Mental Health

title picture of article "why I don't use Strava"

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 …

Why I Don’t Use Strava Read More »

smileys in a row

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 …

Learning How To Feel – One Run At A Time Read More »

title pic love letter to running

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 …

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title pic social anxiety alcohol

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 »

title pic book review

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 …

Book Review-Running Is My Therapy Read More »

title pic exercise eases anxiety

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”. …

3 Ways Exercise Helps To Ease Your Anxiety Read More »

title pic how to start exercise when you have social anxiety

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 »

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