pivotal points was being endorsed by psychiatrists, neurodiversity and wellness advocates, burnout specialists as someone who has a very unique and profound outlook on wellness, burnout prevention and treatment.
You are a successful individual. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
Courage. Starting your own business from zero is scary in many ways, especially when you have to show your own face and go public. And that fear never really goes away — almost every week I do something that scares me in my business. The key is to learn to live with that fear — be scared and do it anyway. As an example, I have made multiple investments in my business that felt big and scary, but you can only move forward if you take the steps. Sitting and waiting for the right time won’t get you anywhere.
Intuition. It goes hand in hand with fear — it is so important to know the difference. Something might not feel right due to fear, limiting beliefs, lack of confidence, but also because it is not the right move or the right time. It took a while for me to let go of certain business strategies and tactics cause I first thought I just didn’t like them because of some fears, but working with a coach I realised it is just not the right strategy for me, my business, and my audience.
Self-care. You can only do as much as you have the energy and inspiration for. Gone are the days of hustling and burning yourself out for more success. People can feel if you are grinding and suffering, it is not attractive. New era is of nourished business owners prioritising self-care and building business that works for you, not the other way around. Coming from the background of mindfulness and background, this is something I have put as a priority in my business from day one. And I can really feel that my energy and mood is reflected in my business metrics.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview about mental wellness mastery. What is one often-overlooked daily habit that can significantly improve one’s mental wellness?
Ultimately, it does not matter as much which habit you do, but doing it regularly and often — at least once a day, even better 2–3 times a day. And it is better to do one minute a day than 30 minutes once a week.
So pick something that is enjoyable and doable for you.
One often-overlooked daily habit that can significantly improve mental wellness is practicing mindfulness. Mindfulness involves intentionally bringing attention to the present moment without judgment, allowing us to cultivate greater awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations.
Whether it’s taking a mindful pause during a busy day, practicing mindful eating during meals, or simply bringing awareness to the sensations of breathing, every moment of mindfulness counts.
How do you recommend individuals recalibrate their mental wellness after experiencing a significant setback or failure?
Practice self-acceptance, kindness, let go of guilt, shame, not enoughness. Imagine what you would say to a friend who was in your situation. Take a break and do something that takes your mind off it and brings you pleasure.
In your experience, what is a common misconception about mental health that hinders people from seeking help or improving their wellness?
Telling yourself “once I finish this project/exams/change jobs/(insert anything), then things will calm down, I will feel better, seek support”. But let’s be honest, we say that to ourselves year after year. It is always around the corner. We want to believe that better times are just around the corner because it is hard to accept the current situation. And while it might be hard or sad to accept that life will always be a bit messy, it is actually really liberating cause it allows us to take action, seek support, be kind to ourselves, and live fully in the moment.
Can you share a transformative moment or client story that highlights the power of a specific mental wellness strategy?
Recently a client shared that they had to deal with financial fraud, block credit cards, etc. And while they didn’t lose much financially, such experience would have left them sleepless and unwilling to eat for days just a few months prior. However, having learnt the nervous system regulation skills, they were able to regulate themselves through this experience, eat and sleep well, and not allow this situation to affect their health and productivity.
Based on your experience and research, can you please share “5 Everyday Life Hacks For Optimal Mental Wellness?” If you can, please share a story or an example for each.
Simple breathwork:
- One simple yet powerful life hack for mental wellness is the practice of conscious exhaling. By focusing on your breath and intentionally making exhale longer than the inhale, you can activate the body’s relaxation response, which helps reduce stress and promote a sense of calm. Whenever you feel overwhelmed or anxious, take a moment to pause, close your eyes, and exhale slowly, softly, and deeply, releasing tension and inviting a sense of peace into your body.
Example: Sarah, a busy professional, struggled with chronic stress and anxiety. She started incorporating conscious exhaling into her daily routine by setting reminders on her phone to take short breathing breaks throughout the day. Whenever she felt tension building up, Sarah would pause, close her eyes, and take several deep exhales, allowing herself to release stress and find moments of calm amidst the chaos of her busy schedule.
Self-Acceptance:
- Cultivating self-acceptance is another essential life hack for mental wellness. Embracing yourself exactly as you are, flaws and all, can help reduce feelings of insecurity, self-doubt, and negative self-talk. Practice self-compassion and kindness towards yourself, acknowledging that you are worthy of love and belonging just as you are.
Example: James, a perfectionist by nature, struggled with feelings of inadequacy and self-criticism. He realized that his relentless pursuit of perfection was taking a toll on his mental health and well-being. James started practicing self-acceptance by challenging his inner critic and reframing negative thoughts with more compassionate and realistic self-talk. Over time, James learned to embrace his imperfections and recognize his inherent worthiness, leading to greater peace and self-confidence.
Yoga Nidra:
- Yoga Nidra, also known as yogic sleep, is a powerful relaxation technique that promotes deep rest and rejuvenation. It involves guided meditation and systematic relaxation to induce a state of deep relaxation while remaining consciously aware. Practicing Yoga Nidra regularly can help reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and enhance overall mental well-being.
Example: Maria, a busy professional, struggled with insomnia and difficulty relaxing after a long day of work. She discovered Yoga Nidra as a way to unwind and promote restful sleep. Maria started incorporating Yoga Nidra into her bedtime routine, listening to guided meditation recordings as she drifted off to sleep. By practicing Yoga Nidra regularly, Maria noticed significant improvements in her sleep quality and overall sense of well-being.
Community and Connection:
- Building and nurturing meaningful connections with others is essential for mental wellness. Surrounding yourself with a supportive community of friends, family, and loved ones can provide a sense of belonging, validation, and emotional support during challenging times. Make time for social activities, reach out to loved ones for support, and prioritize spending quality time with those who uplift and inspire you.
Example: David, a recent college graduate, struggled with feelings of loneliness and isolation after moving to a new city for work. He joined a local community organization and started attending weekly meetups and social events. Through these gatherings, David met like-minded individuals who shared his interests and values. He formed deep connections and friendships, creating a sense of belonging and camaraderie that enriched his life and enhanced his mental well-being.
Boundaries:
- Setting healthy boundaries is essential for protecting your mental health and well-being. Boundaries involve defining and communicating your limits in relationships and situations, ensuring that your needs and values are respected and honored. Practice assertive communication and prioritize self-care, saying no to activities or commitments that drain you and prioritizing activities that align with your values and priorities.
Example: Sarah, a people-pleaser by nature, struggled with setting boundaries in her personal and professional life. She often found herself overcommitting and sacrificing her own needs to accommodate others. Sarah realized that her lack of boundaries was taking a toll on her mental health and well-being. She started practicing assertive communication and setting clear boundaries with friends, family, and colleagues. By prioritizing self-care and honoring her limits, Sarah felt empowered and more in control of her life, leading to greater mental wellness and fulfillment.
What role does technology play in mental wellness today, and how can individuals leverage it positively without exacerbating mental health issues?
For neurodivergent individuals especially, it gives a dopamine boost but also has a risk of developing addiction.
To leverage it more positively, one can use the features that limit screen time, limit time on certain apps, and make the screen black and white (proved to reduce the inclination to use the screen).
Filling your social media with positive and helpful content can bring an educative and positive edge to the scrolling.
Finally, using wellness and mindfulness apps can be helpful for one’s help.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
I have started the rebellion of calm. In a world that thrives on tension and strain, unwinding becomes an act of rebellion. We’ve all mastered the art of carrying the weight, hustling, rushing, but releasing that burden? Might sound impossible….
But when you have the right tools and support, you reclaim control over your inner landscape, shedding the layers of stress that weigh you down. Unwinding isn’t weakness — it’s your secret weapon, a force that commands peace and invites serenity to flow. Join the new era of nourished, sustainable success.
How can our readers further follow you online?
IG/TT @paula.mindfulness FB/LI Paula Liub
Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
About The Interviewer: Eden Gold, is a youth speaker, keynote speaker, founder of the online program Life After High School, and host of the Real Life Adulting Podcast. Being America’s rising force for positive change, Eden is a catalyst for change in shaping the future of education. With a lifelong mission of impacting the lives of 1 billion young adults, Eden serves as a practical guide, aiding young adults in honing their self-confidence, challenging societal conventions, and crafting a strategic roadmap towards the fulfilling lives they envision.
Do you need a dynamic speaker, or want to learn more about Eden’s programs? Click here: https://bit.ly/EdenGold
Mental Wellness Mastery: Paula Liub Of Paula Mindfulness On Everyday Life Hacks For Optimal Mental… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.