Hi Reader,
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Let’s talk about something that’s been on my mind lately (& on the minds of many of you, likely): social media.
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It’s a love-hate relationship, isn’t it?
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On one hand, it’s great to connect with teammates, share your wins, and find inspiration from other athletes. I love the sense of community I get from it, and the opportunity to connect with others regarding my random adventures. I've even done a surprising amount of networking on Instagram. (It's how I found some of you!)
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On the other hand… it can feel like a trap when we consider the following experiences:

• Scrolling through highlight reels and wondering why you don’t look, fuel, or perform like that.
• Feeling the pressure to post every workout, every race, every “perfect” moment.
• Choosing training routes or routines based on what will look good on Instagram instead of what will actually challenge you.

It’s exhausting.
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And if you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “Why am I even doing this?”—you’re not alone.

For those of us who use social media, it's important to remember that it's not inherently bad. It’s all about how you use it, and just like many things in the health & performance space, it's important to go into the decision with intentions so you can be a critical consumer.
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When it starts to erode your confidence, distract you from your goals, or make you feel like you’re performing for likes instead of training for love, it’s time to take a step back.
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So, how do you reclaim your joy and focus?
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If you've been feeling the negative effects of the gram lately, here are three strategies to try:
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​1️⃣Set Boundaries:​
Create phone-free zones in your day. For example, no scrolling two hours before practice or competition. (I've started setting boundaries around social media before bedtime and it's been super helpful for me).
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​2️⃣Curate Your Feed:
​Unfollow accounts that make you feel worse about yourself. Instead, follow athletes who share authentic struggles and growth.
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​3️⃣Pause Before Posting:​
Ask yourself: Why am I sharing this? Would I still do this activity if I couldn’t post about it?
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​These small shifts can make a big difference.
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And if you’re ready to dive deeper into how social media affects your mental game—and how to take control—I’ve got you covered. Check out this week’s blog 👇🏻

It’s packed with practical tips to help you set boundaries, break free from comparison, and reconnect with your “why.”

🎙️This week on the Feisty Women’s Performance Podcast, Dr. Kim Hollingdale is challenging the outdated “no pain, no gain” mentality in sports. She’s diving into how true mental toughness involves embracing emotions not suppressing them.
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It’s a must-listen for anyone looking to perform at their best without sacrificing mental well-being.
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🎧Tune in on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.​
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​Let me know what’s one boundary you’re setting with social media this week? Hit reply and share. I’d love to hear from you!
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Talk soon,
Dr. A
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