Scenic Route, Social Change and Mental Health for Tired Perfectionists

Scenic Route is a mental health and social change podcast for perfectionists, overthinkers, and high-achievers who are tired of holding it all together.

If you're burned out from performing, people-pleasing, and pretending everything's fine — this is your space to finally exhale.

Hosted by sociologist and recovering perfectionist Jennifer Walter (MA Sociology, University College Cork) — navigating chronic illness whilst rebuilding life in her 40s and rethinking what resilience actually means.

We talk about:
– Mental health without the toxic positivity
– Social change that starts within

– How healing is political

– The systems that shape us

– Mindfulness for sceptics

Expect solo deep-dives, expert guests, and the occasional bit of potty humour because healing doesn't have to be so damn serious all the time.

This podcast is for you if:
You're questioning so many things and trying to stay hopeful
You're done with perfectionism but still want to grow
You believe inner work and activism go hand in hand

New episodes every Tuesday.

The longest way round is the shortest way home. That's why we're taking the Scenic Route.

Start with the latest episode — or jump into whatever speaks to you.
The view here is chef's kiss 🫶

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Scenic Route, Social Change and Mental Health for Tired Perfectionists

Weekly Affirmation – Rest

January 23, 2026 • Jennifer Walter • Season 7 • Episode 120

Exhale. TGIF

This weekly affirmation is for you if you've been told that you need a five-year plan when you can barely figure out what you want for lunch.

This week's affirmation:
"I release the belief that I have to earn my rest."

New Soft Landings every Friday. Save this. Share it. Come back to it when you need the reminder. 🤍

About Soft Landings:
Every Friday on The Scenic Route, one grounded affirmation to help you rest, reset, and remember you're way back home to yourself.

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Visit jenniferwalter.me – your cosy tree house where tired perfectionists and those done pretending to be fine find space to breathe, dream, and create real change.

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It's Friday. Pause for a breath you didn't know you were holding. Exhale.

For the woman who's been running on empty, waiting for permission to stop.

The affirmation:
"I release the belief that I have to earn my rest."

[Pause — 2 beats]

"I release the belief that I have to earn my rest."

You don't have to finish everything first. You don't have to be productive enough, useful enough, good enough to deserve a break.

Rest is not a reward for completion. Rest is a requirement for being human.

So ask yourself: What would it feel like to rest without justifying it?

Not because you've earned it. Not because you've checked every box. Just because you need it.

Rest. Without the performance. Without the proof.