Escaping to a Yoga and Surf Retreat
Life can be tough. And in April it had been tough for quite some time. Most days felt like a bit of a struggle and I kept breaking into tears for seemingly no reason. Tired and exhausted. Emotionally numb yet full of overwhelming feelings. I was already in therapy at that point, and after speaking with my therapist and GP, we all agreed I should take some time off work. So I did.
Wanting to get out of town, I Googled yoga retreats in Europe – something I had wanted to do for a very long time but just never got around to doing. I found one in Portugal that looked promising and that also offered surfing, and without thinking too much I just booked it.
A week later I was on the plane, super nervous about going on my own and not knowing if I’d be the only one there or if it would be a group of 40. But as the manager picked me up at the bus station, I instantly felt like I was where I needed to be and regretted not booking a longer stay.
Over the next few days, I had interesting conversations with people from different parts of the world. People who were at the retreat for all kinds of reasons – and most of us sharing a longing to find some inner peace or guidance.
Starting Healthy Pixels
I’ve felt different since returning from the retreat. Back home, life is the same. But I’m not – cliché as it might sound. I am amazed by how much better I feel, but I know it will be a temporarily feeling. Like going on a strict diet to lose weight, and soon enough going back to old habits and gaining that weight just as quickly.
I need to make some changes in my life.
Looking after myself
I’ve been shared a technique called Behavioural Activation in therapy. Although I’m already familiar with the concept, this therapy focuses on becoming more active again. As depression makes us become less active, we also have less opportunity for any positive rewards, which in turn reduces our mood even more. It’s a vicious cycle.
With this technique in mind, I have made a list of activities I know I enjoy doing, and am now making sure to schedule appropriate time for everything within a day/week/month – whatever is most relevant. This list includes:
- Exercise
- Yoga and meditation
- Reading
- Events such as concerts
- Hobbies – painting, baking, photography
- Daily walks
- Meet up with friends
- Catch up with family and friends back home
- Volunteer work
Work-life balance
Following this “schedule” is improving my day-to-day. But deep down, I’m finally accepting what I’ve known for a while: I need to make some bigger changes to my life as well. After four years at the same company, I have been considering new paths for a while.
I have always been genuinely interested in people. Before deciding to get a BA in Graphic Design, I was strongly considering Peace and Conflict Studies. So when the choice finally landed on Graphic Design, I always had hopes of combining these two interests somehow. I have also always loved the idea of starting my own company, of being my own boss.
After this yoga retreat, I now know it is time. Speaking more and more openly about mental health and well-being the last few years, and seeing so many other people struggling as well – a graphic and web design agency with a focus on well-being feels like the natural choice.
Healthy Pixels values and services
Targeting my strongest creative skills and interests, I want Healthy Pixels to mainly do branding/graphic design and websites. However, I want the overall focus to be on mental health. Building a business that balances pixels to nurture growth and well-being in brands and individuals.
With this in mind, I have identified four core values to build Healthy Pixels on:
- Pixel-perfectionism
- Long-term relationships
- Customer-centric focus
- Problem-solving approach
The journey ahead
With Healthy Pixels, I am hopeful I can help make a difference in people’s lives. The Healthy Pixels services can be split into two main categories:
Brands and organisations
Assist brands and organisations in navigating the creative market. I offer design solutions without the stress, ensuring that I’ll do everything I can to make the design journey as smooth as possible. This involves a transparent and personal approach, both listening to your needs and wants but also offering advice to guide you in the right direction.
With a selective client approach, each project will get undivided attention and tailor-made solutions to keep everyone happy.
Individuals
My downloadable well-being resources are intended to help people like you and me improve our mental health.
The long-term goal will be to build a full library of well-being resources, looking at different types of therapy techniques and other printables, workbooks, challenges, ebooks, activity guides, colouring guides and templates.
Who I am
So who am I? My name is Monika. I’m a Norwegian currently living in the UK, and I’ve worked as a designer since 2017. In my free time, I enjoy hikes, yoga and meditation, going to gigs, reading, travelling, swimming, making art, and learning Spanish. I do volunteer work when I can, too.
There’s only one of me running Healthy Pixels, but with a BA in Graphic Design and years or professional experience in design and marketing, I have the skills to take on a wide variety of creative projects and deliver designs that really hit home.
With my personal experience in mental health challenges, I also feel confident when speaking with others about this topic – and in trying to help find a better way of navigating life’s challenges.
Looking for help or guidance?
If you think Healthy Pixels could be the right design agency for you, please get in touch today for a no-obligation chat. I will be happy to discuss any Graphic Design or Website project you have, or help you find the right well-being resources to support your mental health.
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