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When Getting Better Becomes Another Thing to Achieve
When we're struggling with anxiety or burnout, it's natural to want to feel better. We might start reading, listening to podcasts, trying new routines or looking for ways to manage our stress. There can be real value in these things. But sometimes, without realising it, recovery becomes another thing on our to-do list. Another area of life where we feel we should be doing better. The pressure to recover Perhaps you've told yourself you need to become more mindful, get more sl
gatescounselling
1 day ago2 min read


Coming Back to Yourself: Reconnecting After Burnout
Sometimes burnout isn't just about feeling tired. It can leave you feeling like you've lost touch with yourself. Perhaps the things you used to enjoy don't seem quite as enjoyable anymore. You might have less energy for the people and activities that once mattered to you. Or you may find yourself wondering, When did life become so much about getting through the day? If this feels familiar, it doesn't mean you've lost yourself. You may simply have been coping for a very long t
gatescounselling
Oct 112 min read


Feeling Stuck: When You Know Something Needs to Change
Have you ever had the feeling that something needs to change, but you don't quite know what? Perhaps you're tired of feeling anxious. You're exhausted from constantly trying to keep everything going. Or you have a sense that you're not really enjoying life in the way you used to. You know something isn't quite right, but knowing what to do about it can feel much harder. Sometimes, this is what feeling stuck looks like. When you're running on empty When we're experiencing anxi
gatescounselling
Oct 42 min read


People-Pleasing and Burnout: What Happens When We Put Everyone Else First
Are you someone who finds it difficult to say no? Perhaps you worry about disappointing people, feel responsible for how others are feeling, or find yourself saying yes before you've even had time to think about whether you actually want to. You might be the person everyone knows they can rely on. And while caring about other people isn't a bad thing, constantly putting everyone else's needs before your own can leave you feeling exhausted, resentful and disconnected from your
gatescounselling
Sep 273 min read


When Rest Feels Uncomfortable: Why Slowing Down Can Be So Difficult
We often talk about rest as though it should be easy. When we're tired, we rest. When we've done too much, we slow down. But what if resting doesn't actually feel very restful? Perhaps you finally have an hour to yourself, but instead of relaxing, your mind starts making a list of everything you could be doing. You sit down and feel guilty. You slow down and feel restless. Or you tell yourself you'll relax once everything else is done. If this sounds familiar, you're certainl
gatescounselling
Sep 203 min read


Why Being Kind to Yourself Isn't Self-Indulgent. Self compassion and burnout
How do you speak to yourself when things don't go to plan? Perhaps you tell yourself you should have done better. You should have coped. You shouldn't feel this way. For many people, being hard on themselves has become so familiar that they barely notice they're doing it. But if you're experiencing anxiety or burnout, constant self-criticism can make an already difficult experience even harder. The pressure to keep going We often live with the belief that being successful mea
gatescounselling
Sep 62 min read


Why Anxiety Isn't Just in Your Head: Understanding Your Nervous System
When you're experiencing anxiety, it can sometimes feel as though your mind has taken over. You might find yourself constantly thinking about what could go wrong, struggling to switch off, or replaying conversations and situations in your head. But anxiety isn't just happening in your thoughts. Your brain, body and nervous system are all involved. Understanding this can help us move away from seeing anxiety as something we simply need to “control” and towards understanding wh
gatescounselling
Aug 302 min read


The Importance of Belonging in Recovery from Burnout
Burnout can be an incredibly isolating experience. When you're exhausted, overwhelmed and running on empty, even the people and activities you usually enjoy can begin to feel like too much. You may withdraw from others because you simply don't have the energy to engage. Or perhaps you've become so used to coping, achieving and being there for everyone else that you've lost touch with what it feels like to simply belong. Yet connection can be an important part of recovering fr
gatescounselling
Aug 233 min read


What to expect from Counselling? Understanding the Journey
Starting counselling can feel like stepping into the unknown. You might wonder: What will I talk about? Will I know what to say? How long will it take? What if I get emotional? And how will I know if it’s helping? These are very common questions. Understanding a little more about the counselling process can help make that first step feel less uncertain. There isn't one set way that counselling happens. Every person and therapeutic relationship is different. My approach is col
gatescounselling
Aug 163 min read


Effective Strategies to Recover from Burnout and Reignite Your Passion
Burnout can drain your energy, cloud your focus, and dim your enthusiasm for work and life. When exhaustion takes over, it feels impossible to regain motivation or find joy in daily tasks. Recognizing burnout early and taking deliberate steps to recover can restore your well-being and help you reconnect with your passions. A quiet lakeside bench invites reflection and rest Understand What Burnout Feels Like Burnout is more than just feeling tired. It often includes: Chronic f
gatescounselling
Aug 22 min read


Practical Mindfulness Exercises to Manage Anxiety
Anxiety can feel overwhelming and exhausting. When your mind races or your body tenses, it’s hard to find calm. Mindfulness offers a way to gently bring your focus back to the present moment. This can reduce stress and help you manage anxious feelings more effectively. In this post, you will discover practical mindfulness tips for anxiety that you can use anytime, anywhere. Understanding Mindfulness Tips for Anxiety Mindfulness means paying attention to what is happening righ
gatescounselling
Jul 263 min read


Enhancing Mindfulness Through Nature Connection
Spending time outdoors has long been celebrated for its positive effects on mental and physical health. In recent years, the practice of...
gatescounselling
Sep 29, 20253 min read
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