When Someone Says They’re Lonely: What to Do, and NOT to Do | Holiday Grief, Kindness & Brain Health

Loneliness is one of the most misunderstood emotional experiences, especially during the holidays, seasons of grief, and major life transitions. In this episode, Tracy Markley shares clear guidance on how to respond when someone says they feel lonely and explains what not to do so you don’t unintentionally make their loneliness worse.

Tracy talks about how grief, holiday overwhelm, and emotional overload affect the brain and nervous system. She explains why kindness has a real impact on brain health, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. You will hear supportive insights on how loneliness influences physical and cognitive health, how to communicate compassionately, and what real emotional validation looks like.

This conversation is created to help anyone who feels lonely, anyone supporting someone through loneliness or grief, and anyone wanting to understand emotional health in a deeper, more meaningful way. You are not alone, and you do not have to navigate loneliness without support.

 
#Loneliness #HolidayGrief #MentalWellness #BrainHealth #KindnessMatters #GriefSupport #EmotionalHealth #HolidayStress #ConnectionMatters #Compassion #MentalHealthAwareness #SupportAndHealing #YouAreNotAlone #StrokeRecovery #TracyMarkley #HealingJourney #NervousSystemRegulation #HeartHealth #WellnessTools #HolisticHealing #HopeAndHealing #CaregiverSupport #HolidaySeason2025 #MindBodyConnection #EmotionalSupport #BrainFitness #SelfAwareness #HealthyCommunication #HelpOthers #PersonalGrowthJourney

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Welcome to Stroke Recovery: Therapy Ended? Now What? — an educational podcast series by Tracy L. Markley designed to help stroke survivors, caregivers, and professionals better understand the body, the brain, and the recovery process long after formal therapy ends.

Each episode focuses on one essential area of stroke recovery, blending neuroscience, movement education, functional training, safety guidance, and real-life insight from Tracy’s decades of experience specializing in stroke, balance, gait, proprioception, and the brain–body connection.

This series is based on Tracy’s award-winning work with stroke survivors around the world and her book Stroke Recovery: What Now? When Physical Therapy Ends But Your Recovery Continues. Her mission is to empower survivors at every stage — from newly home to years into recovery.

IN THIS SERIES, YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT:

• Muscles, biomechanics, and movement patterns
• Proprioception, spatial awareness, and body connection
• Brain injury basics and how to care for the healing brain
• Balance training, stability, and fall prevention
• Walking gait, posture, and leg alignment
• Spasticity, drop foot, bracing, and safety strategies
• Strength training, fascia, flexibility, and mobility
• Memory, vision challenges, reading difficulties, and peripheral vision
• Communication and cognitive struggles after stroke
• Pain management, fatigue, and realistic recovery expectations
• Home-exercise ideas and equipment recommendations
• How to choose the right trainer or recovery professional
• Emotional recovery, confidence building, and support systems
• Neuroplasticity and what improves it
• Caregiver education and family guidance
• And many more recovery essentials throughout the series

No matter where you are in your recovery journey — early, mid, or long-term — these episodes help you understand your body more clearly and provide the tools you need to continue improving safely and effectively.

Website (resources, articles, membership library):
 www.TracyMarkley.com

Amazon Author Page:
 www.Amazon.com/author/tracymarkley

Membership Library (workouts, Pilates, balance training, stroke-recovery videos):
 www.tracymarkley.com/membership

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In celebration of National Author’s Day, Tracy Markley shares how writing her very first book completely transformed her life — and how your story has the power to transform yours as well.

When Tracy published The Stroke of an Artist, she had no idea it would lead to speaking opportunities, national recognition, awards, magazine features, media interviews, and collaborations with inspiring people like Elaine LaLanne. What began as one book became the foundation for her entire author journey.

If you’ve ever felt a pull to write but didn’t know where to begin, this episode will give you clarity, encouragement, and a reminder that your story matters.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL HEAR:

• How writing a first book can open unexpected doors and life-changing opportunities
• The mindset shift that helped Tracy turn passion into purpose and profession
• Why sharing your story creates connection, healing, and legacy
• How to start your own book even if you feel unsure, overwhelmed, or not “ready”
• Why writing is a gift — for the writer and the reader

Your book is more than an idea — it’s your legacy. Your words can inspire, educate, heal, and empower others. If you’ve ever felt called to write, this episode will help you take that first courageous step.

📚 CONNECT WITH TRACY L. MARKLEY

Explore Tracy’s books on stroke recovery, balance, brain health, and inspiring personal stories:

Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/tracymarkley
Website & Bookstore: www.tracymarkley.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/motivate_healthfit

🌟 ABOUT THE TRACY MARKLEY MEMBERSHIP COMMUNITY

Looking for deeper guidance on strength, balance, mobility, brain health, stroke recovery, or overall wellness?
 Tracy’s website membership offers education and movement sessions for all fitness levels — not just seniors or stroke survivors.

Inside the membership, you’ll find:

• Stroke recovery education & training
• Balance, walking, proprioception & fall-prevention lessons
• Strength training workouts
• Pilates mat classes
• Stretching & mobility sessions
• Yoga-inspired movement
• Brain health education
• Whole-body wellness tools

Whether you’re a stroke survivor, caregiver, fitness professional, or someone seeking better movement and health, this community supports every stage of life.

Join the membership at: www.tracymarkley.com 

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Music is one of the most powerful — and most overlooked — tools in stroke recovery.
In this episode, Tracy Markley explains how listening to meaningful, familiar music can improve cognition, verbal memory, language recovery, emotional regulation, focus, and motivation during stroke rehabilitation.

You’ll learn how the brain responds to your favorite songs, why familiar music activates multiple regions of the brain at once, and how this multisensory stimulation supports neuroplasticity. Tracy also shares insights from neuroscience research and a lecture from a leading neuroscientist whose clinical studies show that personalized music strengthens cognitive processing after a stroke.

This episode includes two powerful personal stories of stroke survivors who transformed right in front of Tracy when listening to music they loved — changes so profound they inspired her to research this topic further and write about it in her book Stroke Recovery: What Now? When Physical Therapy Ends but Your Recovery Continues.

Music is not just entertainment. It’s a healing tool for the brain.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:

• How familiar music activates multiple regions of the brain
• Why your favorite songs stimulate verbal memory and language pathways
• How music improves focus, emotional stability, and motivation
• The role of rhythm in gait, timing, and coordination
• Real-life examples of stroke survivors transformed through meaningful music
• How to use music safely and intentionally during home recovery
• Neuroscience research on auditory–memory pathways and neuroplasticity
• Why emotionally significant music enhances healing and cognitive function

If you or a loved one is healing after a stroke, adding meaningful music to daily routines may provide new progress, renewed motivation, and a powerful emotional lift.

🎙️ ABOUT TRACY L. MARKLEY (AUTHOR & STROKE RECOVERY SPECIALIST)

Tracy Markley is the author of multiple stroke recovery and brain health books, including:

• Stroke Recovery: What Now? When Physical Therapy Ends but Your Recovery Continues
• Stroke Recovery: Regaining Arm Movement
• Stroke Recovery: Leg Stability and Walking Gait
• The Stroke of an Artist: The Journey of a Fitness Trainer and a Stroke Survivor
• Your Brain: The Engine of Your Body – A Fitness Trainer’s Guide to Brain Health
• Balance, Walking & Fall Prevention: A Fitness Trainer’s Guide for Seniors and Pre-Seniors

📚 Amazon Author Page: www.Amazon.com/author/tracymarkley
🌐 Website Bookstore: www.tracymarkley.com

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Regaining arm and hand movement after a stroke is one of the most challenging — and most important — parts of recovery.
In this educational and encouraging episode of The Health & Fitness Show with Tracy, stroke recovery specialist and author Tracy L. Markley shares essential knowledge to help survivors better understand arm movement, muscle function, neuroplasticity, and safe training practices.

Tracy breaks down how the shoulder, arm, wrist, and finger muscles work together, why certain movements feel difficult after a stroke, and what survivors can do at home to support progress. She also explains how brain–body connection, consistency, and proper alignment influence recovery success.

This episode is filled with hope, clarity, and practical education — empowering survivors and caregivers with the knowledge they need to keep moving forward.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why certain arm and hand movements are affected by stroke
• Key muscles involved in lifting, reaching, gripping, and stabilizing
• How neuroplasticity supports long-term improvement
• The importance of alignment, posture, and body awareness
• Why safe form and patience are essential for recovery
• Encouragement for survivors working toward stronger arm function

Whether you’re a stroke survivor, caregiver, therapist, or trainer, this episode gives you the foundational understanding needed for effective, safe arm recovery.

Remember: Knowledge is power — and understanding the body helps unlock progress.

Website: www.tracymarkley.com

Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/tracymarkley

Instagram: www.instagram.com/motivate_healthyfit

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Walking your dog is more than quality time — it’s one of the easiest, healthiest ways to increase your daily movement.
In this lighthearted and encouraging episode of The Health & Fitness Show with Tracy, fitness educator and author Tracy L. Markley shares how simply owning a dog naturally helps people walk more, move more, and build healthier habits without overthinking it.

Tracy discusses how dog walking supports cardiovascular health, mental well-being, balance, and strength. She also gives simple tips for making your walks more effective — including adding gentle lunges, posture awareness, and mindful movement. And yes… she even reminds listeners to pick up the poop! (With a giggle.)

Whether you walk your dog around the block or head out on long nature trails, this episode offers fun, practical guidance to help you get more movement into your day.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why dog owners naturally get more daily exercise
• How dog walking supports heart health, balance, and overall wellness
• Tips for improving posture, stride, and body awareness during walks
• Simple ways to add light strength work (like lunges)
• How walking with a dog can reduce stress and boost mood
• Encouragement to move more — in simple, joyful ways

This episode is light, fun, and motivating — a reminder that movement doesn’t have to be complicated to be beneficial.

Website: www.tracymarkley.com

Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/tracymarkley

Instagram: www.instagram.com/motivate_healthyfit

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We all want to trust our gut — that inner knowing, intuition, or quiet feeling that tells us when something is safe, aligned, or protective.
In this heartfelt and vulnerable episode of The Health & Fitness Show with Tracy, award-winning trainer and author Tracy L. Markley shares personal reflections on learning to honor that inner voice — and why many people struggle to trust themselves due to childhood deceit, confusion, or emotional manipulation.

Tracy speaks candidly about how early experiences can silence a child’s natural instincts, weaken self-trust, and lead to safety challenges in adulthood — emotionally, mentally, and even physically.
 She also explains how reconnecting with your intuition can strengthen confidence, creativity, decision-making, and personal well-being.

This is a meaningful and compassionate message for women, parents, survivors, and anyone who has ever doubted their inner wisdom.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:

• How intuition and inner wisdom develop in childhood
• Why dishonesty or manipulation can cause children to distrust themselves
• How ignoring your gut can become a safety issue
• Why rebuilding self-trust creates confidence, clarity, and emotional health
• How truthfulness, kindness, and support among women empower healing
• Tracy’s personal message about reclaiming your inner compass

This episode offers hope, clarity, and encouragement for anyone learning to reconnect with their true voice.

Website: www.tracymarkley.com

Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/tracymarkley

Instagram: www.instagram.com/motivate_healthyfit

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Stroke Recovery Awareness Month May - Stroke Recovery Education and Tips with Tracy Markley

Tracy Markley shares more knowledge and tips for stroke survivors for their stroke recovery. May is Stroke Awareness Month

Tracy Markley
www.tracymarkley.com
www.amazon.com/author/tracymarkley.com
The Health and Fitness Show with Tracy Podcast 

Tracy has many books on stroke recovery and other videos and podcasts here on YoutTube to watch to help you. 

Please click like and subscribe to my channel. This helps other stroke survivors find help, knowledge and tips on stroke recovery that I share.

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THE HEALTH & FITNESS SHOW WITH TRACY MARKLEY PODCAST

What are your hip flexor muscles?  Many people think that a hip flexor is just a small spot in the front of the legs. This is not true. Several muscles make up the muscles that flex hip.  If your doctor, physical therapist, trainers, etc., say you need to strengthen your hip flexors, learning what muscles flex the hip will help you greatly.

In this video I share about the hip flexors and the muscles that flex the hip. You can also find more videos here that I have made with more information about stretching the hip flexors and what the movement of hip flexion is.

Remember, Knowledge is power!

Please see the Patreon Membership for only $15.00 a month to have access to many videos for stretching, muscle knowledge, weight training, Pilates, yoga, Stroke Recovery, free weights, balance, proprioception, spatial awareness and more.  New videos are being filmed and will be uploaded soon too.

www.tracymarkley.com
www.amazon.com/author/tracymarkley
www.instagram.com/motivate_healthyfit

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March is Brain Injury Awareness Month — a time to honor survivors, educate families, and share knowledge that supports prevention, understanding, and recovery.
In this important episode of The Health & Fitness Show with Tracy, award-winning fitness trainer and nationally recognized stroke recovery specialist Tracy L. Markley offers essential education for anyone navigating brain injury, stroke recovery, or long-term healing.

Tracy explains practical tools that support neuroplasticity, balance, strength, and cognitive recovery — while providing encouragement for survivors who may feel overwhelmed by therapy limitations, insurance challenges, or daily frustrations.
 Her clear and compassionate teaching helps survivors and caregivers understand why movement matters and how the brain heals with consistency, repetition, and proper support.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why hydration is essential for brain, nerve, and muscle function
• How movement, proprioception, and spatial awareness support recovery
• What spasticity is — and how to stretch safely without causing harm
• Why consistency and daily practice strengthen neuroplasticity
• Encouragement for survivors navigating therapy, insurance, and long-term recovery
• Practical tips for anyone supporting a loved one with a brain injury

This episode is filled with hope, clarity, and empowering guidance for stroke survivors, brain injury survivors, caregivers, and professionals.

Website: www.tracymarkley.com

Amazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/tracymarkley

Instagram: www.instagram.com/motivate_healthyfit

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