What is Covert Narcissism? Why do we need to know?

I wanted to specifically make a video about Covert Narcissism because it's the type of narcissism that is not obvious. The obvious one, overt type, would be the grandiose, flamboyant, highly narcissistic person who believes is better than the rest, and let's us know he or she is convinced about that. Easier to spot. 

However, the covert narcissist, in spite of sharing many of the qualities mentioned above (not flamboyant and flashy), is highly dangerous because it operates in a hidden manner. Back handed compliments, covert aggression, gaslighting, lies and manipulation abound when dealing with these people.  The thing is it's done pervasively over long periods of time and in a subtle, hidden (covert) way. So it's hard to realize you are dealing with one until the abuse is taking its toll.

Adults and children that stay in contact with family members that tick many of the boxes for a narcissism diagnosis develop serious health issues. It's like being on watch 24/7, like keeping your stress levels up all the time. Adult children of narcissistic parents live in a constant state of worry and guilt that destroys the immune system. Hormonal imbalance, anxiety, muscle pain, depression, insomnia, and irritable bowel syndrome, to name the most common.

By learning the signs we can be more aware, and by being aware we will have more power to spot them and be able to go no contact if possible, or set healthy boundaries.

What are Flying Monkeys? Narcissism Series

First of all, a disclaimer for those of you that are not into Mental Health, I hear you, my next post is not going to be mental health related. It's going to be a vlog with beautiful pictures of one of the chicest neighborhoods in the city of Buenos Aires. Recoleta is usually referred to as "Little Paris", and you will know the reason why when you see it! Can't wait to show you!

But today we are talking about Flying Monkeys. The term is used to name the Narcissists enablers or minions. They are like a small army that buys into the lies they say and attack the victim. 

As if the abuse is not enough, the target of this kind of relationships has to deal and endure the accusations that come out of the blue, from unexpected people. 

More on that in today's video. See you soon!

Yoga and Psychology Have a Lot In Common

Although sometimes I do manage to come up with very creative ideas, I can hardly find any excuses to skip my Yoga With Adriene daily classes. Western medicine has been proving the benefits of Yoga on our physical and mental health for decades. 

From reducing anxiety and depression to regulating hormones in the stress response system, the ancient yogis knew exactly what they were doing. 

Given that Yoga is a meditation within a workout, you can experience the benefits immediately. Whenever I do a class, I know that day I'm going to be productive. Case closed. No need for fancy medicine papers. If you ever tried a yoga class you probably know, your body knows, and your overall mental state shows the blessing of "finding what feels good". 

I have to credit Adriene (yet again) because I honestly think I wouldn't be doing yoga if it weren't for her. I wrote in the past about how I had to go to the gym, pretty much like a zombie, completely forcing myself, knowing that I wouldn't enjoy any of the classes that I was mindlessly doing there. You name it: spinning, aerobics, weight training. 

Having said that, I'm open to try Tae Bo though. Being the grand daughter of a, very fit, amateur boxer, I guess I've always been curious about the training part, and I hope I can try that discipline soon, before I get too old!!  

In this video I found some similarities between yoga and psychology and rambled for quite a while about my yoga journey, apologies in advance.