The Journal
J.5/ The Busyness Trap: How Our Culture of Overwork Is Undermining Well-Being and Connection
“Beware the barrenness of a busy life.” - Socrates
In today’s world, busyness is often mistaken for productivity or success. Back-to-back meetings, endless to-do lists and multitasking have become normalised, even celebrated. We often respond to the question “How are you?” with “Busy,” as if that alone proves we are valuable or in control.
J.4/ Effort is Intimacy: How Digital Convenience Is Costing Us Real Connection
“Connection is why we’re here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.” - Brené Brown
We are more reachable than ever before.
But lonelier than ever.
In an age of instant replies, double taps and thumbs-up reactions, it’s easy to feel like we’re in touch, even when something deeper is missing. A friend texts something vulnerable and we react with a heart. A family member reaches out and we "like" their message instead of responding. It's fast, convenient, efficient. But is it enough?
J.3/ “Talking About Your Feelings” And Why Therapy Is So Much More Than That
“Emotions are not just feelings; they are your brain’s best guesses about what your body needs.” - Lisa Feldman Barrett
Therapy is often misunderstood as just “talking about your feelings.” On the surface, it can seem that way: two people in a room, exchanging words, discussing emotions. But this description only scratches the surface.
J.2/ A Morning Routine That Supports Your Mental Health
“The goal isn’t to optimise your morning. It’s to begin it in a way that feels kind.” - Kristen Neff
We often hear about the power of morning routines: wake at dawn, hydrate, journal, stretch, meditate, avoid screens, achieve. For some, this kind of structure is helpful. But for many, especially those living with stress, exhaustion, caregiving demands or mental health challenges, that level of precision can feel more like pressure than support.
J.1/ The Quiet Power of Positive Emotions
“Positive emotions aren’t just the result of a good life - they’re the cause of it.” - Barbara Fredrickson
Therapy is often dismissed as “just talking about your feelings” - as though that were something trivial or self-indulgent. But emotions are at the heart of human experience. They help us interpret the world, make decisions and form meaningful relationships.