The Keep Smiling Podcast

With my undergraduate degree officially coming to an end, join me as I reflect on my transformative journey at University - the highs, lows, and everything in between

In this episode, I discuss the chronological journey - from the numerous mental health wobbles, studying during a pandemic, unforeseen personal challenges, as well as the valuable lessons I learned in coping with academic anxiety.

But it’s not all about the struggles.

I also delve into my personal growth as I went from feeling isolated and withdrawn to finally finding a sense of belonging - making all the difference in my university experience.

Moreover, I share how I actively sought out opportunities to expand my knowledge, gain unique experiences, and challenge myself to try and stand out from the crowd.

And in closing, I touch upon my future academic plans, relationships, as well as the priority of focusing on your psychological well-being despite the inherent pressures that come with pursuing a degree.

For Lucy and I, our eating disorders stripped away our independence. It stripped away our freedom to enjoy life, the ability to seek adventures, opportunities to build relationships, form memories…. instead, we were isolated, withdrawn, trapped by our anorexic restrictions.

However, we discuss how reminding ourselves of all the life experiences and opportunities that recovery will inevitably allow was a powerful motivator for pushing through difficult moments. Now we have the freedom to do fun things, travel, explore, make mistakes, attend University, make friends, connect with like minded others…. which made the turbulent process of recovery absolutely worthwhile.

This reiterates the idea that recovery isn’t just achieved through weight restoration… rather it’s about gaining life again, regaining your ability to smile authentically, having excitement to live, to laugh, to say yes

Today's discussion also touches on the fears associated with weight gain and the concept of fear foods…. understandably, these processes can be quite intimidating and anxiety-inducing following prolonged periods of restriction, demonizing food groups, good/bad labelling, and an overall disordered perception of food. However, Lucy and I offer practical advice for overcoming these fears, and challenge previously held beliefs

Today I am joined by Scarlette, an ED Intervention Coach and Bulimia Specialist.

We begin by having a very raw and open discussion regarding our experiences with anorexia nervosa, and binge purge anorexia… how the daily rituals of disordered habits slowly amalgamate, become your normality and begin to dictate your lifestyle and identity

How self-imposed isolation can provide a sense of control, sense of safety, and an opportunity to engage in disordered behaviours without distraction, judgment, and the potential for outside influences to interject

We then discuss the value of considering the underlying psychological factors and origins of the illness to enable recovery, the power of steadily removing yourself from that identity, and the gratifying process of finding your true authentic self away from the harmful influences of the eating disorder

Finally, we discuss the freedom of recovery… living life without engaging in over-consuming ritualistic tendencies, learning to love and respect yourself, gaining appreciation and love for life, and finding happiness

We hope that this episode can be helpful for those struggling, providing advice and hope. We also hope that our discussion can facilitate those who are interested in learning more about EDs, providing a deeper understanding of these highly complicated, unique, and destructive illnesses.

Today I am joined by Katie Fischer - a holistic sleep coach, specializing in behavioral interventions.

In this episode we discuss all things sleep, and how establishing a positive sleep routine can have a significant impact upon our cognitive functions, emotional regulation, wellbeing, and overall psychological health.

Katie shares advice on how to consistently and maintain a healthy sleep cycle, such as setting a consistent wake-up time, creating a relaxing sleep environment, light exposure at the start of each day to kick start your circadian rhythm, engaging in relaxation techniques, and staying in tune with your body.

Additionally, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and stress management, can also contribute to better sleep.

Overall, Katie provides some really constructive and particle suggestions of small habits we can imbed to facilitate improved sleep, which can ultimately enhance our wellbeing and quality of life.

Throughout this episode, Sean talks openly about his journey with depression and the multiple challenges he faced - the loss of identity, battling societal stigmas associated to masculinity, the numbness, suicidal feelings… but then also provides light on how, with appropriate support, was able to transition into a far healthier headspace.

We also discuss the often negative connotations associated with attending therapy… whereas, in reality, it should be celebrated and rewarded! This process of seeking support only allows us to process our emotions more efficiently, to reevaluate our perspectives, rewire our way of thinking… which can in turn enhance our relationships, help build habits to facilitate positive wellbeing, and improve our quality of life!

Today I am joined by the wonderful Dovile, a personal development coach, to discuss confidence development, overcoming imposter syndrome, and ways to release perfectionistic tendencies.

We’re often crippled and frozen by self-doubt and fear, feeling an overwhelming need to meet internal and externally enforced expectations, stuck in an overly perfectionistic mindset.

And yes, although being high achieving, goal oriented, and achievement striving are all great qualities… these traits can actually become quite problematic from a wellbeing perspective - leading to burnout, relentless overthinking, anxiety, self-sabotage, and procrastination….. and thus negatively impacting your mental health.

And so, Dovile discusses the value of balance, providing insight as to how we can challenge pre-determined beliefs, overcome feelings of incompetence, challenge these imposter like-tendencies, and reframe our mindsets.

She highlights the value of bringing awareness to your thought patterns, strategies to help change your perception, and how to alter your previously established viewpoints and perspectives.

She also provides advice on how to generate more self-confidence, and self-belief, and how to be more appreciative and empathic with your own self.

Today I am joined by Dr Perry Crofts, who provides a very honest and raw depiction of life with depression, and the story of how he went from doctor to patient and back again.

He details his darkest moment, the destructive internal monologue, and low perceptions of self.

However, he then explains the journey he undertook to overcome it…. detailing the necessary changes he made - such as adapting his work routine, prioritizing self-care, seeking professional support, and speaking up. 

He also talks about the strategies and mechanisms which he has now implemented to facilitate positive mental health - going into detail about mindfulness, meditation, adapting his relationship with exercise and prioritizing sleep.

And just as pre-warning, there are conversations of suicide in this episode.

The Cost Of Caring Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cost-Caring-Dr-Perry-Crofts/dp/1528992504/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+cost+of+caring&qid=1675066490&s=books&sprefix=the+cost+of+ca%2Cstripbooks%2C86&sr=1-1

Today I am joined by Cleo Oldham - a body and food freedom coach, to provide insight as to how we can improve our relationship with food and body image.

We discuss the value of being aware of unconscious rules related to food - putting light upon the restrictive, dieting mindset, and behaviours which have been ingrained. Cleo also talks about how to overcome exhausting binge/restrict cycles, how to challenge habitual restrictive tendencies, in turn finding freedom and balance.

Cleo also provides insight as to how to shift our mindset and attitude towards our bodies - striving towards self-acceptance, body neutrality, and practicing self-kindness.

Instagram : @cleofaithcoaching
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cleo-oldham-54024a144/

Today I am joined by James Ball, a successful Paralympic cyclist to discuss his sporting journey, the impact of injury, sacrifices he has made, and the power of a strong social network.

He details his experience of competing at Olympic and Commonwealth Games, and the emotions associated with attending these high-pressure events.

Today I am joined by Emma Jay, a wellbeing coach, TEDx Speaker and author, to discuss chronic stress, burnout and the priority of establishing habits to support your physical and psychological health.  

In 2002, Emma was involved in a serious car accident, causing her to lose all of her confidence. She transformed from her previous outgoing, bubbly and enthusiastic self, to isolating herself away, manifesting a negative mindset… only triggering the development of depression. A few years on, Emma then experiences postnatal depression, in addition to chronic stress and burnout.

With these issues only accumulating, Emma was forced to adapt her lifestyle, recognise the underlying reasons triggering these exhausting bouts of stress, and make some changes.

It was about applying basic self care and stress management strategies, establishing a sense of purpose, maintaining a routine, building positive habits, prioritizing sleep, and finding a balance.

Thus throughout this conversation we both share advice on how to manage stress, lifestyle changes to facilitate positive wellbeing, and how to create long term, sustainable adaptations to aid your overall health, happiness, and longevity.