Tokyo Tales - Check in on Yourself (Simon and Martina Podcast Episode 24) 

Martina is one of the most mentally tough women that I've ever seen on RU-vid. She is an inspiration to us all. It is impossible to watch a Simon and Martina video and not feel happy. Their videos are beyond amazing. 😊

It's time for another podcast! We just came back from Creator Summit where we weren't making any videos, but we spent a lot of time examining ourselves, our careers, and our wellbeing. We're going to talk about that for a bit in this week's podcast!

You are the realest youtubers on the site. Know that. Appreciate that. (Edit thanks for all the likes)

Martina, thank you. I have a diagnosis because of your willingness to share EDS stories, and I don't think I ever would have realized what was happening to me without hearing your experience. I originally stumbled across you from a Rachel and Jun crossover while I was living in Sapporo having a bunch of medical emergencies. I'd had weird popping knee joints since I was a kid, then an accident made them worse and it turned into osteoarthritis and bursitis. I'd gone to a PT back then, and showed them I could bend my knees backwards and sit in a W shape, and they didn't really do much, because I don't think it was understood in the 1990s. I just kind of accepted my life, and I was young enough it didn't hurt all the time, but when I was in Sapporo two years ago, everything started getting worse. I watched so many of your videos while I was lying on the floor, icing myself, in too much pain to go see the things I wanted to see. The more I watched, the more I realized you were describing things similar to my experiences. Subluxations I didn't realize were my joints partially dislocating, brain fog, fatigue, suddenly powering down without warning, pain that would come and go, fingers that bent backwards when I tried to write or press down on anything, and depression about how my body was failing me at 34 for reasons that sounded like excuses to everyone, including me. I started researching EDS and hypermobility and the more I learned, the more I realized I needed to get an answer to this. The first rheumatologist I saw last month was, surprise, unhelpful and told me there was no point in diagnosing me, but she at least referred me to PT. My PT has dealt with a lot of hypermobility patients, and got me an Occupational Therapist referral for braces and other stuff, and I'm in pool therapy now. Both therapists have confirmed I have a clear connective tissue disorder, whether it's EDS or just hypermobility. Hopefully I'll keep getting more specific answers as I find more helpful doctors, but I wanted to thank you, both of you. It's not a magical cure, but there is so much relief and sadness at finally knowing how to help myself cope with the rest of my life. Love you both.

therapy: expensive watching simon and martina's mental health podcasts and buildaladder videos: free and 100% effective

4:55 In your best Attenborough voice "Witness as the Canadian male goes out perform the mating ritual that is woodcutting. He emerges from his den, freshly sharpened axe in hand ready to fell timbers. He shall not return without a log at least twice his size."

Martina's lil cry...awww petal. You are so much more emotionally grounded than you think. Simon's reactions to you are also so precious.

Martina's comfy bear hoodie. ❤😻😻 Thank you. I needed a break from my brain. ❤

I was watching Japanology plus #118 on Tokyo alleys and backstreets and they did a piece on Kichijoji. I believe they said the area began as a black market after World War II and interviewed one of the original merchants who lived there at the time. I thought of you guys. You guys have some brilliant discussions. It's past my bed time but I always find your perspectives surprisingly useful. My body also reacts to red wine and sugary candy. (I get brain fog, not farts.) I also do intermittent fasting and it seems that when your digestive system is empty for a while the effects of certain foods such as sugar really stand out. We seem to grow wiser as we age but it may be that the reserves that a young body has to overcome adverse conditions diminish with age. The weather, the pollen count, the amount of sunlight as well as our body's condition all can affect out moods. You are absolutely right: we have to figure out what is actually causing our low points before we wrongly blame the people or situations around us. Doing that just leads to frustration and unhappiness. I agree with virtually everything you said from my own experience. You put me in a very good mood. I shall have a good nights sleep. Thanks for your beautiful insights.

Can I just say that I'm incredibly proud of you? You've grown so much. You now have this perfect balance of addressing important topics in such a casual way, with just the right amount of dirty jokes and amazing pacing. It's so heartfelt. You really are making a difference for so many. So thank you! I am so proud of you.

I've been having a really tough year. It's both been the best and the worst year of my life. My depression has gotten so much worse and I've been prescribed dosage after dosage of antidepressants and I'm just waiting for something to help. I've come to the point where I dont know why im still bothered fighting, it's just become so tiring. I'm so tired. Your videos help a lot, they really do. Your podcasts help me relax and I know I'm not alone in this fight. Thanks

Hi! I'm studying to be an occupational therapist, and a huge component of a research study I'm doing for my school is mindfulness! I think it's so amazing how you're able to intuitively understand mindfulness and the effects it has to the body. Studies have shown performing mindful activities (whether it be breathing, body scans, activities that you enjoy) that has the ability to stop your mind from ruminating on thoughts, that these activities have a promising effect on relieving symptoms of depression and anxiety, and boosting quality of life. :) I really, really love how you're putting this out in the universe!

I'm glad to hear these kind of self help and self health talks from you lately because I've been struggling a bit. It took taking to someone at the doctor to realize that you guys were trying to teach us some self care methods! I appreciate it. ❤️ Random: Lol, the ad on this video was for a special beard comb. 😂

You guys are pure feel-good vibes. Please write a book, I will read it 10 times and share it with all my family and friends :)

I love you guys. My 6 year old son and I have been watching your videos together for his entire life. ❤️ from 🇨🇦

Martina, I also have EDS, and your theory about chronic pain tricking the brain makes sense; I highly recommend the podcast “Like Body, Like Mind,” it explores the science behind chronic pain- and how mindfulness is huge in changing the brain’s patterns to thus turn down the dial on pain. Building a ladder is a fun mindfulness game for me; finding something I’m grateful for, finding a way I can help or do something to bring a smile- keeps me present, but gets me out of the body pain and anxious headspace. Thank you 💜

I wish everyone could be as forward thinking as you two. A lot of mental health awareness encourages us to check in on our friends, but even more importantly, are we checking in on ourselves. Especially when others can't possibly understand exactly how we feel, compounded further when we are unable to understand it ourselves. Thank you for sharing EVERYTHING and helping us as your viewers come to terms with our selves. I've been struggling with some health problems this last year and people tell me oh it will pass. Suck it up, or "be healthier". It's a processing figuring it all out, but instead of looking to others for solutions, I need to focus on what my body and mind are telling me.

This reminds me of finally being diagnosed with Gluten Intolorance, PCOS, depression, anxiety, a severely low Thyroid after YEARS of being told that I felt sick and exhausted basically 24/7 was just simply because I was fat. I am now on the proper medications and while some days are brighter than others, I have slowly begun building my little ladder. Love watching u guys and no matter how dark my days get from time to time, I just put ur videos on auto play and find myself smiling. Martina and Simon, u guys are totally awesome and I love how much u guys appreciate and take care of each other. I hope u guys have more and more adventures and good days with each other. Cheers from Tennessee in the USA!

this topic is extremely important and under-discussed and ought to be discussed in schools. as a 28 yr old, I understand a lot more about myself now and why I sometimes behave in certain aggressive/depressed/ suicidal ways, but when i was younger I just felt that I was doomed without cause. What i do now is i track my moods after what i eat, my period, my achievements, my sleep, whatever it is that i can track i track. this grew a sense of kindness and understanding towards myself.

A few weeks ago I fell down the stairs and tore a bunch of ligaments in my ankle. I couldn’t walk at all for a week and then found out I’d developed blood clots in my leg and had to go to emergency. I had to take time off work and then work from home. I still don’t know how severe the damage is, and I’m waiting on some mri results that may tell me I’ll heal fine or may tell me I need surgery or have permanent damage. I’m back at work but I have to use a moonboot and my ankle still gets really swollen and sore, and just getting from one place to another can be really painful and exhausting. The last few weeks have been a real emotional rollercoaster coaster for me - I’ve felt so incredibly low (especially when I couldn’t walk or was in agony when I tried), and also incredibly grateful and happy to have my wonderful husband and family looking after me. I’ve always loved your videos, Simon and Martina. But right now they are really helping me. They are helping me process the pain and the negative feelings that come with that pain. They are also helping me deal with the uncertainty of whether my ankle will heal and whether I’ll be able to do the things I’ve always done, which is often much worse than the pain. Thank you for sharing your struggles and your joys. I’ve really been focusing on building my ladder - on celebrating each little victory. And your videos have helped me to do that. 🌈🌸🍄

I studied abroad in Kichijoji years ago and your love of Kichijoji brings joy to my heart that more people know it's the best part of Japan!

I've heard seasonal depression, and been living with pain, exhaustion and stomach issues that I just thought were a part od life. I was finally diagnosed with fibromyalgia, started making further changes to my diet and I felt an enormous difference in just a couple of weeks. I know it'll get worse as I age and have more age related issues but watching your channel really inspired me to make the changes and educate myself on this disorder.

Great video. 🥰 I think acknowledging emotions is huge. We as a society always say, "How are you?" "Fine/good." This can subtlety imply that if you're not happy something is wrong and needs fixing. Not always. Sometimes you just have to acknowledge how you feel, be present with that emotion for a bit and honor the truth of it, then you can move on healthily. Repressed emotions have a tendency to become zombies later.

I’ve been going through a rough patch with my health for the past month again with the addition of bronchitis so I’ll definitely be watching this to cheer me up. You guys always post videos whenever I need them. Thank you♡ I’m going to keep building my ladder day by day.

I really needed this today.i've been going to doctor's appointments for the last two weeks.Trying to understand my new symptoms.Yesterday,I was talking with my managers and he said and I quote "Did you ever think your symptoms are from getting old (chuckles a little)." No, sir I have a chronic illness and I never thought my symptoms are from "getting old". People are so I'll informed.

My mom died in March. It is absolutely the hardest thing i deal with. There are days i am relieved that she is no longer in pain and others where i’m angry at it having to be my mom. But the hardest days are the ones when i don’t feel 100% and just need that care that a mommy gives. I understand Martina’s present reaction to the way you feel during and after illnesses - whether your own or others. mindfulness applies to so many things. appreciate you guys!

Hi guys. I've been a LOOOONG time watcher since you posted how to use your Korean washing machine but never posted/commented. A few years ago I became diagnosed with a super rare condition and became really depressed because of it. I'm still working every day on how to manage my body and keep my mind in a good space. Sometimes it's hard and some times it's easy. I'm grateful that you guys are willing to share these happenings in your life with us. It reassures me that "hey, I'm learning this too. I can get through this". You're right about getting rid of junk food friends and listening to your body. The little people I keep around me are the best and most supportive people in my life. I'm so blessed. I've adjusted my diet so much in an attempt to figure out what makes me feel more energy (my condition basically has my muscles atrophy from over use and makes it hard for me to recover) by listening to my body.

There is definitely loads of scientific evidence behind chronic pain actually affecting the chemical make-up in your brain and making you lean more towards depression, so that depression & anxiety are actually very common in the chronic pain population. So you're definitely on the right track with that thinking, Martina! Since having my own issues a few years ago, I've always tried to practice mindfulness, and I find it very beneficial, both to myself and to my relationships. When I'm feeling down or insecure, I start thinking about what might be causing it, and it allows me to adjust my day according to my needs, and address the issues that need to be addressed. It also helps me in treating my partner well, because I'm able to tell him when I'm having a shitty physical day, and so need more reassurance or understanding, and to clock myself if I'm being irritable and am about to take it out on him. It also helps with arguments because I'm able to address what is actually upsetting me, and do so in a calm way so that we can actually discuss it and work on it. So what I'm trying to say, really, is that I'm very scientific and often skeptical of ~alternative medicine~ or ~drink this disgusting drink concotion and all your health problems will go away!!~ but mindfulness is so important, and can help in many ways beyond just taking care of yourself!

Fucking hell, hearing Martina's voice crack when she is about to speak about her dad... my heart... jesus. What a beautiful and soft soul to allow herself to be so openly vulnerable but so bloody inspirational.

I watched this at the perfect time. Had a horrible day as substitute teacher and knowing I have to go back three more days is frightening to say the least. It just ate through all my coping mechanisms for other stuff in my life and I just cried after coming home. But this calmed me down and told me to just assess my state and all the things in my life stressing me out. It won't solve my problems imideatly, but I at least am acknowledging what is bothering me and maybe have more strength tomorrow when I have to face those kiddies again. Which makes me a better and more stable teacher and in return gives off better aura for them. Yeah, so thank you for always saying thought provoking things.

I have had depression for decades. I also have EDS and PCOS. I have been truly emergency level depressed twice, and both times it was when my doctor had prescribed progesterone for my PCOS. Hormones are serious business. I also have realised in the last year that I get far more depressed when I didn't sleep well. Knowing these things is so helpful. If I am having a really bad day, I can step back and go, "oh I didn't sleep, so this mood is just because I'm tired and it will be better tomorrow."

Mindfulness sometimes seems like "Peace and rainbows" and then when the reality kicks in it's more like a really dumpy carnival where you realize the rides and workers aren't as safe as you thought. While it does help you get to a higher rung on the ladder by taking steps to look at yourself, it can be really messy and hard. Thank you for this video, I'm glad you both are working toward your best selves. :)

I just got diagnosed with EDS yesterday, thanks to you guys. Horrid doctor after horrid doctor, I was only able to persevere and keep trying thanks to you guys and your videos. I really have to thank you both for the work that you guys do. This video is especially uplifting as my semi-dislocated hip has been dragging me down all week. Keep on building that ladder Martina

Wow perfect time to be talking about being mindful. I was at Lightbox and eating convention food for a week. My body hated me so much after the damage I did. I was constipated for 4 days and had to eat vegetables and ginger to feel better. My body normally can handle conventions easily before. It's sad getting older.

Discussions like this are so key. Thank you! I do think “the body” is a critical study point that people skip when trying to figure out why they feel unhappy or stressed. I think it also adds to the burden because it’s tragically easy to conjure a reason - work, school, marriage, kids, friendships, money, etc - and make a problem out of something that’s fine.

I absolutely love this nasty community! So much love and support all around which is because you share about important but sensitive topics. Always love any videos about self care. I remember the one in Korea with the cherry blossoms. So glad you continue to share.

I have a habit of ruminating too. Stoicism helps tremendously. A quote from Marcus Aurelius, "it is not events that disturb people, it is their judgements concerning them," helps me build awareness of my negative thoughts. Also, a Stoic meditation called bird's eye view can snap me out of it too. It entails visualising the world around me in detail from ever increasing heights, beginning from the ceiling of the room you are in all they way out to the universe.

Something that I've been trying to do for myself and tell other people about is giving yourself a mourning period of things. My most recent example is when one of my roommates went through a super bad breakup, and he couldn't even bring himself to go into his bedroom that they occasionally shared. He slept on the couch in the living room for several days, and I said, "Okay, you get one week. One solid week to cry and eat junk food and drink and sleep on this couch. You can complain and vent as much as you want, with no need to apologize about bringing us down. This is your week. And after seven days, your sad time is over, and it's time to be a person again. You can still be sad, but you need to go be a person again. And it works. Instead of being a person and lugging your big sad with you, just let yourself feel your big sad, so then when you do person things, it's just a small sad, and you're not trying to multitask against your body's will.

OMG you guys actually have made a video/podcast of exactly how I've been feeling FOR THE PAST YEAR AND A HALF. Which I wasn't aware of until the past 5 months ago... Thank you guys~ You're not just talking about something that you feel, but also what everyone else has felt/ is feeling / yet to feel. Thank you Simon and Martina, for sharing with us your inner most feelings. Thank you guys for talking about it :D

It's so touching to hear something so beautifully articulated that's so many of us deal with. As someone who suffers from chronic pain I have to remind myself frequently that I am not my chronic pain. Sure my body is telling me to stay still and be inside and isolate but there are so many good and wonderful things that I want to accomplish and so I choose not to listen to those prompts for my body. Other days I do have to listen to my body. Because if I want to go out in 3 days and do an improv show today I have to rest. There's a real fine balance that we all work with. So thank you for talking about this, really appreciate it. And as always love and good thoughts to you both. Build that ladder y'all!

When Martina spoke about being in pain when she wakes up was close to home. Starting your day in chronic pain is such a hard way to start the day but hey, at least the day has started

I really appreciate your videos! At 27 I have chronic pain due to a bad work accident and combined with my anxiety I have really bad depression days but because of watching your videos I have been able to start building ladders and being mindful about myself. Ive been a subscriber for about 6 years now and these podcasts and many of your recent videos have been a huge help! Thank you guys you are amazing humans!

Very topical for me today. I've been dealing with cold/allergy stuff for a few months, so feeling 'stay-at-homeish' as you put it, so then staying up late and not sleeping well, so then feeling even less energetic, etc., etc. Yesterday I was intent on getting to the pool (haven't swum for a month) but still didn't make it out of the house. But today I just decided not to think about it, and instead put myself on auto-pilot (i.e. shut off the internal chatter) and get out of the frickin house! I ended up walking to the pool (about an hour) and then swam for half an hour, and just feel so much better about everything as a result. Our bodies are strange and miraculous things, and often it seems we know or understand so little about them. Sometimes we treat them like an annoyance, sometimes we want them to give us pleasure, sometimes we want them to perform really strenuous tasks, but we're rarely really aware of and thankful for them. Sorry , it's after midnight and I've had my 2 glasses of red wine, so I'm a little more philosophical than usual. Just wanted to express appreciation for your podcast :-).

Can I just say that Martina's ability to remain optimistic in a pretty crappy situation has helped me a lot on days when I'm having trouble with my delusions

I fall into rumination a lot. And I’ve fallen into that and lost time with it before I catch myself. Eventually I do and, out loud, go “What’s up with this? There’s no need to do this to ourselves.” Having that awareness is important, as well as cutting yourself some slack. That took so long to learn, but it eventually clicked. I’m not always great with that, but that’s part of the process. 🙂 Thank you for having discussions like these. It’s really good food for thought.

I love that you mentioned reflecting on what you said to others or what you might have done the day before and being embarrassed about it. I have TERRIBLE anxiety and that is one of the things that I struggle with the most! I have finally gotten it through my head in the past few years how to not worry about things that have happened, though I still have to work at it everyday. I think to myself "what can I do to change that right now? I can't go back in time and redo what I am worrying about, so let's just not worry about it and focus on things that I can change in this current moment." It also helps to briefly talk about it to my husband, I just explain what I feel anxious about and say, "but I can't do anything about it, it is completely out of my hands", and that helps me. I think having the feeling of not being in control of that moment anymore and being freed of that responsibility is what really just lets me have peace with the situation.

Thank you for reminding me to stop thinking in the past, to stop living in the past. it's so hard, when life got F#*ked sideways so hard, so recently, not to dwell on things that people did and said that hurt so much. I really appreciate you guys reminding us to not live in those terrible moments forever. it's hard to look forward with hope when the life i thought i had fell to pieces in just a few short months but i'm learning to rebuild with what's left and to try not to sit and steep in those painful moments for too long. you guys are what i watch when i'm feeling lost and alone. you've helped me through the hardest time I've ever been through and i appreciate you guys more than you know.

Watching this podcast today helped remind me to fill up my water bottle! I find that when I stop taking care of myself one of the first things to go out the window is drinking water, and dehydration makes me feel just, yuck. Once I'm in the yuck stage, it's even harder to just get up and refill the bottle, so thank you for the motivation.

Ive suffered with depression and anxiety since i was 6 years old [at least] due to how my home life was at the time. You never woudl think so looking at me because due to the negative environment never really going away, i learnt how to adapt to not show how i was feeling. Last summer between work and home, i was so depressed and anxious that i was on the verge of developing a drinking problem and I hit my highest weight from Binge eating [Stress eater, emotional eater... everything eater - working on it] that i was starting to struggle to walk. I was convinced it was purely my weight [270lbs] and was SO ashamed of myself and swung the other way into almost anorexic/bulemic behaviors to try and counteract it. I eventually had a nervous breakdown in the middle of the office and had to go on medical leave. I never did go back, but I finally agreed to take antidepressants, and i FINALLY started to sleep. I went from an insomiac to near narcolepsy. I had 20 years of sleep to make up for. [im not kidding] and even now, if i go out for three full days in a row i am absolutely wiped out after year.. BUT my back pain completely vanished. my weight is the same [lost and gained the same 40lbs about 3 times] but my back and shoulders and hips arent so stiff that i can barely move them. Even now, when struggling to fall asleep i do a mental body sweep and i find that its because im still tensing my muscles or clenching my jaw and have to physically release them in order to fall asleep. Long story short. Dont abuse your kids, they will end up with mental health issues, eating disorders and symptoms of PTSD.

I'm normally just a silent viewer but I wanted to send you a message of thanks. I've been watching your videos since 2013 and am actually currently living in Korea myself now! I've recently been diagnosed with Chronic Pain (5 years of shoulder pain has finally been acknowledged!!!!! YAY!). As soon as I was diagnosed I came right to your channel to binge watch your videos and read your comments because I find them to be such a positive place to find support and stories from people from all around the world. Anyway! I think you're both awesome and I wanted to send you both a message of appreciation! Lots of love from a Brit in Gwangju (Jeollanamdo, not the other one)...

I just listened to this podcast over on my podcast app and I had to come across and say THANK YOU - the universe threw this one at me at just the moment I needed to be reminded about this. I have retyped this comment about 10 times, but I just can't find the right words - I just needed to hear this. I've had a rough time lately and building a ladder has been really hard, and I needed this now. Thank you so so much for talking about this stuff and normalising it

Rumination is a big issue for people with anxiety. Y’all talked about some excellent things in this video... mindfulness is something I am working on. Thank you, as always, for keeping it real.

I've been diagnosed with Crohn's disease for 2 years, so OMG I would never wish for anyone to ever experience what it's like to shit your pants, I've learned to listen to my body, I've learned to tell it to shut up too lol I totally get what you mean, I do have chronic depression but some days it's my body feeling crappy and I stand up to it whenever I can. I've been so so confused about my diet since being diagnosed, there are so many ppl telling me what I should and shouldn't eat, even others with my disease had different opinions on certain foods. So I've learned to pay attention to how I would react to certain things, and it's been so much more helpful then going on extreme diets or listening to people telling me I should have pineapple juice everyday. Thank you always for sharing, you truly have made my day and I hope you are well 🐰💛✨

This past summer and into this upcoming fall season I started running and strength training with a friend and I've been noticing a huge difference in my mentality alone! This upcoming semester is going to be my last one before I graduate. And I feel proud to be where I am today. 2 years ago I had an associate's level internship I failed simply because I couldn't find motivation to do my assignments. Two years later (this past summer) I retook the internship and I passed it! I was motivated! The exercising I've just started is one of that things that made a huge difference. Another thing that help even more so was I actually hung out with friends. My first attempt at my associates internship was the loneliest summer of my life. All I did was go to my internship and then go home to my room. I had no social life. I was afraid to have a social life because I though "if I can't even turn this assignment in now, what makes me think I have time to spend times with friends" and that mindset did nothing for me. I still didn't turn that assignment in. But by working out and being with people, this summer has been one of the most encouraging and confidence building summer I've ever had! I'm sad I had to find this out the hard way. This is why I'm so glad you guys are sharing this message now. Because it's important. It's something everyone should hear! (Even if they aren't familiar with you guys). I say this a lot but will keep saying this over and over again to you guys: Thank you for this video! I hope you guys will keep growing and sharing your growth with us! I know it makes a difference to at least someone out there! Thank you!

I usually listen to the podcast while driving, but I had the opportunity to work from home today, so I watched/listened. Definitely some good advice here.. especially about ruminating. It's something that I've been trying to work really hard on. I was also thinking about what Simon said about cutting certain friends out of your life, and I think it's time to do that with one of mine who had been a super close friend. It's so hard. Things came to a head yesterday (mostly internally not like we were fighting- I just realized she's not right for me anymore). I really listened to this at the right time. Thank you so much.

I've been watching since I was about 11 and I just turned 16! You two have helped me through bad days, weeks, and months. Most importantly you've taught me how important mindset and building a latter is! Thank you for all you do and share. Peace and love from the Midwest

It's been a terrible week for me. I fell and injured my knee on Monday while dancing and had trouble walking and getting around, and I feel like I'm making everyone around me worry and I hate feeling this way. I also won't be able to dance for a while and it sucks but I'm choosing to be positive about it. I'm glad that my injury isn't worse than it is, I'm glad that I'm recovering and I'm grateful that I have more time to focus on other things in my life. I could be moping over my injury but I'm choosing to focus on the positive things

I’m watching this in tears because this year has been a rough one for me. I have been fighting depression as it as gripped me hard this year. I have let myself judge every thought, every moment I make and I analyze everything I do. I have felt like everything and everyone is against me when in reality that is not the case. I’m getting help soon and this has helped me understand it’s okay to not be okay but don’t let that rule your life.

it's really hard for me to check in with myself and be kind to myself when I've been taught by family to hate myself & hold things in and never say anything about how I feel to anyone because I'm not worth the time. I don't know any other way to think and it's hard to break out of certain habits. Even when I have a chronic illness now as an adult, I hate to admit it but I'm worse on myself than my family members were when I was a child & more than my chronic pain beating my body down on a daily basis. My depression is 8000x worse since getting diagnosed 4 years ago because now I feel like a burden because I have to rely on people for things. But in the small grey area I have where I don't feel like this, I do watch your videos to help me cope and not think about these things, even if for a few minutes or a few hours so thank you for telling me to try to be positive and find things to be happy about in the day despite all the bad stuff and still build a ladder no matter how small the rung is, it's so damn hard but I'm trying...

I found you guys about a year ago but I didn't start catch up on your videos until a couple of weeks ago. I have had seasonal depression since I was about 20 and before that I had years of horrific eczema that had nearly turned into full blown autoimmune disorder before I found out I was very gluten sensitive. Identify with the chronic pain issues you're experiencing so much, and I'm so grateful you guys discuss these issues so candidly. I'm glad I found you and you're inspiring me to push through the winter blues I have coming up with more gusto than I have in previous years. So much love to you both 💖 PS (I went to take a bite of gf pizza just as Simon said, "Eat shattering farts" and I almost DiEd 😂😝)

Thank you two for once again making a new podcast at the right moment. Giving positive energy and feeding the ideas and thoughts I am having on, what I hope, my way to a self that is stronger, more confident and kinder to me. Have a great week!

When you are still awake from a long shift at work and their new video pops up. You don't sleep until the video is over

Hey Martina, I just wanted to thank you for the build a ladder concept. Lately my health has been declining majorly due to maybe? stress or some other cause and building a ladder has helped me a lot not to fall into despair. Feeling sick constantly and not knowing whats wrong is just awful.

I hope Martina does these podcast again. Cause it's helpful for me. I feel like I'm in a constant fog. Even though I've had my 6 to 7 hrs of sleep. But I feel like I've barely slept. I used to be able to do a 24 hr shift and power through the next day. Until night fall. Then I can sleep.

I love and MISS these podcasts DEARLY! I Listen to you guys at work and you guys have this humbled yet insightful perspective on everyday life and it just clicks for me!!! I am glad you guys are doing well:) I hope the podcasts continue 🙏 I would love to hear your guys's journey and new perspective these changes have brought :)

I love that you guys are talking about mental health and sharing your own experiences!

I love these podcasts, I love how you guys love learning and your convos end up having so much science in it 🥰 being mindful is so helpful sometimes, no standardized diet works for everyone, etc. My favorite reminder about ruminating is "stressing about something that already happened is putting yourself through it twice" 💞

Ive been having such a difficult week, this podcast had such good timing. I love you guys so much

I was feeling really down and sad last night since I’m moving into my first new apartment and saying goodbye to my home. I just wanted to say thank you, this helped me to get my mind off the sad and to fall asleep last night. Love you guys 💛

This was so wonderful and important for me to hear right now. This year has been tough, thank you for reminding me to check in with myself more often. ❤️ The diet point in particular as I feel isolated not eating out a lot, not wanting to eat the junk food my friends were eating as it just didn't fill me with joy while eating it and even sick hours after. Antacids were my candy. Now I just bring my own food. Everyone has to look out for their body. And yes, just like in the gym it's also ok to take a rest period and come back better prepared to get stronger! Good job on those squats, Simon! And seeing both of you on your bikes makes me happy, too!

Oooh boy another podcast giving me all the feels. I've been practicing mindfulness for a while and it really does make all the difference. Our minds and bodies can play so many tricks on us. We have to recognize them and know what's real and what's not. Thank you for such a beautiful message.

This has been with out a doubt one of my favorite podcasts from you guys. I thought I was the only one that spent hours of my day replayed the embarrassing interaction and some insecurities I had a previous days. But listen to you guys, these funny, happy, strong and outspoken youtuber/couple, speak about how you also experience it and how to handle it, has really helped to understand how to take control of my emotions. Sometimes I want to be num to my emotions rather than facing them and putting myself in charge. Today you reminded me that is okay to put myself out there but to be kinder to myself while I am doing so. I know it is a long text but I just want you guys to know how much you mean for me. I have seen you guys from 2011 untill now and you guys have help me go through so much as a teen and now ayoung adult that moved to a new country. Thank you so much for sharing and always being honest throughout the years. I have never met you guys but you will always be family to me.

Seeing this podcast always makes my day.

You guys have no idea how much I needed to hear this. This Summer has been really rough for me and roominating has been a demon of mine . You've inspired me to make some changes in my life to be more positive and not give in to depression and the anxiety that life throws at me. Thank you so much! Sincerely, a happy Nasty.

Love, love this topic. People don't realize that they often neglect their own well-being whether it be with negative self-talk or eating junk good. An inspiring talk as usual!

I was so happy when you guys were just spreading awareness for invisible illnesses. Yet, the educational value of your videos has continued to grow in ways I couldn't have hoped for. This is such an important topic and, like a lot of your viewers, something I am personally struggling with for a long time now. It's so hard to know if the downtime your body craves is actually helping you or if you need to push yourself. Will my quality of life improve from here, or do I need to learn to live with it? It's a constant battle of trying to know yourself, while also accepting that you don't know yourself well enough to get complacent. Somehow, you both bring a lot of comfort to this struggle. Thank you, so much.

When you first started to talk about building a ladder, I was very happy that you were supporting mental health and effective ways to live more positively. But I didnt think of it as being for me so much because I haven't struggled with depression and generally live a fairly happy life. However, as you've talked more about building a ladder and keeping an eye on yourself and others, I've found that your message isn't JUST for people who struggle more often than others. It really is for everyone. It's what has made your channel such a lovely and positive place. So I have been working on building my ladder and being aware of others. I will certainly be remembering this specific podcast as well and try to understand myself better. It feels like this should have been obvious to me but I wasnt actually living my life that way. I continually try and live my life in a more mindful way so that I dont lose track of what makes me happy and what I can do to bring more positivity to others.

I usually care about others before I care about myself. I put myself second. I realize that I need to put myself first. Also something I learned from Martina's video on a hard EDS day is to dress in clothes that make you happy. I only buy clothes that make me happy. I also started to incorporate colors into my wardrobe. Wearing all black makes me sad but wearing Martina inspired outfits makes me feel happy when I'm sick or sad.

YES I’m so glad that you talked about bodies processing things differently. I’m an Australian living in Japan and when I first met my Japanese boyfriend, I put on SO much weight matching the same amount of rice that he ate, where he stayed beanpole thin. It almost made me feel ashamed that I would put on weight eating things that were staples for other Japanese people. I know it seems so small and simple, but it took me a long time to realise that bodies process things in different ways and that didn’t make my body defective.

I'm so happy I'm following you guys & you're talking about this right now. My docs are finally taking my seriously & my ana test was positive. Now I'm trying to figure out what autoimmune disease it is. I have had really bad insomnia for over 12 years. So bad I didn't realize I needed sleep. Even the explanation you said on how we react without sleep has been me all these years. But right now it's the worst brain fog. It wasn't until I was begging my doc for something for the brain fog it hit me I needed sleep. I've just gotten so used to feeling sick, it giving me depression, not sleeping that I just accepted it all these years. What Simon said is TRUE I had to accept that just because I take care of myself in every form of the word you can STILL BE ILL! One of my docs had to outright say this to me. I even had to process it because it changed a bit part of my ideology on life. He's also right about sugar. A Lot of people are sugar intolerant & don't even know it. Like being lactose intolerant is really being intolerant of the sugar in the dairy. Im a holistic health coach if anyone needs help. This is my passion. Making people that feel yucky be empowered once again!!

What you say is so true about eating things and everyone's body being different. As a BABY I used to puke like every time I had formula, no one thought hey maybe she can't have dairy. Fast forward 25 years and I have terrible gallstones to the point I will probably have to take out my gallbladder because I ate too much dairy over my life. I didn't grow up eating beans and I know the stereo type that they make you fart but I cut most meat out of my diet and eat beans at least twice a day and I am losing weight and feeling fantastic now. I'm not like you I eat bread almost everyday too and I feel great. This is a really important message so thanks guys!

Omg! What you two are talking about is not just a theory! There are many more discussions I’ve been finding online (think TED talks) saying that everyone’s gut is different. More specifically they say everyone’s microbiome is different so what helps one nutritionally can hurt someone else. Thanks for talking about this everyone needs to know that it truly is not their fault that they can’t eat what others do.

I have Borderline personality Disorder(BPD)... So mindfulness and checking in with myself has to be at the VERY least a daily thing. Rumination is a key part of BPD it JUST is. It's both a blessing and a curse because you remember EVERYTHING, the good and the bad (I often being up things from my brother's and I's childhood that he just DOESN'T remember and he's always FLOORED that I still remember these things). My favorite Mindfulness tool is S.T.A.R. Stop. Think. Asses. React. You Stop and Think about whether or not the feelings/emotions you are having are valid for the situation. Assess whether or not you needed to be feeling this way and then React accordingly. All feelings ARE valid, but feelings ARE NOT facts. Ex: it is a valid feeling for me to be upset about things that happened years ago, but those feelings (like you pointed out) don't serve me in any way because I cannot change the past. So, when I catch myself ruminating on things I cannot change I allow myself five (5) minutes to feel my feelings. I cry if I need to, scream into a pillow if I need to let out anger ect. This way I allow the feelings to be let out but NOT allow myself to dwell on them and I can move on. It's taken me TEN (10) long years to be able to do this. And I am by no means perfect at it. But mindfulness practice had helped me to make peace with my past and mend my relationships with my parents and my brother. And I will continue to fight my greatest foe, myself, to maintain those relationships. My favorite quote "A single footstep will not make a path on the earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives.” Henry David Thoreau.

This ep is shockingly topical to how things in my life have been I needed to hear this thank you guys ily you both 🥺

I was catching up on my podcasts and came to the video just to leave this note. I actually loved the shrine festival video that you did. I'm a super sensory based person, and the colors and sounds were phenomenal. It goes back to this phrase that Simon said once, where it definitely added to and enriched my bank of memories. ❤️

Yees! I understand what you are talking about and agree so much. Working out why you are feeling sad or bad or depressed is important to heal from it. This has to be my favorite podcast.

Thank you for these little nuggets of wisdom that help you and us to be better to ourselves and to build those rainbow ladders. 🙏 just this week I took 3 days off work for my own mental health, to just relax and feel better in my own skin.

I found out im pre-diabetic, i lost my job and now im just trying to adjust to this change in diet and get my head back on straight after being fired. And you are right i fell back in my old habits and felt sorry for myself and felt useless. I gotta start building that latter again and get back to my happy place. Thanks for the inspiration

I am so glad you guys posted this. It’s speaking to me in volumes. I’ve been sick all week. I have to tell myself it doesn’t matter I’m sick, because I have two little ones that depend on me, and parents that depend on me. It’s frustrating when my cousin gets upset at my mom when she has to cancel plans because she has random chest spasms and the only thing to get thru it is nitro and rest. My cousin will get so upset and I try to say to her that she should understand it (she’s a travel nurse) and not take it so personally.

Great feeling to know someone gets it and understand what a lot of us feel. Than offers real ways to help deal with it and understand ourselves better. Thank you both. 💟

This kind of videos make me feel so calm and clear about my daily life. Thanks you for sharing all your life experience.

Simon and Martina being the best therapists. 😂 But really, these really det my mind straight for a day. Thank you! 💕

Yes!!! This is so important to start practicing mindfulness and really thinking about what your body can be telling you. In my case, I realized a little late how my birth control was the cause of my extreme mood swings, and even possibly some of my depression. It shook me for a moment how I had never thought of it before, but after actually understanding what I'm taking (and after switching pills), it's easier to understand myself and what could be going on. Also, on the rumination topic, I have a veeery bad habit of dwelling on past situations. My boyfriend seems to be the complete opposite and has the mindset "if I can't change it, why worry about it?" Trying to adapt to that mindset myself is a STRUGGLE, but I find that talking about whatever is bothering me or writing about it and ending on a positive note helps me step away from the dwelling. Hearing you guys talk about it helps as well!

Mindfullness is so important! I've got BPD so I experience anxiety, depressing feelings and extreme emotions every day of my life. It get's better when you learn to watch yourself and see the patterns that are existing. Beforehand I had an extreme emotion and I hated it! I cursed it and why does it have to be me?! Nowadays I have the extreme emotion and I recognize it "Oh hi there sadness, hey feeling of being insufficient! I see you!" I acknowledge theme, I try to name them and I allow them to be there. Oftentimes it's ducking hard! But I can do it. And what I'm currently working on is letting them go! Sure I can let them ruin my day! I can let them merrily roam around my life to wreak havoc and make me miserable! But I can also try and manage them, rein them in and not let them control my every breath! I try! And sometimes I succeed! I distract myself, I do something good for myself, I put work into making myself happier or for short I build a ladder! So it's >hi!< then >I see you!< and >It's ok!< and finally >You can't stay for longer, see you!< Thanks for encouraging me! It's been a tough day!

As I watched all the way through I felt this podcast was going one direction with the "mindfulness" theme but as the topics continued I too started to wonder, much like Simon on his bike ride home, why am I hearing this, what are they trying to tell me, what message should I be gleaning. As I did that my brain suddenly sarcastically said, "This is what happens when Millineals realize they are mortal" and that is not fair. What my brain was trying to say was that it picked up on the subtle message that everyone is different and that the solution or reasoning for one person can not work, or can even hurt another due to our intrinsic differences. To be correct, S&M are just barely inside the age cut-off and could almost be considered very young Gen X if they were just 3 or 4 years older. The power behind what they are saying comes from the knowledge gained due to a chronic illness mixed with a generation mindset that can sometimes be at odds with being introspective or taking the time to realize that you can be responsible for how you are. Take responsibility, pay attention to what you are doing and realize that everything can have repercussions on your well-being, be they your ability to motive yourself out of bed through body-wide pain or a little gas fart after a hamburger. You really are the one who can make the call and determine just how mindful you want or need to be.

Long time lurker who occasionally posts. I always appreciate your realistically positive conversations with us about life, marriage, philosophies and everything between. I find myself agreeing with so many things you both say & finding strategies for my life to.

I needed this today, thank you. I've had some medical issues this week and being reminded to stay mindful and aware was necessary. I've been down on myself because of being ill, but it's not my fault and I need to remember that.

I love you guys!! My chronic problems are mine and yours are yours but we can deal with them the same way and share in our victories!! I love your honesty and vulnerability and then the delight that you choose to bring you along and even share that! I just love it all!

My body is saying "AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! THAT HURTS!!!" and I say "shhhh. Let's just pull through and we can relax later" and it's like "noooooooooooidontwanna!" 😩 My bones hurt.

Learning to be more in touch with myself learned the hard way today. Because my hyperthyroid came back full swing 8 weeks ago. I been out of the gym. Today was the first day back, spoiler alert my atrophied muscles are not ready deadlifts yet. In other ways I am intuned with myself, like my happiness at work. And currently I am not, but not quitting just yet, buy going back to school and loving it.