I have always hated my body. But unlike most women who struggle with body-image issues, I can not point to glossy magazines, Hollywood, or social media for making me feel like I needed to look a certain way to be accepted. Instead, I was raised in an abusive household, where at times, food was scarce …
The Power of Strong:How Kettlebell Training Ended My War with My Body Read More »
On a scale of 1-10, how happy are you with your level of physical fitness? If you are not between an 8 and 10, what stops you from achieving a higher level? You may lack time to work out or prepare healthy meals. Or you don’t know how to cook. Maybe your spouse is unwilling …
5 Fundamental Strategies to Raise Your Standards and Achieve Any Fitness Goal Read More »
I fell in love with running in my 20’s. At that time, I was an exchange student in South Africa and wanted to lose weight. It wasn’t long before I discovered running’s powerful positive effects on my mental health. My relationship with my body changed from self-criticism and fault finding to one of thankfulness and …
You are halfway through your long run, and you are out of steam. Your legs feel wobbly, and your breathing feels shallow. The sun is glaring. Somewhere in the distance, you hear a dog bark. “I hate this,” you think. “Why does it feel so freakin hard today.” “Maybe I should just stop and postpone …
Emotional Control And Running: How To Build Mental Toughness To Run Farther And Faster Read More »
I don’t remember the first time I cried during a run. Maybe it was on those lonely plantations in South Africa, where the only sound that overlayed my inner voice was the cry of an unknown bird. When I just started running, and didn’t know how it would shape my character and life. Maybe it …
Dear Running, When we first met in South Africa in 2006, I couldn’t fathom how much you’d impact my life in the years to come. We had a rough start. Our first dates didn’t go well. In fact, I downright hated you. I hated how you gave me a racing heart and a head so …
Social anxiety has been a constant in my life for as long as I can remember. As I have written about here, I grew up with an intense fear of people. However, step by step, I learned how to manage anxiety and social anxiety. Especially my years at university were a period of immense personal …
What Is The Connection Between Alcohol And Social Anxiety? Read More »
Ever since I discovered firsthand the powerful effects of running on mental health, I am continually looking for new research to confirm my experience. That running can be a powerful tool for treating mental health disorders. In 2018 Scott Douglass wrote the book “Running Is My Therapy.” It combines research and personal anecdotes to describe …
It has been well established that mental and physical health are closely linked together and significantly influence each other. Around 2600 years ago, the Indian philosopher and spiritual teacher Gautama Buddha stated: “To keep the body in good health is a duty. Otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear”. …
Let’s be honest. You know that a regular fitness routine would ease your social anxiety. You read about it in self-help books and on the internet. Your therapist recommended you join an exercise class at your local gym. You think you should give it a try. There is just one problem. The mere thought of …
4 Ways To Start A Fitness Routine When You Have Social Anxiety Read More »