In this episode of The Mental Mile, Kjersti and Kristi share about their summer visits to Utah, and happenings with their kids.  Then dive into the article put out by The Atlantic called "The Six Forces That Fuel Friendship" by Julie Beck. While discussing the six forces Kjersti and Kristi share some personal stories about the changing nature of their friendships throughout the motherhood experience. Listen in to learn more about how to be intentional in your friendships, how to make new friendships, and ideas for making your friendships richer and more nourishing.  Mentioned in this episode:  The Six Forces That Fuel Friendship by Julie Beck: https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2022/06/six-ways-make-maintain-friends/661232/ Swig Drinks: https://swigdrinks.com the Glennon Doyle Podcast (the one with Reese Witherspoon): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reese-witherspoon-on-friendship-what-like-its-hard/id1564530722?i=1000570420339 the Peanut App: https://www.peanut-app.io Connect with women who are at a similar stage in life. Shop Our Books: Kjersti's book Running for Mental Health + Kristi's book Self-Care 101 for Busy Parents Connect on Instagram: @thementalmile @parentselfcare@kjersti_running_therapy

In this episode Kjersti and Kristi catch up about some special events going on in their lives, discuss how to help teens cope in the digital age, and end with a personal sleep tip.   Mentioned in this episode:  Article by David Leonhardt via The Morning of the New York Times: We take a look at the mental health crisis facing adolescents--and the role of digital technology, May 10, 2022. The Greater Good Magazine Article from 2016: How Nature Can Make You Kinder, Happier, and More Creative by Jill Suttie, March 2, 2016. Common Sense Media Family Contract  Dr Ann Louise Lockhart  Dr. Sheryl Ziegler and the book Mommy Burnout Dr. Rachel Kowert  Shop Our Books: Kjersti's book Running for Mental Health + Kristi's book Self-Care 101 for Busy Parents Connect on Instagram: @thementalmile @parentselfcare@kjersti_running_therapy

After a multiple month hiatus, Kjersti and Kristi catch up on life.  Both share their recent experiences in Big Sur, California. Kjersti for the marathon, and Kristi for her upcoming 40th birthday! Kjersti and Kristi also share their plans for summer, including the big puzzle of putting together a cohesive summer-camp plan. They end on a fun note discussing the one must-have makeup-trick for looking put-together when life gets rushed. Kristi shares that she has a new online course coming out in July, check out her parent self-care website for details. As well as a monthly subscription newsletter.   Kjersti has a subscription newsletter that comes out in June and December. Kjersti was also included in a Runners World + Article about Why the Ultimate Form of Self-Care is Social Connection--and How Run Clubs Can Help by Ashley Mateo.   Want to join Kjersti's run clubs?  Contact her directly to learn more about Running Based Stress Reduction a running + yoga group aimed at soothing the nervous system in a group format, and/or the Joy Run Club, a social-emotional run group for women.  Shop Our Books: Kjersti's book Running for Mental Health + Kristi's book Self-Care 101 for Busy Parents Connect on Instagram: @thementalmile @parentselfcare@kjersti_running_therapy

In this episode Kjersti and Kristi discuss common barriers to exercise as well as tips to overcome those barriers!  If you listen long enough you'll also hear about some of the benefits to mental health that come from exercise.  We start the show discussing our book clubs, and end the show talking about our current tv show watching.  To get you started with thinking about your own personal barriers to exercise, you might start with the questions: How much time can I commit? What times of day can I commit?  Are the people in my life supportive of any exercise plans I make? Mentioned in this episode: The Joy of Movement by Kelly McGonigal The Joy Run Club (Kjersti's run group) Breathe by James Nestor Social Justice Parenting by Dr Traci Baxley Suzy Reading, psychologist @suzyreading North by Scott Jurek and the concept of "nickel and diming" exercise. Quote by Nietzsche, "We listen to music with our muscles." Happier podcast by Gretchen Rubin Running for Mental Health, a how-to guide by Kjersti Nelson Some instagram accounts we like on the subject: @suzyreading @kellymariemcgonigal @activemommyactivebaby @jessicamaryrobson @runtalkrun @penny.metcalf.mindfulness @myfavoriterun @marathon.nutritionist @run_rhandi_run @runwildandbe @werunonart @kjersti_running_therapy :D TV shows we've been enjoying: Ozark (Netflix) Station Eleven (HBO) Schitts Creek (Netflix) I Love Lucy  Shop Our Books: Kjersti's book Running for Mental Health + Kristi's book Self-Care 101 for Busy Parents Connect on Instagram: @thementalmile @parentselfcare@kjersti_running_therapy

Kjersti and Kristi are back to talk about finding purpose as a parent!  Whether you are searching for meaning and purpose in a big way or a small way we've got you covered.  In this episode Kjersti and Kristi talk about assessing personal values, connecting to community and other tools for discovering and exploring your raison d'être.   Mentioned in this episode: How To Raise and Adult by Julie Lythcott Haims How to Find Your Purpose in Life by Jeremy Adam Smith of Greater Good Magazine Mommy Burnout by Dr. Sheryl Ziegler No Mud, No Lotus by Thich That Hanh Music Together. www.musictogether.com Bad on Paper Podcast Matchmaking for Beginners by Maddie Dawson The Lies That Bind by Emily Giffin Shop Our Books: Kjersti's book Running for Mental Health + Kristi's book Self-Care 101 for Busy Parents Connect on Instagram: @thementalmile @parentselfcare @kjersti_running_therapy

Learn how we set goals with compassion, consistency and joy. We cover the tiny habits method, vision boards (Rachel Letham), accountability partners and more. Whether you are in the mood to set goals, or you just want to chill–do you! The Gottman Institute recommends reflecting on your goals as a couple each year. Kjersti suggests setting goals as a family. Books Mentioned: Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg Self-Care for Tough Times by Suzy Reading Stand Tall Like a Mountain for family self-care by Suzy Reading Connect with us on Instagram @thementalmile @kjersti_running_therapy @parentselfcare More on parentselfcare.com and kjerstinelson.com

In this season 3 opening episode Kristi and Kjersti catch up about what's been happening since season 2 ended, and provided an update for what viewers can expect in this season that is different from last.   Kjersti and Kristi reflect on lessons learned from last year's holidays under lockdown, and what we hope we can apply to this year's holiday planning.  Hint, simplicity is key.   Kjersti and Kristi talk about favorite family-friendly holiday movies.  Movies mentioned in this episode, and others we like are: 8 Bit Christmas Noelle Elf Home Alone (new and old) A Christmas Story The episode ends with Kjersti's tip to all moms out there: get yourself a stocking!  Listen to the episode to learn more about what items always make it into her stocking. Shop Our Books: Kjersti's book Running for Mental Health + Kristi's book Self-Care 101 for Busy Parents Connect on Instagram: @thementalmile @parentselfcare@kjersti_running_therapy

We interviewed the amazing psychotherapist, author, and new momma Michelle Goodloe, LCSW for our Season 2 Finale! Goodloe has a private therapy practice in Atlanta, and she also leads self-care workshops. In addition, Goodloe authored the self-care journal, “Self Explore, Self Restore,” and the new self-care workbook, “The Self-Care Investment.” Listen to learn about Goodloe’s self-care non-negotiables, the importance of setting boundaries with yourself, and how to overcome guilt that’s working overtime. Connect with Michelle Goodloe, LCSW: Instagram @thegmichelle Wellness-Resource Website gmichelle.com Discover Your Needs Self-Care Quiz  "Self Explore, Self Restore" Journal (Amazon) "The Self-Care Investment" Workbook (Barnes&Noble) Cited in this Episode:“A Mother’s Love” on Oprah.com (Ayelet Waldman says kids are not the center of her universe in her 2005 essay on an Oprah episode) https://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/a-mothers-love_1/all Shop Our Books: Kjersti's book Running for Mental Health + Kristi's ebook Self-Care 101 for Busy Parents Connect on Instagram: @thementalmile @parentselfcare @kjersti_running_therapy

In this episode Kristi and Kjersti discuss the value in re-thinking work-life, post-pandemic.  Many places, like California, are open for business, and people and businesses are reflecting on lessons learned during the pandemic. Some are doing their best to realign their personal values with their work-life.  This conversation is a great jumping-off point to get thinking about the changes you'd like to see in the corporate world.  Cited in this episode: The Time Magazine article "The Pandemic Revealed How Much We Hate Our Jobs. Now We Have a Chance to Reinvent Work" by Joanne Lipman May 27, 2021.  https://apple.news/AzX4atlSXTeW4m6GhKh90cA Adam Grant https://www.adamgrant.net Stress + Rest = Growth Shop Our Books: Kjersti's book Running for Mental Health + Kristi's book Self-Care 101 for Busy Parents Connect on Instagram: @thementalmile @parentselfcare@kjersti_running_therapy 

This one's for you dads! We chat about our Father's Day traditions and gifts, what we've learned from our dads, paternal mental health and more in our Father's Day episode.  Mentioned in this episode: 1. "Oh Baby: Postpartum Depression in Men is Real, Science Says" by Margaret Jaworski https://www.psycom.net/postpartum-depression-in-men 2. "The Science of Dad and the ‘Father Effect’" by Joshua A. Krisch https://www.fatherly.com/health-science/science-benefits-of-fatherhood-dads-father-effect/ Shop Our Books: Kjersti's book Running for Mental Health + Kristi's book Self-Care 101 for Busy Parents Connect on Instagram: @thementalmile @parentselfcare @kjersti_running_therapy