These Beautiful Paper Pics Have Us Reeling

From expert makers to fantastic photographers and artists, we’re all about creative types. But the really amazing crafters, the ones who have special places in our hearts, are the ones who do something entirely different, entirely unexpected and ridiculously gorgeous.

That’s what we found when we stumbled across Maude White, an artist who makes insanely intricate illustrations using only paper.

White makes the most of negative space, cutting away thin line after thin line of paper until her detailed images begin to reveal themselves. Her largest series called What’s Left on the Farm, which features images of women with items caught in their long and flowing hair, shows off her skill at both designing realistic tangles and keeping the details crisp and clean.

Using a stylus and a cut-proof board, White carefully strips away the paper around the image, like a sculptor working with a piece of marble. White says, “When I cut paper, I feel as if I am peeling back the outer, superficial layer of our vision to reveal the secret space beneath.” If we may say so, that so-called secret space is simply stunning.

What do you think of these paper illustrations? Are you inspired to try some of your own? Tell us in the comments below!

Whether you think Valentine’s Day gives you an excuse to watch romantic movies or is a true testament of love, we don’t doubt that you’ll be celebrating in some form on February 14. Are you hosting a Galentine's Day brunch with wine and chocolate galore or will you go all-out for a private night in with you and your sweetie? Maybe, just maybe, you want to DIY Valentine's Day cardsto hand out to loved ones or that one co-worker you have a crush on.

Whatever your plans may be, we have you covered with 19 sweet decor ideas to get your pad all decked out.

DIY Conversation Heart Care Packages

The best thing about these packages is that they're way prettier than your average brown box, meaning they make great Valentine's Day decor ideas to add to your coffee table! (via Brit + Co)

Gem-Inspired Brunch

Remind your best gals how valuable they are with everything from crystal name cards to rock candy Cupid's arrows. This is one brunch theme that is sure to be a hit. (via Brit + Co)

Air Plant Wall Art, Valentine’s Edition

Our cute kit has all you need to make a pink, red and white masterpiece. Try using roses or other blossoms for a splash of color, then swap ’em out with air plants for a more permanent exhibition. (via Brit + Co)

Galentine's Mailboxes

There are so many treats you can send to your gals' mailboxes: funny meme cards, chocolates, or handwritten notes. Whatever gift you choose, these are definitely the cutest way to deliver them. (via Brit + Co)

Heart Piñatas

A classic heart-shaped box, plenty of pink fringe and a confetti surprise inside? What’s not to love about these Valentine's Day decor ideas? (via Brit + Co)

Paint Chip Garland

The main reason why we heart this gorgeous DIY? The fact that you can get your supplies practically for free. (viaBrit + Co)

Honeycomb Heart Art

This honeycomb-textured wall piece has us swooning. Use this awesome strategy for all sorts of geometric shapes to up your decor game year-round. (DIY and image via Minted)

Cross-Stitch Heart

You can hang this pretty, rustic art piece on your wall for Valentine’s Day or display it as a funky piece of neon artwork all year round. (via Oleander and Palm)

XO Marquee

It doesn’t get flashier than this. If you’re going for a Moulin Rouge vibe, this is definitely the piece to consider when thinking about Valentine's Day decor ideas. (via Kristi Murphy)

Giant Ombre Heart

Hang this pretty eye-catching piece in the middle of your room to tie the space together. You could even use it as a framing device for a photo booth sesh. (DIY and image via The House That Lars Built)

Moss Hearts

While we’re showing some love to greenery for V-Day, how ’bout checking out these living art pieces made with moss? (via Alisa Burke)

“Cross-Stitch” Valentine Art

A blank canvas is all you need to whip up this abstract take on the classic heart motif. (via Craftberry Bush)

Valentine’s Chandelier

Is your party lacking a little sophisticated charm? Not to worry; we’ve got you covered with this heart-filled DIY chandelier. It'll put your other Valetine's Day decor ideas to shame. (DIY and image via The House That Lars Built)

Conversation Heart Banner

Borrow from the classic conversation heartsayings or make your own inspired quotes. If it’s just you and your sweetie, line the hearts with inside jokes and favorite phrases to show how much you care. (DIY and image via Hello Little Home)

Heart Balloon Piñata

How sweet is this idea? You and your love write your favorite memories from the past year on strips of paper, then blow them up in heart-shaped balloons. Spend the night popping each one and revealing and reliving the memories together. (via Kristi Murphy)

Giant Geometric Wall Art Heart

Pink and gold paper make for a color scheme that’s equal parts sweet and sexy. A bold piece of artwork like this is sure to set some hearts aflutter. (via Oleander and Palm)

Cupid’s Arrow Garland

Take the heart garland up a notch with this charming take on some of Cupid’s action. (DIY and image via The House That Lars Built)

DIY Valentine Heart Wands

These cute DIY Valentine's Day decor ideas are a nod to your former Sailor Moon binge-watching days. (Kelsey Bang)

DIY Heart Wreath

Create your own pink floral wreath in less than 10 minutes! (The Crafted Life)

Which of these Valentine’s Day decor ideas are you most excited to try? Tell us all about it in the comments below and follow us on Pinterest for more party planning inspo.

This post has been updated.


We're thrilled to kick off our new Jetset Journeys series, where we turn the best U.S. cities to explore this year into our own personal playgrounds. This is not just a travel guide but a way to spark your creativity and your wanderlust for weekend and week-long travel. Pack your bags , join us here every week, and get jetsetty this summer.

Though you might not get summers “off” anymore, the season is a great chance to slow down a little, press the reset button, and carve out some time for yourself. What better way to do this than to book a visit to a wellness retreat? There are so many options available that include indulgent massage treatments, nourishing meal choices, and activities like hiking and forest bathing geared toward getting you more centered and reconnected with yourself. Here are a few of our favorites.

Lake Austin Spa Resort, Austin, TX

Photo: Lake Austin Spa Resort

Located just about 20 miles from downtown Austin, this lakeside all-inclusive wellness getaway feels much farther from the city than that. Your stay includes all meals, snacks, and nonalcoholic drinks, including fresh juices and smoothies; access to the spa’s pools and relaxation spaces; wellness activities; and gratuity.

Photo: Lake Austin Spa Resort

Summer is a beautiful time to visit and enjoy full access to the resort’s watersports, such as hydrobikes, waterskis, wakeboards, and kayaks on secluded Lake Austin. Daily programming includes activities like lakeside yoga, guided hikes through private trails in the Texas Hill Country, Japanese sword classes, myofascial release in the water to help unwind those stubborn knots in your neck and shoulders, Tarot readings, and wine cruises.

Photo: Carly Diaz

The on-site spa’s [ comfort zone ] FACE SPAce is the first of its kind in the U.S., utilizing new specialty therapies to stimulate collagen and leave you glowing. Challenge yourself to a treatment that includes an outdoor cold plunge (this can be fun with friends) followed by a warm, soothing massage to fully relax. Then follow it up with a thoughtfully presented meal, such as heirloom tomato salad, whipped ricotta made with local honey, or Texas blackened redfish, served in the dining room or outside on one of the breezy patio spaces.

Mii Amo, Sedona, AZ

Photo: Douglas Friedman

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive wellness getaway that feels deeply meaningful, head to Sedona’s breathtaking Boynton Canyon, where the iconic spa Mii amo has recently reopened following a $40 million, two-year renovation. Here you’ll find 23 casitas with private balconies or patios, in-room kiva fireplaces and soaking tubs, as well as a new restaurant called Hummingbird.

Photo: Douglas Friedman

Daily guided meditations and special presentations and ceremonies (examples include a Summer Solstice Ceremony and Canyon Bathing) create an ideal environment to slow down and refocus.

Photo: Douglas Friedman

At the spa, beyond the typical massage and facial offerings, you’ll find a unique to Mii amo menu of services, including Chakra Balancing; Aura Photography; a Connection Ceremony that focuses on letting go of past hurts or welcoming in new beginnings; an Inner Quest including special ceremonial elements like braided sweetgrass and cedar/sage oil; and Intuitive Massage.

Photo: Mii Amo

The chef-created menu at Hummingbird includes items like salmon ceviche, duck breast, poulet rouge, and gluten-free and vegan selections, and there’s a juice bar serving a full slate of smoothies, juices, and wellness tonics.

Photo: K Hayden

Next door at neighboring property Enchantment Resort you’ll find additional amenities you can use while exploring the surrounding 400 miles of trails.

Canyon Ranch, Woodside, CA

Photo: Canyon Ranch

Secluded within 16 acres of majestic redwoods in Northern California, about an hour south of San Francisco, is the all-inclusive Canyon Ranch Woodside. There are additional locations in Tucson, Lenox (outside of Boston), and Las Vegas.

Photo: Canyon Ranch

If you find forest bathing appearling, this is the ideal wellness getaway for you. The resort celebrates its forest environs from its 24 luxury treehouse rooms that peek through the forest, to ropes courses and guided meditations that take place under the magnificent canopy. Locally sourced dining menus are served al fresco or in a cozy dining room and include afternoon tapas, colorful salads, and fresh salmon.

Photo: Canyon Ranch

Each day, Canyon Ranch offers dozens of mind-body activities including hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, dancing, and free-flow abstract painting. Upcoming summer wellness presentations and workshops focus on themes such as “Wisdom of the Horse and Herd” equine therapy; “Activating Your Empathy and Intuition”; and “Find Your Purpose.” Spa treatments include Forest Aromatherapy Treatment and Hiker’s Retreat, designed to perk up your feet after a strenuous hike.

Art of Living Retreat Center, Boone, NC

Photo: Art of Living Retreat Center

You can design your own stay at the Art of Living Retreat Center depending on your intentions. Customizable itineraries include silent retreats, wellness cleanses and detoxes, meditation-focused retreats, and happiness retreats. This summer, guest faculty will lead sessions on “Healing Through Feminine Practices,” “Trusting Our Transformation,” and “Experience the Divine.”

Photo: Art of Living Retreat Center

The spa offers Ayurvedic-informed treatments, including Eye Bathing, targeting relieving tired eyes with warmed ghee; Clear Breath Support with herb-infused oils to clear the sinuses; and a treatment to settle the nervous system, with warm oil poured into the ears. Round these out with soothing body wraps and massage treatments for the ultimate restorative experience.

Photo: Art of Living Retreat Center

Buffet-style meals are prepared with vegetarian, whole foods, and are informed by Ayurvedic wisdom, including selections like Jamaican Jackfruit Stew and Gado-Gado Peanut Sprout Salad. Each day, you can enjoy yoga sessions, nature walks, a fire circle, and there are additional class options such as pottery and Ayurveda cooking.

Hemlock Neversink, Neversink, NY

Photo: Sasithon Photography

The newest all-inclusive wellness resort on this list just opened in October 2023. Hemlock Neversink is situated on 230 acres of land in the Sullivan Catskills, about two hours northwest of New York City. Your stay includes all meals and non-alcoholic beverages, programming, and on-site amenities.

Photo: Clay Banks

The prix fixe menu at the on-site restaurant Bittersweet highlights plant-forward cuisine, including options like enoki mushroom and warm spinach salad and roasted cabbage or skirt steak.

Photo: Upland Creative

Enjoy spa treatments such as the 90-minute Return to Nature Ritual, which exfoliates with berry seats and white peat, then hydrates your skin with organic mushrooms, helichrysum blossoms, and berry oils. Then float while breathing in birch extract and other aromas.

Photo: Sasithon Photography

You’ll find a variety of workshops, yoga and meditation classes, and there’s even a goat sanctuary on site (you can go for a daily goat hike for some animal therapy), as well as tennis courts and hiking trails. This summer, nationally recognized guest instructors will teach classes and lead workouts on mat pilates and dance cardio in the honey-toned wood Movement Building, and in the Activity Building, do a Catskill honey and tea tasting, join a Shamanic drum circle, and make a vision board.

Main Photos: Lake Austin Spa Resort

Follow along for all your travel needs with our Flights of Fancy series and Jetset Journeys series.

As much as we love diving into a spellbinding novel, there's something to be said for the instantaneous inspo that comes from flipping through a stunning art or design book. And let's be honest, sometimes our attention span isn't up for the challenge of conquering a verbose, 500-page tome.

With an explosion of new poetry, design, and coffee table reads on the scene, we thought we'd do the heavy lifting for you and curate our absolute faves. Ahead, see this spring's fresh book releases (plus some essential coffee table reads you may have missed) from the most inspiring and creative minds among us. Whether you're into interior design, poetry, travel or plants, there's a little something for everyone.

Image via Amazon

Great Women Artists

Discover artists you may have missed in your male-centric art history classes in this robust survey of over 400 leading female creatives spanning the last 500 years.

Image via Amazon

Directions: Really Good Advice For Getting From Here To There

Directions features hand-lettered affirmations and observations from artist Hallie Bateman that are equal parts uplifting, relatable, and humorous. Flipping through the collections feels like you're stumbling across a fortune cookie truth written just for you.

Image via Amazon

Ibiza Bohemia (Classics)

Ignite your wanderlust with this breathtaking photo series that captures why this Mediterranean locale has been such a hotspot for escapism.

Image via Amazon

Wild Interiors: Beautiful Plants In Beautiful Spaces

Calling all plant people! Hilton Carter brings his trademark green thumb to a beautiful new coffee table read brimming with plant care tips and at-home styling advice for all your greenery.

Image via Amazon

Design The Home You Love: Practical Styling Advice To Make The Most Of Your Space

The co-founders behind the interior design service Havenly are publishing their first book this spring that aims to be a budget-friendly guide to identifying your unique style and designing your space accordingly.

Image via Amazon

Atlas Of Mid-Century Modern Houses

Nostalgia seekers will love scanning the pages of this visual stunner, which showcases the works of famed architects like Richard Neutra, Marcel Breuer, and hundreds of other design icons.

Image via Amazon

Radiant Human: Discovering The Connection Between Color, Identity, and Energy

If you're not already familiar with the rainbow portraiture style that is aura photography, let Lonsdale's new book teach you everything you need to know about this creative practice that captures your energy and disposition through a color-coded index.

The Apricot Memoirs

Guinery's book of poetic musings (printed across apricot-hued pages, of course) serves as an exploration of love, growth, motherhood, and vulnerability that invites the reader to unlock their own creativity.

Image via Amazon

Escape

This quintessential art book goes beyond Malin's iconic overhead beach shots and captures unbelievable vacation locales like Aspen, Namibia, Bora Bora, and more to fuel your ideal getaway.

Image via Amazon

Jungalow: Decorate Wild The Style Guide

Teach Me Something New guest Justina Blakeney's new book is an interior lovers dream. If you need a push to break free from your minimalist instincts and dive into the world of big, bold pattern, let this book serve as your guide to do it.

Image via Amazon

Film For Her

This visual diary features prose, poetry, short stories and photography from the well-known YouTube poet and achieves the feeling that you're sifting through someone's intimate DIY scrapbook. Forewarning, it may just inspire you to be in your feels.

Image via Amazon

Poolside with Slim Aarons

Featuring Slim Aarons' signature peek into the lives of wealthy jet-setters, this collection of photographs will be the star of your art book rotation.

Image via Amazon

Cherry Bombe: The Cookbook

This essential foodie read captures recipes from some of the most interesting and famous female chefs, bakers, and food stylists of our time.

Image via Amazon

Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power

Further your art education by discovering previously neglected histories of 20th-century Black artists during one of the most revolutionary eras in American history.

Humans

Humans of New York pioneer Brandon Stanton traveled to more than 40 countries to tell the resonate stories of what it means to be human.

Image via Amazon

Flower: Exploring The World In Bloom

Florals for spring? How groundbreaking. But in this new collection, see how floral motifs have been depicted throughout history across art, film, textiles, and more.

Image via Amazon

Virgil Abloh. Nike. ICONS.

Bring some color to your bookshelf in a major way with this innovative dive into Virgil Abloh's creative process during his collaboration with Nike. The end result is an ode to design true sneakerheads can't miss.

Image via Amazon

The Bright Book: A Creativity Workbook Designed to Help You Shine

Also known as EttaVee, Jessi Raulet brings her signature bold pattern play to life in this creative workbook. Once you're feeling sufficiently inspired by all of the amazing reads above, tap into your own creativity by following the prompts for collaging, journaling, painting, and more.

Image via Barnes & Noble

Architectural Digest at 100: A Century Of Style

This stunning and informative read is full of glorious designs from past and present. Featuring the homes of top celebrities and architects, it's an inspirational nod to the ever changing landscape of home decor.

Image via ThriftBooks

The New York Dog

Rachael Hale has managed to use her powerful photography skills to capture the quintessential nature of dogs in The New York Dog.

Image via Barnes & Noble

The Colors of Sies Marjan

The Colors of Sies Marjan is a beautiful recollection of the celestial brand of the same name. With memorable collections that wowed crowds during past NYFW seasons, Sander Lak's beautiful explosion of texture and color remain immortalized in this gorgeous coffee table book.

Image via Barnes & Noble

The New Black Vanguard

Get lost in the pages of The New Black Vanguard. Curated by Cultural Critic Antwaun Sargent, this coffee table is great for the fashion enthusiast who's interested in seeing the world of fashion, beauty and art through a more inclusive lens.

Image via ThriftBooks

Latin American Artists: From 1785 To Now

Allow yourself to be transported in time as you view the artwork of more than 300 Latin American artists.

Image via ThriftBooks

Glass Houses

Foray into the wondrous build of glass houses. You'll find yourself admiring designs that date back to the 1930s and will love learning how architects create stunning homes with sturdy foundations.

Which coffee table books are you thinking about adding to your collection? Let us know in the comments!

This post has been updated.

Header image via Amazon

I'm so inspired by coastal decor in all of its renditions, from the Nancy Meyer’s-inspired coastal grandmother to elegant and coastal luxemodern, from California surf shacks to Cape Cod cottages. While coastal decor can be an all-year decor trend that combines fresh whites, soft blues and natural elements like jute, wood, and rattan, it’s around this time of year that I start to really embrace the relaxed and refined aesthetic. Here are 20 coastal accents to refresh your home for the season.

Coastal by Gray Malin

Coffee table books are a great way to bring in a coastal aesthetic. New York Times bestselling author and photographer Gray Malin is known for his aerial beach photography in the U.S. This new collection highlights coastal locations from around the world.

Spoonflower Peel & Stick Art Deco Swans Wallpaper

This removable and eco-friendly wallpaper (water-based inks and no toxins) features a swan graphic in a seaside color for a breezy addition to any room.

Aitken Flatweave Cotton Geometric Rug

This boho cotton rug also leans into the greener side of coastal decor with a fun polka dot print.

Nauvoo Dresser Mirror

Bring in natural elements like wood and rattan to keep your coastal decor casual and earthy.

Soho House Pool Towel, Nashville

Soho House uses these classic cabana stripe towels around their poois. This fade-resistant one in their signature hue is used at their Nashville location.

Surf Tribe Book by Stephan Vanfleteren

This photo book shows surf culture in a new light, showing the passion for nature and respect for the ocean that surfers universally have.

The Citizenry Meru Counter Stool

Bringing in natural elements in a refined way is a key part of coastal decor. These modern counter stools in a beautiful ethically-harvested mindi wood are handcrafted by fair-trade artisans in Jepara, Indonesia.

Pendleton White Sands Printed Quilt Set

Inspired by sand dunes against a blue sky, this machine-washable cotton quilt is a nod to the serene landscape of New Mexico's White Sands National Monument.

Indigo Surf Textile Art

This textile art features hand-cut vintage dark indigo lettering on a lighter indigo background and a small wave stitched detail. It comes with the salt oak frame and each one is one of a kind.

Blu Dot Invitation 24" Bench

Woven seating in a white oak wood frame brings in the sandy colored hues of coastal decor. Blu Dot is one of my favorite modern decor brands, and this quiet luxury bench is so lovely IMO.

Nathan James Outdoor Patio Loveseats (set of 2)

Extend your coastal decor to the great outdoors with these acacia wood loveseats and chairs with washable cushions.

Dumae Malibu 3-Piece Setting

This LA-based ceramics company designs unique pieces for casual and special occasions. Love the organic edge on these that would suit a coastal decor aesthetic.

Begonia Dining Chair

Adore the idea of these upholstered chairs in a cabana stripe around a wood dining table - so chic and fun!

World Market White Marble Shell Bookends

Marble shell bookends feel just a tiny bit kitsch without feeling too old-school beach decor. Add these to your desk or bookshelf.

Serena & Lily Jute Border Rug

Hand-tied fringe hints to a surf shack vibe while the elegantly framed jute rug keeps it more refined.

'Crowded Summer' Frame + Photograph Print

Make a statement with a beachy landscape that recalls the best of summer days.

Surf Shacks Book by Matt Titone

Find anecdotes and photographs in this book that reveals a more personal side to surfing.

Zara Embroidered Border Towel

Swooning over these cotton terry towels with an embroidered detail (an illustrated shower) and contrast border in the most perfect blue.

If Lost Please Return Me To The Sea Art Print - Digital Download

Cheeky prints like this one make sure your coastal decor doesn't get too serious.

Surf Shack: Laid-Back Living by the Water by Nina Freudenberger

Peek inside surfers' homes, from bungalows to trailers to cabins, in this bestselling design tome for coastal decor lovers.

Check out our online newsletter for more spring decor inspo!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Images courtesy of Shutterstock + Wayfair

Are you stressed right now? Maybe not so stressed that you curl up in a ball, or run around screaming, but most of us have at least some stress in our lives. And often that’s a good thing; the right amount of stress motivates us and gets us up in the morning. But if stress gets too much, we start to suffer, become demotivated, and eventually collapse as our nervous system falls apart.

Fortunately, there are ways in which we can build our resilience. Some of these are useful for everyone; getting support from your family and friends, nurturing a positive view of yourself, doing things that you enjoy and find relaxing, developing realistic goals and taking action to achieve them. But some will be unique to you, to your particular circumstances to your personality. If you know your personality type, you will have a head start on knowing what your stress triggers are (and so dealing with them), how you react to stress, and how to cope with that reaction. In other words, how to build resilience.

Personality Types And How They Deal With Stress

Image via Photo by Mikhail Nilov/Pexels

The personality type framework, as measured by the Myers-Briggs(MBTI) assessment, looks at four aspects of personality:

  • Extraversion-Introversion — People with an Extraversion personality preference are energized by and focus their attention on what’s happening around them, their external world. They are likely to find spending too much time alone without enough external stimulation quite stressful. People with an Introversion preference are energized by and focus their attention on their inner world of thoughts and feelings. They can become stressed if they are forced to spend too much time with others, or when they have to cope with too many external distractions.
  • Sensing-Intuition — is all about how we take in information. People with a Sensing preference prefer information that is realistic, practical, built on past or present real-life experiences, and often detailed. They can be stressed when things are ambiguous and unclear, without any clear direction. People with an Intuition preference are interested in the big picture, in how things connect, and in ideas rather than facts. They will find having to follow exact instructions stressful, and working with people who demand lots of detail.
  • Thinking-Feeling —People with a Thinking preference want to make decisions using objective logic and will be stressed when decisions seem to be subjective, or when they are forced to concentrate on people rather than the task at hand. People with a Feeling preference want to make decisions that line up with their values and they will be stressed if they feel that those values are not being respected, and when there is conflict.
  • Judging-Perceiving — People with a Judging preference want to live in an organized, planned way and will find dealing with disorganized people stressful, or having to rush things at the last minute. People with a Judging preference want to live in a more spontaneous, emergent way and will become stressed when they have to deal with inflexible people, or when they are forced to make decisions before they feel they really need to.

Image via Photo by Mike Jones/Pexels

Everyone will have a preference for Extraversion (E) or Introversion (I), for Sensing (S) or for Intuition (N), for Thinking (T) or for Feeling (F), and for Judging (J) or for Perceiving (P). These four preferences combine together dynamically to give one of 16 types. For example, if someone has preferences for Extraversion, Sensing, Thinking and Judging, then their overall type would be ESTJ. If you know your type, you can identify your likely stressors (and so avoid or mitigate them), your typical behavior under everyday stress (so that you can recognize when you are stressed) and what to do to cope with that reaction, stop the stress cycle and so build resilience. Here’s the detail for each type.

Image via Photo by Pavel Danilyuk/Pexels

ESTP and ESFP

Stressors

  • Lack of stimulation and excitement
  • Theoretical, abstract tasks without any practical application right now
  • Being physically confined, e.g. though illness or circumstance

Behavior under everyday stress

  • Seeks out more and more external stimulation and excitement
  • May behave in a thrill-seeking or dangerous way or over-indulge
  • Lives solely in the present moment and will not make any decisions

How to stop the stress cycle

  • Pause, stop what you are doing, or think through what you will do next before you do it

Image via Photo by Karolina Grabowska/Pexels

ESTJ and ENTJ

Stressors

  • Inefficient people, systems, or organizations
  • Lack of closure, not being able to make decisions, blockers
  • Having to focus on people's feelings, rather than the task

Behavior under everyday stress

  • Becomes overly directive, forceful, or even aggressive
  • Makes snap decisions and imposes them on others
  • Dismisses evidence/other opinions that don't fir your view

How to stop the stress cycle

  • Stop making any decisions until you have taken some time out to explore all the available information.

Image via Photo by Ketut Subiyanto/Pexels

ENTP and ENFP

Stressors

  • People who say "it'll never work"
  • Too much seemingly irrelevant detail
  • Lack of variety; not being able to do anything new

Behavior under everyday stress

  • Shares increasingly impractical ideas with more and more people
  • Unable to take things seriously, becomes destructively 'playful'
  • Will be tied down to decisions

How to stop the stress cycle

  • Slow down. Take some time out to quietly decide on a course of action

Image via Anna Shvets/Pexels

ESFJ and ENFJ

Stressors

  • Conflict with others and between others
  • Lack of warmth, not having friendliness reciprocated
  • Injustice in the world at large

Behavior under everyday stress

  • Become effusive and over-friendly
  • Becomes demanding in getting your own and others' needs met
  • Interprets situations in terms of your values, ignoring any other evidence

How to stop the stress cycle

  • Step back from the situation and the people involved and consider alternatives and the facts

Image via Yan Krukau/Pexels

INTP and ISTP

Stressors

  • Having your carefully reasoned solutions dismissed or ignored
  • Illogical decisions that have not been thought through
  • Excessive displays of approval or emotion from others

Behavior under everyday stress

  • Withdraws to solve problems by yourself
  • Fixates on finding the one correct solution
  • Ignores other people; makes decisions without informing them

How to stop the stress cycle

  • Talk to others to explore information and ideas

Image via Mizuno K/Pexels

ISTJ and ISFJ

Stressors

  • Having to act without detailed, practical information or plans
  • Having the lessons of your experience dismissed by others
  • Changing things that already work

Behavior under everyday stress

  • Obsessively searches for that one important piece of information
  • Withdraws from the outer world
  • Cannot make a decision until all the information has been found

How to stop the stress cycle

  • Talk to others to help you prioritize and make a decision

Image via Tima Miroshnichenko/Pexels

ISFP and INFP

Stressors

  • People who ignore, dismiss, or contravene your values
  • Working in a job that is at odds with those values
  • Inflexible and unthinking people or organizations

Behavior under everyday stress

  • Withdraws into an inner dialogue
  • Obsessively works through decisions that fir your values
  • Ignores facts that do not fit with the picture you have painted

How to stop the stress cycle

  • Talk to others to get their reassurance and help in considering the facts and alternatives

Image viaMART PRODUCTION/Pexels

INTJ and INFJ

Stressors

  • Not having time to think through possibilities before answering
  • Having your well-considered ideas dismissed or ignored
  • Disorganized, opinionated people

Behavior under everyday stress

  • Withdraws to build increasingly complex ideas in your head
  • These models may become divorced from reality
  • Unable to act under every possibility has been explored

How to stop the stress cycle

  • Talk to others to help decide which of your many ideas should be pursued

When you feel stressed, it can get in the way of dealing effectively with life’s demands, and it can affect everything you do. Understanding your MBTI personality type will help you to build resilience.

Looking for more advice geared towards your MBTI? Be sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter!

Lead image viaKarolina Grabowska/Pexels