In this episode of Mental Fitness Stories, host Jon Steele sits down with Landon—a passionate teenage hobbyist—to explore how hobbies support mental health, reduce stress, and build confidence. From painting Warhammer mini-figures to doing Judo, Landon shares how trying new things, making mistakes, and enjoying the process can help teens manage school stress, anxiety, and even depression. This is a must-watch for teens looking to build mental fitness through curiosity, creativity, and community.

👉 Be curious. Stay curious. Without judgment.

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💬 Key Quotes:

• “To have a hobby is to enjoy it no matter what. You don’t have to be perfect.” – Landon
• “I paint my minifigures, step back, and say: here's what I can improve later.”
• “Hobbies help no matter what—whether you're stressed or feeling low.”
• “The hobby gives back. It takes away pressure and gives you joy, community, and confidence.”
• “Start small. Ask friends what they enjoy. Learn, explore, and grow from there.”

• So my advice, just go with the flow. Find what you enjoy. And eventually, when you enjoy a hobby enough, it'll give back to you.- Landon

🛠️ Practical Tools for Teens:

1. 🎨 Use Hobbies to Recharge

Whether it’s art, sports, games, or something niche, hobbies give your mind a break and help reset after stressful school days.

2. 📉 Embrace the Learning Curve

You won’t be great at something right away—and that’s the point. Mental fitness grows when you’re patient with yourself.

3. 👥 Find Your People

Join a club or group with similar interests. Shared hobbies help you feel seen, supported, and connected.

4. 📚 Let Hobbies Support School Life

Taking short creative breaks between assignments can actually improve focus and reduce overwhelm.

5. 💬 Be Curious, Not Judgy (Even With Yourself)

Don’t compare your hobbies or skills to others. Just follow what interests you and enjoy the process.

🎯 For Parents, Coaches, and Educators:

This episode highlights how hobbies can be powerful tools for emotional regulation, identity-building, and stress relief—especially during the teen years. Encourage young people to explore their interests freely.

In this episode of Mental Fitness Stories, we sit down with Nikki Taylor, former professional volleyball player, to explore the real meaning of mental fitness beyond the court. Nikki opens up about her journey through injury, recovery, and the often overlooked process of grieving the loss of an athletic identity after transitioning out of professional sports.

We discuss the power of inner dialogue, the mental toll of physical setbacks, and how redefining strength and self-worth played a key role in her healing. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or navigating a major life transition, Nikki's story offers honest insight and hope for anyone learning to rebuild from the inside out.

Nikki Taylor Resources:

Mind Gym: An Athletes Guide to Inner Excellence by Gary Mack

The Gift of Therapy: An Open Letter to a New Generation of Therapists and Their Patients by Irvin D. Yalom

#MentalFitness #HolisticHealth #HighPerformance #AthleteMindset #PeakPerformance #SportsPsychology #FunInFitness #WellnessJourney #MindBodySpirit #HolisticAthlete #MentalResilience #PositiveMindset #SportsWellness #BalancedLife

jonsteeletherapy.com

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https://www.facebook.com/jonsteelelmftsports/

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What if the most important conversation you have is the one you have with yourself? In this powerful episode, Dr. Graham Taylor — licensed psychologist and trauma specialist — joins us to explore the connection between mental fitness and our inner dialogue. He breaks down how our thoughts can either hold us back or propel us forward, especially in the face of adversity.

Dr. Taylor shares inspiring insights on how to embrace mental toughness and resilience, find hope in small movements, overcome “stuckness”, and the importance of good community and support . If you’re ready to rewrite your inner story, tap into resilience, and lead with curiosity instead of criticism, this episode is for you.

Check out the Behavioral Health Today podcast with some incredible episodes and podcasts including one where Dr. Taylor and I on focus “Curiosity without Judgment” in the therapy room, how it all happens!

Episode Specific link: https://www.triadhq.com/podcast-archive/clinicians-series-practicing-curiosity-without-judgment---the-gentle-power-behind-growth-with-jon-steele-lmft---episode-369

YouTube video link: https://youtu.be/-MFP2ZZWQ7o

https://www.triadhq.com/behavioral-health-today

#MentalFitness #HolisticHealth #HighPerformance #AthleteMindset #PeakPerformance #SportsPsychology #FunInFitness #WellnessJourney #MindBodySpirit #HolisticAthlete #MentalResilience #PositiveMindset #SportsWellness #BalancedLife

jonsteeletherapy.com

https://www.facebook.com/mentalfitnessstories

https://www.facebook.com/jonsteelelmftsports/

Instagram: @mentalfitnessstories