diff --git a/machine/empyrean/default.nix b/machine/empyrean/default.nix
index a0d45c9..bcd2e05 100644
--- a/machine/empyrean/default.nix
+++ b/machine/empyrean/default.nix
@@ -33,6 +33,10 @@
 
   swapDevices = [ { device = "/swap"; size = 1024; } ];
 
+  services.journald.extraConfig = ''
+    SystemMaxUse=500M
+  '';
+
   # The global useDHCP flag is deprecated, therefore explicitly set to false here.
   # Per-interface useDHCP will be mandatory in the future, so this generated config
   # replicates the default behaviour.