EFR 771: From Tone It Up to The Big Silence - Weaving Together Fitness and Mental Health with Karena Dawn

This episode is brought to you by Comrad compression socks and Strong Coffee Company organic coffee and lattes. Listen in as Karena Dawn, co-founder of Tone It Up and now The Big Silence Mental Health Foundation, joins us to unravel the intertwining paths of fitness, mental health, and the silent battles we face within. We dive deep into Karena's life, discussing how fitness served as a beacon of hope during her darkest times and ultimately evolved into a thriving community that supports countless women across the globe. Her story is a testament to the joy that physical activity can bring. But it's not all about the high-energy workouts; we also explore the profound impact of stillness and the necessity of confronting the often unspoken struggles that weigh on our mental health. Follow Karena @karenadawn Follow Chase @chase_chewning ----- In this episode, Karena explains... Fitness can be a transformative tool for overcoming mental health struggles and finding joy Silence and stillness allow self-reflection and confronting unspoken mental health issues Shifting identities requires embracing change and listening to one's inner voice for personal freedom Community and social connections are vital in personal growth and wellness journeys Nutrition, hydration, and electrolyte balance are crucial for cognitive function and mental health Caretaking involves complex emotions; self-care and empathy are essential for caretakers' well-being Personal transformation often occurs through facing pain and loss, highlighting life's important lessons Accessible mental health care through initiatives like "Therapy for All" can provide crucial support for those in need ----- Episode resources: Save 15% on organic coffee and lattes with code CHASE from Strong Coffee Company Boost energy and improve blood flow with Comrad gradual compression socks Learn more about Karena at KarenaDawn.com Listen to Chase on The Big Silence podcast in episode 84