Burnout itself is not a disease, but a condition characterised by mood changes (like depressive symptoms, anxiety, stress, and sleep disturbances), which are also present in diagnosed mental diseases (such as depression or anxiety disorders).

Burnout symptoms can be separated into three domains:

We cannot discuss burnout without first introducing the nervous system, which as the name suggests is involved in receiving and transmitting information between different parts of the body, processing sensory input, and controlling various bodily functions. The nervous system is a complex network of specialised cells, tissues, and organs that coordinates and regulates the activities of the body.

Burnout is a chicken-and-the-egg type of situation. The food you eat provides the building blocks for your nervous system to function properly, but chronic stress also increases the demands for micronutrients such as magnesium and B vitamins.

When we are stressed, making nutritious food choices can fall down on the priority list. Poor food choices mean we don’t get the extra nutrients we need to combat the extra stress. The “busy-ness” often means we are eating on the run, and eating on the run also leads to inadequate digestion, further exacerbating nutrition deficiencies.

If you’ve ever been caught, or are currently in the busy/stress trap then likely you’ll know all too well how easy it is to lean into convenience foods which can lack in nutrients but are also high in refined carbohydrates and sugar which can lead to blood sugar crashes, sending our brain more signals that we are in crisis.

Banishing burnout is indeed a multi-pronged approach to your work, life, mental, physical and emotional health. Let’s tackle one part for now and look at nutrition to support your nervous system and prevent burnout:

Essential nutrients

Several vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients are essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system. These include:

Neurotransmitter balance

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals between nerve cells. Adequate nutrition is essential for the synthesis and regulation of neurotransmitters, which influence mood, cognition, and overall brain function. Consuming a balanced diet with sufficient protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats provides the building blocks for neurotransmitter production.

Blood sugar regulation

The brain relies primarily on glucose as its energy source. Maintaining stable blood sugar levels through regular, balanced meals and snacks can prevent energy crashes and support optimal brain function. Including complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, along with protein and healthy fats, helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Gut-brain connection

Emerging research highlights the importance of the gut-brain axis, which involves bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain. A healthy gut microbiome, influenced by diet, plays a significant role in maintaining brain health and neurotransmitter balance. Consuming a diverse range of fibre-rich foods (fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, legumes and whole grains), fermented foods (kraut, kimchi, kombucha, yoghurt), and pre-biotics (which feed beneficial gut bacteria) supports a healthy gut-brain connection.

Hydration

Proper hydration is essential for optimal nerve function. Dehydration can impair cognitive function, mood, and overall brain performance. Drinking adequate water and consuming hydrating foods, such as fruits and vegetables, helps maintain proper hydration.

Mindful eating

Sit to consume your meals and avoid eating on the run or at your desk. Chew your food, digestion starts in the mouth after all. Savour your food, which will in turn regulate hunger cues but also help to reduce stress.

For more nutrition advice from Brittany Darling, visit Day One Fertility.

Image: one.

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Sexually-active gay and bisexual men, transgender women, and sex workers can now donate

This move came into effect on July 14, 2025, marking a significant break from decades of outdated policy — and a welcome redefinition of what “safe” looks like in the world of blood donation.

Previously, individuals in these groups were prevented from donating plasma if they had had sex with men within the past three months, regardless of whether their sexual activity posed any actual risk. Now, for the first time, eligibility will be determined by individual risk behaviours, not sexual identity or gender.

The shift comes after rigorous safety assessments by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and Lifeblood, with new findings confirming that Australia’s blood and plasma supplies will remain safe due to a processing step known as pathogen deactivation. That safety net, paired with updated screening questions, means many more Australians will now be able to participate in life-saving donations.

The updated guidelines also permit individuals taking HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to donate plasma, though they’ll still be ineligible for blood donation for now. Individuals with sexual contact with someone known to carry a blood-borne virus will also remain deferred.

It’s a long-awaited win for the many Australians who have been excluded from donation not because of risk, but because of residual stigma rooted in the HIV/AIDS crisis of the 1980s.

Who else is eligible to donate blood?

You can assess your eligibility using the below guidelines:

How often can you donate blood?

You can donate blood every 12 weeks.

How often can you donate plasma?

You can donate plasma every 2 weeks.

The post How to know if you’re eligible to donate blood in Australia appeared first on RUSSH.

When it’s relaxation you’re craving, there’s no shortage of immersive and indulgent experiences dotted across the city.  Whether you’re seeking a traditional soak, a sensory spa experience, or a contemporary wellness haven, Melbourne’s bathhouses invite you to surrender, refresh, and emerge renewed. Here, we uncover the city’s most serene escapes—perfect for when you’re in need of a little R&R.

Sense of Self, Collingwood

Best for: a mindful city escape

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Tucked into a converted Collingwood warehouse, Sense Of Self is one of the city’s best-known bathhouses, blending a calming modern design with ritual bathing. Its mineral pools, steam rooms, cold plunge, and Nordic-inspired contrast baths create the ideal space for slowing down and reconnecting, conveniently located in the heart of Melbourne. Whether you want to lose track of time with a good soak, or unwind with a massage, this bathhouse is the ultimate urban oasis.

Comma, Cremorne

Best for: serious self care

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Comma in Cremorne carries the same serene, approach that made its Byron Bay location famous. Heated pools, rooftop and terrace tubs, rain showers, and saunas are arranged to encourage quiet reflection or low-key socialising, depending on your mood. True to its name, Comma invites you to take a deliberate pause. Pro tip: if you can, book in for a spa treatment as well — you won’t regret it.

Peninsula Hot Springs

Best for: a scenic wellness getaway

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Just over an hour from Melbourne, Peninsula Hot Springs combines natural thermal waters with more than 70 pools and wellness experiences. From family-friendly mineral baths to the adults-only Spa Dreaming Centre, this destination immerses visitors in rolling landscapes, fresh air, and the restorative power of warm springs, perfect for a day-long or overnight getaway from the city.

Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa, Hepburn Springs

Best for: full-body relaxation

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Hepburn Bathhouse taps into the rich mineral spring history of Hepburn Springs. With heated mineral pools, magnesium baths, saunas, and cold plunges, it offers a classic spa experience rooted in tradition. While some areas feel nostalgic rather than modern, the serene setting and mineral-rich waters make it a charming stop for those interested in authentic spa culture.

Shizuka Ryokan Japanese Wellness Retreat and Bathhouse, Hepburn

Best for: Ritualised Japanese onsen experiences

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While not strictly a bathhouse, Shizuka Ryokan brings Japanese onsen culture to the heart of Victoria. Set by a tranquil lake, it features outdoor baths, meditative wellness programs, and quiet spaces for reflection. Its intimate scale and attention to detail make it ideal for those looking to combine bathing with mindful practices and a slower pace of wellness. Come for a day, or stay for a weekend.

Soak Bathhouse, South Yarra

Best for: A social soak

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Soak Bathhouse in South Yarra brings a modern, social spin to Melbourne’s bathing scene, inspired by its popular Sydney and Brisbane venues. Its warm magnesium pools, cold plunges, aromatic steam rooms, and cedar saunas are designed for relaxation but also for connection, making it ideal for a post-work unwind with friends. There’s also massages and other wellness treatments on offer for those looking to complement their soak.

Pond Bathhouse, Mornington

Best for: A slow, indulgent break

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Nestled in Mornington, Pond Bathhouse is a boutique retreat just over an hour from the city. There are magnesium pools, saunas, steam rooms, and cold plunges, all designed for intentional, unhurried bathing. There’s also limited spaces, making each visit feel private and considered. Whether you’re looking for a solo reset or a romantic break for two, Pond encourages guests to slow down.

Aurora Spa & Bathhouse, Sorrento

Best for: Sophisticated, full‑service wellness

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Aurora Spa & Bathhouse in Sorrento blends coastal elegance with true luxury. Guests can move through mineral pools, aroma steam, ice plunges, and warm lounges in a carefully curated sequence that encourages both relaxation and rejuvenation. With thoughtful touches and attention to detail throughout, Aurora is ideal for those seeking a polished, immersive wellness experience that feels as indulgent as it is restorative.

Feature image: one, two.

The post These are Melbourne’s best bathhouses, to soak and reset appeared first on RUSSH.

Before therapy ever felt realistic, affordable or emotionally possible, reading stepped in. Stories softened the heaviness until I could carry it myself – not in a typical self-help sense, but as a very accessible form of emotional companionship; they became grounding reminders, short-term fixes and emotional life rafts during seasons when I did not yet have the tools to ask for help in any other way.

This relationship started young. I was the kid who got told off for reading instead of doing homework, the one haunting the biannual Scholastic Book Fair like it was a second home. Growing up as a POC kid in a predominantly white atmosphere, books were more than entertainment. They were refuge, education and reassurance. They gave me language for the things I did not yet know how to name. They taught me who I was and who I might become, offering glimpses of worlds bigger and kinder than the one around me.

“[Books] became grounding reminders, short-term fixes and emotional life rafts during seasons when I did not yet have the tools to ask for help in any other way.”

As an adult, that instinctive turning towards books has only grown deeper. Reading to me is comparable to therapy and, on many levels, a more accessible alternative when the real thing feels out of reach. It is not a replacement, but a stand-in. A place to go when I need escape, untangling or understanding. When my mind turns loud or tangled, books steady me. Fiction offers glimpses into other lives and creates inspiration for aspiration. Non-fiction, like a wise grandparent, advises me not to repeat history or encourages me to find strength in the footsteps of those before me. Stories reflect the emotions I feel and parallel the human condition, lending perspective beyond the catastrophising mind.

It turns out this is not just sentimental thinking but something supported by science. Research has shown that the brain doesn’t treat books as entertainment, but as experience. One study conducted showed that as a story’s events changed (e.g. a character moves, manipulates an object), the same brain regions were activated as when people actually move or perceive those things in real life. Another study even coined a term for it: “narrative transportation”, a state where attention, emotion, and imagery are “pulled into” the story world after experiments showed that when people are transported by a story, they feel emotions as if events were happening to them, and their beliefs and self-perception can shift accordingly. In other words, stories operate as “experiential simulations” that can be as psychologically impactful as direct experience.

“Stories reflect the emotions I feel and parallel the human condition, lending perspective beyond the catastrophising mind.”

Living in Melbourne, a UNESCO City of Literature, has only strengthened that bond. This city makes it easy to stay in conversation with books. Public libraries, neighbourhood book-swap fridges, independent bookstores, community reading groups and festivals like the Melbourne Writers Festival and Emerging Writers Festival all form a kind of literary habitat. And if purchasing books feels inaccessible or unsustainable, libraries are an incredibly valuable resource. Many now offer free access to audiobooks, e-books and digital reading platforms. These are services we already contribute to through our taxes, so it feels more than reasonable to make use of them.

When I first moved here in 2018 and was having a difficult time, I wish I had known how much community already existed around reading and shared curiosity. It would have made the city feel far less overwhelming.

“It turns out this is not just sentimental thinking but something supported by science. Research has shown that the brain doesn’t treat books as entertainment, but as experience.”

Now, as we move into the holiday period, I am reminded of how easily feelings can sharpen at the edges. This time of year, can be heavy for many of us: loneliness, overwhelm, complicated family dynamics, the pressure to feel cheerful. Therapy and mindfulness can feel hard to navigate, especially when emotional bandwidth is low. Books, however, remain accessible. They sit patiently by the bed or in the tote bag, always ready to offer escape, grounding or companionship.

So as the year winds down, here are six books that have acted as gentle therapy for me in different ways or offered distraction through complete immersion into other lives. I hope they can do the same for you this holiday season:

1. Ex-Wife by Ursula Parrott

For when you want to feel like a fashionable, chic, slightly chaotic writer trying to carve out independence and desire in the Jazz Age. This novel is vivid and sharply observant, partly because so much of it is drawn from Parrott’s own life. It transports you straight into 1920s New York, full of smoky bars, shifting morals and women learning to exist on their own terms.

2. The Will to Change by Bell Hooks

For when you are feeling anger towards men and the state of the patriarchal world, but want to re-centre yourself and keep striving for a compassionate form of feminism. hooks unpacks how understanding, healing and dismantling internalised gendered expectations can improve life for everyone. She reframes everyday situations to show how deeply patriarchy harms men too, and how ingrained these patterns are in our daily actions, even when we are aware of our own biases.

3. Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez

For when you want to keep deliberately fuelling that rage. This book is full of statistics, research and studies on how the lack of data collection on and for women affects them in almost every aspect of their lives. It might seem like an intense addition to this list, but I find factual books like this grounding. They remind me of what matters and help me step away from rumination about intangible worries. And yes, having a few solid facts in your pocket is always useful around misogynistic family members.

4. Penance by Eliza Clark

For when you want to feel like a detective. It is easy to get lost in a crime, suspense or thriller-style novel, lingering on your theories and then scrolling through forums and online discussions to compare interpretations and opinions. It absorbs your mind in the best possible way.

5. The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami

For when you need something long, strange and slightly hallucinatory to fall into. This book is a true whirlwind. I recommend reading the well scenes in the bath if that is an option for you. It is surreal, dreamlike and consuming in a way that makes the outside world feel quieter.

6. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

For when you just need your brain to shut up. The only self-help book I would ever recommend, reach for or even mention. It often helps me stop ruminating or overthinking. It is great for centring the mind and feeling more in control of your emotions.

The post Why reading is still the best therapy I know appeared first on RUSSH.

Now, the Australia is shifting its definition of a workplace injury, to include psychological harms, too. Stress, burnout, trauma and toxic workplace behaviour are no longer seen as personal weaknesses or “part of the job.” New codes of practice around psychosocial risks have been adopted in states across Australian including Queensland, Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales.

Looking specifically at the NSW Work Health and Safety Act, mental health has always been included in the definition of “health” — but with the introduction of the Psychosocial Hazards Code of Practice, employers are now expected to treat psychological risks with the same seriousness as physical ones.

Here’s what you need to know.

What is the Psychosocial Hazards Code of Practice?

Under WHS laws, people conducting a business or undertaking — known as PCBUs — must eliminate or minimise psychosocial risks so far as is reasonably practicable. It’s the same legal test used for physical risks, now applied explicitly to mental health.

The Code of Practice doesn’t introduce new laws, but it does clarify how existing obligations apply to psychological harm. There is only a legal effect once a jurisdiction formally approves it, which NSW has. That means that, in this state, workplaces are required to treat psychosocial hazards as genuine safety risks, and they can be held accountable if they don’t.

Put simply: if you work in NSW, and your employer uses this Code of Practice, they have a legal responsibility to protect you from foreseeable psychological harm. This extends beyond things like workplace bullying or harrassment, to everyday pressures, structures and conditions that can erode mental wellbeing.

So, what counts as a psychosocial hazard?

According to the NSW Code, ‘psychosocial hazards’ are aspects of work and workplace situations that create a stress response — one strong enough to lead to psychological or physical harm.

These hazards can stem from four broad areas:

Individually, any of these factors can cause harm. But the Code emphasises that workers are most at risk when multiple hazards stack up — for example, when a high workload is combined with unclear expectations, poor support and conflict within a team.

Some specific examples listed in the NSW Code include:

How are psychosocial hazards dealt with?

Like physical risks, psychosocial hazards must be managed through a structured process. The Code of Practice breaks it down into four steps:

1. Identify the hazards

Workplaces need to actively look for sources of psychological harm. This usually involves talking to workers, reviewing complaints or incidents, and noticing patterns of stress or burnout.

2. Assess the risks

Once hazards are identified, employers must consider how often they occur, how severe the impact could be, and whether multiple hazards are happening at once.

3. Control the risks

Employers then need to put practical measures in place. This might mean adjusting workloads, improving communication, offering better supervision, or clarifying expectations.

4. Review and refine

Workplaces change, so employers must keep checking in, making sure the measures are working and adjusting them when they’re not.

Feature image from Suddenly 30.

The post Is your workplace responsible for your mental health at work? appeared first on RUSSH.

No one knows this predicament better than Gen Z, who have grown up within digital confines, with mobile phones becoming almost a rite of passage. Our earliest interactions – from Kik chats to the first Instagram posts – shaped how we learned to socialise, communicate and present ourselves. It’s an understatement to say we’re well-versed in broadcasting the trivialities of our lives online, from keeping tabs on people from high school whom we haven’t seen in 8 years (and if you’re anything like me, respectfully have even forgotten existed), to being in the know on the intimate details of people’s lives with whom we have no immediate connection.  It’s a reality we’re now well-acclimatised to – albeit a notably hellish and arguably dystopian one when examined more closely.

When we feel the weight of looming notifications coupled with the dearth of silence, we look to the final boss of digital privacy (Apple’s ‘Do Not Disturb’ function) in an attempt to keep the world at an arm’s length and create space to be alone with our own thoughts – a rarefied experience. But even when we are offline, we are somehow still online. In a desperate plea to have personal space, ‘sleep mode’ is flicked on during our moments of rest, and whatever updates we have missed, we’re immediately bombarded with the minute we open our eyes. As a result, our boundaries are left in a constant tug-of-war, blurred to the point of near non-existence.

Struggling to find the time to respond or feel like you’re a bad replier? You’re not alone. It seems as though we are trapped in a Sisyphean loop of missing a message, feeling guilty, apologising to the sender, and then repeating the cycle. Of course, as with most things, there are two sides to the coin, and digital overwhelm can’t be the default excuse for not showing up for your people when they need you. My downfall is, however, that I will either reply in three seconds or three days. My mum falls into the former, and a group chat, the latter.

Gen Z are the first generation where analog workspaces are on the verge of extinction, where apps like Slack, Teams, and Outlook mean work and all its demands are never truly escapable. Similarly, in many fields, the gap between personal and professional is becoming increasingly narrow, with Instagram functioning simultaneously now as a professional portfolio and a place for the occasional thirst trap.

There is an expectation that we have all internalised (most likely out of politeness and courtesy) that we should be able to recite the rulebook on replying, and be well-versed in all of its contents. And to an extent, it is now second nature: we cast an eye over our phone when a notification comes through, we open an app for the sake of opening an app, and immediately conjure up a response when the subject of the message isn’t even remotely urgent. Try hard as we might to resist it, there’s always an invisible pull dragging us back to our screens. 

Knowing when to log off is on par with knowing when to Irish exit a party – both are imbued with elegance and self-care. If you’re reading this, do yourself a favour – disconnect and go touch a blade of grass.

Feature image: IMDb

The post Can we ever truly go offline? How being reachable 24/7 impacts personal space appeared first on RUSSH.

When it comes to water bottle etiquette, I rotate through a couple, because as they say, variety is the spice of life, and when one is going through the dishwasher, (this is also a PSA to wash your water bottle you animals!) I’ll never be left in the lurch. I also like that one has a sucky lid for chewing because I am a baby, while the other has a gaping mouth perfect for drowning myself in. Although I am not entirely fussed on whether my own water store stays cold, TikTok and the rest of the RUSSH office informs me that this is a dealbreaker. With this in mind, below we bring you the best brands for water bottle shopping. From the stylish vessels via Frank Green to the robust bottles from Yeti.

1. Frank Green

A post shared by frank green (@frankgreen_official)

As far as emotional support water bottles go, Frank Green is the hugging companion you need. It’s also the one you want if your preferred mode of drinking is sipping. They have a 2L size too, so you can fill it up in the morning, sip and by the time you’re finished you’ll have completed the daily recommended intake of water. How about that? Designed in Australia, and featuring a triple wall vacuum, it’ll keep its contents ice cold for days. You’ll find more than just water bottles from the brand too, with a range of thoughtful, sustainable homewares and coffee travel cups.

2. Stanley

A post shared by Stanley 1913 (@stanley_brand)

We’re all aware of the Stanely Cup phenomenon. But we’ve been sleeping on Stanley bottles. Now you can line up all of your Stanley Cups next to your new bottle, offering a more secure home for your water. No leaks through the straw hole here!

3. Camelbak

A post shared by CamelBak (@camelbak)

Another leader in the sippy-variety, CamelBak first began as a solution to staying hydrated over long distances without having to refill. Since then, its grown to become a household name among adventure-seekers, outdoorsy types and those who want to get through a yoga class without having to unscrew a lid. There’s insulated options and squeezy bottles too, and the plastic options are BPA, BPF and BPS-free, as well as dishwasher safe. Which is always a plus.

4. YETI

A post shared by YETI (@yeti)

If the TikTok algorithm has sent anything your way about emotional support water bottles, chances are you’ve also heard about the all-powerful YETI Chug Cap bottle. While not intended for hot or fizzy drinks, it’s a hard-wearing option for those who find themselves in need of something more robust. You can chuck it in the dishwasher, and its DuraCoat casing will protect it from scratches or cracking. From here, it’s a YETI spiral. You’ll be buying the Tundra esky next…

5. Nalgene

A post shared by Nalgene (@nalgene)

Made in the USA, affordable and arriving with a lifetime warranty, if its minimal, sustainable design you seek, you’ve found it with Nalgene. It’s the favourite of hikers for a reason, with different mouths that are compatible with most water filters, and millilitres marked on the outside. It’s also made from durable plastic that’s ethically sourced too. It’s no wonder why most brands have incorporated Nalgene into its merch, like this hand-painted bottle from A24. We’re big fans.

6. Klean Kanteen

A post shared by kleankanteen (@kleankanteen)

It’s easy to wax lyrical about any brand that’s B Corp Certified and family owned. But considering the category is reusable water bottles, it’s an achievement that makes perfect sense. Klean Kanteen puts out three different sizes, unless you count the kids section, of water bottles, a hefty 1L, 592ml and a 355ml. Go forth and pick one.

7. Hydro Flask

A post shared by Cece Liu (@ceceliu_)

We love a lifetime warranty on most things, but especially a water bottle. Hydro Flask guarantees its bottles will stand the test of time, won’t give way to condensation and will stay cold for up to 24 hours. Which is always a good thing in an Australian summer. They also have a Micro Hydro, offering a 200ml option for those of us who carry a smaller handbag.

8. BKR

A post shared by bkr (@mybkr)

BKR sits at the intersection of health, beauty and wellness, offering lip balms as well as drink bottles. It’s glass bottle arrives with a protective silicone sleeve of your choosing. You can opt for velvety smooth cases or spike-textured ones, and each style comes in a vast array of colours from soft pastels to striking jewel tones. One for the chic.

9. S’well

A post shared by S’well (@swellbottle)

All is well with S’well. This offshoot of water bottles was made specifically with temperature in mind, the goal being to keep cold things icy and hot things searing for as long as possible. If this is the kicker when it comes to finding a forever reusable water bottle, look no further.

Image: Sex And The City

The post The emotional support water bottles we’re clutching at all times appeared first on RUSSH.

Across the globe, we’ve seen trailblazers like Remedy Place in the US, Equinox’s velvet-rope clubs, Alo Yoga’s celebrity-laden classes, and London’s Third Space redefining what it means to “go to the club.” But closer to home, Brisbane’s Total Fusion and Melbourne’s Saint Haven are already setting the gold standard. And judging by the waitlists, people are scrambling to get in.

But now, Sydney is about to welcome their own branch of Saint Haven. Having already announced a 1300-square-metre site in the works for Bondi Beach, the transformative private club concept has just announced further expansion into Sydney with its most ambitious project yet: a six-storey, 3,000-square-metre sanctuary.

Here’s everything we know so far…

What will be at the Saint Haven in Sydney?

This isn’t your average gym or spa. Members can expect spaces designed for calm and restoration – triple-height interiors softened with greenery, light that adjusts with your circadian rhythm, and Japanese-inspired minimalism. Facilities include magnesium pools, cedarwood saunas, spa suites, performance spaces, and organic dining.

On the cutting-edge side, the “Haven Zone” will feature hyperbaric oxygen therapy, cryotherapy, IV infusions, and more. Plus, the Australian-first concept “The Lab” will integrate preventative medicine with bio-hacking treatments like PRP therapy, exosomes, and personalised peptide programs.

See the full list of services and facilities below:

Where will it be located?

The new Saint Haven will anchor itself in North Sydney. The exact site location has yet to be announced.

When will it open?

The North Sydney club is slated to open its doors in early 2026, marking a new era for Sydney’s wellness scene.

The post Sydney’s largest ultra-luxury wellness club is coming appeared first on RUSSH.

I have always been interested in holistic wellness. My Grandmother was years ahead of the wellness boom: she drank flaxseed oil, practised Tai Chi, put calendula on grazed knees and hooked me up to her TENS machine whenever I had a cold. She loved apple cider vinegar, always walked the beach with her shoes off, and shopped for produce locally. A hot bath and some Rescue Remedy was her panacea for all kinds of ills.

It’s probably why I’m drawn to the idea of a retreat; someplace far away that’s entirely dedicated to self. I’ll willingly submit to institutionalisation if it means I’m going to feel lighter, calmer and clearer after the fact.

As far as retreats go, few hit a higher frequency than RakXa. Geographically it’s in Bangkok, but the grounds are an hour out of the city, on the island of Bang Krachao. It’s often referred to as the city’s ‘green lung’ — quiet, lush, an oasis. If it weren’t for the skyscraper skyline in the distance, you could be anywhere in the world.

I’m booked in for the RakXa Rebalance programme, a signature stay designed to bring your health back to equilibrium. In six days, it promises to “rebalance your physical and mental stability, brain and body coordination, chakra alignment, the flow of vital energy, gut-brain axis and overall health.” The itinerary is pre-planned, but everything is customisable. Depending on your preferences, you can keep things as soft or hardcore as you like: there’s IV drips, physio, aesthetic treatments, colon therapy, bloodwork, Pilates, but also energy healing, meditation, traditional Chinese medicine, Thai medicine and Ayurvedic rituals. RakXa is also a partner of the renowned Bumrungrad hospital, so every single thing is monitored by doctors.

My main goal is to relax, really (the ultimate indulgence). But I also want to fix mindless phone scrolling habits, undo some of the chronic tightness around my back and shoulders, while clearing out the junk in my brain to set me up for a nourishing 2025. Before my arrival, I filled in a detailed questionnaire that dug deep into my physical and mental state, while simultaneously getting focused on what I hoped to get out of my stay — am I tense, tired, sad, an insomniac? Bloated? Anxious? In need of physical rehabilitation? Dealing with chronic illness? Looking for a holistic way to optimise my hormone health? Maybe I just want to bookend pool time with massages and saunas. There’s something for everyone, and no matter your reason for booking, the RakXa method is built around the intersections of exercise, nutrition, rest, restoration and stress management.

I landed on a smoggy but comfortable Sunday evening, Bangkok’s coolest winter in 20 years. The airport was overstimulating and the traffic heavy, but one black car ride later, I arrived. At RakXa, there’s no real check in — the only formality is handing over your passport. From that point a welcome drink (there’s over 200 tea blends on site) and sound bath carry me to dinner, before I fall into a magnesium bath and then bed. The rooms are neutral, airy, spacious. Luxurious but not in a grandiose way. An interior palette cleanser that feels like home, but nicer. My villa, lucky 39, was surrounded by its own garden with birds in the trees and a private meditation spot in the corner. Back inside, the pillows were even tailored to my preference (side sleeper, always).

The first day begins with a stream of consultations and appointments. I see the wellness coordinator who tailors my programme, a doctor who checks my vital signs before querying anything that might affect my itinerary. Every single symptom was attended to – the opposite of medical gaslighting. At this point, a lot of guests opt in for additional testing: hormone panels, common cancer markers, immune function, food sensitivities, biological age as per telomere length… It’s all part of RakXa’s longevity medical diagnostic offering. My afternoon looked like functional fitness exams, 90 minutes of deep tissue massage (so deep my eyes watered, but in a good way) and a meditation with my Ayurvedic doctor, Smita. I was fidgety and uncomfortable, and she called me out on it. After 10 minutes we stopped to focus on proper diaphragmatic breathing techniques. She took my pulse, but it was like she could read my mind. “You’re a Vata, air and space, just a small amount of fire. You are very in your head, lots of thoughts all the time”. The Vata Dosha, according to Ayurveda, is lean, dry and tends to run cold (cold was a common theme in my stay — a cold womb, cold feet, cold hands). She made me yell to open my throat chakra (as a people pleaser who has a hard time speaking their mind, I found this really uncomfortable). Her prescription was oil pulling in the morning (swishing oil around your mouth to draw out bacteria accumulated overnight) and mindfulness, ideally meditation but journaling would do. Warm baths for my feet, but a cold compress on my head. Her parting words, “when you wake up in the morning don’t reach for that little monster”.

I mused over this at dinner, four courses of incredible anti-inflammatory, dairy-free food including meat, dessert and kombucha served in stemmed glassware. Meals at RakXa’s restaurant are really the only time you encounter guests — it’s organised in a way that you soak up your own solitude. I love being alone, so it didn’t bother me, but you’re also welcome to stay as a pair. The client mix at RakXa is quite diverse: burnt out corporates, recovering cancer patients, athletes, spa chasers, post-party people looking to detox. Also, friends and couples seeking a vacation that’s not just sun-dappled indulgence. Jenny, RakXa’s head of marketing, told me that young people especially are choosing meditation, movement and mindfulness over hedonistic holidays. Call it the wellness tourism movement. Interestingly the retreat opened during the pandemic, and the clientele have been getting increasingly younger since (a sign of the times, where preventative medicine and the urge to disconnect are more and more of a priority).

Over the next few days, I put my mind and body through its paces: massage, sauna, cold plunging, physiotherapy and magnetic muscle stimulation, fascia release, stretching, suspension therapy, animal flow yoga, private Tai Chi and an hour in a hyperbaric chamber where you breathe pure oxygen at high pressure. It was intensive but restorative and made me think about seemingly insignificant daily habits that compound, reappearing in my body as muscle tightness (scrolling, slouching, working from a Pierre Jeanerette chair). Outside of bi-weekly yoga or Pilates, I never, ever stretch. Not only is this bad for mobility and comfort but can contribute to poor circulation and lymphatic drainage.

I was also booked in for a consultation with Teeraveepanat Phungkhuankhun or Dr. Rose, a Traditional Thai Medicine Doctor. Traditional Thai Medicine states that humans are made up of four primary elements: earth, water, wind and fire. We all have a unique mix that determines our physicality, emotions and predisposition to certain conditions, but also our dreams, thoughts and desires. It’s called elemental theory.

My dominating element was wind, or lom (very close to my Ayurvedic dosha Vata, or air and space). It’s characterised by lightness, dryness and mobility, and represents movement within the body. My lom was unbalanced with fire, or fai, manifesting as digestive issues, easily disrupted emotions, coldness in the lower half of my body, but excessive heat on top. This was interesting to me as the elements are directly correlated to star signs. I’m an Aries, typically a very confident and dominating fire sign, but while ambitious, I’m not assertive at all. Dr. Rose prescribed me a bedtime no later than 10pm, peppermint oil on my abdomen and meditation, again. She also suggested a Thai Salt Pot massage and a women’s health massage to stimulate circulation and digestion, while increasing blood flow to the uterus. Abdominal massage is interesting; it feels as if your organs are being moved and manipulated (I think they are?). The Thai salt pot involves heating medicinal herbs and salt in a clay pot, before rolling it over muscles to stimulate lom in a downwards motion, shift stagnant energy and relieve tension. After the 80-minute treatment, I felt relaxed but also completely exhausted. The diagnosis also made a lot of sense. Whether you believe in Ayurveda, Thai Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine or otherwise, each modality is centred on the idea that when we are out of balance, symptoms we are predisposed to present themselves. I’m someone who worries a lot, and when it’s at its worst I’ll feel sluggish, self-conscious, cold, and irritable. I used to think that this was just my reality, but the consult taught me that it’s not about removing triggers from your life, but course-correcting through prescribed rituals, such as an abdominal massage with peppermint oil, meditation (I really need to do this) or eating warm foods in silence instead of at my desk.

“I’ll willingly submit to institutionalisation if it means I’m going to feel lighter, calmer and clearer after the fact.” 

Every day was closed out with at least eight hours of sleep. The kind so restorative it feels productive, like things are being sorted out on the inside. I made a point to not use my phone before bed, instead reading or literally just closing my eyes. The difference in how rested I felt was palpable. Waking up was easy; I didn’t need caffeine (mind you, it’s allowed) or blue light. I hope I can hold onto the habit at home and see coffee as a ritual and not a replacement for sleep, or excessive caffeine consumption as a form of exercise.

By day six, I felt lighter and extremely present; I noticed what was happening around me. I was buoyant and my brain felt clear. It’s extremely indulgent to take time off in the name of wellness (especially if you are otherwise in good health), but I can’t pretend it wasn’t transformative. As soon as Ianded back in Sydney, I drank three martinis and inhaled a bowl of pasta. The way I felt the following morning is proof the RakXa method really works. It’s paradise, a circuit breaker. A case for making your next trip one dedicated to your health.

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The move, unveiled by Federal Health Minister Mark Butler at the National Press Club this week, comes amid growing concern about the scale — and sustainability — of the NDIS, a $46 billion program originally designed to support Australians with significant and permanent disabilities. Here’s what you need to know.

Why are these changes happening?

According to Butler, the number of children with developmental conditions entering the NDIS has grown dramatically — far beyond original projections.

“One in every 10 six-year-olds is now on the NDIS,” Butler said. “In some regions, that figure is even higher.”

Much of this growth is being driven by autism diagnoses. New data reveals that of the 78,600 people who joined the NDIS between June 2024 and June 2025, over 70% (56,000) were diagnosed with autism as their primary condition. While this reflects broader awareness and early intervention efforts, Butler said the current setup is “not working” for families or the scheme itself.

“Parents are desperate to get their children accurately diagnosed — and too often they have to wait for ages and pay thousands just to get that diagnosis,” he said.

When will it happen?

The changes are set to launch by July 2027.

The new initiative is ‘Thriving Kids’ – so what is it exactly?

The government’s proposed solution is a new, standalone support program called Thriving Kids, set to launch by July 2027.

Described as a “robust, specialised program”, Thriving Kids will be geared toward children with mild autism, learning delays, or developmental challenges — those who may not meet the NDIS’s definition of a permanent and severe disability but still need support to thrive.

The initial government investment for Thriving Kids is $2 billion.

Crucially, children currently enrolled in the NDIS will not be removed. Those who join before the new program rolls out will also remain eligible, subject to standard reassessments.

Butler maintains that this is not about denying care, but rather delivering it more effectively. “This is what these children and their parents need,” he said. “It’s about restoring the NDIS to its original intent and building a better support system for all.”

What does this mean for families?

If you’re a parent of a child with a mild to moderate diagnosis, you might be wondering what this actually means for you — and your child’s support.

What we know so far is that nothing will change immediately. The transition won’t begin until Thriving Kids is fully operational in mid-2027.

Children currently on the NDIS will stay on the scheme. The new program is intended to be more tailored to early developmental needs, with services that are easier to access without jumping through the diagnostic hoops often required by the NDIS.

The goal is to make the NDIS more sustainable, while ensuring children still receive the help they need.

The post What the NDIS changes actually mean for families and children appeared first on RUSSH.