Through New Eyes: The Transformative Power of Travel
Cypress Falls in Canada, a stop on my travels that reminded me how restorative time in nature can be
Mexico has my heart
I never travelled abroad growing up. Due to my family circumstances, it just wasn’t an option. My first real taste of travel came during a university trip to Rome, for four days. I experienced something totally different for the first time, and even though it wasn’t until more recently that I began to travel more but that trip opened the door. Since then, I’ve made it a point to see a little more of the world, and each journey has changed me.
Travel, to me, is so much more than reaching a destination. It’s a path to understanding others and rediscovering myself.
Whenever I travel, I try to make it meaningful. I seek out experiences that speak to my soul: spending time in nature, visiting spiritual places, learning about different cultures and people and, of course, enjoying each moment.
A Gift to My Inner Child
Each trip feels like a gift to my younger self. I didn’t grow up traveling, but that never made me less curious or capable. I simply had fewer opportunities. Now, every adventure is something I once only imagined. Bit by bit, my world has opened.
Travel has been especially meaningful for me as someone with dual nationality. It’s helped me connect more deeply with both sides of my identity and appreciate the cultures I come from. It’s also made me more curious and open to other cultures far beyond my own heritage.
Why This Trip Mattered
A few months ago, in autumn, I visited family in Mexico, and travelled solo through parts of the US and Canada. That trip gave me more than just memories. It:
Forced me into the present
Away from my day-to-day routine, I could finally breathe. I got to be myself and move at my own pace, sometimes fast, sometimes slow. Just being present was a relief.
Sparked constant curiosity
Tiny things like unfamiliar foods in supermarkets, fascinated me. Bigger moments like seeing landmarks or talking with strangers, filled me with wonder.
In Mexico, I stayed in an area that isn’t touristy, which gave me a more authentic view of people’s lives. Often, we only hear negative things in the media, but I found warmth, vibrancy, and a rich mix of tradition and modernity. Yes, caution was necessary, but so is nuance and what I saw was beautiful.
In the US, I loved the energy, the feeling that anything was possible. There was so much joy and aliveness.
In Canada, I was struck by how polite and helpful everyone was. The people I met seemed genuinely passionate about social justice, which inspired me. I appreciated the chance to learn about their values and initiatives.
Became healing, not just a holiday
I’d been going through a lot before I left, emotionally and mentally. This trip wasn’t just a break, this was time to process.
Hiking through forests and waterfalls in British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest, wandering among cactuses and watching the sunset over Lake Chapala in Mexico all of it helped ground me and felt like the kind of peace you don’t realise you need until you experience it.
There was something about the wild, vast nature in Canada and the U.S. that stirred something in me and connected to something greater.
In Mexico, I happened to visit during preparations for Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), and witnessing it was very moving. Families were building altars for their loved ones, including pets. There was beauty in how death was embraced not feared, but honoured and celebrated.
Connected me to my roots
Meeting my relatives in person filled in the blanks in stories I’d only heard secondhand. There was an instant warmth and familiarity and felt a sense of belonging.
The Transformative Power of Travel
Travel, in any form, has the power to:
Foster emotional, mental, and spiritual growth
Challenge your comfort zone
Build resilience and self-trust
Encourage creative problem-solving, especially through language and cultural differences
Shift your perspective on what’s “normal”
Help you rediscover forgotten parts of yourself
Introduce new habits, values, and relationships
Create fun and unforgettable memories, which is priceless
You come home changed. And the transformation often continues long after the trip ends.
Takeaway
Travel taught me that life is magical when you slow down enough to notice and appreciate the little things. Meeting family and spending time alone gave me freedom, perspective, and healing. If you’re considering a trip and it is on your heart, but something is holding you back fear or doubts and you can make it happen, go. You’ll come back changed and richer in ways that go far beyond money.
Finding Peace and Perspective When Home Isn’t Perfect
Image source Pinterest
Ideally, our homes are safe, comfortable, and a reflection of our personality. But sometimes, reality doesn’t match that picture, whether it’s a noisy neighbour, an unglamorous area, or circumstances that don’t feel like our “ideal.”
Growing up, my family didn’t have much. Our home was small, cramped, and unconventional. People sometimes made judgmental comments about it, but to me, it was still home. It felt safe, and it held all my memories. What that taught me is that happiness at home isn’t about grandeur, space, or status — though those who have it are lucky. It’s about how you feel in your space. My mother always kept our house spotless and aesthetically pleasing, which made it feel special.
Now, I’m lucky enough to live in my own place, something I had long dreamed of. But I’ve also had the bad luck of ending up with a loud, anti-social neighbor. Instead of letting that ruin the experience, I’m choosing to rethink what home really means, and how to make the most of my situation while helping others who might feel the same.
Creating Peace in a Noisy World
If you’re dealing with disruptive or intimidating neighbors, it can feel overwhelming. But small steps can make a big difference:
• Calming music or white noise to block out shouting or street noise.
• Earplugs for nights when it feels impossible to rest.
• Bedtime routines that calm your nervous system, like tea, stretching, or a soothing playlist.
These may not fix the environment, but they help you reclaim some control over how you experience it.
Making Your Home a Haven
Even if you can’t control what’s outside your walls, you can create comfort inside them. You don’t need a big budget:
• Thrift or budget finds can bring character and coziness.
• Special touches like a throw blanket, cushions, fairy lights, or candles can transform a room instantly.
• Flowers (fresh or dried) add beauty and life.
• Little rituals like cooking your favorite meal, a bath with salts, or a cozy movie night (a projector can make it magical!) bring warmth and joy.
Your home is more than walls , it’s your sanctuary, your place to recharge, and investing in it is also investing in your mental health.
If Safety Is a Concern
Sometimes the issue isn’t just noise, but feeling unsafe. If that’s the case:
• Security measures like cameras, extra locks, or a door brace can bring peace of mind.
• Speak to management, local authorities or the police if your living situation is affecting your wellbeing. You’re not “making a fuss”, your safety matters.
Allow Yourself Breaks
If your space feels overwhelming, step away when you can:
• Spend time in cafés, parks, or take a day trip.
• Stay with a friend or family member if possible.
• Even a temporary change of scene can reset your mindset and remind you that your world is bigger than your current environment.
When It’s Time for Change
It’s easy to get stuck in a situation that feels “comfortable,” even when it’s not serving you. I’ve done this myself, staying in a small town when maybe I should have aimed higher. Now, I’m trying to see my current challenges not just as negatives, but as signs that change might be necessary.
If you’re not where you want to be, consider whether it’s time to chase your dreams, even if it feels scary. Change isn’t always instant or needed, but giving yourself permission to imagine something better is the first step, if that feels right.
Final Thoughts
Your feelings about your home are valid, whether it’s frustration, sadness, or restlessness. I won’t sugarcoat it: despite my best efforts, living with a disruptive neighbor has affected my wellbeing. At times my nervous system has felt fried. But I remind myself, I won’t be brought down by someone else’s poor behavior. This is my life, and I can still create beauty, safety, and peace within it.
And if change is truly in your best interest, be prepared and embrace it. Your home should support your growth, not hold you back.
More Than a Feeling?
I am grateful to my colleague, Margaret Ward-Martin, for writing this blog
“Nobody, ever, has the right to dismiss, minimise or contradict your experience. ”
Maybe not.
Let me explain.
As a mental health professional, I have become increasingly aware of a tendency to
“pathologise” normal, appropriate, protective, and effective, emotional responses. I have
experienced this in professional and personal conversations as well as in social and
mainstream media. This article does not claim to be a substitute for qualified, medical
diagnosis and advice,* it simply serves to facilitate a conversation about what is “normal.”
Uncomfortable or distressing feelings and emotional responses inform us about how to
protect, care and pay attention to ourselves and can include physical, visceral responses – for example, feeling nauseous, needing the loo, stomach and headache as well as a sense of
something not feeling “right” or something being “off”. You don’t need to overthink or
dismiss it – just acknowledge the feeling and validate your response. In the moment you
might not know why you feel what you feel – that’s ok – it’s how you feel.
I have experience of individuals describing their “poor” mental health when what they are
sharing with me are normal reactions to difficult or distressing situations. One example might
be following a break-up – they may be sad, feel rejected, low for a while and wary of getting
into a new relationship. This, in and of itself, is not a critical mental health issue. This is a
natural way to process loss – of confidence, the person, time and even hope and dreams.
What it is not, is something needing neutralising with medication or over analysis. When
there is a death, divorce, redundancy, and exams looming, we feel different. Life hurts
sometimes and it is a heavy, human burden. What it is not, is poor mental health.
Uncomfortable emotions are not our enemy.
We cannot airbrush our pain – we need to learn to live with it. Part of the problem of the
world in which we live is that we are often left second guessing what is real and what is fake.
We might then apply this to ourselves and conclude that we are wrong to feel how we feel.
The additional stressor of toxic positivity does not help. Bin it – at source. Nobody, ever, has
the right to dismiss, minimise or contradict your experience. It is your responsibility to
honour your feelings and remove yourself from toxic, invalidating, unsafe and damaging
people – individuals and communities, real world and online.
And give yourself time to feel as you feel, without judgement. Sooner or later the cloud will
lift, hope will return, and anxiety feel less like a dagger in your stomach. If these feelings are
prolonged – it may be helpful to see your GP or arrange therapy. Learn to appreciate ALL of
you. Happier feelings are no “better” or “worse” than difficult feelings. Emotions are not neat
or binary. All feelings inform us and are to be appreciated equally. Listen to them and learn
who you are. Seek out good people and ensure you cultivate a zero-tolerance policy for
disrespect of any kind from anyone.
Very sadly, humans can be cruel. They can hurt. Sometimes, individuals project their own
failings into others. Acknowledging this fundamental possibility need not make us cynical
and it can help us to look after ourselves better. Fortunately, there are good, kind people and
they can play a part in healing and growth. Be discerning in who you let into your life, what
you share and make sure to set boundaries in all relationships. Take your time and pay
attention. Loving relationships are a marathon, not a sprint.
Above all, learn to love, appreciate, advocate for, and treat respectfully – the person you are.
*This does not apply to feelings of self-harm, suicidal ideation, or suicidal thoughts. In this
case, please discuss your health with your GP, call 999 or access The Samaritans helpline
Breaking the Stigma: Suicide Awareness Month
Trigger warning: This post discusses suicide and may be triggering for some readers. If you are struggling, please reach out to your GP, call 999, or contact The Samaritans Helpline or Papyrus Helpline ( if you are aged 18–35) for support.
September is Suicide Prevention Month
This September, in recognition of Suicide Prevention Month, I want to share my perspective on what it’s like to have a family member attempt suicide. My hope is to de-stigmatise suicide, highlight the need for better support and understanding, and show the profound impact it can have on loved ones.
Why I don’t believe suicide is selfish
The idea that suicide is selfish is something I completely disagree with. Here’s why:
It’s not about character. Suicide attempts usually come from unbearable pain, whether long-term or due to mental illness, where there can be a sudden, severe drop in mood. People who attempt suicide are not trying to hurt their loved ones, they want to stop the pain.
People can still care deeply. Those who attempt suicide often feel like a burden to others, even if this isn’t true. Their actions come from suffering, not a lack of love or empathy.
Perspective can be distorted. Hopelessness, trauma, or mental illness can make it feel like there are no other options, even when support exists.
A memory that stays with me
I remember being on a train to a suicide prevention training for work. The train got stuck mid-journey, and a train crew member announced that someone had taken their life on the tracks, delaying our journey. A wave of sadness hit me but then a woman on the train loudly called the person selfish, complaining about being late.
I was frustrated and saddened. Someone had been in so much pain that they made this choice. Their suffering mattered far more than anyone’s inconvenience. This moment showed me how misunderstood suicide can be, and how urgently we need compassion instead of judgment.
Supporting a loved one
After my family member attempted suicide, I focused on support in ways that might help others:
Communicating regularly with medical staff to understand their care.
Hospital visits and calls to show presence and concern.
Small gestures like flowers or a teddy bear to show love and care.
Being non-judgmental and giving space to process, while letting them know I was always there.
How it felt for me
Knowing I could have lost someone I love was overwhelming. Luckily, my loved one survived, but the experience brought long term grief, fear, sadness, numbness, and ongoing waves of anxiety about it happening again. Supporting someone through this is difficult, it requires patience, compassion, and gentleness towards both the loved one and yourself.
You don’t always know the pain that people carry, please remember to always try to be kind.
Moving forward
I hope that as a society, we can create sensitive, open conversations about suicide. It is not shameful, and it deserves understanding, attention, and care.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or ideation, please seek help immediately — contact your GP, call 999, or reach out to:
The Samaritans – 116 123
Papyrus HOPELINE – 0800 068 4141 (for ages 18–35)
Embracing Your Period as a Time of Healing
Taking things easy through gentle movement doing actives like walking has helped i’ve found, both my mind and body
Being on your period can be a very difficult time for many women. It’s often dreaded and framed as a purely negative experience. But what if we could reframe it?
Instead of seeing it as an interruption to our lives, we might begin to recognise it as something essential to the rhythm of our month. It may not be enjoyable, the cramps, fatigue or emotional waves are real but it can also be an invitation.
Your period can become a time of introspection, healing and deeper self-understanding. It’s a natural pause in the cycle, a moment where your body asks you to slow down. And if you let yourself listen, you may discover that slowing down isn’t weakness, it’s wisdom.
When you allow your period to be more than a nuisance, it can shift into a space of gentle renewal. A reminder to rest. A reminder to check in with yourself. A reminder that your body carries you through so much, and deserves your care in return.
Honoring the Strength It Takes
For many women, a period comes with physical symptoms that are hard to ignore, pain or simply that heaviness in your whole body. Unless you’re very lucky, it’s rarely a comfortable experience.
In the past, I used to think, “I hate this. This is horrible.” And I really sympathise with anyone who feels that way, because I was right there too.
But over time, I’ve begun to shift my perspective. Instead of focusing only on how difficult it is, I try to remind myself: look how strong I am to get through this every month.
That doesn’t take away from the fact that it is tough. But it’s also a quiet kind of resilience we rarely acknowledge. Women are often expected to just get on with their usual tasks, to carry on as if nothing is happening, even though what we’re dealing with inside is anything but easy.
So give yourself credit. Pat yourself on the back. Remind yourself that enduring this cycle month after month is not weakness, it’s a testament to your strength.
The Power of Slowing Down
We live in such a busy world. Society constantly tells us we need to be hustling, achieving, doing more. Life often feels like one long to-do list.
But during the menstrual phase, the bleeding phase of your cycle, your body is asking for something different. You might feel more tired than usual, less motivated, less able to keep up with that fast pace. And that’s not weakness. That’s wisdom.
Instead of fighting it or telling yourself, “I shouldn’t feel this way,” what if you embraced it? The truth is, for much of the month you probably don’t give yourself many opportunities to rest. So why not take this as your built-in reminder?
Slowing down might actually do you the world of good. Making your world a little smaller during this time isn’t failure, it’s care. This could be the perfect time to curl up with your favourite comfort show, sink into a good book, run a bath, do a face mask, or treat yourself to your favourite meal.
You deserve that gentleness. Your body deserves it too.
Honoring Your Emotional Landscape
Another thing that can be very difficult around your period is the emotional side, the PMS or PMDD that can creep in before or during your cycle. Your mood can dip, sometimes drastically. I know for me, this often comes with negative thoughts I wouldn’t normally have about myself. It can touch everything, your self-worth, your body image, even the way you see your life.
Science shows that this isn’t “all in your head.” It’s connected to hormonal changes and a natural drop in serotonin. So first of all, don’t beat yourself up. You’re not broken, your body is simply moving through its cycle.
What I’ve found helpful is this: instead of reacting to those feelings or spiraling into them, I try to slow down and just observe them. Sometimes I’ll simply notice what’s coming up. Other times I’ll journal and write it all down.
In the past, I used to dismiss everything I felt during my period as irrational or crazy, as if none of it mattered. But now I’ve realised that there is truth in what comes up. It’s not that the feelings are “wrong”; it’s that they’re heightened. My intuition, my insecurities, my triggers, they all surface more vividly during this time.
So I’ve begun to see it as an opportunity. These feelings are still me, just a more sensitive, unfiltered version. And when I look back later, I can learn from them: What are my triggers? Where am I not feeling confident? How can I honor those parts of myself?
The feelings you have during your period are just as real, valid, and worthy as the positive, high-energy feelings you experience at other times. They are not less you, they are simply another layer of your truth.
Embracing the Melancholy
Something else I’ve noticed and this may not be true for everyone, is that my mood often shifts during my period. A more melancholic side of me comes out.
At first, I hated it. I didn’t like feeling sad, low, or vulnerable. But I’ve been learning to see this differently. The full spectrum of our emotions has something to teach us, and even sadness has its own quiet beauty.
So instead of resisting, I let myself lean in. Sometimes that means listening to music that carries a bit of sadness, or allowing myself to cry. Other times I’ll watch a movie that lets me sit with those feelings or, if I need comfort, I’ll choose something softer and lighter instead.
The point isn’t to chase the sadness or avoid it. The point is to embrace it all. To honour whatever comes up and give it space, knowing that every emotion has its place in the human experience.
Speaking Your Truth
I’m normally quite a calm person, but I’ve noticed that during my period I can sometimes get mad at people more easily, and then regret it afterwards. I want to be clear: being on your period doesn’t give you a free pass to lash out, say hurtful things, or treat people badly. It definitely doesn’t excuse poor behavior.
But what I’ve realised is that during this time my emotions are more intensified. When I’m in pain or feeling low, I seem to have less tolerance for nonsense. And in some ways, that has made me more honest.
While it would probably be healthier to express myself more evenly throughout the month, I’ve noticed that my period often pushes me to say what I’m really feeling about situations I might otherwise let slide. And although the delivery isn’t always perfect, at least there’s truth in it.
In that sense, this part of the cycle has been a strange teacher for me: reminding me that my feelings matter, that my boundaries matter, and that honesty, even when uncomfortable, has value.
When You Don’t Feel Attractive
Sometimes during your period, you might feel less attractive, even if that isn’t really the case. The symptoms don’t help: a little more bloating around your stomach, a breakout or two, or a face that looks more tired than usual.
The way I’ve learned to cope with this is, first, acceptance. I remind myself: I don’t have to be perfect all the time. My body is going through a lot, and if I look a little different for a few days, that doesn’t take away my worth. I’m still valid. I’m still lovable.
Sometimes this phase makes me want to retreat into myself, and that’s not a bad thing. Cocooning can be exactly what you need. But on the occasions when I’ve had social events during this time, I’ve pushed myself to get ready anyway, to wear something I like and show up. And what I’ve found is that people still respond to me with warmth, compliments, and kindness. Often no one even notices the “flaws” I’ve been obsessing over. It’s usually just my thoughts being a little more amplified and negative than usual.
If you do choose the cocooning path, it can also become a beautiful time of pampering. You might do a face mask, a slow skincare routine, or even give yourself a gentle massage with a body oil. Turning it into a spa-like ritual can transform the way you feel in your skin, reminding you of your own beauty and helping you reconnect with yourself.
Holistic Support for Difficult Periods
I also want to touch on the more practical side of things, the holistic approaches that can sometimes make a big difference during your period. Of course, with anything related to health, please do your own research, see what works for you, and if you’re unsure, consult your doctor.
One thing I’ve personally found helpful is using a heat pad my dad gave me. It has jade crystal circles on it and is designed to ease pain. I don’t know if it’s the jade itself or just the warmth of the mat, but it does seem to bring relief.
Herbal teas have also been supportive for me, especially raspberry leaf, sage, and spearmint tea, all of which are believed to help with hormone balance and menstrual discomfort. You could also try supplements like evening primrose and magnesium. If you eat red meat make sure to have some during this time
And then there’s the question of cravings. During your period, you might find yourself reaching for chocolate, ice cream, or other comfort foods. If you want a small treat, that’s perfectly fine. But sometimes healthier alternatives can really help with energy and hormone balance. For example, a square of dark chocolate can satisfy a craving, or blending frozen banana with almond milk makes a delicious (and surprisingly creamy) alternative to ice cream.
You can also experiment with seed cycling, incorporating seeds like pumpkin, sesame, flax, and chia into your diet at different points in your cycle to help with hormone regulation. It’s a simple addition that can be both nourishing and balancing.
Breaking the Taboo
One more thing I want to say: don’t be ashamed of your period.
This can come up in dating especially. If someone you’re seeing is disgusted by periods or acts awkward about them, that’s a red flag. In my opinion, if they can’t handle the reality of something so natural, they probably aren’t ready to be in a healthy relationship with a woman. You deserve someone who is sensitive, caring, and understanding, someone who not only accepts this part of you but even looks after you during it, making life a little easier. That willingness to learn and support you is a real green flag.
Beyond dating, I wish society as a whole was more open about periods. Why is it still taboo to say, “I’m feeling unwell because of my period, can I slow down a little today?” Instead, so many of us just press on, hiding our discomfort, because we feel it’s not acceptable to talk about.
At the end of the day, how much or how little you share about your cycle is completely up to you. But I think the more we begin to normalise these conversations, the freer and more supported we’ll all feel.
Owning the Beauty of Your Cycle
Finally, I want to leave you with this: learn to see your period as a beautiful thing. If it weren’t for the female reproductive cycle, none of us would even be here.
Your body has the potential to create life and whether or not you choose to, that potential is extraordinary. It’s something to be honored, not hidden. So instead of shame, meet your cycle with pride. Own it.
Burnout: A Personal Reflection on the Path Towards Healing
A summer swim, surrounded by forest and stillness, to heal burnout
Taken during an evening walk, when the tide was out and everything felt unhurried
Burnout can manifest in both emotional and physical ways, and it looks different for everyone. For me, it stemmed from a prolonged period of distressing life events. I tried to carry on as if everything was normal, but eventually, I crashed. Everyday tasks that once felt easy became overwhelming. I struggled to care for myself. It was debilitating. I felt ashamed but I also hid it.
This experience forced me to reassess my life, my limits, and my priorities. Recovery wasn’t instant. Over time, I introduced small habits and routines that helped me regain energy and feel like myself again.
If you’re experiencing burnout, know that things can get better. You are not lazy or a failure, you are human. Burnout is an invitation to pause, reassess, and offer yourself the compassion you’ve long been giving to everything and everyone else.
Recognising the Signs of Burnout
Burnout can creep in slowly. Here are some common signs to look out for:
Loss of motivation or purpose struggling to find meaning in things that once brought joy.
Persistent self-doubt a loud inner critic telling you that you're not good enough.
Emotional and physical exhaustion feeling drained even after rest.
Difficulty with everyday tasks simple things like cooking, cleaning, or replying to messages feel too much.
Feelings of helplessness or defeat a sense that things won’t improve.
Procrastination and avoidance putting things off because they feel too daunting.
Neglecting self-care letting hygiene, nutrition, and movement fall to the side.
Withdrawal and isolation pulling away from friends, family, and your support network.
Difficulty concentrating trouble focusing or remembering things.
Physical symptoms headaches, muscle tension, sleep issues, or digestive problems.
If several of these resonate with you, it might be time to take a step back and prioritise your well-being.
Suggestions for Burnout Recovery
1. Be Gentle with Yourself
One of the most important things I’ve learned is to stop being so hard on myself. Burnout doesn’t mean you’re weak, it means you’ve been carrying too much for too long.
Create a flexible routine instead of a rigid one. Keep your to-do list short 1–3 manageable tasks per day. If you do more, great. If not, that’s okay too. Progress is still progress.
Let yourself have unstructured time without expectations. Follow what feels good, whether it’s resting, being creative, or going outside. Listen to your body.
Burnout is an emotional and psychological crash. You need rest, stillness, and a feeling of safety to rebuild your foundation.
2. Set Boundaries to Protect Your Energy
A lack of boundaries is a huge contributor to burnout. Learning to protect your time, energy, and mental space is essential for recovery.
At Work:
Use phrases like:
“I can do this, but I’ll need some time.”
“I don’t have the capacity for this right now.”
“Can someone else on the team help with this?”
Prioritise: List urgent tasks vs. what can wait. Be realistic.
Respect your work hours and take your breaks.
Focus on your strengths. If creativity is your thing but admin drains you, structure your day accordingly.
Reminder: Many workplaces may value you, but you're still replaceable. Your health isn’t. Don’t sacrifice it to prove your worth.
In Relationships:
This applies to friendships, family, romantic partners, and others.
Say “no” without guilt. You don’t owe lengthy explanations.
Say: “That doesn’t feel right for me,” or “I can’t commit to that right now.”
If someone drains you, it’s okay to set space or walk away.
Journal: Write down what leaves you feeling drained or disrespected, then note how you want to be treated. This helps define your boundaries.
Build a relationship with yourself. Give yourself the love, validation, and kindness you might crave from others. You can show up for yourself, through small acts like buying yourself flowers, taking yourself on solo dates, or simply speaking to yourself gently. This self-connection makes it easier to uphold your boundaries and not settle for less than you deserve and potentially be drained by someone else’s behaviour.
3. Reintroduce Joy and Comfort into Your Life
Burnout can make life feel grey and exhausting. Reconnecting with joy, even in small ways, can be incredibly healing.
Ask yourself: What made me feel alive before? For me, it was moving my body, alone time, creativity, being in nature, and connecting with people I love. I revisited passions from childhood and remembered what makes me, me.
Some simple things to try:
Spending time in nature (trees, water, sunlight)
Cuddling a pet
Listening to music that lifts your mood
Watching a comfort movie
Dancing around your room
Taking a warm bath or doing a skincare routine
Joy won’t return overnight but the tiny moments add up.
4. Let People In
Letting others help me was one of the hardest and most healing parts of recovery. At my lowest, I felt ashamed. But I was often met with unexpected kindness.
You are worthy in all states, even when you're struggling.
Start small: text a friend, talk to someone you trust, or seek professional support like therapy or counselling. You don’t have to do this alone.
Final Thoughts: Healing Takes Time
Recovery from burnout isn’t linear. Some days will be better than others. That’s okay.
Be patient and kind with yourself. Every small step matters. Slowly but surely, you will feel better again.