During lockdown, we might be spending more time in our own heads than we’re used to, and this can be difficult for those of us struggling with insecurities.

Today, we talk to Natalie Byrne about self-doubt, body image, video calling, and overcoming insecurity.

Tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do:

My name is Natalie Byrne, I'm a London based Latina illustrator and podcaster who makes work around social issues. 

I found my illustrative style by combining bright colour and important issues, and I co-host a podcast about loneliness and mental health.

Describe your Badoo isolation artwork - why you chose this topic, how it relates to you personally, and why you think it’s important right now:

The topic of insecurities is a core theme throughout my work, we all have them and we all feel like we are dealing with them alone. 

Being a latina woman in the creative industry, my biggest hurdles were always my own insecurities from lacking in confidence, self esteem and imposter syndrome. 

As I started to draw about how I was feeling and post them on instagram in 2018, that’s when it became clear to me I wasn't alone in how I was feeling. 

I've learnt a lot in a very short space of time about overcoming those internal challenges, and a lot of my work is rooted in that. Helping people and also helping people feel less alone. 

It's so important right now, because we often can be our own worst critic, now having to stay inside and potentially away from our support system, or distractors, or unable to do things that would usually lift us out of a spiral or bad mood. 

I think it's been no surprise that this time can make us feel more vulnerable or susceptible to feelings of lower self esteem or confidence.

What are your top isolation tips?

Make sure you leave the house everyday, even if it’s rainy, even if it's for a walk around the block, that fresh air is so important for our minds right now. 

Plan to call someone a few times a week, if you’re in a house with toxic relationships, make it once a day. 

I have addiction in my house as my dad’s an alcoholic so I call my best friend Venus most days, it really helps just for a moment to feel normal. 

If you’re really feeling lonely and sad, the best way to feel love is by giving it out. I’ve been sending out little greeting cards and notes to my friends, especially those who I know are struggling, and it's been a great thing to do in my spare time to sit down and write to them. 

Finally, keep to your routine as much as possible, and if you don't have one, try and see if you can create one that really takes care of your mental wellbeing. 

I always do morning pages which has really been helping my anxiety right now, then I meditate and do some type of exercise. This gives me a reason to jump out of bed in the morning, and proceed on with my day with a clear, de-stressed, and focused mind. 

What are your isolation dating tips? How are you feeling about dating right now? 

I think it's so important to be really aware of toxic people right now, when lockdown started I got all these "sup" texts from people that ghosted me, or hurt me, or exes that weren't good to me, they all came and slid into my inbox during the start of lockdown. 

I know people are super lonely right now, but I still think it's important now more than ever to only let people into your life (online or offline) that at least make you feel good. 

At the same time, I've found myself becoming really honest with the people I am choosing to talk to. 

I've had more time to really think about what I want and what I don't want, and I really don't want a relationship anytime soon. 

So I've had these hard conversations with anyone who I am talking to, and it's made me feel more at peace. Communication is always a good thing.

What’s the first thing you’re going to do once out of isolation? 

Oh 100% get laid. If I said anything else I’d be lying. 

Then have a great big messy night out with my friends, it was my birthday at the end of March so when this is all over I’m having a huge birthday. 

If we are able to be out by August that’s when my 2 year single-anniversary is, so hopefully I'll throw a big celebration for that. Lots of cocktails and lots of dancing.

Where can we see more from you? 

I post everyday on my instagram, I co-host a weekly podcast with my bestie Venus Libido called The TLC Podcast, I also have a youtube channel where I've been uploading regular vlogs, the lives I've been doing in isolation and creative educational self help type videos. 

A big thank you to Natalie for collaborating with us on this series, and for taking the time to answer our questions.

Badoo will be rolling out more posts like this to help #TakeThePressureOff over the next few weeks, so follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see more.