I’m Ben Fogle and this is how my small breakdown made me stronger – and why I no longer strive for perfection

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I used to be a perfectionist, pushing myself to achieve and feeling pressured by society – especially through social media – to constantly improve and accumulate more. In 2023, feeling overwhelmed by all the noise and negativity online, I experienced anxiety and paranoia for the first time, leading to a brief personal crisis.

We’re facing a widespread mental health crisis that affects everyone. Sadly, many people still believe that admitting to mental health struggles is a sign of weakness, as if they’re easily broken. But just like a physical injury, the brain can recover with time and support. Our experiences, both positive and negative, shape who we are, and acknowledging them doesn’t make us fragile – it makes us human.

Dealing with my own mental health issues has actually made me a more capable and adaptable person. It’s also helped me develop empathy and a greater understanding of how vulnerable we all are. This understanding connects me to the people I meet while filming my show, ‘New Lives in the Wild,’ many of whom have chosen a simpler life to cope with their own mental health challenges and escape the pressures of modern society.

About 25 years ago, I was part of the early reality TV show, Castaway, and spent a year living alone on a remote island in Scotland. That experience gave me a real understanding of people who choose a simpler way of life. While filming the show New Lives in the Wild – which is now in its 20th season – I’ve met many who have found living off-grid in the wilderness to be a positive step after dealing with health problems, loss, financial hardship, or mental health challenges.

The people who share their stories with us have all found meaning in choosing unconventional lives. This could mean living in a truly wild place, like a remote Ugandan island teeming with dangerous wildlife, or embracing a simpler existence – perhaps on a narrowboat in rural England or a remote mountainside in Montana. Often, this means living on a very tight budget, sometimes with just a few thousand pounds to live on each year.

What I love about this series, and why it’s stayed popular for so long, is how it makes you think about your own life. It’s not about wanting everyone to pack up and move to Mongolia, but about finding those little lessons you can apply to your everyday. For me, watching it really drove home the importance of simplifying things. It’s easy to get bogged down by all the noise, the stuff we accumulate, and just general anxiety. And honestly, social media just makes it worse – it’s a constant stream of negativity, comparison, and just…too much. It really adds to the feeling of being overwhelmed.

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I used to be very active on social media, but I’ve significantly cut back. I’ve even removed most of those apps from my phone. I’m also more mindful of the news I take in, choosing instead to listen to cheerful podcasts and watch uplifting shows. What makes the biggest difference, though, is disconnecting and spending time outdoors – long walks with my dogs and runs help me clear my head and recharge. As a result, I feel much calmer and happier, and I worry and stress far less. Life just feels more manageable now.

I aim to focus on the present moment, though it’s not always easy. I dream of owning a small, secluded cabin – maybe in Norway or Sweden, or even on an Arctic island – where I can truly connect with nature. I imagine a life filled with simple tasks like chopping wood, invigorating morning swims, and canoeing, surrounded by dogs and the chance to pick up new hobbies like painting or boat building. Until then, I’m working on minimizing distractions and enjoying a simple, joyful life.

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Ben Fogle

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2026-01-19 20:40