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Defying the Winter Blues: Embracing Self-Care and Promoting Mental Well-being
Embracing Self-Care and Promoting Mental Well-being As the days grow shorter and the temperature drops, many individuals find themselves facing the winter blues. The seasonal shift can bring about feelings of sadness, lethargy, and a general lack of motivation. Let's explore strategies to beat the winter blues, focusing on the importance of self-care and embracing the concept of it's okay not to be okay. The winter blues, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is a type of depression that occurs during specific seasons, most commonly winter. It is characterised... Read more...
Understanding Male Stoicism. Navigating Emotions in Modern Masculinity
Male stoicism, often hailed as a cornerstone of traditional masculinity, warrants deeper exploration in the context of modern emotional understanding. Stemming from ancient philosophies, particularly Stoicism, it encapsulates the notion of maintaining an unyielding exterior despite inner turmoil. While this demeanour is often lauded for portraying control and resilience, it's essential to dissect its ramifications on emotional well-being and interpersonal dynamics. Historically rooted in the Stoic philosophy originating from ancient Greece and Rome, the essence of stoicism revolves around internal happiness and the acceptance of life's adversities. It advocates for... Read more...
The Power of Language in a Relationship: Promoting Mental Health and Well-being
In any relationship, be it romantic, familial, or platonic, effective communication is crucial. The words we choose and the way we express ourselves can have a profound impact on our mental health and the overall well-being of both individuals involved. Let’s talk about the significance of language in a relationship and how it can contribute to promoting mental health. Language plays a vital role in building trust and creating a safe environment within a relationship. When partners communicate openly, honestly, and respectfully, it fosters a sense of emotional safety. Expressing... Read more...
Collaborating for mental health. Breaking the stigma together.
In an era where mental health issues are becoming increasingly prevalent, it is crucial to foster collaboration and unite forces to break the stigma surrounding these challenges. By joining forces with It’s Okay Not To Be Okay, we have the potential to amplify our impact and create a substantial positive changes in society. The stigma associated with mental health poses a significant barrier to seeking help and receiving proper support. It leads to discrimination, isolation, and a reluctance to discuss mental health openly. However, with the collective efforts of organisations... Read more...
Celebrating Self-Love: Valentine's Day and Your Mental Health
Valentine's Day is often associated with expressions of love and affection towards others. However, it's essential to remember that self-love is just as important, if not more so. This February, let's shift the focus from seeking external validation to finding happiness within ourselves. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of self-love and tips for filling your own cup with happiness, regardless of your relationship status. Embracing Your Worth: Society often reinforces the idea that being in a romantic relationship is crucial for happiness. However, it's vital to... Read more...
The Significance of Mental Health: Breaking the January Reinvention Pressure
As we step into a new year, January often comes with a sense of expectation and pressure to reinvent ourselves. However, it's crucial to recognise that mental health matters and should remain a priority despite the external forces urging a complete transformation. Let's delve into why mental health holds immense importance and how we can release the unnecessary pressure. A Holistic Well-being Approach: Mental health is an integral component of our overall well-being, encompassing emotional, psychological, and social aspects. By prioritising mental health, we acknowledge the significance of nurturing our... Read more...
Dopamine Dressing
In a world where fashion trends come and go, it's easy to feel pressured to conform and dress according to what others consider fashionable. But what if we told you that there's a revolutionary approach to dressing that focuses solely on your individual happiness? Enter dopamine dressing - a new trend that encourages you to wear what makes you happy and fuck the opinions of others. What is Dopamine Dressing? Dopamine dressing is a concept that centers around wearing clothes that genuinely make you feel good. It's all about embracing... Read more...
Breaking the stigma around mental health
Mental health is just as important as physical health. Yet, for some reason, there is still a stigma attached to it that makes it difficult for people to open up about struggles. This stigma needs to be broken, and we need to start talking openly and honestly about mental health, that’s why we created FFFN! When we talk about physical health, we often talk about diet and exercise. We know that we need to eat well and move our bodies to keep them healthy. But what about our minds? What... Read more...
Beating The Winter Blues
Winter blues, also known as (SAD) Seasonal Affective Disorder, is a type of depression that occurs during the winter months. The reduced sunlight, change in weather patterns, and shorter days can all have an impact on our mental health. Although it is normal to feel down at times, it is important to take care of your mental health, particularly during the winter season. Here are some tips that you can follow to look after your mental health during winter: 1. Get enough sunlight Try to get outside during the day... Read more...
Let's talk about not giving a fuck.
Today, let's talk about not giving a fuck. Yes, you read that right. Sometimes, it'simportant to just stop caring about certain things and focus on what really matters.Firstly, having a "not giving a fuck" attitude doesn't mean you should be careless andirresponsible. It simply means that you shouldn't waste your energy on things thatdon't add value to your life. This could include worrying about what others think ofyou, getting caught up in drama, or stressing over things that are beyond yourcontrol.In fact, not giving a fuck can be very liberating.... Read more...
Being Yourself: Why Authenticity is Key to a Fulfilling Life
In today's world, it's easy to fall into the trap of trying to fit in with others, or even the expectations that society has for us. It's tempting to want to present ourselves in a way that we think will be more acceptable or impressive to others. However, the truth is that the most fulfilling and rewarding life is one that is lived authentically, with honesty and openness.Here are just a few reasons why being yourself is so important: 1. It allows you to build genuine connections with others. When... Read more...
International Women's Day
It’s International Women’s Day and it’s time to celebrate!!Here at FFFN, we have noticed that the largest majority of our followers are in fact women. I’vestarted wondering why this is and I’ve done some research into different aspects of women’sempowerment, women’s individuality, even women in fashion (we are an awesome fashion brand,after all!) and of course, how this all interlinks with being FFFN.Here are the things I have learned through my research that have resonated so strongly: International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on the 8 th March and is... Read more...
Body Positivity
I’m fat. I have too much grey hair. I have boring brown eyes. My nose is too big. I have thick eyebrows. My eyelashes are too short. My chin recedes. My boobs double as toe flossers and I could carry bricks underneath them. My stomach is flabby. My belly button is like a bottomless cavern. My hips are too wide. My bum is too wide. I have thunder thighs. My knees have dimples. My feet are flat and ugly. Oh I forgot, worst of all, I have stumpy thumbs!!!!! Fuck,... Read more...
A FAR FROM FKN NORMAL WARNING: Be Careful of Fraudulent Facebook Account Trying to Scam Our Followers
We have discovered a fraudulent Facebook profile that has copied our FFFN page trying to scam our followers. They have set up a fake FFFN account on Facebook and are messaging our followers. They are claiming that they are contacting you about a giveaway competition. We have reported the account to Facebook and hope they will remove it soon. Please help us by reporting this fake FFFN page, as every person that reports it helps escalate this scam report with Facebook's internal team. How To Report This Scam Account If... Read more...
THE IMPORTANCE OF FRIENDSHIP & IS IT HEALTHY OR TOXIC?
Hey FFFN family! Let’s talk about friendship. As we move through life, there are many things we cannot control or change. We can’t change our genetic make-up or our biology, we can’t control what’s going in the world around us. What we can control however, is who our friends are. And this can make our lives so much more enriched, meaningful and enjoyable. So, why are friends so important? There are several reasons really, but two that predominantly stand out. Firstly, friendships make life more beautiful. We can share joyous,... Read more...
To Medicate Or Not To Medicate?
Hey FFFN Family! This blog centres around the topic of mental health treatments, and more specifically, mental health medications. You may remember in my first blog, I discussed my own experiences with medications used to manage my Type 1 Bipolar Affective Disorder. I didn’t delve into things deeply (and believe me, there are some stories to tell there!), but throughout this entry, I will try and address some of the stigma around pharmacological treatments associated with mental illness. First off, some facts about mental health medications. There are six types... Read more...
Knowing Your Own Self-Worth
Hey FFFN family! This blog entry is all about self-worth. It focuses on why it’s so important and how you can foster and strengthen your own value in a very competitive, challenging and often harsh society.   So, how often do you think to yourself, “I’m not worth it”? Sadly, I’m tipping most of you at one time or another. Self-worth can be loosely defined as “a feeling that you are a good person who deserves to be treated with respect”.  I’ve been researching the concept of self-worth because it is very much aligned... Read more...
Being "Normal" – The Myth, The Mindset, The Misconception
Hey FFFN-ers!  Our blog this week talks about being “NORMAL” – a term that is rather pertinent given the name of our brand and what we represent! So to kick off this instalment, here’s the intellectual bit: What is “NORMAL”?  It is a core feature of being successfully accepted as a member of society. Normality usually centres around someone being within average parameters of human traits including (but not limited to) physical appearance, sexuality, sociability and intellectual capacity.  The assumption is that the best way to fit in with those... Read more...
The Search for "Perfection"
Hey FFFN family! I have written a blog this month about the search for “perfection”, a status that is so highly prioritised and sought out that it appears to have become an all-consuming obsession for so many people in society. Perfection in its essence suggests a state of flawlessness, a position where there are no defects, no faults and no weaknesses.  To be perfect implies that a person’s actions can attain a level of excellence that cannot be exceeded. Sadly, the desire to be “perfect” traps and burdens so many... Read more...
Coping With Change: How to Face Fear and the "New Normal"
If there is one thing that is a constant in life, it’s change.  Although expected throughout life’s trajectory, change isn’t always easy to navigate. As humans, we often fear the unknown.  We are innately more secure in our comfort zones and steering off course can be daunting.  Even if the status quo isn’t as wonderfully fulfilling as it should be, the age-old adage of “better the devil you know than the devil you don’t” often rings true. So, how do we cope with change?  How do we deal with the... Read more...
THE IMPORTANCE OF SELF-CARE
Hey FFFN family!  I have a question for you… how often do you practice self-care? What is self-care, you ask? Well, by definition, it is the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s own health. So, how often do you put yourself above others and make YOU your number one priority?  How often do you do something that fills your cup and allows you to feel invigorated, energised and refreshed? I’m tipping the answer is, not often enough. Today’s culture fosters expectations to perform according to high societal... Read more...
Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health
According to the Oxford Dictionary, the definition of stigma is “negative feelings that people have about particular circumstances or characteristics that somebody may have” When relating this to mental health conditions, someone diagnosed with a disorder may be viewed negatively and treated differently. They may be made to feel worthless and ashamed, as if they are in some way inferior to others. Examples of mental health stigma include labelling someone as “crazy”, “unstable”, “nuts” or “incompetent”. These views come about generally due to lack of education and understanding about mental... Read more...
How to Support Loved Ones with Mental Health Challenges
Here at FFFN, we often receive messages and read comments on our socials about how people are supporting loved ones who are experiencing mental health challenges. As humans, we instinctively want to protect and care for those we see are suffering.  When that person is a family member or friend, someone we have an emotional connection with, the desire to help is fervent. As opposed to helping someone who has visibly injured themselves, where we can put a band-aid on a cut or an ice-pack on a sprain, it can... Read more...
10 Tips for Managing Anxiety Out of Lockdown
So, now that Covid restrictions have eased and we are all out and about again, I’m feeling a little unnerved and it seems I’m not the only one.  So many of FFFN’s subscribers & followers have made comments on FB & Insta and sent messages about their feelings coming out of lockdown, especially our awesome Victorian crew who were hit with the most severe of restrictions. Living with intensive lockdown orders for the last two+ years was certainly impactful enough, but now that everything is apparently (almost) back to what... Read more...
My Journey with Bipolar Disorder: Amanda's Story
Hey FFFN family! My name is Amanda and I have been brought into the FFFN team to do a monthly blog about all things that are Far From Fkn Normal. I am super excited and honoured to be involved in this venture. Mental health and wellbeing are just so bloody important and the more we can share, the more we can care (a total cliché, I know)! Each month, you’ll be hearing from different people empowered to tell their stories. You’ll be reading about different topics that will educate and... Read more...
10 Things You Can Do For Your Mental Health
1 in 3 Australians face mental illness in their life and the stigma around mental health prevents important conversations to make a change. Our goal is to represent the importance of self-love, individuality and mental health awareness. Value yourself Celebrate your unique abilities and strengths. Treat yourself with respect and kindness, and refrain from self-commentary. Make time for your hobbies and passions, or expand your horizons. Do activities that make you happy. Take care of your body Taking care of yourself physically can improve your mental health. Be sure to:... Read more...
Rep the Cause, Break the Stigma
Every purchase made goes back into raising awareness for mental health and suicide prevention initiatives. By rocking Far From FKN Normal gear, you are opening the conversation to spark a change in people's lives. We aim to dispel societal expectations and to encourage people to be proud of who they are.  START TALKING ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH WITH OTHER PEOPLE Have you ever considered discussing mental health with your family and friends? Generally, we don’t chat about mental wellness because we are afraid there will be some kind of repercussions. It... Read more...
Gifts That Give Back For Twice The Joy
It's an amazing feeling to give someone a gift that keeps on giving. The best kind: a gift that gives back to charities in need. While you can always make a donation in your loved one's honor (let's be clear, this is still a wonderful present in our eyes), there are so many brands that go the extra mile and donate a portion of their proceeds to important causes. To help you buy more meaningful gifts for your loved ones, here are some thoughtful gifts that, in turn, give back.... Read more...
Mental Health Awareness Month 2021
It's Mental Health Awareness month - this year it's more important than ever to break the taboo and stigma and talk about these issues. With the lockdowns, it's been pretty hard for Australians struggling with anxiety, depression, suicide ideations. 1 in 3 Australians face mental illness in their life and the stigma around mental health prevents important conversations to make a change. Our goal is to represent the importance of self-love, individuality and mental health awareness. We all have a role to play. Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity... Read more...
Supporting Lifeline
Its a great thrill for the team at FFFN to be supporting Lifeline.  As our brand recognition increases and our clothing sales grow, so will our donations to this wonderful organisation. Lifeline provide fantastic support and advice for the huge amount of people that suffer from anxiety and depression. FFFN are committed to donating 10% of profits from clothing sales to Lifeline to help them continue to deliver such an important service to the community. Read more...