• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • about
  • Pug Partners
  • contact/pr
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Goodreads
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Threads
    • TikTok

Runs With Pugs

ok, the pugs don't run, but we do

  • race reports
  • Travel
  • Recipes
  • Link Ups
  • instagram Landing Page

The Latest

We’re Streaking: Halfway Through The Streaking With The Cool Kids Challenge

It’s Summer Vacation: Let’s Stay Active

Time To Take A Breath

You are here: Home / Uncategorized / coffee + mental health awareness

coffee + mental health awareness

May 7, 2021      38 Comments

May is Mental Health Awareness month, and I think we all need to pay special attention to our mental health this year, more than ever. I can confidently say that my anxiety has been at a high, and I find myself struggling in lots of ways I previously didn’t. Today, I’m talking about five ways I’m taking my own mental health into account, and how those strategies are keeping me on track.

mental health awareness

I’m linking up with the Ultimate Coffee Date with  Coco and Deborah !

Over coffee, I would tell you that…

My introvert tendencies have taken over. Oops. I was always an introvert, but I could hang with people. Now, it takes a lot more effort to leave the house. I don’t want to be this way, but I definitely have to convince myself that I will have fun around others, if I just give it a chance. There’s nothing wrong with being an introvert, of course, but I know I need some interaction to be my best self. I am working harder on allowing myself to get that interaction.

mental health awareness

Over coffee, I would tell you that…

I have become a fan of silence. Before this year, I always loved having background noise in my world, but now, I prefer to sit in complete and utter silence. I even run without music. At first, this bothered me, but I learned to honor the stillness. Just as we can have cluttered home, we can also experience auditory clutter, and it’s been helpful for me to embrace the quiet.

mental health awareness

Over coffee, I would tell you…

That, for my own mental health, I have released things that no longer serve me. There are relationships, obligations, and expectations that stopped benefitting me (or no longer had a mutual benefit). Instead of struggling to keep those things pumping on life support, I just … allowed my journey to take me elsewhere. I have no regrets. Sometimes it’s ok to let things come to an end.

mental health awareness

Over coffee, I would tell you that…

“”No” is a complete sentence.” This quote is attributed to many different people, but i first heard spoken by a woman who I consider a mentor, friend, and leader in our community. No one has to offer any explanation for excuse for saying “no.” If you are unable or unwilling to take something on, it is ok to say “no.” As someone who always likes to help others, it’s hard for me to wrap my head around the simplicity of this, but giving myself permission to say “no” without justification or apology has been incredible for me.

mental health awareness

Over coffee, I would tell you that…

Giving grace has a place, but I also need to pay attention to my passions and that which drives me. Since my accident, I’ve been very gentle with myself, physically and emotionally. I allowed myself time to heal, and made a lot of excuses for why I didn’t have to step up in different areas of my life. The pandemic made it easier to sink into that mindset. However, at a certain point, I realized that I was missing parts of myself, and I needed to get that back. So yes, I give myself grace when it comes to burnout, being overwhelmed, and needing time to process, but I am back in the game by setting goals and challenging myself. In a way, this is part of my self-care and it’s critical to living my best life.

mental health awareness

Welcome to Fit Five Friday, our new linkup!

We’ve got FIVE incredible co-hosts, and we are ready to link up every Friday to share YOUR weekly fitness favorites! Join My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Who’s ready for some fun? 

fit five friday

Grab our graphic and share the love!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

What strategies do you employ to better your own mental health?

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Erica @Erica Finds says

    May 7, 2021 at 3:33 pm

    People always tell me that I’m an extrovert and I guess I am. I’m loud and friendly and nosy. I also love to be alone and to be quiet. The pandemic has made me more so. I feel like I’m so used to a slower pace and not having plans that returning to going out is going to be tough for me (and more so for some others!)

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      May 14, 2021 at 12:06 am

      I think most of us will struggle getting back to that pace and being around people.

      Reply
  2. Darlene S Cardillo says

    May 7, 2021 at 4:48 pm

    That’s funny about silence. Even the TV on bothers me lately. I prefer to go upstairs and read a book ALONE!

    I have a very hard time saying NO. I just I like to please others and put myself last. Like today, my friend wants to walk. I do not because i still have to do laundry and I have a race tomorrow. Not sure i can say NO

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      May 14, 2021 at 12:06 am

      Same!

      I used to care but now, if I don’t want to do something, and it’s not going to hurt someone or go back on a commitment, I don’t do it.

      Reply
  3. Jenny says

    May 7, 2021 at 5:15 pm

    Oh yes, I’m an introvert as well. I really have to push myself to leave the house and socialize, but I’m always glad when I do it. These are all great things to think about. I love “‘No’ is a complete sentence.” Sounds like you’ve had a year of really beneficial introspection. Thanks for sharing this!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      May 14, 2021 at 12:07 am

      I am also always glad when I go out and I always have fun, but it’s just easier not to.

      Reply
  4. Laurie says

    May 7, 2021 at 10:04 pm

    I can identify with your introvert tendencies. The longer the pandemic goes, the more I am apt to stay home rather than getting out with friends, even though I am fully vaccinated.

    Good for you for allowing yourself to let things go if they no longer serve you. I need to work on that too.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      May 14, 2021 at 12:05 am

      Honestly, I reached a point where I didn’t see the need to leave the house at all LOL!

      Reply
  5. Wendy says

    May 7, 2021 at 11:21 pm

    This is such a perfect post-you addressed how I am feeling right now. I see so many kids with anxiety and depression in my practice and right now it is out of control. I had a new mom this morning who is really struggling with PPD.

    I love how you addressed letting go of people and things that no longer serve you. I’m tired. It’s been a tough year and it feels good to let go of that. Thank you so much for sharing this. <3

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      May 14, 2021 at 12:04 am

      <3 The kids are struggling, my own included. Heck, I'm struggling. I don't talk abut it a lot, because it's not my focus, but we are definitely tapping our resources to make sure we are ok.

      Reply
  6. Lisa @ Mile by Mile says

    May 7, 2021 at 11:51 pm

    I can relate to alot of this. I am an introvert and this year has made it so easy to just stay home and not see anyone. Before, I at least saw my coworkers regularly. Its good to be back in the office a couple days a week just to have a little human interaction.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      May 14, 2021 at 12:03 am

      Human interaction is definitely good. I have t remind myself of that quite often.

      Reply
  7. Coco says

    May 8, 2021 at 12:48 am

    I agree “No” is a complete sentence, but it’s hard to get used to! Interesting on the silence — I am still hooked to my background noise, except when I am working. Then I need silence. I think I am less stressed this May than last, but I am somewhat in denial of changes on the horizon that will stress me out!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      May 14, 2021 at 12:03 am

      I never used to mind noise, but over the years, my brain can’t handle it. We have a Roomba, and my husband can only run it when we are leaving the house, because I can’t stand the sound of it!

      Reply
  8. Zenaida Arroyo says

    May 8, 2021 at 1:34 am

    OMG, I also love complete silence. I love it even more when I am reading a book. Sometimes in my classroom I like to sit and enjoy the silence. Makes me smile.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      May 14, 2021 at 12:01 am

      It’s funny, isn’t it? I’m glad I’m nat alone!

      Reply
  9. Kimberly Hatting says

    May 8, 2021 at 2:11 am

    Isn’t it freeing to let go of the music while running? As much as I love music, I really think I depended on it for running (when I was running solo) or racing. It was kind of a security blanket of sorts. I’d get really stressed if my iPod wasn’t charged or if I’d forget it on race day. When I realized I could be my own mojo, WOW. That released so much race day tension 😉

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      May 14, 2021 at 12:01 am

      I haven’t used music in quite some time, and I don’t really miss it.

      Reply
  10. Farrah says

    May 8, 2021 at 7:36 am

    I’ve definitely let the introvert tendencies take over for me too.

    “Sometimes it’s ok to let things come to an end” is so true and such a good reminder. I really like the “‘No’ is a complete sentence” too — I always, always feel like I need to back up my “no’s” with explanations/excuses. Definitely gotta work on that!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      May 14, 2021 at 12:01 am

      Nope. No need to explain if you don’t want to. No is quite enough.

      Reply
  11. Chocolaterunsjudy says

    May 8, 2021 at 11:09 am

    I have always like quiet, it’s kind of a bone of contention between us. I even find just having the tv on mute (Mr. Judy wears headphones most of the time) is still annoying to me.

    My father was the same way, always had the tv on & at high volume too. It definitely annoyed my mom!
    Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…Raindrops falling in containers: Tea/coffee Date May 2021My Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      May 14, 2021 at 12:00 am

      Mr PugRunner is the same. The minute he walks in a room, the TV is on. Ugh. That’s not how I grew up – we weren’t big tv watchers, and while I like movies, I don’t need the tv on nonstop.

      Reply
  12. Renée @runlaugheatpie says

    May 8, 2021 at 12:44 pm

    this is such a great post Jenn. Honestly, I felt so much confirmation reading this. I am going through a lot mentally, what I talk about is only the surface, but for once in my life I feel that I’m managing what I’m going through. And a lot of that has to do with giving myself grace, and just “being” in silence rather than having to have noise around me. And I am totally an extroverted introvert. As much as I love and miss people I do find it even more challenging than before to want to see them and hang out. Not that we are hanging out much these days but, you know…

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      May 13, 2021 at 11:59 pm

      I’m so glad you find yourself managing. I think a lot of people we’re forced to look inward over the last year, and learn to figure things out, myself included. I struggle getting out, but I force myself. we have a bit more leniency here, and my anxiety doesn’t always help, but here we are. Please reach out if I can help in any way.

      Reply
  13. Deborah Brooks says

    May 8, 2021 at 2:09 pm

    Learning to Release things and relationships from my life that stress me out or do not bring me joy has really helped me to feel happier the last few years. It’s hard to do but worth it.This year has been challenging for introverts and extroverts!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      May 13, 2021 at 11:57 pm

      Everyone has suffered this year. I don’t think there’s anyone out there who came through untouched in some way.

      Reply
  14. Debbie @ Deb Runs says

    May 8, 2021 at 2:30 pm

    I love the quote “No” is a complete sentence.” It’s so true and took me years to embrace.

    I used to enjoy silence, but then I developed Meniere’s disease and appreciate outside noises to camouflage the constant ringing in my left ear. Now I pretty much always have something on (music or TV) so I don’t focus on the ringing.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      May 13, 2021 at 11:56 pm

      The ringing is difficult. My grandmother has Meniere’s and I know it made her miserable.

      Reply
  15. Kim G says

    May 8, 2021 at 5:08 pm

    I’m right there with you in dealing with heightened anxiety last year, and even more so this year. I also released things that didn’t serve me – friendships, material things, etc. I have learned that I need to only give time and attention to things that deserve it. I’ve gotten more into short 5-10 minute meditations and those seem to help me as well.

    I’m also an introvert so I know it will take a lot more energy for me to want to go out and do things and be around people this year.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      May 13, 2021 at 11:55 pm

      I am glad the meditations help you. So far, I haven’t found the right series for me. Introverts unite!

      Reply
  16. Michelle D. says

    May 8, 2021 at 10:05 pm

    Jenn, I cannot tell you how much I love this post! I especially appreciate what you said about being willing to let go of things that no longer serve you. This is something I’ve really been working on as this past year has really helped to shine a spotlight on some things/relationships/etc. that have been a drain on me.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      May 13, 2021 at 11:54 pm

      <3 I don't wish anyone ill, and I am always here to help those who need me, but sometimes, I just don't have the energy to pretend to be something I'm not. What's the point?

      Reply
  17. Marcia says

    May 9, 2021 at 6:07 am

    I am an introvert as well. I’d much rather stay home and I prefer silence. Things have gotten very overwhelming over the past year for sure. I’m glad you’ve found ways to sort out what is important to you and have allowed the rest to fall away.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      May 13, 2021 at 11:53 pm

      It’s been a hard year for introverts, especially when everyone else is home all the time. I want my house back. It’s a worker in progress.

      Reply
  18. Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says

    May 10, 2021 at 11:49 am

    This is a great post that I can really relate to! I haven’t considered how much noise surrounds me. I’m definitely an audiophile but sitting in silence does sound very refreshing!

    I have let go of a lot of things and people over the years. Sometimes I wonder if I was too harsh about it, as I don’t have a ton of friends anymore.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      May 13, 2021 at 11:53 pm

      with friends, it’s quality, not quantity. On the one hand, I have friends who I don’t speak to for ages, and then we just pick it right back up. I also have a few friends who are huge parts of my daily life. Sometimes, I feel left out, but then I wonder why I feel that way. If we don’t relate, or I don’t enjoy doing what they do, what’s the point? I don’t cut anyone out so I don’t feel like I’m being harsh, but protective of my heart and time.

      Reply
  19. Denise says

    May 10, 2021 at 1:04 pm

    What a great post! Thanks for sharing. I find a lot of runners are introverts. Do we naturally gravitate towards a mostly solo sport?
    Life’s too short to hang on to things that don’t bring you joy. Sounds like you are doing all the right things to be your best self. Good luck.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      May 13, 2021 at 11:49 pm

      <3 I'm definitely trying.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Well, Hello There

bio
Welcome to Runs With Pugs. My name is Jenn and this is the story of my love affair with running and finding myself through fitness. From C25K to marathon, from triathlon to SUP, from broken leg to the recovery journey... I'm sharing it all. I'm a wife and mother of one, living in NE Florida, in love with travel, adventure, and food. Oh. We have a grumble of pugs, too. Thank you for joining us! We're glad to have you along for the ride!

Let’s Connect!

Follow on Bloglovin


Partners

Click here for FREE SHIPPING
Save With Code RUNSWITHPUGS

Pugs Run 50 States

Search Posts

Recent Posts

  • We’re Streaking: Halfway Through The Streaking With The Cool Kids Challenge
  • It’s Summer Vacation: Let’s Stay Active
  • Time To Take A Breath
  • Friday The 13th: Unlucky Running Edition
  • Our Top Tips For Summer Racing + Running

Currently Reading

Jennifer's books

The Other Mrs.
The Skylark's Secret
Holly
Queen of Shadows
Archer's Voice
Heir of Fire
The Assassin's Blade
Lore Olympus: Volume One
By Any Other Name
Out There Screaming
Crown of Midnight
Throne of Glass
How to Kill Men and Get Away with It
Verity
Wrong Place Wrong Time
A Fever in the Heartland: The Ku Klux Klan's Plot to Take Over America, and the Woman Who Stopped Them
Sisters in Law: How Sandra Day O'Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg Went to the Supreme Court and Changed the World
The Girl in the Leaves
The Pale-Faced Lie
Yellowface


Jennifer PugRunner's favorite books »

Archives

Footer

disclaimer

I am not a doctor or medical professional, nor do I play one on the internet. This blog reflects my personal experiences on my own fitness and running journey, and the processes that work for me. Before you begin any exercise regiment, please consult your physician.
Team Bears Bocce Battlestar Galactica made it to t Team Bears Bocce Battlestar Galactica made it to the third round of the 2nd Annual Bocce Fest, benefitting @stronglikesteve!

This is always such a great community event, centered around an incredibly inclusive event and with proceeds going to provide awareness, community outreach, education, advocacy and funding for organizations and individuals caring for adults with intellectual and developmental differences.

Founder @steph_sanalila does such a wonderful job with this event, making a fun environment for players, creating volunteer opportunities for local students and honoring the memory of her brother.

Visit https://www.stronglikestevefoundation.org/about for more info on how you can help!

#boccefest #bearsboccebattlestargalactica #worldgolfvillage #worldgolfliving #bocce #stronglikesteve #bethechange #makeadifference
The pug side eye side eye. @lunanleonidas #pug The pug side eye side eye.

@lunanleonidas

 #pug #sweetlunapug

 #pugpuppy #puglife #pugsandkisses #pugbaby #pugsofinstagram #pugstagram #grumbleinc #grumble #pugstagram #pugworld #carlino #thetomcoteshow #dogstagram #petstagram #pugoftheday #pugsdaily #pugstyle #904dogs #keelysafternoontea #pugfeaturedaily #pugclub #dailybarker #woofpackbros #woofpackbros4life #woofpackhotties #woofpackkitties #woofpackfamily #dogsconnectingtheworld
Drinking in that sunshine for sure! It was a bea Drinking in that sunshine for sure! 

It was a beautiful morning that turned quickly into a beautiful day. Sundays are hard because they are immediately  followed by Mondays, and Mondays are hard.

Lots to catch up on this week! April is chock full of holidays, birthdays, days off, and events, so let’s get to it!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
About this morning… I was up and out early to d About this morning…

I was up and out early to drive to Flagler Beach for the #Missionpossible5k.

It was a small, well organized event, with an easy-to-follow course (the last mile was almost exclusively an ocean view), with great shirts and swag.

I was really pleased with my performance, and even more pleased with this beach sunrise. I’ll share more on the #RunnersRundown on Wednesday, so stay tuned!

Where did you run or race this weekend?

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Oh, hello long sleeves. I’m here for it. So goo Oh, hello long sleeves. I’m here for it.

So good to stretch the legs today. I was super sore after a @runsmartofficial cross training session last night, and needed to just get out there and let the fresh air work its magic.

What are you up to today? I really need to take a moment with my calendar and get some plans locked into place. 

#running #streakingwiththecoolkids
He’s gonna get it, one of these days. 🍌 @lu He’s gonna get it, one of these days. 🍌 

@lunanleonidas 

 #pug #sweetlunapug

 #pugpuppy #puglife #pugsandkisses #pugbaby #pugsofinstagram #pugstagram #grumbleinc #grumble #pugstagram #pugworld #carlino #thetomcoteshow #dogstagram #petstagram #pugoftheday #pugsdaily #pugstyle #904dogs #keelysafternoontea #pugfeaturedaily #pugclub #dailybarker #woofpackbros #woofpackbros4life #woofpackhotties #woofpackkitties #woofpackfamily #dogsconnectingtheworld #cheesetax
Check out those blue skies! I got to sleep in AND Check out those blue skies!

I got to sleep in AND take advantage of some cooler temps. It really didn’t warm up until my last mile and that was just fine.

I feel like this month and next are really just flying by. So much is going on, and I want so badly to enjoy it all, including the crisp, sunny days where we find them!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Kind of a meh day. I got in some walking miles and Kind of a meh day. I got in some walking miles and some balance and strength work through @runsmartofficial.

Tomorrow will be cooler and more productive for sure!

#running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Happy Monday! I don’t know about you all, but y Happy Monday!

I don’t know about you all, but your girl is TIRED. It is so hard to roll out of bed some mornings. Ugh. 

I managed (finally) and banked six miles in some gross humidity. And now it’s time for some self care and then back to work.

Also. We have somehow acquired a pecan tree? Any tips on the growth and care of this would be greatly appreciated!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Sunday fun day! Just a short walk to start the da Sunday fun day!

Just a short walk to start the day and work out some stiffness. Some days, my ankle just doesn’t want to cooperate 🫤

I have been making graphics and content all day for a client, and now I’m about to do hair and makeup for a little event. Wheee! 

This week is going to be BUSY! There’s a lot of changes to the regular routines (nails, a digital learning day, after school and weekend programming) and I have a race on Saturday and bocce ball on Sunday! 

Who else is ready to dive in?!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids

Copyright © 2025 · Wordpress Theme by Hello Yay!