How Many Miles?
  • Home
  • Journey
    • Journey walking my way to fitness

      Walking My Way To Fitness

      June 1, 2025

      Journey Road to Success

      The Olympic Road To Success With adidas

      July 1, 2024

      Journey

      The End of the Road For How Many Miles?

      September 29, 2019

      Journey

      Can I get fit with PJG Online Personal Training?

      March 18, 2019

      Journey

      Best Laid Plans – Never Give Up and Never Give In

      September 9, 2018

  • Try-Athlete
    • All Commonwealth Games #Team14 DoMore with Strathmore Free Events Kit and Tech Reviews Radio
      Journey Road to Success

      The Olympic Road To Success With adidas

      July 1, 2024

      Kit and Tech Reviews

      Sit Stand Desk Guide for On Your Feet Britain Day with Sit-Stand.Com

      April 26, 2018

      Free Events LetsMoveforabetterworld

      Join Me For a Free Workout with #LetsMoveForaBetterWorld

      March 25, 2018

      Health

      Win a Naipo Massage Cushion

      February 19, 2018

      Commonwealth Games #Team14

      Do More Child’s Play

      October 2, 2014

      Commonwealth Games #Team14

      Libby’s Guide to Running

      September 3, 2014

      Commonwealth Games #Team14

      Team14 & Team Scotland Commonwealfies

      August 17, 2014

      Commonwealth Games #Team14

      People Made Glasgow 2014

      August 9, 2014

      DoMore with Strathmore Paralympic Hope

      Scotland’s Paralympic Hopes in Rio 2016

      August 28, 2016

      DoMore with Strathmore

      Do More Child’s Play

      October 2, 2014

      DoMore with Strathmore

      Libby’s Guide to Running

      September 3, 2014

      DoMore with Strathmore

      Can’t Swim, Won’t Swim with Robbie Renwick

      June 26, 2014

      Free Events LetsMoveforabetterworld

      Join Me For a Free Workout with #LetsMoveForaBetterWorld

      March 25, 2018

      Free Events Never Stop Glasgow

      Get Fit For Free with NeverStopGlasgow and The North Face

      October 1, 2016

      Free Events

      Get Fit For Free in Glasgow (and Balloch).

      August 30, 2016

      Kit and Tech Reviews Road to Success

      The Olympic Road To Success With adidas

      July 1, 2024

      Kit and Tech Reviews

      Sit Stand Desk Guide for On Your Feet Britain Day with Sit-Stand.Com

      April 26, 2018

      Kit and Tech Reviews

      Win a Naipo Massage Cushion

      February 19, 2018

      Kit and Tech Reviews

      Treadmill or Dreadmill: The Technogym SkillMIll Review

      January 22, 2018

      Radio

      CamGlen Radio Does Zumba in Glasgow

      August 4, 2016

      Radio

      Don’t Worry, Be Happy

      June 3, 2016

      Radio Hampden Sports Clinic

      Can I Run? My question to Hampden Sports Clinic.

      May 4, 2016

      Radio

      CamGlen Radio’s Adventure Show TryBowls

      April 7, 2016

  • Triathlon
    • All Cycling Running Swimming
      Physical Activity Swimathon 2023

      Swimathon 2023-A Big Swim for Big Swim Day

      February 24, 2023

      Swimming Swimathon

      Everything is Going Swimmingly with Swimathon

      April 3, 2022

      Physical Activity TRI in the Park

      Can’t Open Water Swim , WILL Open Water Swim with TRI in the Park

      July 4, 2018

      Cycling Mountain Bike Guide

      Take Me to the Hills- A Beginners Guide to Mountain Biking

      June 1, 2018

      Cycling Mountain Bike Guide

      Take Me to the Hills- A Beginners Guide to Mountain Biking

      June 1, 2018

      Cycling

      Bike Light Guide from Cycle Republic

      December 29, 2017

      Cycling What to Wear on Cycle to Work Day

      What to Wear on Cycle to Work Day?

      September 11, 2017

      Cycling Cycle to Work

      What you need to Cycle to Work (my 5 month “expert’ advice).

      July 13, 2017

      Running

      Treadmill or Dreadmill: The Technogym SkillMIll Review

      January 22, 2018

      Running

      I’m Back with a Glasgow Men’s 10K Review

      June 18, 2017

      Running

      The Bishopbriggs Sprint Triathlon Review

      May 8, 2017

      Running

      End Great Run Herbalife Partnership

      April 22, 2017

      Swimming Swimathon 2023

      Swimathon 2023-A Big Swim for Big Swim Day

      February 24, 2023

      Swimming Swimathon

      Everything is Going Swimmingly with Swimathon

      April 3, 2022

      Swimming TRI in the Park

      Can’t Open Water Swim , WILL Open Water Swim with TRI in the Park

      July 4, 2018

      Swimming

      Swimathon Masterclass and Interview with Keri-Anne Payne

      January 30, 2018

  • Travel
    • All Asia Australia Europe North America
      Europe Italy for Active Holidays

      The Best Destinations in Italy for Active Holidays

      August 11, 2024

      Europe Three green activities in Greece

      Three green activities in Greece to add to your sustainable itinerary

      June 16, 2024

      Asia Guide to Mountain Trekking in Nepal

      Guide to Mountain Trekking in Nepal

      May 18, 2024

      Travel Guide to Antarctica Expeditions

      Guide to Antarctica Expeditions

      May 18, 2024

      Asia Guide to Mountain Trekking in Nepal

      Guide to Mountain Trekking in Nepal

      May 18, 2024

      Asia Mumbai

      Mumbai- The City That Stole Our Hearts

      November 28, 2016

      Australia Noosa National Park

      Best of Queensland : A walk in Noosa National Park

      August 21, 2016

      Australia

      Best of Queensland : Glasshouse Mountains Walk

      August 14, 2016

      Australia

      Salty Dog Sea Kayaking in the Whitsundays

      July 26, 2016

      Australia Fraser Island Tour

      Fraser Island Tour with Fraser Explorer Tours

      July 18, 2016

      Europe Italy for Active Holidays

      The Best Destinations in Italy for Active Holidays

      August 11, 2024

      Europe Three green activities in Greece

      Three green activities in Greece to add to your sustainable itinerary

      June 16, 2024

      Europe fitness holidays in france

      The Best Destinations for Fitness Holidays in France

      May 18, 2024

      Europe Fitness holidays in Portugal

      The Best Destinations for Fitness Holidays In Portugal 

      May 3, 2024

      North America TWA Hotel

      TWA Hotel, NYC. A View to a Thrill

      July 27, 2023

  • FSEM Lay View
  • British Medical Journal Blog
  • Home
  • Journey
    • Journey walking my way to fitness

      Walking My Way To Fitness

      June 1, 2025

      Journey Road to Success

      The Olympic Road To Success With adidas

      July 1, 2024

      Journey

      The End of the Road For How Many Miles?

      September 29, 2019

      Journey

      Can I get fit with PJG Online Personal Training?

      March 18, 2019

      Journey

      Best Laid Plans – Never Give Up and Never Give In

      September 9, 2018

  • Try-Athlete
    • All Commonwealth Games #Team14 DoMore with Strathmore Free Events Kit and Tech Reviews Radio
      Journey Road to Success

      The Olympic Road To Success With adidas

      July 1, 2024

      Kit and Tech Reviews

      Sit Stand Desk Guide for On Your Feet Britain Day with Sit-Stand.Com

      April 26, 2018

      Free Events LetsMoveforabetterworld

      Join Me For a Free Workout with #LetsMoveForaBetterWorld

      March 25, 2018

      Health

      Win a Naipo Massage Cushion

      February 19, 2018

      Commonwealth Games #Team14

      Do More Child’s Play

      October 2, 2014

      Commonwealth Games #Team14

      Libby’s Guide to Running

      September 3, 2014

      Commonwealth Games #Team14

      Team14 & Team Scotland Commonwealfies

      August 17, 2014

      Commonwealth Games #Team14

      People Made Glasgow 2014

      August 9, 2014

      DoMore with Strathmore Paralympic Hope

      Scotland’s Paralympic Hopes in Rio 2016

      August 28, 2016

      DoMore with Strathmore

      Do More Child’s Play

      October 2, 2014

      DoMore with Strathmore

      Libby’s Guide to Running

      September 3, 2014

      DoMore with Strathmore

      Can’t Swim, Won’t Swim with Robbie Renwick

      June 26, 2014

      Free Events LetsMoveforabetterworld

      Join Me For a Free Workout with #LetsMoveForaBetterWorld

      March 25, 2018

      Free Events Never Stop Glasgow

      Get Fit For Free with NeverStopGlasgow and The North Face

      October 1, 2016

      Free Events

      Get Fit For Free in Glasgow (and Balloch).

      August 30, 2016

      Kit and Tech Reviews Road to Success

      The Olympic Road To Success With adidas

      July 1, 2024

      Kit and Tech Reviews

      Sit Stand Desk Guide for On Your Feet Britain Day with Sit-Stand.Com

      April 26, 2018

      Kit and Tech Reviews

      Win a Naipo Massage Cushion

      February 19, 2018

      Kit and Tech Reviews

      Treadmill or Dreadmill: The Technogym SkillMIll Review

      January 22, 2018

      Radio

      CamGlen Radio Does Zumba in Glasgow

      August 4, 2016

      Radio

      Don’t Worry, Be Happy

      June 3, 2016

      Radio Hampden Sports Clinic

      Can I Run? My question to Hampden Sports Clinic.

      May 4, 2016

      Radio

      CamGlen Radio’s Adventure Show TryBowls

      April 7, 2016

  • Triathlon
    • All Cycling Running Swimming
      Physical Activity Swimathon 2023

      Swimathon 2023-A Big Swim for Big Swim Day

      February 24, 2023

      Swimming Swimathon

      Everything is Going Swimmingly with Swimathon

      April 3, 2022

      Physical Activity TRI in the Park

      Can’t Open Water Swim , WILL Open Water Swim with TRI in the Park

      July 4, 2018

      Cycling Mountain Bike Guide

      Take Me to the Hills- A Beginners Guide to Mountain Biking

      June 1, 2018

      Cycling Mountain Bike Guide

      Take Me to the Hills- A Beginners Guide to Mountain Biking

      June 1, 2018

      Cycling

      Bike Light Guide from Cycle Republic

      December 29, 2017

      Cycling What to Wear on Cycle to Work Day

      What to Wear on Cycle to Work Day?

      September 11, 2017

      Cycling Cycle to Work

      What you need to Cycle to Work (my 5 month “expert’ advice).

      July 13, 2017

      Running

      Treadmill or Dreadmill: The Technogym SkillMIll Review

      January 22, 2018

      Running

      I’m Back with a Glasgow Men’s 10K Review

      June 18, 2017

      Running

      The Bishopbriggs Sprint Triathlon Review

      May 8, 2017

      Running

      End Great Run Herbalife Partnership

      April 22, 2017

      Swimming Swimathon 2023

      Swimathon 2023-A Big Swim for Big Swim Day

      February 24, 2023

      Swimming Swimathon

      Everything is Going Swimmingly with Swimathon

      April 3, 2022

      Swimming TRI in the Park

      Can’t Open Water Swim , WILL Open Water Swim with TRI in the Park

      July 4, 2018

      Swimming

      Swimathon Masterclass and Interview with Keri-Anne Payne

      January 30, 2018

  • Travel
    • All Asia Australia Europe North America
      Europe Italy for Active Holidays

      The Best Destinations in Italy for Active Holidays

      August 11, 2024

      Europe Three green activities in Greece

      Three green activities in Greece to add to your sustainable itinerary

      June 16, 2024

      Asia Guide to Mountain Trekking in Nepal

      Guide to Mountain Trekking in Nepal

      May 18, 2024

      Travel Guide to Antarctica Expeditions

      Guide to Antarctica Expeditions

      May 18, 2024

      Asia Guide to Mountain Trekking in Nepal

      Guide to Mountain Trekking in Nepal

      May 18, 2024

      Asia Mumbai

      Mumbai- The City That Stole Our Hearts

      November 28, 2016

      Australia Noosa National Park

      Best of Queensland : A walk in Noosa National Park

      August 21, 2016

      Australia

      Best of Queensland : Glasshouse Mountains Walk

      August 14, 2016

      Australia

      Salty Dog Sea Kayaking in the Whitsundays

      July 26, 2016

      Australia Fraser Island Tour

      Fraser Island Tour with Fraser Explorer Tours

      July 18, 2016

      Europe Italy for Active Holidays

      The Best Destinations in Italy for Active Holidays

      August 11, 2024

      Europe Three green activities in Greece

      Three green activities in Greece to add to your sustainable itinerary

      June 16, 2024

      Europe fitness holidays in france

      The Best Destinations for Fitness Holidays in France

      May 18, 2024

      Europe Fitness holidays in Portugal

      The Best Destinations for Fitness Holidays In Portugal 

      May 3, 2024

      North America TWA Hotel

      TWA Hotel, NYC. A View to a Thrill

      July 27, 2023

  • FSEM Lay View
  • British Medical Journal Blog

How Many Miles?

Try Athlete and Active Traveller

Physical Activity

Thrive: Feel Stress Free Review and Giveaway

written by Stephen Morrison March 16, 2018

I have never hidden that I have deep rooted insecurities and anxieties. My relationship with food; my constant seeking of recognition, attention and adoration and the very fact that I commit to writing many of my thoughts, fears and ambitions so openly are all manifestations of my, at times, fragile mind.

While I always try to be and look happy, my mask regularly slips and you might have seen me retreat into a corner, before slipping out of the door or learned that I had withdrawn, often last minute, from a race or event. It is not that I did want to stay or had no wish to participate; I simply felt that I did not belong. That I was the wrong person in the wrong place.

Much if this is down to how I feel about how I look and how I feel others feel about how I look. So many feelings.

But, then, my weight problems are also a product of my early life. While I received (and still receive) so much love from many, one person’s actions have scarred me for life.

Dad, I hate you!

Yes, I have daddy issues. Not so much that he did not pay me enough attention, but how he visited his rage, his own insecurities and his frustration upon me. While he might still contest that it was for my own good, memories of huddling in a corner, whimpering and hyperventilating through fear are ingrained in my mind. Rather than remembering the love lavished on me by my mum, my life and behaviours have been shaped too much by the lack of love and the excess of violence from my father.

Yes, dad, you did succeed in making me the man I am today (yes, he actually said this!!).

Most of us have imperfections and we are all a product of nurture and nature.  I do acknowledge my failings and I have been trying to correct, or more accurately, control some of my behaviours.

I have been taking supplements like Pharmaton and 5HTP to try and chemically alter my moods, help me sleep (there’s another sleep blog that any snorers will want/need to read on the way) and and help me, well….to function, but for the last month, I have also been using yet another tool (it is never one thing, as a friend often states).

Bloggers always seem to be raving about the latest and best new products and everything is always “awesome” “exciting’ and “revolutionary” but if you read my blogs, you will often see how I think some products and their claims are “worthless”, “useless” and often “misleading” (I have a few more reviews/exposes in the pipeline).

So, this is a genuine recommendation.

I was recently asked to review a mindfulness app (available on IOS and Android) called Thrive: Feel Stress Free and having done some due diligence (Thrive is used by several NHS Trusts, Mencap and the Priory), I agreed to test it.

Thrive: Feel Stress Free Review

Now, the first thing I will say is that I do not like the name. I do not want to be stress free. Stress, when managed correctly can be a great thing. Stress is pushing me to complete this blog, it drives me to complete tasks, such as building a bloody ikea unit, and when in danger, it can save your life.

However, stress also has led to me being off from work for the last five months; it has led to me hardly leaving the house, stuffing my face and has actually resulted in my sight deteriorating (I really do need to get back to the opticians). I am clearly not managing my stress correctly.

Enter Thrive: Feel Stress Free

IMG 20171119 115807 2

Thrive is an app that aims to prevent, detect and also treat symptoms of depression and anxiety that you can download to your phone or access via your desktop. With a soothing Scottish accent (obviously) and an easy to navigate interface and helpful robot, it guides you through questionnaires, meditation and relaxation and breathing exercises on an ocean archipelago..

Youtube

All of the treatments and techniques in Thrive are evidence-based, clinically proven and used in real life therapy to help manage common mental health conditions such as stress, anxiety and mild depression.

And for me, at least, they work.

IMG 20171119 163358 1

After a quick questionnaire, on island one, about how you have felt and the circumstances that have contributed to your feelings, you are presented with alternative ways of interpreting and responding to the feelings. While not all are appropriate, there is usually at least one that is relevant and which makes you think about how you might respond more mindfully the next time you feel anxious or depressed. It also encourages you to undertake activities such as playing sports, meeting friends and joining clubs. Should you feel isolated or alone.

IMG 20171119 163506 1

It will take time to see whether repeating this technique and following the recommendations will make me more mindful, but there are elements of Thrive that have had an immediate impact.

IMG 20171203 173922 1

I have found the breathing, meditation and relaxation exercises on island two to be exactly as promised.

IMG 20171119 115903 2

Calm Breathing is an essential and accepted technique to reduce anxious feelings that we can use anywhere, be it on the bus, at work or even in the bath. Whenever or wherever you are feeling anxious, performing a breathing exercises will help.

IMG 20171203 172921 1

And I know what you are thinking: “wait, I know how to breathe” Yes, you most certainly do, but are you ever aware that your breathing quickens when your anxiety rises? The Thrive app has a series of breathing exercises that equip you with the techniques to transport yourself to a sea of tranquility..

IMG 20171203 172850

Soundscape is a guided meditation exercise thats uses sounds to help you switch your attention from the woes of the world; that encourages, empowers and instructs us in a simple but hypnotic way to forget our worries and to listen to the soothing music ocean effects…who knew that seagulls could induce a feeling of calmness?

IMG 20171203 172759 2

In the Meditation area, you can also combine meditation with walking and the mindful body scan is a surprisingly effective way for you to connect with your own body. This might sound like some woo woo nonsense, but I do enjoy it and feel better for it.

IMG 20171203 172952 2

Deep Muscle Relaxation therapy is a method of using tension and relaxation of muscles to help you relax. Thrive guides you through an exercise alternating between the two states that genuinely makes me feel calmer, more relaxed and more at peace.

By combining these three techniques, I have discovered that I can attain a level of calmness that was previously missing and while I still have anxieties that I need to address, I am finding myself turning to Thrive, not just to review it, but use it.

IMG 20171203 202442 1

I have not found the final island as rewarding. On this island, you can create a zen garden; navigate crabs from bucket to bucket and play a word game. While these are designed to act as distractions, they simply frustrated me with their limitations and gameplay.

That being said, I have found Thrive to be an awesome app and I am delighted to be able to share a code that will allow you to access all the tools for the month of December.

Simply download Thrive: Feel Stress Free and input FSFDEC3107 for free use of the entire app to help you decide if you want to pay the price of a coffee for the monthly subscription. Alternatively, you can download the free version which gives you access to the breathing tools.

SaveSave

Thrive: Feel Stress Free Review and Giveaway was last modified: March 16th, 2018 by Stephen Morrison
0 comment
0
Facebook Twitter Google + Pinterest
Do More
previous post
Do More with Ross Murdoch and Strathmore Water
LetsMoveforabetterworld
next post
Join Me For a Free Workout with #LetsMoveForaBetterWorld

Some more posts that you might enjoy

You Take The High Road, And I’ll Take The Paddle Board

January 28, 2015
World Refill Day

World Refill Day with Refill Return and One Sky 

June 15, 2025
World Obesity Day

World Obesity Day & the Soft Drink Industry

October 11, 2016
Winter is Coming

Winter Walking with adidas

November 24, 2023
Sustainable Valentine's Day Gifts

Win Sustainable Valentine’s Day Gifts and show love to the Planet

January 29, 2023
Win a Holiday to Los Angeles

Win a Trip to Los Angeles with Hyprr X WCO

April 28, 2022

Win a Naipo Massage Cushion

February 19, 2018
euro 25

Why I’m Watching Euro 25

June 20, 2025
Refugee Olympic Team

Why I am supporting the Refugee Olympic Team at Rio 2016

August 5, 2016
dangerous coffee cup

What’s in Your Dangerous Coffee Cup: Convenience at What Cost?

September 15, 2024

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Once 354lbs, I now use physical activity to add years to my life and life to my years

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google +
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube
  • Email
  • Bloglovin
  • About HowManyMiles – From Morbid Obesity to Try Athlete and Active Traveller

@2016 - How Many Miles


Back To Top