As an internationally recognized expert, physician, author, and speaker, Dr. Eva Selhub is passionate about the power of resiliency and navigating stress via mind-body medicine and the natural world. As one of our iFIT Guides, you may know her from our Nutritional Psychiatry Series, where she brings you along for educational walks through beautiful locations in Massachusetts. Dr. Eva shared her mental health experience with us, highlighting how she stays motivated and focused.
How do you mentally prepare for a workout?
I think about the workout first and create a strategic plan that focuses on what the stimulus and purpose will be. It could be strength, metabolic conditioning, speed, or something else. I consider which muscle groups I want to hone in on. I also check in with my body and energy level to determine how much I want to push it. I’m very goal oriented, so I enjoy setting goals prior to each workout—big and small.
Do you have a philosophy that you live by?
“Always choose joy and love.” If an activity doesn’t support me to live in love and joy, I don’t do it.
What keeps you motivated when you don’t feel your best?
Knowing that this feeling too shall pass. I give myself permission to feel whatever I am feeling, knowing that I will soon be back at the top of my game. Everything passes like the seasons or the time of day.
When discussing the link between diet and mental health, what are some of your favorite points to touch on?
I love knowing that my body is like the landscape of nature and that the earth’s ecosystem is like the ecosystem of my body; that everything is connected. When I nurture myself with natural foods, my true happy nature is enhanced. In other words, I think it’s important for people to remember to take care of their gut health by supporting the microbiome by eating a variety of plant-based foods. Whatever we eat, it’s important to eat with joy and have an appreciation for the bounty we are being given.
What book is a must-read for those wanting to improve their mental health?
I recommend my book, Resilience for Dummies®.
What piece of advice would you give to someone navigating a challenging time in their life?
As human beings, we are designed to manage and withstand hardship and adversity. We have an innate ability to be resilient. Know that hard times will pass and that your choice is either to suffer or choose to look at the given situation as an opportunity for growth, learning, and becoming stronger than before.
Are there things you do or daily practices that you partake in to stay mentally strong?
I practice what I preach daily, which includes morning meditation and qigong. These practices help me center and release stress tension, connect with my spirituality, exercise my body, spend time in nature, and remember to not sweat the small stuff. I remind myself that nothing is personal, everything is energy, and everything can be seen as an opportunity to grow, learn, and love more.
Check out Dr. Eva in our new Mood Food: Nutrition for Your Mind Series!
DISCLAIMER: This blog post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. iFIT assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment.
Opinions of iFIT Trainers are their own and may not be those of iFIT.