We’ve launched an illustrator series to help #TakeThePressureOff dating during isolation. 

We’re collaborating with artists to help communicate, illustrate, and tap into self-care, mental health and wellbeing around the ‘new normal’ of dating in isolation.

Today, we talk to Sonny Flynn about self-care, understanding your emotions, and why sometimes you just need to have a cry.

Sonny’s series looks at coping with anxiety around dating in isolation, and the simple steps we can all take to feel better and look after ourselves. 

Badoo Talks Self-Care With Sonny Flynn:

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

I am a queer illustratorand children's book designer with an affinity for bright colours and the all round stubborn attitude of a true Aries. 

I like to create work that has a voice and often dips into protest and self-care which is all mixed in with a bit of satire and a lot of yellow. 

In more theoretical terms I like to twist real topics and create an honest and digestible response which I hope will spread a message to a wider audience and hopefully make people smile. 

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

I chose to focus my isolation artwork on the topic of self-care. I think this is really important right now as some of us are essentially on our own with a lot more time to do a lot more thinking - which can sometimes cause us to spiral! 

I have been practicing a lot of self-care routines myself and I've found that they really help to ease my mind and get me through the day. 

For example if you feel sad - you could always write your thoughts down in a journal which can help you to rationalise your thoughts and separate your emotional reactions from the real situation at hand and understand why you feel the way you do. 

You could also meditate, do a face mask, talk to someone new or if you don't feel like it don't talk to anyone at all!

Just try to be a little more in-tune with yourself, listen to what you need and do whatever it is that you need to make you feel that little bit better!

What are your top isolation tips?

Eating good, trying to go for a walk or run every day, and trying not to sit in your sadness. 

If you feel sad allow yourself to feel that way for a moment instead of ignoring it - maybe even have a cry?! But then MOVE ON from it and find a moment of happiness or gratitude and do something you enjoy. 

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

I personally am not putting much pressure on dating right now or having any expectations from anyone. 

For me, I think just talking to someone new can be quite fun and refreshing - we aren't doing much so you can have a lot to talk about with someone you haven't ever spoken to before! 

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

Hug my friends and let them know how much I appreciate them!!! 

Where can we see more from you? 

My Instagram @sonny_flynn 

A big thank you to Sonny 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.