Category: Mental Health & Self-Awareness
Real Life.
The heart of Nostos Nest. Where the real stories live.
This blog is where I share personal reflections on burnout, sobriety, midlife change, and what it means to live a life that actually feels like yours. You’ll also find thoughts on workplace culture, mental health at work, and how we can create environments that support real people – not just job titles.
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The Privilege and Empathy Paradox: Why Pain Is Still Pain
We often assume that people with comfortable, successful lives have no reason to struggle. But what if privilege doesn’t erase pain – it simply makes it easier to overlook? This post explores the connection between privilege and empathy, and why everyone deserves compassion.
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What Choosing Mental Health Cost Me, and Why It Was Still Worth It
Choosing mental health can cost relationships, income and the future you thought you were building. A personal reflection on burnout recovery, the choices I made and why choosing my mental health was still worth it.
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The Social Hangover: Why Socialising Can Leave You Drained
Have you ever felt drained, foggy, or unsettled after spending time with people – even when nothing obviously went wrong? This post explores the social hangover and what helps you recover and feel like yourself again.
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Doing the Work Isn’t Glamorous – But It’s How You Change Your Life
“Doing the work” is one of those phrases people say all the time, but what does it actually look like in real life? In this post, I share what it has meant for me through burnout, sobriety, self-awareness, and learning to build a life around what I’ve discovered.
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The Power of Vulnerability: Why It Makes Us Stronger, Not Weaker
Most of us were taught to keep things surface-level, especially at work. This is what I’ve learned about the power of vulnerability, and why it’s made me stronger, not weaker.
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How to Hack the Algorithm for Your Own Good
Did you know you can hack the algorithm for your own good? Learn simple ways to reprogram your feed, control your algorithm, and create a positive social media experience that supports your mood and wellbeing.
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Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: The Journey from Proving Myself to Believing in Myself
Overcoming imposter syndrome isn’t just about confidence. It’s about how early responsibility, survival patterns, and a lifetime of proving yourself quietly shape who you become – and what it takes to finally stop performing your worth and start believing in it.
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Feeling Guilty About Taking a Sick Day for Mental Health?
Feeling guilty about taking a sick day? You’re not alone. This post explores where that guilt comes from – and how to see mental health days as real recovery, not weakness.
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When The Let Them Theory Isn’t Enough: Staying Kind Without Feeling Small
Sometimes the Let Them Theory isn’t enough – especially for people like me who overthink, try to keep the peace, and accommodate others. This post is about what happens when that starts to make you feel small – and how I’m learning to hold my ground without losing myself.
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Physical Symptoms of Stress: What Your Body Might Be Trying to Tell You
Stress doesn’t just affect your mind – it shows up in your body. Discover the most common physical symptoms of stress and what happens when you finally rest.
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Why Everyone Should Do Mental Health First Aid Training
Discover why Mental Health First Aid training is life-changing. Learn how it equips you to spot the signs, start supportive conversations, and build confidence to help others – while transforming your own perspective.
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How to Support Someone Experiencing Burnout (And Why Common Comforts Miss the Mark)
When someone you care about is burnt out, well-meant advice can make things worse. Learn how to support someone experiencing burnout with empathy, real understanding, and the right words that help – not harm.
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The Cost of Dimming Your Light – and How I’m Reclaiming Mine
What happens when you keep dimming your light to fit in? A reflection on burnout, resilience, and learning to protect your positivity.
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Why Subtle Condescension Stings – and How to Handle It
Ever asked a genuine question and been met with subtle condescension? This post explores why it happens, why it hurts, and how to respond without losing your confidence.
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Weekly Mental Health Check-In: A Simple Habit That Makes a Big Difference
Start a simple weekly mental health check-in to boost your self-awareness and prevent burnout. Learn how to use this quick practice to support your emotional wellbeing and stay in tune with yourself.
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What Not to Say When Someone Is Struggling (and What to Say Instead)
When someone opens up about stress or mental health, our words matter. This post explores what not to say – and what to say instead – to truly support someone who’s struggling.