How to Start Small Rituals That Make Every Day Feel Special

One of the most astonishing findings in our research was how people show enormous flexibility and range in the kinds of behaviors that they imbue with ritual. A practice as simple as always being sure to brush your teeth and then shower in the morning—and never the reverse—can begin to take on greater meaning for … Read more

What I’ve learnt about how to unwind (without feeling guilty)

Unwinding doesn’t come naturally to many. Even in Australia, where we have the reputation for being laid back, most people have to make a concerted effort to prioritise rest and switch off. In addition to the very real demands, responsibilities and costs of living, there can be a pressure to always be working. What if … Read more

How to Make Your Alone Time Feel Luxurious as Hell

This article is part of SELF’s second annual Rest Week, an editorial package dedicated to doing less. If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that taking care of yourself, physically and emotionally, is impossible without genuine downtime. With that in mind, we’ll be publishing articles up until the new year to help … Read more

How to Feel ‘Good Tired’ Instead of Just…Depleted

This article is part of SELF’s second annual Rest Week, an editorial package dedicated to doing less. If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that taking care of yourself, physically and emotionally, is impossible without genuine downtime. With that in mind, we’ll be publishing articles up until the new year to help … Read more

It’s beginning to look a lot like burnout: How to take care of yourself before the holidays start

It’s getting towards the time of the year when you might feel more overwhelmed than usual. There are work projects to finish and perhaps exams in the family. Not to mention the pressures of organising holidays or gifts. Burnout is a real possibility. Burnout is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as having three main symptoms … Read more