If you’re anything like If you’re anything like me, your recent Google history might look something like “how to push through burnout”, “how to stop being burnout” or “how to get over burnout fast”. This time of year, while so close to much-needed holiday restoration, can still feel incredibly challenging. Whether it’s exams, work, dealing with mental health, or balancing family responsibilities, it’s normal to feel like our cups are too full and our energy is running on empty. Burnout doesn’t discriminate. Understanding its causes, recognising its signs, and knowing how to recover can make a significant difference to your well-being.me, your recent Google history might look something like “how to push through burnout”, “how to stop being burnout” or “how to get over

In the realm of wellness and self care we often hear the term highest self thrown around like some transcendent mythic being, always out of reach. Spiritual guides often talk to us as though becoming our ‘highest self’ will solve all of our issues - the missing link in our journey to self fulfilment. Although it is through conversations with friends that I’ve begun to realise that as much as we long to be our perfect selves, our very longing is a trap. Connecting with your highest self is less about perfectionism and more about the journey, strengthening the parts of ourselves we find fulfilment in; our creativity, our ambition, and taking steps to slowly improve the parts of ourselves we don’t. 

But what is our highest self? In many ways it can feel like a dream. It’s an imagined idyllic life. Draw out the things you want for yourself - from the values you hold closest, the way you speak, the clothes you wear, how you see yourself in the mirror. Defining this version of self in detail allows us to grasp more tightly to the future we want for ourselves, even if this may change through time. In philosophy we speak of how with each self reflection we change and grow, making it impossible to truly know ourselves. It’s a daunting idea. Through it brings us back to the core theme, the cliche that it’s not about the destination but the journey. It’s about the process of learning and growing - not who we end up as in the end. 

 

When it comes to soap, what’s really going down the drain? Beyond bubbles and lather, every bar has an impact, but some are gentler on the planet than others. Today, we're diving into the (sometimes dirty) details of natural vs. commercial soap in an eco-friendly showdown.

What’s lurking in your lather? 

Commercial Soap: Commercial soap is like that friend who always looks way too perfect. It’s filled with synthetic ingredients—like parabens, sulphates, and mystery fragrances. These added chemicals make the soap foam and last forever, but they’re often derived from petroleum, a non-renewable resource that’s rough on the planet. Plus, these synthetic fragrances and additives often stick around after washing, heading straight into our waterways, where they can mess with aquatic ecosystems.

Natural Soap: Natural soaps avoid plastic microbeads. Instead, they’re made from ingredients you can actually pronounce: olive oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and essential oils. These plant-based ingredients are kind to your skin and the planet. They break down easily, keeping oceans and rivers safe from weird chemical build-ups. Plus, no fake fragrances here—just pure essential oils for a fresh, non-toxic scent.