The Mental Mile

In this episode Kjersti and Kristi have a conversation inspired by the Vox opinion article called The Limits of Therapy Speak by Allie Volpe. They dive into the debate around using terms like toxic, boundaries, narcissist, and trigger.

Also mentioned in this episode:

Kjersti and Kristi end the episode sharing two self-help, mental-health books they've enjoyed:

Kjersti's Running For Mental Health, A How-To Guide

Kristi's Self-Care 101: Self-Care Inspiration for Busy Parents

In this episode Kristi listens to Kjersti gush about the TV show Bluey! Bluey is a show about a family of Blue Heelers: a set of parents and two preschool aged kids. Kjersti makes the bold claim that "Bluey is the new Mr. Rogers". Give it a listen and decide for yourself! Let us know your favorite episodes while you are at it!

Kjersti and Kristi end the episode by sharing some TV show recommendations for adults!

Kjersti's recommendation: The Bear

Kristi's recommendation: Never Have I Ever

Also mentioned: Beef

Other mentions in this episode:

Bluey's creator Joe Brumm

Daniel Tiger

Pokemon

The Bluey Episode "Born Yesterday" in Season 2.

If you are interested to buy Kjersti and Kristi's books:

Kjersti's Running For Mental Health, A How-To Guide

Kristi's Self-Care 101: Self-Care Inspiration for Busy Parents

Kjersti and Kristi catch up after a LONG time of not recording or visiting! Following a happy catch-up convo, Kjersti and Kristi discuss the mental health benefits of connecting with nature, and experiencing nature with kids. Kristi shares about experiencing nature with her family on an Alaskan vacation, and Kjersti guides Kristi (and YOU) through a "Tree Meditation". 

To end the episode, we offer some fun book recommendations!

From Kjersti: ⁠The Bean Trees⁠ by Barbara Kingsolver, also ⁠Bravey⁠ by Alexi Pappas

From Kristi: ⁠An Immense World⁠ by Ed Yong and ⁠Bombshelter⁠ by Mary Laura Philpott

Links to things discussed:

⁠Alaska Outdoor Girl⁠

⁠Forest Bathing ⁠

⁠Eco Therapy⁠

⁠Armchair Expert ⁠

Follow this link to buy Kjersti's book, Running for Mental Health, A How-To Guide

Follow this link to buy Kristi's book, Self-Care 101: Self-Care Inspiration for Busy Parents

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: 

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: 

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:

Some instagram accounts we like on the subject:

TV shows we've been enjoying:

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:

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:

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:

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