Session 381: The Mental Health Benefits of Running

Therapy for Black Girls

They say life is a marathon, not a sprint, so today on the podcast, we’re going the extra mile by bringing you an episode all about running and how it can help you build endurance – physically and mentally. So, if you’re ready to go the distance and find your stride, lace up and get ready to hear from today’s trailblazing guest, Dr. Nina Joy Mena. Dr. Mena, known as Dr. NJoy, is an Atlanta-based community psychiatrist, author, podcaster, and motivational speaker who is passionately dedicated to addressing mental health issues and reducing the stigma of mental illness within the Black community. An avid runner, she has completed 32 half marathons and 9 full marathons, including 4 international races, finding running to be her personal form of therapy.

Dr. Njoy and I chatted about how to get started with running, the role of running clubs as a form of community for runners, and the science behind the “runners-high” that can make running so beneficial to our mental and physical health.

About the Podcast

The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed Psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves.

Resources & Announcements

The Race Unity Collective

Black Girls Run

National Black Marathoners Association

Grab your copy of Sisterhood Heals.

Where to Find Dr. NJoy

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Journey To Joy Live Podcast

Book

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Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it at therapyforblackgirls.com/mailbox.

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Our Production Team

Executive Producers: Dennison Bradford & Maya Cole Howard

Senior Producer: Ellice Ellis

Associate Producer: Zariah Taylor

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