When I first saw the tweet, “Depression is a sign you’re paying attention. Anxiety is a sign you need to stop,” by @TheTweetofGod, it hit me like a truth bomb. It perfectly sums up how overwhelming life can become when you’re too plugged into everything. It reminded me of something I’ve always believed and often say to stressed-out friends: you need to create a metaphorical bubble for yourself in life.
For me, the ‘bubble’ is all about setting boundaries and creating a safe space where you can recharge and protect your mental health. Life is hard; there’s no sugar-coating that, but having a bubble isn’t about avoiding reality. It’s about building a cushion between you and the harshness of the world, so you’re not just surviving, but actually thriving.
The Harsh Realities of Life
Life these days can feel like a never-ending storm. The news is always full of negative stories, social media makes you feel like you’re not doing enough or not good enough, and then there are your own personal, family, or relationship struggles to deal with on top of all that. It’s a lot.
When you’re constantly hit with negativity from every direction, it’s no surprise it starts to mess with your head. You feel weighed down, like the world is just too much. Any onset of depression can feel like your brain saying, “Wow, this is overwhelming,” while anxiety is more like, “Okay, I can’t keep doing this. I need a break.”
The truth is, this doesn’t mean something’s wrong with you; it’s just your mind and body reacting to all the stress they’re soaking up. That’s why it’s so important to take a step back and find ways to protect yourself. Think of it like building a little bubble around you to block out the unnecessary chaos and noise, giving yourself space to breathe.
The Bubble: A Protective Space
When I talk about a ‘metaphorical bubble,’ I mean creating a personal space where you’re in control of what you let in and what you keep out. It’s about setting boundaries with people, situations, and even your own habits so you can focus on what actually matters to you. It’s like designing your own little sanctuary, one that protects your energy and mental health.
But let me be clear: building a bubble doesn’t mean you’re hiding from reality. It’s not about pretending the hard stuff doesn’t exist; it’s about giving yourself a healthier way to deal with it. When you’ve got a strong, supportive bubble, you’re better equipped to handle life’s challenges without getting completely overwhelmed. Think of it as your safe zone to recharge and grow, so you can show up for the world in the best way possible.
Why the Bubble is Necessary
1. Preserving Mental Health
Life throws a lot at us, and not all of it is good for our mental health. By limiting exposure to toxic or draining influences, whether that’s negative news, exhausting relationships, or endless online debates, you can lighten the load on your mind. It’s like closing a few tabs in your brain so you can finally catch your breath. When you’re selective about what you let into your space, you give your mind the chance to relax, which can go a long way in reducing feelings of anxiety and depression.
2. Focusing Energy on What Matters
Your energy is limited, so why waste it on things or people that don’t align with what you truly care about? When you build a bubble, you get to choose where your focus goes. Whether it’s spending time with people who lift you up, diving into hobbies you love, or working towards meaningful goals, prioritising what matters helps you feel more fulfilled. It’s like putting your energy where it’ll have the biggest payoff, not just for your to-do list, but for your soul.
3. Creating Room for Growth
A well-protected bubble isn’t just a safe space; it’s also fertile ground for growth. When you’re not constantly dodging negativity or distractions, you have the mental space to reflect, dream, and create. Maybe it’s journaling to process your thoughts, picking up a new skill, or simply enjoying the quiet that lets your brain wander freely. This kind of growth doesn’t just happen when life is noisy, it thrives in the calm of your bubble.
“Safe spaces have boundaries. You are a safe space. So set your boundaries.”
How to Build Your Bubble
Building your metaphorical bubble isn’t complicated, but it does take intention. Here are some simple, actionable steps to get started:
1. Set Boundaries
One of the best ways to protect your peace is by setting clear boundaries. This might look like:
Limiting your time on social media, especially if it leaves you feeling drained, triggered, or inadequate.
Saying “no” to obligations or invitations that don’t serve you or align with your priorities.
Reducing doom scrolling—those endless, anxiety-inducing scrolls through bad news. A quick scroll check-in is fine, but know when to put the phone down.
Boundaries are like the walls of your bubble. They help keep out the unnecessary noise so you can focus on what really matters.
2. Curate Your Environment
Your surroundings, both physical and emotional, play a big role in how you feel. Fill your bubble with things and people that lift you up:
Uplifting content like books, podcasts, music, or shows that inspire you.
Supportive relationships with friends, family, or anyone that genuinely cares about your well-being.
Calming physical spaces, whether it’s a cosy nook in your home or a clutter-free desk where you can focus.
Think of it as editing your life like a playlist: keep the hits, skip the noise.
3. Develop Healthy Habits
Habits are the backbone of a strong bubble. Build routines that nourish you, like:
Practising mindfulness through meditation or even just a few minutes of deep breathing.
Staying active with regular exercise, even just getting outside in the fresh air when possible. It’s a game-changer for mental health.
Pursuing hobbies that bring you joy and remind you that life isn’t all about work or stress.
These habits help reinforce your bubble, making it a place where you can grow and thrive.
4. Practice Self-Compassion
Finally, don’t forget to be kind to yourself. Life is tough, and everyone struggles. It’s okay to not have it all together. Acknowledge your feelings without beating yourself up, and make self-care a priority. That might mean taking a break when you need it, treating yourself to something you love, or simply giving yourself permission to rest.
Self-compassion is what makes your bubble feel like home. A space where you can heal, recharge, and move forward stronger.
Thriving Inside the Bubble
Building a bubble isn’t just about getting through the day; it’s about creating a space where you can truly thrive. It’s not meant to keep the world out forever, but to give you a safe, energising space to grow stronger and more confident. When you’re not constantly battling negativity or burnout, you can focus on the things that bring you joy, purpose, and fulfilment.
Protecting your mental health and energy doesn’t make you selfish; it makes you better equipped to show up for yourself and the world around you. When you take care of your well-being, you have more clarity, creativity, and emotional capacity to connect with others. You’re able to pour into your relationships, work towards meaningful goals, and approach challenges with a clear head.
Thriving in your bubble means you’re not just reacting to life but actively shaping it. It’s about finding the balance that lets you protect your peace while still engaging deeply with the people and things that matter most. The stronger your bubble, the more you can show up as your best self, and that’s a win for everyone around you, too.
Addressing Common Criticisms
One common pushback to the idea of building a bubble is, “Isn’t this just avoiding reality?” It’s a fair question, but the truth is, your bubble isn’t about sticking your head in the sand or pretending the hard stuff doesn’t exist. It’s about balance.
Think of it this way: constantly exposing yourself to stress, negativity, and chaos doesn’t make you more informed or resilient. It just wears you down. Your bubble is a tool to filter what you let in so you can engage with the world in a way that doesn’t leave you depleted. It’s not about turning your back on reality, but about giving yourself the strength and clarity to face it head-on when it matters most.
The goal isn’t to live in denial, but to create a space where you can recharge and reflect, so you’re prepared to navigate life’s challenges. By protecting your mental health and energy, you’re not running away from life; you’re setting yourself up to handle it better. Your bubble is a support system, not a hiding place.
TLDR;
Life can feel overwhelming, but creating a bubble isn’t about escaping, it’s about protecting your mental health and giving yourself space to recharge and thrive. Take a moment to assess your bubble: What’s in it that doesn’t belong, and what’s missing to make it a safe, energising space? Your bubble isn’t a one-and-done thing; it evolves as you do. The world is noisy, but you have the power to control what you let in. Protect your mental health, not just to survive, but to thrive.
