Not everyone who experiences anxiety has or will develop an anxiety disorder. Some anxiety is a regular part of life. Our response to stimuli that create anxiety helps us pay attention to potential danger and keeps us alert. However, for an estimated 11% of people worldwide who are diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, anxiety is...Read More

What is PTSD? First, let’s talk about what Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is, since it is sometimes misunderstood. It is a complicated mental disorder that develops after exposure to or experiencing a single or repeated traumatic event. It’s often associated with military service, but also occurs in individuals who witness or experience things like...Read More

This weekend, we will “fall back,” and the days will get shorter and shorter. This leaves many of us missing the sunnier, warmer months, and that affects our mood. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects about 5% of adults annually, lasting around 40% of the calendar year. The worst months are usually January and February, but...Read More

Hey Ya’ll! Jen here. Ever have a day where you are just feeling kind of… gross? Not physically sick or anything, just icky. I do. Today is one of those days. But you can get out of that funk! Here are some things I do when I’m feeling a little “gross.” Think about what I’ve...Read More

Jen here again! One of my favorite (if not my absolute favorite) things in this world is attending concerts. The bass that pumps through your chest, the music so loud that it drowns out any and all worries you have, the way the crowds move and sing together, making you feel a part of something...Read More

“You can’t pour from an empty cup.” It’s a mantra mental health professionals use to remind you to take care of yourself. Practicing self-care is essential to maintaining balance in your life- mental and physical. “Filling up your cup” can mean many different things to many people, but the important takeaway is that you can’t...Read More

Me and my mom at Starved Rock State Park. We go every year, along with my two sisters, to honor Daniel, who passed away. Our family loves hiking! Hello everyone! My name is Jen Connelly. Many may not know this, but I write and create content for Fit St. Charles’ Facebook and Instagram, and I...Read More

Doctors recommend 7-9 hours of sleep each night for adults and 7-8 hours for older adults. Sleep is important for your physical and mental health; without proper sleep, your mind and body begin to suffer. Sleep is a regenerative period for your body, essential to any fitness journey. Here are a few reasons why sleep...Read More

Oh boy, we are already in the third month of the year. And, no, we can’t believe it’s March already, either! By now, most people who set New Year’s resolutions have long forgotten about them. In fact, about 80% of people stop trying to reach their goals before the end of January. Your gut reaction...Read More

No doubt about it, dancing is a fun way to shake up your workout routine! It’s a great way to add cardio; it allows you to use your whole body if you want to, and it can be done alone, with friends, or with your partner. But does dance affect your mental well-being, too?  Of...Read More