Grief Disco
Discover Grief Disco, a welcoming and uplifting space for anyone living with loss. A place to heal, connect and feel grief through music, movement and community.
Perfect For
Grief Disco is for anyone living with loss and looking for a different kind of space to hold it. It’s for people who don’t always have the words, who feel isolated in their grief, or who want to be around others who understand without needing everything explained. It’s for the heartbroken and the hopeful, for people who want somewhere gentle, human and a little unexpected to go with what they’re carrying.
You do not need to be good at dancing. You do not need to be ready to talk. You do not need to arrive in any particular state. You just need permission to come as you are.
Why You’ll Love It
Grief Disco offers something many grieving people are missing: a place to feel less alone without being forced into conversation or expected to “do grief” the right way. Through music, movement and a sense of shared understanding, it creates room for sadness, joy, memory, release and connection to exist together.
This isn’t about dancing to forget. It’s about dancing to remember, to honour and to reconnect. For some people that might look like tears on a dance floor. For others, it might be a small exhale, a moment of laughter, or the relief of being in a room where no one needs grief explained to them.
What Makes It Special
So much of grief can feel isolating. People don’t know what to say, or they say nothing. We can start to feel cut off from ourselves, from our bodies and from other people. What Grief Disco understands is that grief does not only live in words. It lives in the body too.
That’s what makes this space so powerful. It offers people a way to process loss through movement, music and presence, rather than through talking alone. There is no pressure to perform, no expectation to be upbeat and no fixed script for how you should feel. Everything is an invitation.
Grief Disco also holds something many of us forget is possible: that joy and grief can coexist. That a person can cry and dance at the same time. That love, memory, heartbreak and laughter can all be in the room together. In that sense, it doesn’t just offer support for grief. It offers a more human way of being with it.
The If Lost Take
There is something quietly radical about creating a place where grief is allowed to move.
So many of us are more familiar with the language of coping than the experience of actually feeling. We know how to keep going, keep functioning, keep answering “fine” when we are anything but. Grief Disco interrupts that. It offers something softer and, for many people, more freeing: a chance to let grief be alive in the body, not just managed in the mind.
What we love most is that this doesn’t turn grief into a problem to solve. It doesn’t rush people towards silver linings or ask them to package their pain into something neat and shareable. Instead, it makes room for what is true. Sometimes that truth is sorrow. Sometimes it is love. Sometimes it is a song that opens something you didn’t realise you were still carrying.
And sometimes healing looks less like fixing and more like finding a room where you can be fully human again.
Founders Story | Co-founded by Georgina Jones and Leah Davies
Grief Disco was born from lived experience of loss and a belief that grieving people deserve spaces that feel connecting, warm and real. Co-founders Georgina and Leah created it as a response to the loneliness that grief can bring and to the sense that many of the places available to grieving people do not always make room for the body, for joy or for community. Their approach is shaped by the understanding that no one should have to grieve alone, and that music and movement can help us find our way back to ourselves and each other.
Founder’s Go-To Wellbeing Advice
“Look for the love.
Look for the tiny moments of joy that are still here, even in the hardest seasons. Keep a playlist that helps shift your energy. Let music help you move what words can’t always reach.
And remember that grief is not something to fix or get over. It is something to feel, and you don’t have to feel it alone.”
Some Practical Details
Grief Disco is a space where people can come together around grief through music, movement and optional sharing. Some events happen in person and there are also online grief discos for people who would rather join from home. The atmosphere is invitational rather than intense: you can dance, sit, cry, talk, stay quiet, turn your camera off or simply witness. There are also small ritual elements, such as dedications and moments to remember the person or people you are dancing for.
If you are grieving and looking for support, this may be one of those rare places that helps not by asking you to explain your loss, but by giving you somewhere to bring it.
Zenaa Retreats
Discover Zenaa Retreats, a welcoming, fad-free approach to yoga and wellness retreats in the UK and abroad. Designed for real life, these nourishing escapes blend movement, rest, great food and genuine connection. Perfect for beginners, solo travellers and the yoga curious.
Perfect For
Zenaa Retreats are for the "yoga curious" including regulars, dabblers, those who prefer the back row, and complete beginners. It is designed for the "schedule-seeking, choice-conscious" crowd who value a balance of activity and downtime. Solo travellers are especially welcome and make up a large part of the community.
Why You’ll Love It
We all need a space to pause, breathe, and reconnect. In a world of high expectations, Zenaa provides a judgment-free environment to strip away the pressure and allow you to be present. It’s an opportunity to escape the daily grind, slow down through the "art of slow living," and find nourishment for the mind, body, and soul without the pressure of a detox or juice cleanse.
What Makes It Special
Zenaa stands out for its "fad-free," balanced approach to wellbeing. Unlike many retreats that focus on restriction, Zenaa celebrates food and connection. The focus is on handpicked serene venues and a non-judgmental atmosphere that welcomes all body types and abilities. It is a family-feel business (founder Katie’s mum even helps out!) that prioritises genuine connection over performance.
The If Lost Take
We’ve often written about how we can get lost in wellbeing itself and we’re very much on a mission to get you to the places that can help you find your way through it all. When we met Katie we felt like here was a retreat organiser who really understands our real-lives. The places where we get overwhelmed or stuck, burned out and disconnected. And her events aren’t about adding yet more pressure, but really meeting you where you are, with consideration and kindness too.
Founder’s Story | Katie Hodge
Founder Katie is a wellbeing advocate and planner whose passion for events and yoga creates the perfect blend for meticulously designed retreats. Her journey began ten years ago in Sydney, where she first turned to yoga to find calm for an anxious mind. What started as a personal practice evolved into a mission to bring like-minded people together to connect with nature and enjoy incredible food, the ultimate self-care experience.
After launching Katie J Yoga in 2020 she rebranded to Zenaa in 2024. Today, it is a thriving community where every detail is covered so guests feel entirely nourished and supported.
Founder’s Go-To Wellbeing Advice
“Prioritising sleep. When everything feels overwhelming or I've lost my way, coming back to a consistent and restful sleep routine is the foundation for mental clarity and emotional resilience.”
Some Practical Details
Zenaa offers luxury wellness and yoga retreats in the UK (including Devon, Bath, and the Cotswolds) and abroad (Italy, France, Portugal, and Sri Lanka). These include:
Varied Yoga: Dynamic Hatha sessions in the morning and gentle Yin or yoga nidra in the evenings.
Nourishment: Healthy, wholesome meals prepared by private chefs (always including dessert and sometimes a glass of wine).
Activities: Countryside walks, cold-water swims, creative workshops, and meditation.
Community: A warm, inclusive environment where guests often leave as close friends.
If you’re not able to attend in-person, don’t worry, there’s Zenaa Online which provides an online retreat experience. You can try out their free 7 day trial here.
Coming up:
Italy Retreat (July 2026) – A 6-night restorative escape
France Retreat (Sept/Oct 2026) – A 5-night wellness experience
Devon, UK (Oct 2026) – A weekend of nourishment and nature
Book a retreat using code IFLOST and get a special welcome gift.
Better Read Book Festival
Explore Better Read Book Fest, a one-day festival of books, ideas, and authors to support your mental and emotional wellbeing.
Perfect For
Better Read Book Fest is for readers interested in self-development, mental health and emotional wellbeing. It's for coaches, therapists and wellbeing practitioners. If you want to learn more about how you can support your own mental and emotional wellbeing this festival is for you.
Why You’ll Love It
Better Read Book Fest is the UK’s first literary festival dedicated entirely to wellbeing books. It's a one-day celebration of books focusing on self-development, mental health and emotional wellbeing, and their authors. The festival is taking place on Saturday 3 October in Abergavenny, south Wales.
What Makes It Special
Literary festivals may include books on mental health and self-development, and wellbeing festivals can feature wellbeing authors alongside workshops and practical experiences. But until now there hasn’t been a UK literary festival dedicated solely to books focused on personal development, mental health and emotional wellbeing, and their authors.
No workshops, no other genres, purely authors sharing their books, their experience, research and expertise with readers. These books provide validation, greater self-understanding and practical tools, empowering the reader where they’ve felt lost and alone, in an accessible form and price.
You will leave feeling inspired, informed, empowered and uplifted.
The If Lost Take
When we first heard about a festival dedicated entirely to wellbeing books, it was an instant yes. It brings together so much of what we care about: wellbeing and words, connection and community, ideas and the people who love them too.
We believe there’s something powerful about the right book finding you at the right moment. It can steady you, shift your thinking, or simply help you feel a little less alone. And already, the authors announced for this festival feel like exactly those kinds of voices.
There’s also something quietly joyful about being in a room full of people who care about these books as much as you do — who know the non-fiction bestseller list almost as well as their local takeaway menu.
We’ve interviewed Gabrielle (and speaker Suzy Reading) on the podcast, and what stands out is the warmth and intention behind this festival. It’s been thoughtfully curated with a genuine belief in bringing people together around ideas — not to prescribe what wellbeing should look like, but to help each of us explore what it means in our own lives.
Founder’s Story | Gabrielle Treanor
“Years ago when I was struggling with anxiety, people-pleasing, overthinking and overwhelm (which I later discovered was due in part to my unrecognised ADHD) it was picking a book on positive psychology off the shelf in my local bookstore, and subsequently diving headfirst into wellbeing books, that gave me a sense of agency. In these books I found explanation and understanding as well as ideas and tools to support myself.
I then embarked on a journey which ultimately led to writing my own book, The 1% Wellness Experiment (published Dec 2023), and supporting others as an ADHD coach, writer and podcaster.
My respect and appreciation for the writers who pour their knowledge, skills, experience and heart into their wellbeing books inspired me to champion and celebrate this genre by creating Better Read Book Fest.”
Some Practical Details
The festival is a day of interviews and panel discussions with the authors about their books, self-development, mental health and emotional wellbeing, and space to ask them questions. There will be the opportunity to purchase the authors’ books and have them signed by the authors. Festival merchandise will also be on sale.
Authors confirmed so far are Suzy Reading, Natalie Lue, Dr Helen Wall and Natasha Page.
The festival won't be available online but there will be interviews with the authors in a special festival season on the Pressing Pause podcast.
Venue: St Mary’s Priory Hall, Monk St, Abergavenny NP7 5ND
Date: 3rd October, 2026
IceBreakers
Part of our wellbeing guide for life, IceBreakers offers men a welcoming space to step into nature, share conversation and find connection through cold water and simple weekly rituals.
Perfect For
IceBreakers is for men of all ages and backgrounds. Some come because they’re struggling. Others come because they want more connection, more nature and a healthier rhythm to their week. You don’t need experience with cold water or wellbeing practices. You just need to show up.
Why You’ll Love It
IceBreakers is a men’s wellbeing community that meets outdoors each week for breathwork, cold water immersion and conversation. They gather in rivers, lakes and the sea to reconnect with nature, challenge themselves and support one another. It’s a simple ritual that helps men step out of their heads and back into the world.
IceBreakers isn’t about endurance. It’s about presence and connection.
What Makes It Special
Many men don’t have places where they can slow down, speak honestly or feel supported without pressure. Being outdoors, breathing together and stepping into cold water creates a powerful reset. It helps people reconnect with their bodies, their thoughts and the people around them, often leading to stronger friendships and a deeper sense of belonging.
IceBreakers isn’t a class or a programme. It’s a simple shared ritual: men meeting in nature, breathing together, stepping into cold water and supporting each other. There’s no pressure to perform, no hierarchy and no fixing, just people showing up side by side and meeting life’s challenges together.
The If Lost Take
We’ve seen first-hand what a difference an early Sunday start can make. There’s something about standing waist-deep in a river, sharing a simple “hi, how are you?” that cuts through the noise of the week.
It can become a kind of reset. A chance to let go of what’s been building, even if just for a moment. And to notice, without needing to say much, that other men are carrying things too, moving through life with their own hopes and concerns.
Turning up for the first time might feel like a big step. But Icebreakers is a genuinely welcoming group. And somehow, with each Sunday, it gets a little easier to answer the alarm, grab your dry robe, and head out the door.
You come back with flushed cheeks, and often feeling a little lighter than when you left.
Founders Story | Co-founded by Tim Bowles, Arron Collins-Thomas and Jack Horner
IceBreakers began when two friends lost people close to them to suicide and realised how few spaces existed where men could talk honestly about how they were feeling.
They hosted a small retreat and discovered that the most powerful moments came from stepping into cold water together. That shared challenge created openness, connection and real conversation.
From there, weekly gatherings began and the community grew.
Founder’s Go-To Wellbeing Advice
“Step outside.
Move your body, breathe slowly and spend time in nature, even if it’s just a short walk.
And if you can, share that moment with someone else. A conversation and fresh air can shift more than you think.”
Some Practical Details
IceBreakers core offering is a weekly outdoor gathering, usually on Sunday mornings. Each session includes breathwork, movement, optional cold water immersion and time for conversation. Some chapters also host fire circles, walks, saunas and other events that deepen connection and community.
You don’t have to be brave or “good at cold water”. Some men dip for a few seconds. Some stay waist-deep. Some just come along for the conversation.
They also organise walks, camps, saunas and get togethers beyond the cold water.
Most of what they do happens outdoors in person. However they do share stories, guidance and inspiration in their WhatsApp community, and new chapters are launching across the UK so more men can find a group near them.
They also host occasional camps and events that people can travel to.
Coming up
Alongside their weekly Sunday gatherings across the UK, IceBreakers is hosting a Spring Camp from the 24th - 26th April, 2026.
It’s a few days in nature where men step away from the noise of everyday life and reconnect through cold water, movement, fire circles and honest conversation. Think of it as a deeper version of the weekly IceBreakers experience.
A special If Lost bonus
IceBreakers are offering 10% off their upcoming Spring Camp to If Lost readers, just use code LOST10 at checkout. Details of the Spring Camp can be found here.
Postcards from a Happy Place
A day at The Happy Place wellbeing festival — and the ideas I brought home with the tote bag
I’m sitting under the shade of a 100-year-old tree in a west London park, the kind with branches that creak when the breeze moves through them. I’ve claimed one of the bright bean bags scattered across the lawn and wedged it against the bark. It’s quieter here than in the big open-sided marquee where the talks are held. I almost left earlier — the heat was stifling — but this patch of dappled light invited me to stay.
This is the Happy Place Festival, Fearne Cotton’s annual celebration of all things wellbeing. Held in Gunnersbury Park, the event feels relaxed despite the crowds. There’s a sound bath tent, hormone talks, yoga happening under awnings, iced lattes for a quick pick-me-up, and a hum of voices talking about nutrition, breathwork, sleep, and happiness.
I wander a little, swap my trainers for sandals, browse the book tent, and eventually drift towards the Talk Tent — where the ideas start to land.
What Wellbeing Looks Like When You Do It at Your Own Pace
There’s a clawfoot bathtub painted bright yellow on the lawn. Giant HAPPY PLACE letters. Pink phone booths for Instagram moments.
People move slowly, or not at all. Some stretch into yoga poses. Others lounge with notebooks. I’m surrounded mostly by women. An older woman in a navy wrap dress stands near a mother and daughter in yoga pants. And I start to wonder: What are we all here for?
A day of self-care? A search for clarity? A break from decision fatigue?
For me, it became about gathering small, meaningful insights or the big ideas that I hope might stick. Here's what I took home from a single day of getting away from it all (so I could get back to it all).
5 Takeaways from The Happy Place Festival
1. Midlife Is for Beginning Again
“Everyone has something.” — Donna Ashworth
Poet Donna Ashworth shared that she didn’t begin writing until her mid-40s. “It was either me… or it,” she said. There was something inside her that needed to be expressed — even if it emerged messily.
Holly Tucker, founder of Holly & Co, echoed this. She shared that 75% of the small businesses they support were started by people aged 40–60. Midlife isn’t an ending. It’s the start of something else.
2. Listen to the Whispers of the Soul
The idea of tuning inward came up again and again. Katy Hill spoke of following the “whispers of the soul.” Kelly Holmes said she’s living not in the “if onlys” but the “maybes.”
What if we don’t need to have the whole plan — just enough of a nudge to start?
3. Time Is Measured in Moments, That Become Years
“Life is 80 summer holidays.” — Julia Bradbury
Oliver Burkeman’s 4000 Weeks was cited more than once. It’s a reminder that life is not endless. Julia Bradbury put it plainly: "You only get about 80 summers." She advocates for nature snacks as the way to reset her days — stepping outside every couple of hours to widen your gaze, regulate your nervous system, and remember you’re alive. The evidence backs her up. A University of Exeter study found that if 1.2 million people took part in a green prescribing project that would save the NHS £635.6 million.
4. Start Imperfectly, Stay Imperfect
“Just begin.” — Donna Ashworth
Donna’s talk — and the reading of her poem “Just Begin” — was a balm for the overthinkers. “Someone here needs this,” she said before reading. She was right. That someone was me. And maybe it’s you too.
Start before you’re ready. Begin without knowing the outcome. Let the thing live in the world. That’s where the magic happens — not in the editing, but in the doing.
5. Small Impacts Matter
“What’s my impact?” — Holly Tucker
Holly said she grounds herself daily in one question: What will my impact be today? Not in a pressure-filled way, but as an invitation. She believes we all have the potential to lift others — to support their dreams in small, significant ways.
And if you don’t know your answer yet? Ask yourself: What lit you up when you were 10?
Wellbeing That Feels Possible
There’s a lot out there right now about how to live better. Some of it’s helpful. A lot of it is loud. What this day reminded me is that you can be curious without committing to a complete reinvention.
Wellbeing isn’t a fixed destination or a 12-step plan. It’s something you get to define. Something you can build, imperfectly. Slowly. Softly. On your own terms.
Your happy place might not be mine. And that’s more than okay.
So, what’s your Version of a Happy Place?
Maybe it’s not a festival. Maybe it’s a book, or a walk, or a quiet cup of tea. The point is not to do more. It’s to tune in.
Here’s a gentle question to leave you with:
What whispers have you been ignoring?
And what might shift if you started to listen?
Want to explore this further?
We’re creating spaces for the wellbeing curious — people who want better days, not busier ones.
Distil Coworking Somerset
Discover Distil Coworking Somerset—an inspiring rural coworking space set in a restored mill with gardens, café and community. Ideal for creatives, freelancers and small business owners looking to feel more connected and work well in beautiful surroundings.
Perfect For
Creatives, freelancers, small business owners, remote workers — or anyone craving a more inspiring alternative to working from home.
Why You’ll Love It
Housed in a beautifully restored former mill, Distil Coworking Somerset offers a calm and inspiring place to work with beautifully restored wooden floors, abundant natural light and views out to a landscaped courtyard. It’s the kind of place that makes you exhale as soon as you walk through the door.
Whether you're a small business owner looking for an inspiring workspace for your team, a parent looking to be super productive around the school run or you want a change from the commute to the city — Distil Coworking Somerset is designed to make your working day better.
With plenty of free parking, choose the scenic route and work from a beautiful location in the heart of the Somerset countryside.
What Makes It Special
Set within the wider Kilver Court development, Distil offers more than just a desk. Booking a coworking space here includes access to the lush 3.5-acre gardens — perfect for stretching your legs between meetings, taking a walking call or a giving yourself a moment of pause under the trees.
You’ll also find fashion and homeware outlets like Toast and Mulberry and a newly renovated café with a wellbeing-focused menu. It’s all part of what founder Sam Cunningham envisioned when he transformed this site: “a thriving creative business ecosystem that drives growth, sparks innovation, and encourages collaboration.”
Whether you're looking for a quiet corner to enjoy a warm cup of tea, to scribble ideas in a notebook or simply to close your eyes and let the gentle rustle of leaves spark fresh inspiration, this is garden coworking.
The If Lost Take
We often think of coworking spaces as urban hubs — but Distil is part of a growing movement to bring creative, connected workspaces to rural settings. While countryside living has its charms, working from home in remote areas can sometimes deepen feelings of isolation and disconnection. Spaces like Distil shift that story — offering a place to come together, connect and work alongside fellow creatives, freelancers and entrepreneurs who also call Somerset home.
Founder’s Go-To Wellbeing Advice:
“You spend a third of your life at work — choose environments that nurture your wellbeing and people who help you thrive. The right environment can do more than just support productivity; it can restore calm, spark creativity, and invite genuine connection.”
Some Practical Details
Book a desk, meeting room or the podcasting studio. Facilities include free parking, superfast WIFI, private call booth, shower and kitchen with coffee and tea.
During every booking, receive 10% off at the café and access to the stunning Kilver Court Gardens — the perfect place to recharge during the working day.
Distil Coworking will soon have an events programme up and running, including the option of remote attendance at some events. For anyone visiting the area, they also offer day passes as well as the option of booking by the hour.
Kilver Court, Kilver Street, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5NF, United Kingdom
hello@distilcoworkingsomerset.co.uk
If Lost Reader Benefits: Use code 'InnerCircle' for 10% off your first month when signing up to a monthly membership.
If you prefer to book on a pay-as-you-go basis, use code InnerCircleHotDesk for 20% off your first day pass.
The Lost Art of Reaching Out (Especially When You Don’t Feel Like It)
Feeling disconnected but too overwhelmed to socialise? Here’s how to gently rebuild your sense of community and connection — even when it feels like too much.
Sometimes, connection feels like a beautiful idea that belongs to someone else’s life.
You want it — the warmth, the welcome, the sense of being seen — but everything in your body says not now.
You're burnt out. Anxious. Tired from holding too much for too long.
And instead of reaching out, you slowly slip back. Into silence. Into solitude.
You tell yourself that it’s just for now. But now has been a while.
If that’s you? You’re not failing. You’re human. And you’re not alone.
Many of us are here right now, wanting to connect but not quite knowing how to.
Why We Pull Back When We Most Need People
When life overwhelms us, our nervous systems do something wise: they protect.
They shut things down to help us survive. Socialising — even with people we love — can feel like one demand too many.
The problem is: we still need people. We are hardwired for connection.
It’s a core human need — not a nice-to-have.
But the modern world hasn’t made that easy.
Loneliness is rising, even as we become more digitally connected. According to the Mental Health Foundation, 1 in 4 adults in the UK feel lonely some or all of the time. And among those dealing with burnout, that number climbs even higher.
And yet, when we do connect — even briefly — we feel the shift.
Tiny interactions can co-regulate our nervous systems. A nod from a neighbour. A friendly moment with a stranger in a queue. A text back from someone we haven’t heard from in a while.
The secret is this: connection doesn’t need to be big to be meaningful.
What If We Started Small?
The invitation here is not to “join a group” or “go to more things.”
It’s to experiment with connection that fits you now.
Maybe that looks like:
Sitting in a café instead of scrolling at home — just being in proximity to others.
Texting one person to say: thinking of you, no need to reply.
Wandering a local bookshop or museum, where other quiet people gather.
Volunteering, not for the social aspect, but because doing something small that matters feels grounding.
Attending a gentle yoga or movement class where connection is built through shared breath, not small talk.
Let the moment be enough. You don’t need to stay long.
Just notice how your body feels before and after. Maybe a little lighter?
Rebuilding Trust in People
Reconnection isn’t just about other people. It’s about learning to trust that it’s safe to be seen again. To believe that the right people will meet you where you are.
You don’t need to fix your burnout first. Or wait until you’re “back to your old self.”
The act of connecting — even in the smallest of ways — is part of the healing.
And connection doesn’t mean constant availability.
You can have boundaries. You can take breaks. You can be someone who dips in and out, without explanation.
Because community isn’t a performance. Its presence that you can choose.
What If You Tried One Tiny Reach?
What would your version of a gentle reach look like?
A walk with someone you enjoy talking to?
A visit to a familiar café?
A class where no one expects anything from you except that you try?
Try just one. Let it be small. Let it be enough.
When you’re ready, here are 3 ways we can help you:
1. Join us on Substack – Become a paying member and we’ll gift you our Spring Everyday Retreat right now so you can focus on how you like to connect even when life does its thing.
2. Book a wellbeing coaching session – If you want company while figuring out your next steps, let’s chat. Book a free consultation to see how we can help you connect in ways that feel good to you.
3. Sign up for our newsletter – Receive real-life tools, everyday insights and tiny reminders that you’re not alone in this. We’re all yearning to connect while also finding it easier to binge-watch Netflix.
How Emotions Shape Our Increasingly Isolated Lives
Discover how emotions like fear and loneliness shape disconnection and learn practical ways to reconnect with yourself and others.
Have you ever wondered why it feels harder to connect these days? You’re not imagining it. Life has shifted, and with it, our emotions have too. What we’re feeling (or not) might play a bigger role in how we engage with others—and ourselves—than we thought.
From stress to loneliness, our feelings often push us toward isolation, even when what we crave is connection. But we’ve found that understanding this emotional interplay can help us break free from this sense of disconnection and move toward a more connected, fulfilling life.
The Emotional Side of Disconnection
Our feelings are deeply intertwined with how we navigate the world. Stress, fear, and overwhelm often lead to withdrawal, while positive emotions like curiosity and joy can inspire us to seek connection.
Some common emotions that can drive disconnection include:
1. Stress and Overwhelm
Modern life feels like a constant race. Between work, family, and endless to-do lists, stress leaves little room for meaningful connection.
When overwhelmed, we tend to retreat, choosing solitude or distraction over engagement.
2. Fear and Vulnerability
Fear of rejection or judgment can make reaching out feel risky, leading us to avoid social situations altogether.
Past experiences of hurt or betrayal may create emotional walls that keep others at a distance.
3. Loneliness and Shame
Loneliness often perpetuates itself. When we feel disconnected, shame can convince us that we’re the problem, making it harder to take steps toward connection.
This creates a cycle: disconnection fuels negative emotions, which then reinforce isolation.
When Isolation Becomes a Cycle
The longer we stay disconnected, the harder it can feel to break the cycle. This is because isolation reinforces the very emotions that keep us apart:
Stress compounds stress: Without social outlets, stress builds, making re-engagement feel even more overwhelming.
Loneliness intensifies: The absence of connection magnifies feelings of emptiness, leading to further withdrawal.
Recognizing this cycle is the first step toward shifting it. The next steps might include:
1. Name Your Emotions
Awareness is the antidote to avoidance. Spend time identifying and naming what you’re feeling:
Are you avoiding connection because you’re afraid of rejection?
Does stress make you feel like you don’t have time to engage with others?
Journaling or mindfulness practices can help you explore these emotions without judgment.
2. Reframe Disconnection as an Opportunity
Disconnection doesn’t have to be a dead end—it can be a starting point for better understanding yourself.
Use periods of solitude to reflect on what truly matters to you.
Ask yourself: What kind of connections would feel meaningful right now?
3. Seek Out Moments of Joy and Curiosity
Positive emotions like joy and curiosity can nudge you toward connection.
Try something new: Join a group or take a class that sparks your interest.
Revisit an old passion: Shared interests often lead to natural connections with like-minded people.
4. Foster Emotional Safety
Strong connections thrive on emotional safety. Deepen relationships by being vulnerable in small, manageable ways:
Share a personal story with a trusted friend.
Show up authentically in conversations, even if it feels a little scary.
5. Make Connection a Habit
Connection doesn’t have to be grand or time-consuming. Small, intentional actions can go a long way:
Send a quick text to someone you care about.
Schedule a weekly walk with a friend or family member.
Join a virtual or in-person community aligned with your interests.
Emotions as a Bridge to Connection
Your feelings don’t need to be obstacles—they can also be clues. By understanding how emotions like stress, fear, and joy shape your behavior, you can begin to take intentional steps toward connection.
Whether it’s reaching out to a friend, trying a new activity, or exploring what’s holding you back, the journey to reconnection starts with acknowledging what you’re feeling.
Connection is closer than you think—it begins with this one small step.
Your emotions are the key to connection. Our emotions coaching sessions help you understand which feelings can hold you back, help you reconnect with your inner self, and build deeper, more meaningful relationships.
Curious to know more? Click here to explore emotions coaching and how your feelings can help you better connect with both yourself and others.
You can also sign up for our special newsletter dedicated to better understanding your emotional life. Subscribe here.
Why I Collect Places: A Human-Centered Guidebook to Better Wellbeing
Discover why independent bookstores, cafés, museums, and unexpected spaces are vital to our wellbeing. Why we’re writing a guide to help you find places that make life feel just that little bit better.
There’s a certain kind of magic in finding a place that feels just right. A small bookstore where the owner remembers your name. A café where the coffee is secondary to the conversation. A public park that holds space for quiet moments.
I’ve always been drawn to places like these—the ones that anchor us, remind us of who we are, and offer ways back to ourselves, and each other. It’s why I started Our Guide to Life, a collection of human-centered spaces that nurture our wellbeing in ways that often go overlooked as we rush through our days.
Wellbeing Beyond the Expected
When we talk about wellbeing, the conversation so often stops at wellness trends—meditation apps, self-care routines, morning rituals. And while all of that has its place, what if wellbeing was also connected to where we live, how we shape our worlds, and how we create space for each other.
That’s what I’ve been exploring. Beyond the polished wellness industry, there are places—hidden, local, ordinary—that hold a different kind of support.
The museum that allows your mind to soar and your imagination to expand.
The coworking space that brings people into your days, and not just more ways to be productive.
The bakery that somehow soothes you, even if croissants are a far cry from green juice.
These places aren’t selling a version of self-improvement. They’re simply there, existing in a way that makes life a little softer, a little easier, and sometimes even a little more magical.
Why Now?
We’re living in an era of increasing isolation. Studies show that loneliness is as harmful to our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. At the same time, the places that have historically brought us together—independent cafes, bookshops, music venues—are struggling to survive.
The irony is, we need them more than ever. We need places where we can show up as humans. Places where we don’t have to earn our belonging, where connection isn’t transactional, and where simply being present is enough.
This is why I collect places—not just for myself, but for anyone who might be looking for a way to feel at home in the world again.
A Guidebook for Everyday Wellbeing
Our Guide to Life is an evolving collection of the places that matter—places that meet you wherever you are and offer something real. It’s a growing map of
Independent and unexpected spaces—community gardens, unusual storefronts, gathering places.
Places that hold stories—libraries, bookshops, cultural hubs.
Third places that aren’t home or work—cafés, coworking spots, creative studios.
Spaces that make room for joy—live music venues, art workshops, immersive experiences.
Some of these places will be in your own backyard. Some might be places you’ve never thought to look. But they all share one thing in common: they make life into something to explore, making us more connected and more human.
A Collective Exploration
But this isn’t just my guidebook—it’s ours.
The places that matter most to you might be different from mine. Maybe it’s the beach at sunset where you exhale fully for the first time in days. Or the record shop where you’ve had the best conversations with strangers.
We all have places that ground us, restore us, and remind us that we belong. And when we share them, we make it easier for others to find their own.
So, tell me—where’s your place? The one that holds you when you need it most? The one that brings you back to yourself? Your happy place? Your calm place?
Let’s build this guide together. Because the right place, at the right moment, can change everything.
P.S. If you run a place that you think would fit in our Guidebook reach out to us. We’ll send you details to apply.
Glove Factory Studios
Glove Factory Studios in Bradford on Avon is a beautifully designed coworking space set in a restored Victorian glove factory. Home to a thriving community of creatives, freelancers, and entrepreneurs, it offers inspiring workspaces, events, and even a wild swimming pond.
Perfect For
Freelancers, creatives, and entrepreneurs who want a unique workspace—somewhere that encourages focus, connection, and maybe even a mid-morning swim.
Why You’ll Love It
Tucked away in the Wiltshire countryside, Glove Factory Studios is far more than a workspace—it’s a hub for creativity, collaboration, and connection. Set in a beautifully restored Victorian glove factory, it’s home to independent businesses, freelancers, and creatives who want more than just an office—they want a space that inspires ideas, fosters community, and embraces work-life balance in the best way possible.
With light-filled studios, a rural setting, and a café that feels like a creative meeting ground, this is a workspace designed for people who think differently, work independently, but love being part of something bigger.
What Makes It Special
An inspiring setting – A heritage industrial building meets modern design, creating a workspace that feels both professional and creative.
A built-in creative community – More than just a place to work, it’s a network of like-minded people, with regular talks, events, and collaboration opportunities.
Surrounded by nature – With open countryside, walking trails, and even wild swimming nearby, this is a space that understands the balance between productivity and wellbeing.
The Story Behind It
Glove Factory Studios was founded with the belief that where you work should inspire you, not drain you. Over the years, it’s evolved into a thriving community of designers, writers, makers, and entrepreneurs, all drawn to its unique blend of rural calm and creative energy. From its history as a glove-making factory to its reinvention as a workspace for modern independents, its story is one of transformation, creativity, and new possibilities.
Something Else We Love
Their onsite wild swimming club, the Glove Dippers—yes, really. With a natural swimming pond, members can take a dip before, after, or even between meetings. It’s the kind of workplace perk you don’t know you need until you try it.
We also love it for coworking, dropping in when working from home gets a little lonely. Oh and the gorgeous cafe on site, Wild Herb at the Field Kitchen is the perfect any-time of day pick me up.
The If Lost Take
We love Glove Factory Studios because it proves that work doesn’t have to happen in dull offices or overrun cafés. It’s a space that prioritizes both creativity and wellbeing, offering a place where people can build businesses, spark ideas, and create their own version of that illusive work-life balance.
Some Practical Details
Holt, Bradford on Avon, UK
Friendship First: Celebrating Connection This Galentine's Day
Explore the joy of friendship, why it matters to your well-being, and how to nurture these bonds—especially in the isolating winter months.
Winter often brings a sense of stillness, but for many of us, it can also feel isolating. Long nights and cold days can leave us yearning for connection—those shared moments that remind us we’re not alone. This Galentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the friendships that light up our lives, especially during this quieter time of year.
Science tells us that friendships aren’t just nice to have; they’re essential. From boosting our mental health to supporting our longevity, these connections nurture us in ways we often overlook.
The Science of Friendship: The People That Hold Us Together
Friendship isn’t just good for the soul; it’s vital for our well-being. Research shows that meaningful relationships can reduce stress, strengthen resilience, and even improve physical health. Whether it’s a quick catch-up over coffee or a heartfelt phone call, these connections create a buffer against loneliness.
Positive psychology tells us that shared experiences strengthen our sense of belonging. Even simple rituals—like meeting a friend for a walk or laughing over a shared memory—build powerful emotional bonds.
Friendships also teach us the value of showing up for each other in small ways. Being present for someone, without trying to fix their problems, creates a space where both people feel seen and supported.
Practical Ways to Celebrate Friendship This Galentine’s Day
Friendship thrives on intention. Here are a few ideas to nurture your bonds this winter:
Host a Candlelight Dinner Tradition:
Invite a friend over for a simple meal by candlelight. Share stories, laugh, and enjoy the warmth of connection.
Create a Winter Walk Ritual:
Bundle up and explore your local park or neighbourhood together. The fresh air and movement can lift your spirits.
Swap Playlists or Books:
Share your favourite music or a novel that resonated with you. It’s a small gesture that sparks deeper conversations.
Start a Mini Friendship Project:
Whether it’s a joint craft, a collaborative journal, or planning a small adventure, working on something together strengthens bonds.
Gratitude in Action:
Write a short message to a friend sharing why you appreciate them. It doesn’t have to be long—just heartfelt.
How Friendship Changes Us
Friendships are life’s anchors, keeping us steady when we feel adrift. They remind us that life is a shared journey, full of laughter, support, and even the occasional tear.
This Galentine’s Day, celebrate your friendships in all their perfectly imperfect beauty. Honour the messy schedules, the missed calls, and the moments where you showed up for each other anyway.
And if you’re longing to deepen your connections, take the first step: reach out. Friendships don’t need grand gestures; they need small, consistent acts of care.
“Take a moment today to text or call one friend you’re grateful for. Let them know why they’re important to you. It’s a small gesture that can mean the world.”
Celebrate Friendship With Us
At If Lost, Start Here, we know how crucial connection is for emotional well-being.
Join us in celebrating the beauty of friendship. Sign up for our newsletter or explore our facilitated courses to find out more. Because life feels better when it’s shared.
Single Parents Wellbeing
Discover an organisation in Wales run by single parents for single-parent families that aims to foster connection and belonging.
Go here if: You are seeking some wellbeing support as a single parent.
What is it: Single Parents Wellbeing is a CIC in Wales run by single parents for single-parent families. They offer a peer-led, compassionate and connected approach to being in a single-parent household, improving the mental wellbeing of single-parent families.
What do they offer: Workshops and events for single parents and their families. They also have a wealth of resources online, an active Facebook Community and training and development opportunities for their Volunteers.
What makes it different: SPW is committed to breaking down barriers. By actively employing single parents and engaging volunteers from within the community, they provide meaningful opportunities for growth, fostering a sense of purpose and belonging.
Creating a safe and connected community is at the core of what they do. Through peer-led events, socials, and workshops, SPW aims to reduce isolation and loneliness, building a single-parent family community that supports and uplifts each other.
Recognising the importance of staying connected, SPW extends its support online, reaching single parents across Wales. Their online resources provide valuable support and information to those who may not have easy access to in-person services.
Who is behind Single Parents Wellbeing: SPW began when co-founders Rachel Cule and Amy Holland started a walking group in 2017 for single mums. They found each other on an online forum, each struggling with mental health and the stigma surrounding being a single parent. Getting outside with people in similar circumstances helped their mental health and overcame anxieties about being out and about as a single parent. Following funding from the National Lottery they are now able to reach a much larger audience. SPW now works tirelessly around mental health and supporting their community.
Not in Wales no worries: They also have a huge online resource of their blogs and podcasts as well as links to useful websites and helplines which can be accessed wherever you are.
Where inspires them: Nature, every time. Getting outside for a walk, swim or run makes all the difference. Remembering also that friends always want to support you, so reaching out to a friend for a listening ear is always helpful.
Connection: The Word That Defines Our Mission in 2025
Feeling disconnected? In 2025, If Lost Start Here is making connection our word of the year. Read why it matters now more than ever and discover three ways to reconnect with yourself, others, and the world around you.
We live in an age of paradox. Never before have we been so hyper-connected—constantly plugged into notifications, messages, and social media feeds. And yet, we are also lonelier, more isolated, and more disconnected than ever.
Recent studies paint a concerning picture:
One in three adults worldwide experience loneliness regularly.
The former U.S. Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy has declared loneliness an epidemic, citing its impact on physical and mental health, including higher risks of depression, anxiety, and even heart disease.
Social fragmentation is rising due to remote work, an increase in digital communication over in-person interactions, and the pressures of modern life that leave us exhausted and stretched thin.
At If Lost Start Here, we believe that the antidote to this growing crisis isn’t just found in another self-help book or productivity hack. It’s in connection. Connection with ourselves, with others, and with the world around us. It’s in deep conversations, small moments of presence, and shared experiences that remind us we’re not alone.
So in 2025, we’re making connection our focus. Not just as a word, but as a way of living.
Three Ways to Reconnect in 2025
At If Lost Start Here, we don’t just talk about wellbeing; we create experiences that help people feel it. Here are three ways we’re helping you reconnect this year:
1. Reconnecting with Yourself
True connection starts within. When was the last time you checked in with yourself—not just to tick off a to-do list, but to ask what you really need?
Here’s how we help:
Guided Wellbeing Courses – Our Find Your Way program helps you build an everyday wellbeing practice that supports emotional, mental, and physical balance.
One-on-One Coaching – Sometimes, you need a conversation that brings clarity. Our coaching sessions offer a space for self-reflection, emotional support, and guidance.
Creative Reflections – Whether through journaling prompts, gentle reset practices, or curiosity-driven exercises, we provide simple ways to get back in touch with yourself.
2. Reconnecting with Others
Loneliness isn’t just about physical isolation—it’s about the feeling that no one really sees you. The good news? Human connection isn’t about how many friends you have but the depth of the relationships you cultivate.
We’re creating spaces for real connection through our community The Collective Together and our Events including:
Small Group Sessions – Intimate, guided conversations where people can show up as they are, without pretense.
Community Gatherings & Events – From online wellbeing retreats to informal meetups, we’re bringing people together to connect meaningfully.
Shared Learning Experiences – Whether it’s a book club, a workshop, or a wellbeing challenge, we believe in collective learning as a way to strengthen relationships.
3. Reconnecting with the World
When we feel disconnected, it’s easy to shrink inward. But sometimes, the best way to find ourselves is to expand outward—to seek inspiration, to engage with the world in new ways.
Maybe that means stepping into a gallery where a single painting stops you in your tracks. Or walking through a city park and feeling the crisp air shift something inside you. Maybe it’s volunteering for a cause that reminds you just how much you have to give.
We believe in the power of small, intentional experiences to help you feel more anchored in the world around you. That’s why we’re:
Creating Wellbeing Prescriptions – Sometimes, we all need a little direction. Our personalised wellbeing prescriptions offer a roadmap to help you reconnect with what nourishes you—whether that’s more rest, creativity, movement, or something unexpected.
Offering Culture Therapy – We believe that books, art, music, and creative resources have the power to heal and inspire. Our culture therapy sessions help you find new ways to engage with the world through stories, creativity, and shared human experiences.
Curating a Guidebook to Connection – We’re mapping out places—cafés, museums, parks, and cultural spaces—that help you feel a little more at home in the world. Because sometimes, the right environment can make all the difference.
The world is full of places, experiences, and ideas waiting to reconnect you. Let’s explore them—together.
Connection: The Heart of Our Mission
At If Lost Start Here, we believe connection isn’t just something we do—it’s something we build, something we feel, something that makes life worth living.
As we step more into 2025, we invite you to reconnect with what matters most. To make space for deep conversations, real relationships, and a sense of belonging. To not just exist but to engage fully in life.
If you’re ready to start feeling more connected, we’d love to support you.
Explore Our Wellbeing Courses & Coaching
Join One of Our Community Sessions
Because no one should have to find their way alone.
Let’s Stay Connected—Join Us
If this piece resonated with you, let’s keep the conversation going. Our newsletter is a space for real connection—where we share insights on wellbeing, stories that inspire, and small ways to feel more anchored in your life.
It’s not just another email. It’s a moment of pause, a reminder that you’re not alone, and an invitation to explore what truly matters.
Sign up now and let’s navigate this year—together.
What I Learned This Week About Wellbeing, Connection, Purpose, Emotions, and Giving Back
Discover five key insights on wellbeing, emotional resilience, and meaningful connection from a leading conference on female empowerment. Learn how to navigate self-doubt, improve relationships, and find balance in everyday life.
Are you craving more balance, more meaningful connections, and a greater sense of emotional wellbeing in your everyday life?
Recently, I attended a conference packed with ideas about navigating life, relationships and self-care in a way that truly supports us—especially for those of us who often put others first.
Here’s what I learned, and how it might help you find more ease, clarity, and connection in your own life.
Wellbeing: Notice Instead of Avoid
How often do you push through stress, ignore exhaustion, or put off self-care because there’s too much to do?
One simple yet profound idea shared at the conference was this: Notice instead of avoid.
We’re taught to suppress discomfort and to keep going no matter what. But real wellbeing comes from paying attention—to our emotions, our energy, our stress levels—before they become overwhelming.
Try this: Before scrolling, reaching for caffeine, or brushing off your feelings, pause and ask yourself:
What am I feeling right now?
What is my body telling me?
What do I need at this moment?
Sometimes, noticing is the most powerful self-care practice of all.
Connection: The Conversation Is the Relationship
We all want deeper, more fulfilling relationships—with partners, friends, colleagues, or even ourselves.
But as Susan Scott says, “The conversation is the relationship.”
If we’re avoiding tough conversations, our relationships suffer.
If we silence ourselves to protect others’ feelings, we feel unseen.
If we struggle to express what we need, we stay disconnected.
At the conference, I heard from host Hannah Wilson about the idea of talk tokens—a concept where everyone in a meeting gets a set number of one-minute tokens to ensure equal voice time. It made me think:
What if we gave ourselves permission to take up more space in conversations? What if we listened more deeply, but also spoke with more confidence?
Try this: In your next conversation, ask yourself:
Am I truly listening?
Am I expressing what I really feel?
How would this conversation change if I gave myself full permission to show up as I am?
We co-create every relationship through our conversations. What kind of relationships do you want to create?
Purpose: Your Inner Mentor vs. Your Inner Critic
If you struggle with self-doubt, overthinking, or imposter syndrome, you’re not alone.
At the conference, Sadia Ghazanfar explored the difference between two voices inside us:
Your Inner Critic → Harsh, repetitive, and rooted in fear (“I’m not good enough. I’m failing. I should be better.”)
Your Inner Mentor → Wise, grounded, and connected to your values (“You are learning. You are enough. Keep going.”)
One insight that stood out: Your inner mentor doesn’t just think—it feels. It speaks in symbols, emotions, and quiet wisdom.
Try this: If you’re feeling lost or doubting yourself, close your eyes and picture yourself 20 years from now. What advice would that future version of you give you?
Maybe she’d tell you:
You already know more than you think.
You don’t have to have all the answers.
You are stronger than you realize.
What would shift if you started listening to her more than your inner critic?
Emotions: Owning How We Feel
One of the most powerful discussions at my table and throughout the day was about emotional validation.
Many of us, especially women, have been conditioned to believe:
Some emotions are acceptable, others are not.
We should “keep it together” for everyone else.
We must prioritize other people’s feelings over our own.
But your emotions deserve space.
Have you ever been shamed for your feelings?
Do you find yourself apologizing for emotions instead of expressing them?
Have you been taught how to regulate emotions—or just to hide them?
Hannah Wilson shared this powerful phrase from Susan Scott: “Take responsibility for your emotional wake.”
Just like a boat leaves ripples in the water, our emotions create ripples in the lives of those around us. This doesn’t mean suppressing feelings—it means owning them, processing them, and regulating them in ways that feel supportive.
Try this: The next time you feel overwhelmed, ask yourself:
Am I reacting from a place of emotional regulation?
How can I express this in a way that feels both true and safe?
What would happen if I validated my own emotions, instead of waiting for others to do it?
Owning your emotions is one of the most powerful forms of self-trust.
Giving Back: The Power of Small Actions
Women, especially, carry a huge emotional load—not just for our own wellbeing, but for our families, our workplaces, and our communities.
But one of the biggest shifts we can make is redefining impact.
Giving back doesn’t have to be big. Small actions matter.
Being an ally.
Mentoring someone who needs guidance.
Checking in on a friend.
Speaking up when something doesn’t feel right.
Renée Jacobs of The Belonging Network left us with this thought:
"What change do you want to make in yourself, in your relationships, and in the world?"
Try this: Instead of waiting for a big moment to make a difference, ask: What’s one small way I can create impact today?
Small actions create big ripples.
What This Means for You
What I took away from this conference is something I already believe deeply:
Wellbeing isn’t about fixing yourself. It’s about reconnecting with yourself.
So, a few questions for you:
What’s one thing you need to notice instead of avoid?
How can you create more meaningful — even courageous — conversations this week?
What would your inner mentor say to you right now?
Where do you feel ownership over your emotions—and where don’t you?
What’s one small way you can make an impact today?
If you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, or disconnected, these small shifts can help.
Here’s to small ripples, brave conversations, and the courage to feel what we feel.
Ready to Feel More Connected, Confident, and Supported?
If this piece resonated with you—if you’re craving more balance, clarity, and emotional wellbeing in your everyday life—our coaching sessions might be exactly what you need.
At If Lost Start Here, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. We believe in meeting you where you are—whether you’re navigating self-doubt, seeking deeper connections, or simply trying to find a way to feel more like yourself again.
Our ethical and certified coaching sessions are designed to help you:
Reconnect with yourself and what truly matters to you.
Navigate emotions and self-doubt with more ease.
Build healthier relationships—with yourself and others.
Create a life that feels more aligned, not just optimized.
You don’t have to figure it all out alone.
Explore our coaching options here and take the first step toward a life that feels more connected, confident, and lighter.
How Small Acts of Connection Can Transform Your Year (And why they matter more than ever)
Feeling disconnected? Small acts of connection can transform your year. Discover simple, meaningful ways to combat loneliness, build relationships, and create more community in your everyday life.
Maybe you’ve felt it too—that quiet hum of loneliness in the background of your day. You scroll, you work, you tick off the to-dos, and yet… something feels missing.
It’s not just you. We live in a time where we’re paradoxically more connected than ever (hello, 24/7 notifications), yet deeply isolated. Studies show that loneliness is as harmful to our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day—and the irony is that many of us are longing for connection but unsure where to start.
So here’s a radical idea to try: what if the smallest acts of connection could change everything?
Why Small Moments of Connection Matter
I used to believe connection was about grand gestures. The milestone birthdays, the big reunions, the perfectly styled gatherings. But some of the most profound moments in my life—the ones that shifted something deep inside—were tiny.
When a neighbour made an extra pizza after my mum died so I didn’t have to think about what was for dinner. Or when a friend asked me, “How are you really?” and I exhaled, dropping the mask I had been holding all day.
These weren’t huge acts. They were micro-moments. But they reminded me: We start with each other.
How Can We Rebuild Connection?
If you're feeling disconnected, you don’t have to overhaul your life. You just need to start small. Here are three ways to weave more connection into your year.
1. We Start With Each Other
Connection begins with community. We are wired to be with and for one another, and the more we embrace that, the more we transform our experience of the world.
Try This: Make it a daily practice to send one thoughtful message. Not a “hope you’re well” text, but a real check-in. “Hey, I saw something today that reminded me of you,” or “I’ve been thinking about our last conversation—how are you feeling about that?”
This tiny act shifts you from passive relationships to active connection.
2. Creating Spaces for Connection
Many of us are waiting for connection to just happen. But what if we made space for it?
Try This: Set up a recurring way to connect that feels natural. A Friday coffee with a friend. A voice note swap every Sunday. A “phone call walk” where you catch up with someone while moving.
Most of us are starving for deeper, more meaningful conversations—but those don’t happen in passing. They happen when we create space for them.
3. Innovating How We Care
We often think of care as something we receive—but it’s equally powerful when we offer it. In a world that’s feeling more fragmented, being an ambassador for care is one of the most radical things you can do.
Try This: Pick one small way to offer care today. Send a handwritten note. Leave a book for someone with a note inside. Be the person who reaches out first.
Connection isn’t just about what we get—it’s about what we give. And when we start giving it, we realize that we are never as alone as we think.
What Changes When We Connect?
When we shift from passively moving through our days to actively looking for ways to connect, something shifts in us.
We become softer. More open. Less alone. We see the world differently because we’re no longer moving through it as if we are separate from it.
The irony of loneliness is that it tricks us into believing we’re the only ones feeling this way. But the truth? Everyone is looking for a little more connection.
And maybe, just maybe, you could be the one to offer it first.
What Now?
If you’re feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or unsure where to start, know this:
💡 Small acts of connection can change everything.
💡 You don’t have to wait for someone else to reach out.
💡 There is space for you here.
Let’s make this year the one where we put connection back at the center of our lives.
Connection Starts Here – Join Us in The Collective Together
If you’ve been craving deeper conversations, more meaningful moments, and a place where connection truly matters—you’re not alone.
That’s exactly why we created The Collective Together—our online space for those seeking real connection, shared support, and a new way of caring for one another.
Here, we don’t just talk about wellbeing—we live it together. Through conversations, shared experiences, and small daily actions that make a difference.
Come as you are. Connect how you need. Let’s build something beautiful together.
Join The Collective Together today.
Because everything changes when we start with each other.
The Healing Power of Connection: How to Overcome Fear and Fatigue to Build a Life You Love
Discover the benefits of connection for your wellbeing, learn to overcome fear and fatigue, and join our 7-day challenge to build meaningful relationships.
Connection is more than just a feel-good concept—it’s essential for our wellbeing. Studies show that strong social bonds can boost happiness, reduce stress, and even increase longevity.
When we cultivate meaningful relationships, we feel more grounded and resilient. Connection offers us a sense of belonging, helping us navigate life’s challenges with greater ease. Even small moments, like sharing a laugh or a quiet moment, can have a profound impact on our emotional and mental health.
Connection isn’t just about quantity; it’s about quality. A single meaningful relationship can offer profound support and transformation.
The Barriers to Connection and How to Overcome Them
Despite its benefits, many of us face challenges when it comes to building or maintaining relationships. Two of the most common barriers are fear of rejection and low energy.
1. Fear of Rejection
Fear of rejection can stop us from reaching out, leaving us feeling isolated. It’s natural to worry about being turned away, but overcoming this fear can lead to deeper and more fulfilling connections.
Tips to Overcome Fear of Rejection:
Start Small: Begin with low-pressure interactions, like casual chats with acquaintances.
Reframe Rejection: Understand that rejection isn’t personal; it’s part of finding the right connections.
Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself if a connection doesn’t go as planned. Every effort is a step forward.
2. Low Energy or Exhaustion
Sometimes, life’s demands leave us too tired to connect. However, meaningful interactions can also be rejuvenating when approached thoughtfully.
Tips to Connect When Energy Is Low:
Prioritise Quality Over Quantity: Focus on deepening relationships with one or two people.
Leverage Micro-Moments: Connection can happen in small ways, like sending a thoughtful text or sharing a moment of gratitude.
Set Boundaries: Honour your energy by setting limits. True friends will respect your need for rest.
Join Our 7-Day Connection Challenge
Are you ready to deepen your connections and improve your wellbeing? Join our 7-Day Connection Challenge, designed to help you foster meaningful relationships one simple step at a time.
Here’s What You’ll Get:
Daily Prompts: Small, actionable steps to build connection.
Supportive Community: Access to The Collective Together, where you’ll share your journey with others.
Lasting Benefits: Learn how to prioritise connection in a way that aligns with your energy and needs.
Sample Challenges Include:
Day 1: Reconnect with someone you’ve lost touch with.
Day 2: Write a gratitude message to someone who’s impacted your life.
Day 3: Share an honest moment with a trusted friend.
Connection doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. This challenge is designed to fit into your life, no matter how busy or tired you feel.
Together, we can create a life rich in connection and belonging. Join us and experience the joy of being truly seen and supported.
Connection in the New Year: 5 Ways to Combat Loneliness and Build Meaningful Relationships
Feeling lonely or isolated? Discover the wellbeing benefits of connection and five actionable tips to foster meaningful relationships, even when life feels overwhelming.
Loneliness is a common yet often hidden struggle. Recent research by Gallup found that one in five people experiences daily loneliness, a statistic that highlights the importance of connection in our lives. If you’re feeling lonely, overwhelmed, or just curious about how relationships can enhance your wellbeing, this post is for you.
Strong social connections don’t just make life more enjoyable; they are proven to boost mental health, reduce anxiety, and even improve physical health. Whether you’re working from home, finding it hard to reach out, or just seeking more meaningful relationships, reconnecting with others can transform your everyday life.
Why Connection Matters for Your Wellbeing
The wellbeing benefits of connection go far beyond warm feelings. Building and maintaining social ties impacts your health in measurable ways:
1. Improved Mental Health:
Meaningful relationships reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety by providing a sense of belonging.
2. Better Physical Health:
People with robust social networks experience stronger immune systems and lower risks of chronic illnesses.
3. Greater Emotional Resilience:
Feeling connected helps you better handle stress and navigate life’s challenges.
Barriers to Connection
While we all crave connection, many of us face hurdles in making it happen:
Loneliness from Remote Work:
Without casual office interactions, remote work can leave us feeling isolated.
Lack of Energy to Socialise:
When life feels overwhelming, reaching out can feel like just another chore.
Fear of Rejection:
Vulnerability is hard, and taking the first step can feel daunting when you’re already feeling low.
The key to overcoming these barriers is recognising that connection doesn’t have to be overwhelming or all-consuming. It can start small and grow naturally.
5 Ways to Build More Connection and Combat Loneliness
1. Focus on Micro-Connections
Even small gestures can make a big difference:
- Smile at your neighbour or say hello during your morning walk.
- Send a quick “thinking of you” text to a friend.
- Compliment someone during a virtual meeting or in passing.
These tiny moments of connection build confidence and help ease feelings of isolation without requiring much energy.
2. Create Rituals for Social Connection
Routines take the guesswork out of connecting with others:
- Join a local class or activity like yoga, pottery, or book clubs.
- Set up a regular coffee chat with a friend or coworker.
- Schedule weekly family calls or virtual hangouts with distant loved ones.
By weaving connection into your routine, you’ll create touchpoints to look forward to and rely on.
3. Find Connection in Shared Activities
Shared experiences are natural icebreakers and create lasting memories:
- Watch a movie or series with a friend, even remotely, and discuss it afterward.
- Try a new recipe or DIY project together.
- Volunteer for a cause you’re passionate about and meet others who share your values.
These activities allow you to bond over mutual interests without added pressure.
4. Be Honest About How You’re Feeling
Sometimes, the most direct path to connection is honesty:
- Share your feelings of loneliness with someone you trust.
- Let a close friend know you’d like to spend more time together.
- Practice vulnerability by asking for support when you need it.
Opening up can deepen relationships and remind you that you’re not alone.
5. Reconnect with Nature and Your Community
Nature-based and community activities often provide effortless ways to connect:
- Join a local walking group or attend outdoor events.
- Visit a community garden or attend a nature conservation project.
- Take a pet to a dog park, where conversation often flows naturally.
Combining the restorative power of nature with social interactions offers double the benefits.
FAQs About Connection and Loneliness
Q: What are the health risks of loneliness?
A: Loneliness has been linked to increased risks of depression, anxiety, heart disease, and even early mortality. Building connection can help mitigate these risks.
Q: How can I connect with others if I work from home?
A: Join coworking groups, set up virtual lunch breaks with colleagues, or participate in online communities aligned with your interests.
Q: What if I’m too busy or overwhelmed to connect?
A: Start small. Even sending a quick message or sharing a smile can create meaningful moments of connection without adding stress.
Visit our guide to life for ideas for more places to help you better connect.
Transforming Loneliness Into Connection
Connection isn’t about grand gestures — it’s about showing up in ways that feel authentic and manageable for you. Start small, explore what feels right, and trust that the benefits of connection will ripple through your life.
Which of these ideas feels most accessible to you?
Don’t forget to share this post with someone who might need it.
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42 Acres
Explore 42 Acres, a 173-acre regenerative estate and nature reserve in Somerset offering transformative retreats and nature-based experiences. Swim in the lake, meditate in the treehouse, or nourish yourself with farm-to-table food grown on-site.
Go here if: You’re looking to get into nature, reawaken your deep-rooted instincts and nourish yourself.
What is it: Set over 173 acres of wild land and ancient forest, 42 Acres is a regenerative estate and nature reserve where you can reconnect with nature, yourself and others.
Explore the self-guided and led retreats, often in partnership with world-renowned practitioners and aligned with nature, that encourage you to dream, grow, learn and rest. Stay in a restored 13th-century former hermitage, converted barge or under the stars in a luxury bell tent. Swim in the lake, meditate in the treehouse, sauna in the woods and nourish yourself with food grown on the land.
Why you need it: 42 Acres was first conceived in 2015 by siblings Lara and Seth Tabatznik as a home for personal, social and environmental change after having been deeply inspired by some powerful personal retreats and workshops in their own lives. Both Seth and Lara are strong advocates that outer change in the world starts with the self, or to quote Gandhi: “Be the change that you wish to see in the world”.
What they offer: At its core, 42 Acres invites people to reconnect with nature, self and others but has now grown to offer so much more including a range of wellbeing and nature-based experiences and events, a regenerative farm and an abundant nature reserve.
What makes it different: Living within an ancient forest, host to a variety of wild meadows and vast open fields and the source of four different rivers within a stone’s throw, this is a place for planting your dreams.
What you need to know: You can visit 42 Acres in several ways — as a guest on a day experience, workshop or energy exchange or by visiting them on retreat. All booked guests are free to roam the estate, swim in the lake and explore. Food, accommodation and experiences need to be pre-booked on their website.
In their own words:
“Our vision is to grow and consume in a way that serves the health of people and the planet. Our market gardens and regenerative farm use and permaculture and biodynamic-inspired principles. We grow, forage and wild-tend to create wholesome, nutrient-dense food. As we cultivate and restore health in our earth, we restore the worlds within ourselves.
We use our deepest intuition, ancient tools and shared knowledge to establish regenerative spaces, curate transformational experiences, and foster opportunities to learn, heal and grow.”
42 Acres is a 173 -acre retreat centre, regenerative estate and nature reserve in Witham Friary, just outside of Frome, Somerset
All images courtesy of 42 Acres.
Discover your perfect summer camp | Our favourite UK wellbeing escapes
Explore our guide to UK wellbeing destinations that get you outdoors, help you connect with others, and have more fun. Discover the places we seek out to feel good during the summer months.
Are you looking for a different kind of summer escape? From magical gatherings in Wales to Californian surfing outside Bristol, explore our favourite summer destinations for seeking connection, fun, and the great outdoors. Explore our guide to find your perfect summer camp for both grown-ups and the rest of the family. There’s even one for the entrepreneurial-minded…
Fforest | Connect with the magic of gathering
Fforest defies simple categorization — it's not just a glamping site, nature retreat, or eco camp but a mix of all three. Conceived by London creatives Sian Tucker and James Lynch, Fforest is a beautifully crafted vision brought to life on 500 acres of Welsh countryside. Here, amidst geodesic domes, hill and garden shacs, crog lofts, a stone farmhouse, and Kata Cabins, luxury meets handmade charm.
Each choice of accommodation is thoughtfully furnished with craft furniture, Welsh woollen blankets, and delightful touches like wildflowers in enamel jugs. While at Fforest, indulge in a variety of unique local experiences. Savor a pizza night in their tented restaurant in Cardigan or a woodland supper at Hydref, where sustainability meets deliciousness. Explore ‘the bwythn’, a tiny pub serving its own IPA, or relax in a cedar barrel sauna.
Offering a low environmental footprint and high human value, Fforest is an enchanting haven for a slow-living summer.
The Little Retreat | The perfect feel-good summer escape
Nestled in the heart of Pembrokeshire, The Little Retreat offers the perfect glamping experience.
Imagine staying in a beautifully furnished, wood-furnace heated dome that blends luxury and nature seamlessly. Stargazing tents are also available that provide an unparalleled view of the night sky.
Unwind in your private Scandi hot tub, enjoy the cozy warmth of a fire pit, or explore the breathtaking Preseli Hills and nearby beaches.
Founded by Amber Rich, who also curates the renowned Big Retreat Festival, The Little Retreat similarly has sustainability at its core. It’s a space to unplug, reset, and embrace the tranquility of the outdoors.
The Good Life Society | Bringing summer camp home for everyone
This is the closest we’ve got to an American Summer Camp experience in the UK. But one where you get to go with your kids.
Summer Camp is a perfect blend of wellness, creativity, and adventure that will leave you refreshed and inspired. On offer are campfire cooking sessions, paddle boarding, and wild swimming — all set against the backdrop of a picturesque castle estate in North Wales.
Seek out the workshops, events and even DJ sessions by top chefs, authors, and makers. You decide how active you want to be. Whether you’re looking to untether from technology, find new passions, or simply enjoy quality time with your family, Summer Camp provides the warmest of welcomes.
The Camp at The Wave | A unique blend of adventure and relaxation
Ready for a summer escape that perfectly blends adventure and relaxation? Welcome to The Camp at The Wave, just outside of Bristol.
This unique destination offers an exhilarating mix of world-class surfing and luxurious glamping for families, couples, and solo adventurers alike.
Step out of a safari tent to the sound of (man-made) waves, knowing that a day of surf awaits.
Whether you're a seasoned surfer or a complete beginner, The Wave offers tailored lessons for all skill levels and guaranteed waves. Plus, the campsite’s natural surroundings make it the ideal spot for unwinding after a day on the water.
Campwell | Awaken to the wild
Dreaming of a summer escape where you can reconnect with nature and yourself? Campwell is an enchanting retreat just outside Bath that offers both.
This off-grid haven invites you to unplug from the daily grind and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the great outdoors while offering ways to listen to what you need again.
You’ll get to stay in a charming, eco-friendly cabin or bell tent, surrounded by either lush woodlands or a fifth-generation farm. During the day you can practice yoga under the trees, explore scenic trails, try paddle-boarding, or simply relax by the campfire with new friends. Campwell is on a mission to make the world a better place, by offering you the space to explore where you are (both here and in life).
The Happy Startup Summercamp | Where purpose goes to play
The Happy Startup Summercamp combines inspiration, fun, and meaningful connections
Held in the stunning Sussex countryside, this unique camp brings together entrepreneurs, creatives, and wellness enthusiasts for a weekend of life alteraing connection.
Book a cozy bell tent, start your day with yoga under the open sky, and then immerse yourself in inspiring talks in the different tents. Founded by Laurence McCahill and Carlos Saba, The Happy Startup Summer Camp is designed to spark joy, creativity, and a sense of community, all while helping you find balance in your life and work.
Also Check Out
Mill on the Brue
Mill on the Brue in Somerset offers outdoor activities like canoeing, archery, and yoga, all set in a stunning, eco-friendly environment. Perfect for either day activities or overnights for the kids: For more information, visit their website.
Kudhva in Cornwall
Stay in unique architectural hideouts nestled in wild landscapes, perfect for reconnecting with nature. Enjoy outdoor activities like wild swimming, foraging, and coastal hikes. Visit their website for more details.
Three Pools in Wales
Enjoy serene lakeside glamping, nature walks, and yoga sessions amidst stunning Welsh landscapes. Sit down to locally-sourced meals and unwind by the campfire with new friends. For more information, visit their website.
Where will you go this summer?
As places change, do check the websites for up-to-date information and availability.
If you have a favourite UK destination to add,, reach out to us here.
If you can’t get away this Summer, join us for our first (Stay-at-home) Wellcation!
Join our Summer Wellcation online course to explore how to stay connected to yourself while doing all the things for other people, nurture relationships when they are sometimes the last thing you can get to, and disconnect from tech when it’s the first thing you grab.
With engaging activities, quick and impactful lessons, and the flexibility to fit into your busy schedule, this course is designed to help you make the most of your summer, without melting down.
Rediscovering connection through Taylor Swift's Eras Tour
Discover how Taylor Swift's music fosters emotional connection and self-discovery. Learn how her songs can help you connect more deeply with yourself and build meaningful relationships with others.
Ever found yourself caught in the whirlwind of Taylor Swift's universe, endlessly scouring for concert updates, dissecting lyrics, and soaking in every moment of her performances?
If you're seeking ways to connect more deeply with yourself and others, you're not alone in turning to Swift. Let's delve into how the pop superstar’s music has become more than just entertainment; it’s now our collective way to both self-discovery and meaningful connection.
The power of collective effervescence and emotional connection
In his studies on awe, psychologist Dacher Keltner explores the concept of 'collective effervescence,' where shared experiences create a sense of unity and awe. Taylor Swift's music acts as a catalyst for this phenomenon, bringing people together from all walks of life.
In a world plagued by loneliness, her concerts become sanctuaries of togetherness, where we find solace in shared emotions and experiences. For those seeking an emotional connection, Swift's music offers a powerful way to bridge the gaps between our fragmented lives.
Embracing emotional freedom through music
Swift's songs serve as emotional landscapes, inviting us to feel deeply and authentically. In a society that often encourages emotional suppression, her music gives us permission to embrace our vulnerabilities, to cry, to laugh, to rage, and to love without restraint.
Through her narratives, we confront our own emotional narratives, challenging beliefs that hinder our connection with ourselves and others.
For anyone looking to connect more with their feelings, Taylor Swift's music provides a safe space to explore and express emotions.
Writing our own stories and building connections
As we immerse ourselves in Taylor Swift's music, we not only find connection but also inspiration to rewrite our own stories. Her openness about the messy, imperfect parts of life reminds us that it's okay to not have it all figured out.
We're encouraged to embrace the complexities of our existence, to acknowledge our struggles, and to find beauty in our imperfections.
For those wanting to connect more with who they believe themselves to be and how they are really living their lives, Swift's music is a guide for how to do this with courage and vulnerability (the two often go together).
Embracing our own eras
As the Eras tour unfolds, it's more than just a musical spectacle; it's a phenomenon centered on being seen and feeling connected.
Through Taylor Swift's music, we find camaraderie, emotional release, and a renewed sense of self.
So, let's lean into the melodies, the lyrics, and the shared experiences, knowing that in each chord and verse, we find echoes of our own stories, our own struggles, and our own triumphs.
For anyone looking to connect more with themselves and others, Taylor Swift's music offers a heartfelt path forward.
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