7 Japanese-Inspired Ways to Heal Procrastination and Low Energy

On January 18, 2026February 2, 2026 By Zeenat Merchant Syal-Counseling Psychologist|Spiritual CounselorIn Emotions, healing, Mind, Mind-Mental Health, Positive Self Reflection, spiritual healing2 Comments

“The psyche is a self-regulating system. What we resist persists, and what we listen to transforms.” ~ Carl Jung

I would invite us to soften the way we look at “laziness” altogether.

In Japan, what the Western mind often labels as laziness is not viewed as a moral failure or a weak personality. It is understood as information. A symptom. A message from the psyche and the system saying: something here is out of alignment.

Rather than forcing more effort or whipping ourselves with motivation, the Japanese approach asks a gentler, wiser question: What needs to be adjusted in the structure, the environment, or the rhythm of life?

I love this approach because it aligns beautifully with my word/intention for 2026 ~ FLOW 🙂

Here are 7 Japanese-inspired ways of working with low energy, procrastination, and inconsistency, seen through a healing lens…

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The Role of Healthy Boundaries in Healing

On June 11, 2025June 11, 2025 By Zeenat Merchant Syal-Counseling Psychologist|Spiritual CounselorIn Emotions, healing, Mind, Mind-Mental Health, Positive Self Reflection, spiritual healing2 Comments

The more you value yourself, the healthier your boundaries become.

I often witness the profound transformation that occurs when individuals learn to set and honor healthy boundaries. I’ve witnessed this profound transformation in my clients as they learn to honor and embody healthy boundaries—but this journey has also been deeply personal. As I’ve refined and realigned my own boundaries, I’ve experienced a powerful expansion in emotional clarity, self-trust, and inner peace. Boundaries have not only supported my healing—they’ve deepened my capacity to hold space for others with greater compassion and authenticity.

Boundaries aren’t about building walls, they’re about creating space where safety, trust, and self-respect can thrive. They are acts of self-love that protect our emotional energy, allowing for deeper, more authentic relationships, both with others and ourselves.

As I deepened my own healing journey, I came to understand that setting healthy boundaries is not just a helpful practice—it’s a sacred starting point for true transformation.

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Healing is Not About Erasing Your Past

On April 19, 2025April 19, 2025 By Zeenat Merchant Syal-Counseling Psychologist|Spiritual CounselorIn Emotions, healing, Mind, Mind-Mental Health, spiritual healing6 Comments

“Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.”~ Brene Brown

Our minds and bodies have an incredible ability to protect us. When we experience trauma or prolonged stress, we develop coping mechanisms to survive. These mechanisms unconsciously become our identity.

In the past, I have used emotional eating as a coping mechanism. I have used immersing myself in work till my bones hurt as a coping mechanism. I have used avoidance and isolation as a coping mechanism. But all because I was too afraid at the time to face the feelings and emotions that were coming up. I did it because I needed to survive through so much trauma without any guidance or knowing how.

I know you know what I am talking about. We all have our very own coping mechanisms.

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