Hello, and welcome back! I’m aware it’s been a while, but I’m so excited to be able to write again with a clearer mindset. I’ve been scribbling ideas and plans towards the end of last year for what I wanted to dive into this year.

Alongside these long lists, I’ve been bombarded with an even longer list of recommendations from many of you. From books, to podcasts, TV shows, and certain products. So thank you for that - they’ve definitely played a role in living a better life and feeling more myself. But sometimes we have to internalise, to turn outward inspiration into something quietly our own. As Marcus Aurelius said:

This isn’t new to many of us, and at the same time there’s a bit of a love-hate relationship because, let’s be honest, we’re all influenced to an extent by how we should look, what hobbies to follow, even what products to buy. It would feel unnatural to be completely detached from the spirit of the times. But I believe it’s still paramount to look within.

For most of January, I spent a couple of weeks in the US, North Carolina to be exact. And oh boy, what a time. I approached the trip intentionally, deciding what mattered most before I even landed and building everything else around that. The non-negotiables came first, the things I was genuinely excited about and couldn’t wait to experience. Starting there gave the days their rhythm, and the rest unfolded naturally. In that space, it became easier to notice what actually stuck, the moments and habits that felt worth carrying forward rather than just ticking off. Not everything deserved to come home with me. But a few things did.

I picked up Mel Robbins’ The Let Them Theory after hearing about it one too many times. The podcast definitely nudged me. I’d usually gravitate towards fiction, something immersive and layered, but every now and then an accessible, easy-to-read book is exactly what I need. There’s something comforting about simplicity when your head feels full. Sometimes keeping things straightforward is quietly powerful in its own way. I’m still dipping in and out of Yuval Noah Harari’s Nexus, but in short bursts, so it doesn’t quite fit the mood of this piece.

Found a cosy cafe to have my post lunch breaks and catch up on reading

I have been looking forward to the new seasons for some TV shows for such a long time. I really love the three below - and I have a bonus one too!

Hijack 🚄 
Idris Elba keeps on delivering, this time in a hijack set on a train. I’d been looking forward to this one for a while and finally sat down to watch it properly last week. I’ve just finished episode five and already feel slightly impatient for Wednesday to roll around. It’s tense, but not in an over-the-top way. The writing feels thoughtful, the pacing steady, and the pressure builds quietly with each episode. I love when a show trusts the audience like that. It makes it all the more gripping.

This is one of the best shows I’ve ever watched and easily my favourite on tv. It centres on a family navigating life, loss, and growth, with a level of emotional honesty that genuinely caught me off guard. It’s also surprisingly witty in a very human way - sharp without trying too hard. If you haven’t watched it yet, you’re in for something special. Warm, funny, and genuinely meaningful. The kind of show that makes me laugh and cry.

Tehran 🥷🏼 
A spy thriller set between Israel and Iran, but not the action-every-five-minutes kind. It leans into the pressure of undercover work, so the tension builds quietly and constantly. There’s always a twist that catches you off guard. A smart, gripping watch.

Night Manager 🛩️ (BBC iPlayer or Prime if you're outside of the UK; this is my bonus)
I have to admit I skipped the first season. The second premiered while I was in the US and I got completely hooked. It’s classic espionage with that slow, simmering tension that just builds and builds. Tom Hiddleston is effortlessly cool in it - calm, composed, always three steps ahead. I won’t lie, it did make me consider an MI6 career change for a second.

Red light therapy

This wasn’t my purchase, but I’ve been using a Lumebox 2.0 for a few weeks and it’s made a noticeable difference to my half marathon recovery. I was slightly sceptical at first, but after a few intense sessions, I realised my legs didn’t feel as heavy the next morning.

For anyone new to it, red light therapy works by delivering specific wavelengths of light that are absorbed by the mitochondria, essentially the little power stations inside your muscle cells. That process supports ATP production (adenosine triphosphate, the molecule your cells use for energy) and helps muscles repair more efficiently. In simple terms, less soreness, quicker turnaround between sessions, and legs that feel fresher rather than permanently cooked.

I also massively missed my mini Theragun in Cascais. Thanks to the East Coast winter storm and some American Airlines shenanigans, my suitcase decided to stay in the US for a few extra chilly days. I’ve used that little device religiously for the past three years, so not having it before race day was definitely felt.

It’s funny how something so small becomes part of your rhythm. Since getting back to London, the morning Theragun session has quietly returned as a non-negotiable ritual. A few minutes, and everything feels reset.

Rusks 🍪

North Carolina always makes me think of homemade rusks. I’m not entirely sure why, but it’s become a bit of a ritual. I’ve been making and eating them for weeks now, and before flying back to London I baked a fresh batch to ease the transition. There’s something grounding about having a familiar recipe waiting for you. The recipe’s here if you’d like it.

Mother Root 🫚

I first heard about Mother Root on The Wellness Scoop and made a mental note to try it. I’ve always loved ginger, but this feels like a gentler, more grown-up way to have it. It’s become the drink I reach for in that in-between moment after dinner, when you want something comforting but not heavy, and breakfast still feels a long way off.

Ginger is known for supporting digestion and helping to calm inflammation, and there’s something about that quiet warmth that feels restorative rather than stimulating. It’s a small habit, but one that signals the evening is slowing down.

Crab meat 🦀
I had crab cakes a few times in the US and quietly became a little obsessed. Back in London, I’ve been adding crab meat to my post-run omelettes. It’s light but satisfying, and packed with protein for muscle repair, alongside vitamin B12, zinc and omega-3s to support energy and recovery. It feels indulgent, but it’s doing the work.

And then there’s the shake.

Big Brain Energy shake 🍵

I couldn’t quite ignore the latest collaboration at Joe & The Juice. I’ve always felt fairly neutral about the brand, but this one caught my attention. The Big Brain Energy shake is built around matcha, spinach, banana, date purée and lion’s mane, which already reads like something I’d happily blend at home. I’ve had it four days in a row now and I do feel more energised. Placebo? Possibly. A small focus boost? I’d say so. Either way, it’s earned its place.

The post-run shake from Tuesday

I would say the main practice at the moment is listening to Matthew McConaughey’s sleep story on Calm. Slightly random, I know, but there’s something about that slow, steady voice that just switches my brain off. I’ve re-committed to my nightly sleep stories and three weeks in, I’m already feeling the benefits. I’m falling asleep faster, waking up less wired, and generally starting the day feeling more rested rather than mildly attacked by my alarm. It’s become a small ritual that signals “I'm done for today”, which makes a big difference.

One I’m curious to explore and that’s been getting a lot of buzz lately is the Brick. Let’s be honest, we’re living in peak doomscrolling era. The device literally “bricks” your phone, blocking selected social media apps until you physically tap your phone against it to unlock them. A few friends said they used to struggle to sit still, and now feel far more focused at work, actually watch a show as it should, and just be more present. If you’re anything like me and want to spend more time IRL, this feels like a proper nudge in the right direction.

None of this is a checklist. Just a reflection on what’s been adding value, calm, or a bit of joy. The real work still happens internally, filtering, choosing, and deciding what stays. So here’s to digging a little deeper this year, and being slightly more intentional about what we let in.