Here is a short description of what Everthirst is about. In a nutshell we believe in getting dirty, being good, consuming wisely, living essentially, pursuing adventure, respecting ourselves, respecting others, having reverence for nature, pushing personal physical and mental limits, cultivating awareness and staying curious.

We write and curate articles and resources we feel speak to those beliefs. That which can help guide us on life's journey. — Paul & Susan

What we're reading...

Illusion of Transparency: Your Poker Face is Better Than You Think →
We can't determine what others are thinking or feeling, at least not with much accuracy. What is obvious to an individual may not be apparent to their closest friends, partners and co-workers. This can work against us or to our advantage.

If you want someone to know your mental state, you need to tell them in the clearest terms possible. You can’t make assumptions.

Likewise, if you think you know how someone else feels, you should ask them to confirm. You shouldn’t assume you’ve got it right—you probably haven’t. If it’s important, you need to double check. The person who seems calm on the surface might be frenzied underneath. Some of us just appear unhappy to others all the time, no matter how we’re feeling. If you can’t pick up on someone’s mental state, they might not be vocalizing it because they think it’s obvious.

3 Hours of Exercise a Week May Lower Your Depression Risk →
Those of us who walk, dance, run, ease into a downward dog, or glide and churn on ellipticals at least a few times a week are much less likely to develop clinical depression than sedentary people, even if we inherited an elevated risk for the condition, according to a large-scale new study of exercise, genetics and mental health.

If someone spent at least three hours a week participating in any activity, whether it was vigorous, such as running, or gentler, like yoga or walking, he or she was less likely to become depressed than sedentary volunteers, and the risk fell another 17 percent with each additional 30 minutes or so of daily activity.

It is important to note exercise doesn't make you immune to depression.

Exercise did not erase the risk of depression for everyone, she continues. Some active people developed depression. But exercise buffered the risks, even for people born with a predilection for the condition.

Filling the Hole →
Professional runner Steph Bruce opens up on why she shares so much via social media and our essential need for connection and to be "checked in on".

I think because I have shared much of my life and journey as an athlete and mom I am seen as “doing well.” And for all intents and purposes of that definition I am. And for that reason people don’t check in on me. People that are in my life. But strangers they check in on me. So I think that’s why I share. Maybe you need to be checked in on even if “you’re doing well.”

5 Laws of Sleep for Athletes →
Sleep is important, period. If we slip into a persistent deficit on sleep we'll pay the price eventually. That said, more isn't necessarily better, sedatives should be avoided, target a weekly goal of 50-56, nap if you need, and don't panic if you start falling behind.

“really, really try to avoid using medications in athletes.”

Time your naps about 12 hours from the middle of your usual sleep period. If you usually sleep from 11 P.M. to 7 A.M., that means napping around 3 P.M. Aim for naps of between 15 and a maximum of 30 minutes.

We Have Much Bigger Problems Than Plastic Straws →
Some good points made here. Bottom line being plastic straws are a small part of a much bigger issue, which is simply consumerism. We over-consume, travel too much, and buy too many things to be shipped for convenience.

We each play a part in the problem, but we need to stop feeling helpless or paralyzed by our complicit guilt. We can rise up. We can’t stop at changing our drinking utensils and shopping with reusable bags.

Cold Showers as a Potential Treatment for Depression →
Additionally, due to the high density of cold receptors in the skin, a cold shower is expected to send an overwhelming amount of electrical impulses from peripheral nerve endings to the brain, which could result in an anti-depressive effect. Practical testing by a statistically insignificant number of people, who did not have sufficient symptoms to be diagnosed with depression, showed that the cold hydrotherapy can relieve depressive symptoms rather effectively.

Certainly not concrete evidence and likely varies by individual, but try it. I have noticed short term mood boost but haven't been consistent enough to determine a long term effect on mood or quality of life.

Why This Powerlifting 73-Year-Old Ultrarunner Wants You to Hit the Gym, Too →
Last year, 73-year-old Judy Cole won her age group for Austin Fittest, an obstacle-type event focusing on strength, endurance, balance, speed, precision, agility, and power.

“People have a tendency to think that because they’re getting older, they should do less in terms of activity, when the opposite is true,” she said. “I want to motivate people to get in the gym, do some strength training, get past their comfort zone. That’s something you need to incorporate at any age.”

A typical gym session for her includes plenty of planks, kettlebell swings, medicine ball throws, push-presses, squats, cycling, and TRX work, along with some classes that focus on core strength, stability, and balance...

There Is Too Much Stuff →
More choice often equates to poor choice. Consider the vast array of consumer options as we head into one of the busiest weeks of buying.