Play is more powerful than you may think. I had the pleasure of sitting down with the incredible Dr. Elaine O'Brien to explore the wonderful world of play in our adult lives. Elaine shared the countless ways that play can enhance our well-being, boost our performance, and fuel our personal growth. We talked about breaking through barriers that keep us from embracing play, like judgment and busyness, and shared practical tips for infusing more playfulness into our daily routines. Plus, Elaine shared fascinating insights from her research on using movement and dance to promote well-being in older adults. So, if you're ready to rediscover the joy of play and unlock a happier, healthier life, then you won't want to miss this conversation. You'll walk away with actionable steps to make a difference in your life. You deserve it! Here are a few key takeaways:  - Play is important for well-being, resilience, and performance- Having a playful mindset can help balance serious goals and prevent burnout- Character strengths like humor can help facilitate playfulness- How to pursue interests across different domains through play- The importance of social support from friends and role models LINKS: - Learn more about Elaine's research and work - Movement and well-being with Dr. John Ratey - Try a moving meditation on your next ride - Read The Power of Play

Play Your Way to Peak Performance with Dr. Elaine O'Brien

Pro Mountain Biker, Plant-Based Athlete, and World Endurance Champion, Sonya Looney interviews inspiring leaders about vegan & plant-based nutrition, cycling and endurance training, mountain bike tips, sports psychology, adventure travel,  mindset, personal development, and entrepreneurship to help you unlock the best and healthiest version of yourself.  Find out more at: www.sonyalooney.com

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Did you know that belief in reliable social connections enhances our wellbeing, reduces stress, and boosts life satisfaction? That’s right, today we’re talking about a topic close to my heart: the power of perceived support. I'm thrilled to be joined by four incredible women athletes to explore how support fuels athletes' performance, motivation, and self-belief. From rising star cyclist Ellen Campbell to the trailblazing trail runner Courtney Duwalter, each guest shares their unique journey and insights into the role of perceived support in their athletic endeavors. Learn from Jenny Vierling, co-founder of Tailwind Nutrition, and Maggie Guterl, athlete manager, about their experiences and strategies for overcoming challenges and inspiring others in the endurance sports community. This conversation is filled with actionable insights and motivational stories that will leave you feeling empowered to tackle your own athletic goals with newfound vigor. I’m so grateful for the support of my new sponsor, Tailwind Nutrition, and the community support that comes along with it. Here’s what you’ll learn:  Perceived support enhances athlete performance and well-being. Strong social connections drive athlete success. Support from family, friends, and sponsors fuels athlete motivation. Athletes need balance outside of sports to prevent burnout. Believing in support boosts athletes' confidence and resilience.     LINKS:  Learn more about Tailwind Nutrition Stories of challenge and support with ultra runner Amanda Basham My reflection about  women supporting women Hear from cyclist Jenny Smith about championing change in sport   

Power of Perceived Support with the Women of Tailwind

Contemplating our limited time on Earth can motivate us to pursue vitality, meaning, and courage in our everyday lives. In this episode, executive coach Jodi Wellman shares insights on practical strategies for overcoming fears, finding purpose, and injecting more joy and adventure into our routines.  Jodi is an executive coach, author, and the founder of Four Thousand Mondays. She is also a graduate of the Masters of Applied Positive Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania.  Her latest book explores how embracing our mortality can inspire us to live more intentionally and authentically.  This enlightening conversation will help us harness the transformative power of embracing mortality. Don't miss out on valuable insights that can help you unlock a more fulfilling and purposeful life.  Here are a few takeaways: - How thinking about death can motivate living intentionally without regrets by focusing on a limited time horizon - How pursuing both vitality and meaning through experiences and purpose can lead to a more fulfilling life - Learn about incorporating novelty - Having courage to take risks and "play to win" - Finding balance between personal growth, self-care, and maintaining well-being LINKS: - Read Jodi's book You Only Die Once: How to Make It to the End with No Regrets to learn more about her approach - Read my reflections on Life's Peaks and Valleys - Learn more about Jodi's work

Living Wider and Deeper: Finding Fulfillment by Facing Mortality with Jodi Wellman

When Daniel Troia set off on a cross country bike tour across the United States, he had packed light. In fact, he traversed 7,000 miles with no money, and no food. He joined Sonya Looney to share stories of long-distance bike touring, the transformative power of human connection, and the profound lessons he's learned along the way. Daniel details his decision to bike unsupported across the United States with no provisions, relying entirely on the kindness of strangers. He chronicled his experience in his latest film, "We Are All In This Together," which is now streaming. Creating a documentary film about his journey helped him process the experience and find deeper meaning. Through Daniel's lens, listeners gain insights into the power of curiosity, resilience, and empathy. Prepare to be inspired to embrace life's challenges with courage and compassion. Here are a few key takeaways: - Long-distance bike touring can foster personal growth through new experiences that build resilience, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace discomfort. - Acts of kindness from strangers, even small gestures, can profoundly impact those in need and make a positive difference in challenging times. - Documenting and creatively processing difficult life experiences through storytelling can aid in finding meaning and acceptance. -  Living with uncertainty and vulnerability can cultivate empathy, compassion, and appreciation for community. - Having even just one person who believes in you can provide motivation to persevere in the face of doubts and adversity.  LINKS: - Daniel's film We Are All In This Together - Follow Daniel to watch his stories -  Living with Gratitude with Adventurer Ryan van Duzer - Listen to stories about  bikepacking with Jerry Kopak   

Exploring the World on Bike and Through Film with Daniel Troia

Perfectionism, self-criticism, self-hatred. As an athlete, academic, or even a parent, finding the path to self-compassion can be easily interrupted. Psychologist James Kirby helps break down the nuances of these feelings and their profound impacts on mental health and well-being.   Sonya and James talk about different types of self-criticism, the importance of self-compassion in goal-setting and relationships, and practical strategies for fostering self-compassion in daily life. Plus, learn how your relationships are affected.  Here are a few key takeaways: - There are two types of self-criticism - inadequate and hostile - Self-compassion can help sustain goals by aiding recovery from setbacks - Compassion is an active process of understanding and alleviating suffering - Shame strongly impacts relationships - Recognizing and appreciating unseen acts of compassion from partners can foster gratitude and positivity in relationships LINKS: - Learn more about James and his work - Nurturing self compassion with Dr. Diana Hill - How  self-compassion is NOT letting yourself off the hook - Navigating perfectionism with Thom Curran

Play Your Way to Peak Performance with Dr. Elaine O'Brien

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