Spring, that joy-drenched season when the heart feels that all things are once again imaginable, renews our inner and outer worlds. Everything grows, blooms and begins to bear fruit. Rain…

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If you’ve ever wondered about why we’re here, the Baha’i teachings clearly proclaim that we human beings have a profound, two-fold purpose in this life: The purpose for which mortal…

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SALT LAKE CITY — Waking up to heavy rain on Monday morning, Christena Huntsman Durham knew it was a message from her late sister, Kathleen Huntsman, who died in 2010 from a drug overdose after battling a substance use disorder.

“When we checked her in right here in this building (the Huntsman Mental Health Institute), it was through the back doors. It was in secrecy and it was in shame,” said Durham, executive vice president of the Huntsman Foundation. “When she passed away, we could never put in her obituary what she died from because that doesn’t happen in families like ours. Because of the stigma and shame associated with mental health disorders, people are too afraid to get the help that they need.”

To her, the rain represented tears of joy from all those who lost their lives from mental health issues as she joined University of Utah leaders to break ground on the Utah Mental Health Translational Research Building, a facility dedicated to innovation in mental health research and clinical care, at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute.

The 185,000-square-foot, multistory building will have dedicated spaces for wet labs, dry labs, administration, outreach and education, along with housing the world’s only 7-Tesla MRI for neuroimaging dedicated to brain research and clinical innovations.

“Our students and faculty from across campus will work with our patients, with their families and with our community of Utah to tackle complex mental health issues,” said Dr. Mark Rapaport, CEO of the Huntsman Mental Health Institute. “Issues like the youth mental health crisis, suicide, substance use disorders and psychosis will be addressed in a comprehensive way.”

From 2019 to 2021, the age-adjusted suicide rate in Utah was 20.6 per 100,000 persons, with an average of 648 suicides per year. Utah had the 9th highest age-adjusted suicide rate in the U.S. in 2020, according to data from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services.

In 2020, suicide was the leading cause of death for Utahns ages 10-17 and 18-24. It was the second leading cause of death for ages 25-44 and the fifth leading cause of death for ages 45-64. Overall, suicide was the eighth-leading cause of death for Utahns, according to the department.

University of Utah President Taylor Randall hugs Christena Huntsman Durham, executive vice president of the Huntsman Foundation, during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Utah Mental Health Translational Research Building outside the Huntsman Mental Health Institute in Salt Lake City on Monday. (Photo: Megan Nielsen, Deseret News)

The research building will also be taking a novel approach to addressing mental health as the first institution in the nation to co-locate mental health researchers with experts in science, artificial intelligence, public policy, business and law.

Speaking at the groundbreaking, Utah State Senate President Stuart Adams said that the Utah Legislature has appropriated $90 million to fund the research building, with $65 million more coming from philanthropic funding.

University of Utah President Taylor Randall often says that the university’s goal is to be “a top-10 public institution with unsurpassed societal impact.” It’s the second part of that goal that is the most important to him.

“What it means is we have to take on this world’s largest problems at the moment. This has got to be one of those top three problems — mental health,” Randall said. “We have to come to this building to change the health care system so we actually deliver this to everybody where they need it. We have to talk about how we get these treatments into high schools, into those early ages where we know that many of these individuals are beginning to suffer for the first time.”

The back of a sweatshirt reading “Thank you for asking about my mental health!” at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Utah Mental Health Translational Research Building outside the Huntsman Mental Health Institute in Salt Lake City on Monday. (Photo: Megan Nielsen, Deseret News)

“It means we need to take these solutions to the homeless population. It means we need to take these solutions to the elderly populations that are at the end of their lives and struggling with the same challenges that all of us do. Today is the day that we not only break ground on this, but I think it’s the day that we take up this challenge and take it and double and triple and quadruple our efforts so that all of us can alleviate the suffering that’s occurring in many of our families,” Randall continued.

As far as his hopes for the research building, Randall said he wants to see a significant change in the way individuals with mental health issues are treated in Utah and beyond.

“You’ll point back to the Translational Research Building and say, ‘That intervention came from researchers in that building,'” Randall said. “We’re just so excited that the state and the Huntsman family came together to address one of the most pressing needs of our state.”

For Durham, she hopes that the research building will serve as a resource for mental health treatment similar to the Huntsman Cancer Institute.

“When people walk into a building to get help with their mental health, it’s like they’re going into the cancer institute and they will be greeted with love and no judgment, and that they won’t be as afraid of getting a mental health diagnosis,” Durham said. “To all of you doctors and researchers, you are going to show the world that we can change the world of mental health. We don’t need to be afraid of a diagnosis.”

Suicide prevention resources

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Crisis hotlines

• Huntsman Mental Health Institute Crisis Line: 801-587-3000
• SafeUT Crisis Line: 833-372-3388
• 988 Suicide and Crisis LifeLine at 988
• Trevor Project Hotline for LGBTQ teens: 1-866-488-7386

Online resources

More resources

• SafeUT: Parents, students, and educators can connect with a licensed crisis counselor through chat by downloading the SafeUT app or by calling 833-3SAFEUT (833-372-3388).
• SafeUT Frontline: First responders, including firefighters, law enforcement, EMS and health care professionals can chat with a licensed crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading the SafeUT Frontline app.
• SafeUTNG: Members of the National Guard can chat with a licensed crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading the SafeUTNG app.
• Utah Warm Line: For non-crisis situations, when you need a listening ear as you heal and recover from a personal struggle, call 1-833 SPEAKUT from 8 a.m.-11 p.m., seven days a week, 365 days a year.
• Huntsman Mental Health Institute offers a wide variety of programs and services including suicide prevention and crisis services, hospital treatment, therapy and medication management, substance use and addiction recovery, child and teen programs, and maternal mental health services including birth trauma, pregnancy loss, infertility, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
• LiveOnUtah.org is a statewide effort to prevent suicide by promoting education, providing resources, and changing Utah’s culture around suicide and mental health. They offer resources for faith-based groups, LGBTQ+, youth, employers, firearm suicide prevention, and crisis and treatment options.

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Logan Stefanich is a reporter with KSL.com, covering southern Utah communities, education, business and military news.

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Take control of your remote and change the channel!

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Do you have a negative soundtrack that plays over and over in your head? It’s not uncommon.

For example, I once worked with a client who in the first session kept interrupting me while I tried to get basic background information.

“My father, he abused me, he mistreated me,” she repeated time and again.

Finally, I asked her a question designed to shift her attention away from her brain’s history channel and towards a more present-oriented task.

“I’m curious,” I asked, leaning forward. “Have you ever tried to count how many times you tell yourself that story in a day?”

My patient’s jaw dropped as she raised her hand to her chin.

“It’s funny you ask that because I have tried to count it. But I always lose track,” she said, her head drooping slightly. Her eyes momentarily brightened when she added, “But I’ve noticed that I’m a lot happier when I don’t tell that story.”

That is a classic example of someone being stuck in what neuroscientists refer to as the brain’s default mode network or DMN. If you’re not occupied with a task or focusing on something, it’s very common for the mind to wander off to the DMN.

This network, by the way, is mostly self-referential and concerned with things related to our own story and narrative. This is the ego’s identity and what I like to think of as the story of “I,” “Me,” “My,” and “Mine.”

Stories from our personal “history channel” are often hard-wired because we’ve told them and rehearsed them so frequently. It’s like getting your car tires stuck in a rut and the more you spin the tires, the deeper they dig the rut.

Fortunately, research has shown that the DMN can be altered by using mindfulness to shift attention from mind-wandering to present-moment awareness. A study with veterans showed how patients with post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms were taught how to use mindfulness to turn on a different brain network—the present-moment “salience network.” The result was that these veterans learned to shift attention away from depressing and anxious mental states to the present moment—where they felt safer and more at ease.

There are several ways to change your history channel. What you need to do is use mindfulness like a remote control to shift you into the present moment, through tasks or sense awareness. My new book, Simply Mindful Resilience, contains several detailed methods for changing the history channel.

Here is an excerpt from Simply Mindful Resilience. As you go through this practice, remember this one thing: you control the remote.

Change the History Channel Practice

1. Keep track of the number of times you go to the old channel in a day. Do this without blaming yourself. The purpose of keeping track to to help you begin to recognize when you’ve gone to the history channel.
2. Every time you notice the old channel, interrupt it by stating the following words (mentally or aloud) to yourself: “It’s not me. It’s just the old channel playing.” In this way, you reframe what is happening.
3. Next, turn your attention away from the channel by taking a deep in-breath. Then, exhale slowly while stretching your arms or hands out in front of you. You might even imagine holding a remote control in one hand as you press the button on the remote.
4. Now, say the words to yourself, “I am switching to the present-moment channel.” Finish changing the channel by very closely noticing your surroundings, seeing a favorite color, hearing sounds, and feeling your feet on the ground—as well as your outstretched arms.
5. Lastly, finish by saying (mentally or aloud) to yourself: “I have now successfully changed the channel to the present moment channel.” You can even name the channel with the call letters of your creation, such as K-NOW or W-NOW.
6. After you’ve tuned into the present moment channel, see how many new things you can notice and enjoy. Repeat the above steps as often as needed, regardless of how often the old channel keeps popping up.

Conclusion

Changing your history channel takes time, so enjoy the process. You might try different ways of accessing the present moment channel, such as taking a walk, spending time in nature, walking the dog (they’re usually in the present moment channel), trying a favorite hobby, or having a chat or lunch with a friend.

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If you’re in search of some guidance on how to navigate life at the moment, the self-help and personal development section of a bookshop is a good place to start.

Journalist Toni Jones found such a lifeline in the powers of this genre that she founded the Shelf Help Book Club, which has amassed an 13,000-strong Insta following.

“Self-help was pivotal in turning around my mental health health in my 30s and I started Shelf Help as a way to share everything I was learning, as well as meet other readers and seekers on a similar path,” Jones says. “The messages in these books can be life-changing (they absolutely were for me) and I want to show that this kind of inner work doesn’t need to be scary or weird. Quite the opposite. We are all about celebrating self-help and connecting people with books and ideas that empower them to know, value and love themselves.

“It’s OK not to be OK but there’s so much we can do to feel better, and books and a community like this are a very good place to start,” she adds.

Below, we asked some of our favourite wellness experts for their best self-help reads and top picks for dealing with change.

When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chodren

“This is a collection of talks from spiritual teacher and Buddhist monk Pema Chodren given between 1987 and 1994, the book is a treasury of wisdom for going on living when we are overcome by pain and difficulties.” – Nahid de Belgeone

Buy now

Nahid de Belgeone is a yoga instructor and founder of The Human Method

Awareness through Movement by Moshe Feldenkrais

De Belgeone continues: “The Feldenkrais Method is all about building better body habits and focusing on new dimensions of awareness, self-image and human potential. This is so much more than movement, by involving your thoughts, feelings, senses and movements, this method profoundly addresses what it is to be you.” – Nahid de Belgeone

Buy now

A Happy Pocket Full of Money by David Cameron Gikandi

“Before I read this book, money always felt super stressful, out of reach and hard to navigate. While the focus of the book is on money, it’s so much more than that and makes our place in the universe a little bit easier to understand; whether that’s through exploring the power of our thoughts, seeing money as energy or the importance of being present. – Giselle La Pompe-Moore

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Buy now

Giselle La Pompe-Moore (@projectajna), spiritual guide, tarot reader and founder of Project Ajna

No Mud, No Lotus by Thich Nhat Hanh

“This book has got me through so many ups and downs in my life and shows just how important it is to shift our perception of suffering. This isn’t about pretending that life is all sunshine and rainbows, but knowing that life will always throw us curve balls and hard times, but when we know how to better understand our pain and suffering we get to grow through it and move into a place of joy and change.” – Giselle La Pompe-Moore

Buy now

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

“This was recommended to me by my therapist about six years ago. It teaches the principles of mindfulness and how to practice it in your day to day. As a person I tend to have a busy mind with a forever to do list, making it hard for me to relax and enjoy the simple things. This book has really helped me to find a sense of calm in my day to day and to live in the moment.” – Sasha Sabapathy

Buy now

Sasha Sabapathy is the founder of infrared sauna and wellness one-stop Glow Bar

Change Your Life in Seven Days by Paul McKenna

“This is the book that changed everything for me. It actually took me over a year to read this book in 2016 (originally published in 2002) because all the concepts in it were so new to me – but ultimately it was the catalyst for me quitting my job as an editor and starting a self-help book club and community in 2017 which now has over 12K members worldwide.” – Toni Jones

Buy now

Toni Jones is a journalist and founder of Shelf Help Book Club

Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo

“This is an action (and exercise) packed masterclass in changing our mindset from the inspiring American Life Coach and entrepreneur Marie Forleo.” – Toni Jones

Buy now

Daring Greatly by Brene Brown

“This book highlighted a lot of points for me that I was already working through and challenging myself on. Brene’s writing is easy to read, thought-provoking and funny. A book that I couldn’t put down, whilst page by page being curious about myself and leaning into vulnerability, strength and my inner bravery.” – Cat Meffan

Buy now

Cat Meffan is a yoga instructor and founder of Soul Sanctuary

7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

“This is an old book (published in 1989) and has sold over 25 million copies. I read this book about four years ago and it challenged me to rethink how I was approaching many things in my life, from work to relationships to parenting.” – Adrienne Herbert

Buy now

Adrienne Herbert (@adrienne_ldn) is a personal trainer , podcast host and author of  Power Hour.

Mindset by Carol Dweck

“This book will empower you to develop a mindset for growth and success. In a time of change it’s important to focus on what you can do to get the most out of any situation.” – Adrienne Herbert

Buy now

The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

“This book includes four life lessons and guiding principles that when I read it, gave me a grounding path no matter what decision I was making. This is a beautiful book and everyone should read it.” – Roxie Nafousi

Buy now

Roxie Nafousi (@roxienafousi) is an emotional health advisor and manifesting expert

Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers

“I read this book when I was at rock bottom, it changed my life and helped me get back on track. It’s all about taking responsibility of your life and stepping outside your comfort zone, which is key for manifesting. And I believe that it was that book that transformed my whole world.” – Roxie Nafousi

Buy now

You are a Bad Ass by Jen Sincero

“The title is a bit American but she has some really good positive tips on how to live your best life.” – Nadia Narain

Buy now

Nadia Narain (@nadianarain) is a wellness expert and co-author of Self Care for Self Islolation

The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday

“I really like this book because it shows you a step by step way to overcome things you expect to hold you back and puts you in a perspective of power. It’s one I am sure I will re-read over and over again through life.” – Hilary Rowland

Buy now

Hilary Rowland is co-founder of Boom Cycle

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Motorists in Oregon are expressing excitement and confusion after a 72-year ban on self-serve gasoline pumps was lifted on Friday.

Across the Beaver State, drivers took to social media to boast of pumping their own gas, while local new outlets published step-by-step instructions to help bewildered first-timers. 

The change came after Governor Tina Kotek signed a bill allowing people across the state to choose between having an attendant pump gas or doing it themselves. The law took immediate effect.

That leaves New Jersey as the only US state that prohibits motorists from pumping their own gas. A few countries also ban it, including South Africa, where attendants offer to check fluid levels and clean the windshield, and expect to be tipped.

‘Today was day one where we were allowed to pump our own gas, I was super excited to go and do this myself,’ said TikTok user @pnw.bethany in a video on Friday.

However, she was disappointed to discover that she had accidentally pulled into a ‘full service’ lane at the gas station, where attendants still do the pumping, and vowed to return to the ‘self-service’ lane for the next fill-up. 

Oregon resident Patrick Coffin fills up his car with gasoline at a gas station in Portland on Friday, after the state lifted a 72-year ban on self-service pumps

A TikTok user expressed excitement over the change, but was disappointed to discover she had accidentally pulled into a ‘full service’ lane where attendants still man the pumps

Oregon residents were divided on the change, with some expressing support, and others skepticism. 

‘It’s about time. It’s long overdue,’ said Karen Cooper, who lives in Salem, said shortly before the bill was signed.

‘I’ve spent a lot of time in California,’ Cooper said. ‘I know how to pump my own. Everybody should know how to pump their own gas.’

Kacy Willson, 32, who has lived in Oregon her whole life, said she doesn’t have much interest in pumping her own gas. She’s only tried it a few times in her life.

‘It’s kind of nice to have someone do that,’ she said at a Portland gas station Friday. ‘I don´t really leave Oregon very much, and when I do, I have to ask someone how to pump gas, and I feel weird.’

When Oregon prohibited self-service in 1951, lawmakers cited safety concerns, including motorists slipping on the slick surfaces at filling stations subject to Oregon’s notoriously rainy weather. 

In recent years legislators relaxed the rule and allowed rural counties to have self-serve gas available at night. 

Then they extended it to all hours in eastern Oregon’s sparsely populated areas, where motorists low on gas could be stranded when there’s no attendant on duty.

The COVID-19 pandemic labor shortage helped drive a renewed push to allow self-serve across the state.

‘We live in a small town in a large county and can´t find employees to pump fuel,’ Steve Rodgers, whose community is at the base of the snow-capped Cascade Mountains, complained to lawmakers. ‘We are paying top dollar and also offering insurance, paid time off and retirement benefits, and still cannot fully staff.’

A gas station attendant shows a driver how to fill up her tank at a gas station in Portland, after Gov. Tina Kotek signed a bill allowing people across the state to pump their own gas

Motorists in Oregon are expressing excitement and confusion after a 72-year ban on self-serve gas stations was lifted on Friday

Local new outlets published step-by-step instructions to help bewildered first-timers

Haseeb Shojai, who immigrated from Afghanistan in 2004 and owns gas stations in central Oregon’s high desert, also lamented the labor shortage and described how wildfires, with increased intensity and frequency due to climate change, are having a major effect. 

The state fire marshal lifted the self-serve ban during dangerous heat waves the past couple of summers.

‘Wildfires have been a factor in operating our business in the summer months, when it is hard for our gas attendants to stay for long periods outside in smoke and in heat,’ Shojai said. ‘We don’t know if we can stay open tomorrow or the next day or even next week due to the labor shortage.’

A union representing workers at grocery store fuel stations in Oregon predicted job losses and called the new law a ‘blatant cash grab for large corporations.’

‘With over 2,000 gas stations in Oregon, laying off just one employee per location represents millions of dollars a year that giant corporations are not paying in wages, benefits and public payroll taxes,’ said Sandy Humphrey, the secretary-treasurer of UFCW Local 555.

Under the new law, there can’t be more self-service pumps at a gas station than full-service ones. And prices for motorists must be the same at both types.

Gas prices in Oregon averaged $4.66 on Saturday, according to AAA, and the state has the fifth-highest gas prices among the US states.

Some residents grumbled that there would be no discount for self-service gas, questioning why they should want to pump gas themselves without a break on prices.

‘It’s bad enough we are expected to check out our own groceries now in most stores, but now gas too. We keep getting jobs we aren’t getting paid for and never applied for,’ resident Micky Garus wrote in a Facebook post. 

People shared their views on the change on social media, as well as jokes referencing the ‘gas fight’ scene from Zoolander, seen above

A man pumps his own gas Friday in Eugene. Oregon drivers can now pump their own gas for the first time since the 1950s

A customer fills up on Friday in Portland. Under the new law, there can’t be more self-service pumps at a gas station than full-service ones

Some residents grumbled that there would be no discount for self-service gas, questioning why they should want to pump gas themselves without a break on prices

Other opponents of the measure worry that it could lead to the demise of full-service pumps, depriving older adults and people with disabilities of that option.

‘I have some real concerns that we are progressively getting closer and closer to eliminating Oregon’s fuel service law entirely,’ Democratic state Sen. Lew Frederick said on the Senate floor in June before voting against the bill.

Brandon Venable, a service station manager, had urged lawmakers to reject the bill, saying some customers are careless and that attendants keep people safe.

‘I deal with many dangerous situations daily created by people smoking, leaving their engines running, getting in and out of their vehicles creating static electricity, trying to fill up random bottles and jugs, and driving off with the pump still in the vehicle,’ Venable said.

Others wonder if motorists who are now clamoring to pump their own gas might be less keen on doing so when they have to stand out in the rain, cold and snow instead of remaining in their warm, dry cars.

Republican state Sen. Tim Knopp, who leads the minority GOP caucus, downplayed safety concerns as he described being allowed to pump his own gas because he belongs to a commercial fueling cooperative.

‘I have yet to light myself on fire. I have yet to cause any problems whatsoever as it relates to self-serve gas,’ Knopp said during debate on the bill. ‘So, colleagues, let´s make New Jersey the only state in the country that has a law against self-serve gas.’

The state Senate then approved the bill on a 16-9 vote. The House earlier passed it 47-10.

New Jersey’s 1949 ban on self-service pumps remains a source of pride for some in a state where bumper stickers declare ‘Jersey Girls Don’t Pump Gas.’

Since New Jersey has lower gas prices than New York and Pennsylvania, many drivers from neighboring states cross the state line to fuel up.

In 2015, lawmakers proposed ending the New Jersey ban, but the measure died because of opposition from the powerful state Senate president.

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Author and publisher welfare has been a hot topic in the books industry of late. Publishing houses, trade unions and industry bodies have scrambled for solutions following a survey by the Bookseller in which debut authors reported overwhelmingly negative publication experiences: more than half of respondents said the process adversely affected their mental health. Now, a series of measures are being rolled out across the industry in response to these concerns.

This month, Anna Frame, communications director at the independent publisher Canongate, has confirmed the launch of two initiatives: an authors’ handbook in partnership with the Society of Authors (SoA) and a resource pack for publishers, in conjunction with English Pen. Canongate has also announced that it will publish fewer books so that it can dedicate more time to authors.

These measures follow news that the Orion publishing group will establish an academy for debut novelists with the aim of “demystifying the process and ensuring expectations are clear”. Meanwhile, the Publishers Publicity Circle (PPC) is launching free media training and crisis communications sessions for publishers.

A lot of authors I know feel quite powerless. We are the product, but we are not a member of the teamImogen Hermes Gowar

Ed Gillett – whose debut book Party Lines will come out in August – said that working with his publisher Picador was a “really positive” experience. However, he added that writing a book can be isolating. “I signed my deal during lockdown, which was obviously a period of particularly acute disconnection for everybody, but that sense of operating in a bit of a bubble has persisted.”

Imogen Hermes Gowar published her first novel, The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock, in 2018. She described her publisher and agent as “faultlessly supportive”, but said that she could have been better prepared.

“It impacted my mental health gigantically. For me it was the total change in status. I was 28 when I sold my book and […] I was used to being the intern, or the temp, or the volunteer juggling day jobs in cafes and care work to pay my bills. Suddenly I was treated like the most important person in the room, and it really did a number on me. I doubt it would have occurred to anyone that this might be the case.

“For publishing professionals, for whom this is all literally just another day at the office, it’s easy to overlook the fact that for a debut author it’s a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence.”

She added that clearer communication throughout the process would have eased her concerns. “A lot of authors I know feel quite powerless and shut out from decision-making. We are the product, but we are not a member of the team […] it’s extra alienating to feel that decisions directly concerning our work and careers are often not shared with us.”

Lily Dunn, whose memoir Sins of my Father was published in 2022, echoed this: “So much anxiety comes from not knowing what to expect […] waiting for a response, and the agent or editor who is juggling any number of books and therefore can’t always give the author what they need there and then.”

Gillett and Gowar both suggested that formalised peer-to-peer support would enable debut authors to navigate the process more confidently, while Gowar said she would have liked to see a publication timeline at the beginning of the process. However, she also acknowledged the immense pressure that publishers are under already.

“It must be incredibly sapping as an editor to feel responsible for your authors’ mental health when your own is in freefall. The measures that are being proposed would be great if they really work and aren’t just lip service, but there’s an industry-wide mental health crisis that really needs to be addressed.”

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‘Publishing is a team game’ … Anna Frame, communications director at Canongate

Andrea Henry, an editorial director at Picador, said that publishing professionals are expected to work evenings and weekends as a matter of course. In a previous job, when she was a senior editor, Henry remembers being asked by a publishing director to read a manuscript. “I was expected to do it over the weekend and report back on Monday as to what kind of an edit would be required”, she said. “I was splitting up with my long-term boyfriend that weekend and we were moving out of our shared flat, going our separate ways. It was going to be gruelling. I said I couldn’t read it, and why, but she still seemed a little unconvinced.

“We’re not on the NHS frontline, are we? Still, it is – unexpectedly – a job that takes its toll, because it bleeds into our private lives. ‘It’s a lifestyle,’ is often how it’s explained. It is very hard to switch off.”

Sabah Khan, the head of publicity across adult fiction and non-fiction at Simon & Schuster UK, said that publishers today are facing a uniquely demanding cocktail of circumstances. “I think the pandemic really blurred the lines of what being available for work means – although the whole industry has been talking about burnout and mental wellbeing for a while.”

Through their cross-sector initiatives, Frame, the SoA and the PPC are hoping to tackle these issues. Frame said: “The moment when a book reaches publication is hugely exciting for writers, but it can feel exposing and stressful, too.”

“Often the weight of providing emotional support for authors during this vulnerable time falls to publicists, editors and agents, who aren’t mental health professionals,” she pointed out. “That pastoral care is vital, but as an industry we have to acknowledge the need for professional resources, too, and provide access to that support. Publishing is a team game, and having the difficult conversations at an earlier stage in the process will help us protect our own mental health, and that of the writers we’re working with.”

The SoA is currently seeking sponsorship for its author handbook, which Gillett, Gowar and Dunn all agree is a step in the right direction. Khan and Henry are optimistic about Canongate’s plans to publish fewer books. However, Henry said that resource packs may prove inadequate. “The industry is a bit of a wild west. I’m not sure you can wrangle it into a manual.” Ultimately, she said, the solution is obvious: “Fewer hours, more money!”

In the UK, the charity Mind is available on 0300 123 3393 and Childline on 0800 1111. In the US, Mental Health America is available on 800-273-8255. In Australia, support is available at Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14, and at MensLine on 1300 789 978

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The Partnership Aims to Reduce Inequity in Women’s Sports Recovery and Support Players’ Health and Wellness Beyond the Pitch

NEW YORK, July 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — In an alliance designed to support athletes on and off the field, the National Women’s Soccer League and wellness technology leader Therabody today announced their official partnership. Together, the NWSL and Therabody plan to better understand the unique needs of women athletes and help reduce gender inequity in sports by investing in bespoke research and by ensuring that the NWSL athletes have the same access to Therabody technologies and education as their male counterparts.

NWSL

As part of the agreement, Therabody will become NWSL’s Official Wellness Technology Partner, and will make recovery devices such as Theragun PRO, WaveRoller and RecoveryAir JetBoots available on the sidelines at all NWSL matches. Therabody is also making a significant investment to provide additional products, such as the FDA cleared PowerDot that helps alleviate period pain, RecoveryTherm Knee and RecoveryTherm Back and Core, among others, to every player in the league. Therabody’s technologies can help players recover after leaving it all on the field, alleviate everyday aches and pains and support them in their everyday lives.

“The NWSL is excited to partner with Therabody with the shared goal of advancing player health and safety and providing athletes with the optimal tools to succeed on and off the pitch,” said NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman. “This partnership will not only provide our players with access to the cutting-edge wellness and recovery technology they deserve as world-class athletes, but will also help to support our mission to conduct the crucially important research needed to better address our approaches to player healthcare needs, including injury prevention and recovery.”

Not only does this symbiotic partnership support the whole athlete, including beyond the field, but it also works to reduce the inequities seen in sports recovery. As a company born out of finding non-invasive solutions to pain and recovery, Therabody is committed to making a meaningful impact on women’s mental and physical wellness in a way that is unique to them. The differences between support for male and female athlete recovery are as stark as the facts around their health. For example, 6% of athletic performance research focuses on women, despite women making up 40% of professional athletes.

“Therabody came on board with Angel City very early on in our journey, and has been an incredible, active partner to us from day one. To see them continue to grow their support in women’s soccer now at a league level is a testament to the commitment Therabody has to women’s football and the incredible athletes we cheer on daily on field. To now have access to some of the best recovery products available is something our players and all NWSL players and staff are excited about and grateful for as it will help them be the best they can be every day,” commented Julie Uhrman, co-founder and president of Angel City Football Club.

“Our goal is to support women athletes on and off the field and to be a voice for equality around sports recovery,” said Dr. Jason Werlsand, Therabody founder and chief wellness officer. “Women’s soccer is as big a world stage as there is. We are proud to be an official partner of the NWSL to help bolster the players’ self care.”

The partnership will be further enriched as NWSL’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Cindy Chang, becomes one of Therabody’s medical advisors and NWSL fans will receive education and special offers on Therabody products to help promote their own health and wellness.

In partnering with the wellness leader Therabody, the NWSL is exemplifying their commitment to equity in sports and to serving and supporting the whole player. Therabody is driven by a belief in wellness equality and works to champion access to innovative wellness solutions that can help everybody move – and feel – better.

About Therabody
Therabody® is the wellness technology leader with a mission to inspire and enable everybody and mind to keep moving. Founded by Dr. Jason Wersland who invented the category-defining percussive therapy device, Theragun®, to alleviate his own debilitating pain after a traumatic accident, the company’s product and content ecosystem has expanded beyond muscle recovery into hardware, proprietary software, digital content, and biometrics, that have proven benefits for body and mind.

Science is in Therabody’s DNA; products and services are validated using modern science combined with internal and external research. One of TIME100 Most Influential Companies of 2023, Therabody’s products and content are embraced by the medical community, sports and beauty industry leaders, and millions of consumers worldwide. Currently available in more than 60 countries, including at company-owned retail stores and at Reset®, a whole-body wellness and recovery center, the product line includes proprietary technologies and leverages biometrics for personalized real-time therapies. For more information, please download the Therabody App for iOS or Android, visit www.therabody.com, or follow @therabody on social media.

About National Women’s Soccer League

The National Women’s Soccer League is the premier women’s professional soccer league in the world featuring national team players from around the globe. The clubs are Angel City FC, Bay FC, Chicago Red Stars, Houston Dash, Kansas City Current, NJ/NY Gotham FC, North Carolina Courage, OL Reign, Orlando Pride, Portland Thorns FC, Racing Louisville FC, San Diego Wave FC, Utah Royals FC, and Washington Spirit.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Therabody
Allison Walker, VP PR + Communications
[email protected]

SOURCE Therabody

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Saturday, June 24, 2023

Matt Espeut, Health & Lifestyle Contributor

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While on vacation last week, I re-read a fantastic book called As A Man Thinketh by a man named James Allen.

What made this book so unique was that it was written in 1903, and to this day, EVERYTHING written in this book still holds true, and many of the self-help, business, and books for success are based on what this guy had written.

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When this book influenced masters such as Napoleon Hill and Dale Carnegie, you know it is something special and a must-read for anyone, man or woman, who wants to level up their life.

I read it years ago and have read many books since; however, after reading it a second time, it resonated much deeper, so I have decided to go back and dissect it once again to sharpen my axe and hone in on the principles he outlined in the book.

He talks about the Eight Pillars of Prosperity and that an individual must implement and live by these eight pillars or principles to become genuinely successful on all levels of life.

I will list the Eight Pillars. However, I will only go into some detail, as it would be too much for this article.

The Eight Pillars are (in order): Energy / Economy / Integrity / System / Sympathy / Sincerity / Impartiality / Self Reliance. These pillars support success in any individual and must be the foundation we build upon.

He states that although the details vary between individuals, the principles will always remain and can’t be changed.

This goes for many instances in everyday life, including your health and fitness, which is why I mentioned this book in this week’s article. I wanted to parallel his analogy and list some principles you need to live by to improve your health and fitness.

Remember, you MUST IMPLEMENT these to be successful and get results, or you will be riding the rollercoaster forever and frustrating yourself.

First, you must develop your “why” or what drives you. This is the principle. The details will change over time, but you must always have a “why” or driver to succeed.

Let me explain with a personal example: When I started working out, my “why” was to be a big, intimidating, meathead bodybuilder. I succeeded by reaching over 250 lbs and eventually competing on stage. As I get older, my “why” is to prove to myself and everyone else that you can be in the best shape of your life well into your 50s.

Your “why” could be so you set a great example and be a role model for your kids, be a better athlete, or overcome an injury or sickness. Whatever it is, that’s your decision, and there is no wrong answer.

The following principle is discipline. It would help if you had the discipline to be consistent and work every day, even when it’s inconvenient or you don’t feel like it. As I have said over and over again, it’s human nature to seek the path of least resistance and take the easy way out.

It’s hardwired in our DNA to seek comfort; however, developing that discipline muscle overrides the weakness and allows us to avoid it the easy way.

Structure is also a principle that needs to be present so you are not randomly chasing your tail in search of results. A morning routine and scheduling your life will provide the structure needed to succeed. Plan your life around the things you consider essential, and you will be more likely to accomplish the tasks necessary to succeed.

The last four nonnegotiable principles needed to succeed with your health and fitness routine are Hydration, Nutrition, Exercise & Sleep. You can only win by mastering these, regardless of who you are.

•Muscle loves water, and it will be challenging to operate at your fullest potential without proper hydration.

•Nutrition is essential, as you can’t build something without raw materials, such as protein, fat, and carbohydrates. When you get these macros dialed in, success is sure to follow.

•Exercise and moving the body burns excess calories and unwanted body fat and allows us to build lean, strong muscles.

•Sleep, rest, and recovery will allow us to wake up with optimal energy and be consistent with our routines.

Remember, these core principles are needed, but the details will vary based on individual needs, work schedules, family life, and even your palate.

You may like fish over beef, work nights, have a family to care for, and prefer exercise in the morning, but the details won’t matter if you instill the above principles.

The rules are simple: Take care of your mind, body, and soul, and you will live a healthy, productive life.

When you continue to poison it, live haphazardly, and neglect the essentials, you won’t—end of the story.

Committed to your success,

Matt

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Mindfulness is a form of meditation that involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It is about being aware of our thoughts, feelings, and sensations without getting carried away by them. By being present in the moment, we can reduce stress and anxiety, improve our well-being, and enhance our overall quality of life.

Research suggests that practicing mindfulness can change the way our brain functions, leading to an increase in positive emotions and a decrease in negative ones. It can also improve our ability to regulate our emotions and reduce the impact of stress on our bodies. Furthermore, mindfulness has been shown to enhance our cognitive abilities, including attention, memory, and decision-making.

To practice mindfulness, one can start by setting aside a few minutes each day for meditation. Find a quiet and comfortable place to sit or lie down and focus on your breath. Observe your thoughts as they come and go, without getting attached to them. You can also try mindful breathing exercises, body scans, or mindful walking to incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine.

Apart from meditation, mindfulness can also be practiced in daily activities such as eating, listening, or even washing dishes. By being fully present in these everyday tasks, we can cultivate a sense of calm and relaxation.

In conclusion, practicing mindfulness can have a significant impact on our lives. By reducing stress, enhancing well-being, and improving cognitive abilities, mindfulness can help us lead a more fulfilling and peaceful life. So, take a few minutes each day to focus on your breath and be present in the moment. You might be surprised at how such a simple practice can transform your life!

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