Recorded on 4.28.2025.

In this episode I dive into the often-challenging journey of starting and maintaining an exercise routine while navigating the complexities of mental well-being. I begin by unpacking the common hurdles that prevent many of us from embracing regular physical activity. From the ever-present crunch of time and the weight of psychosocial barriers like motivation and self-doubt, to the real-world limitations of socioeconomic factors and environmental access, we'll explore why good intentions often fall by the wayside. I'll also share a personal reflection on how creating this podcast has become a surprising yet powerful tool for my own accountability and motivation in staying active. Finally, in the "Today depression feels like" segment, we'll confront the frustrating experience of self-sabotage that can be a hallmark of depression and depression-adjacent mental health conditions, particularly when it comes to pursuing healthy habits like exercise. I explore the internal conflict of wanting to feel better yet feeling incapable of taking that first step, and discuss strategies for self-compassion and small, manageable progress.