Mind in the Mountains

The psychology of outdoor athletes.

Anxiety
Scheduling Time to Worry: How to Calm an Anxious Mind

Annie Mueller Ph.D. on August 31, 2026

Worries have a tendency to spiral out endlessly with no satisfying conclusion. Scheduling worry time may seem like a paradox, but research shows it can help reduce anxiety.

Worries have a tendency to spiral out endlessly with no satisfying conclusion. Scheduling worry time may seem like a paradox, but research shows it can help reduce anxiety.

Emotions
Struggling With Sunday Scaries After a Big Weekend?

Annie Mueller Ph.D. on July 9, 2026

Why can Sunday night feel so awful? Here's what's really going on behind the dread, and some simple steps to make the transition to the work week easier.

Why can Sunday night feel so awful? Here's what's really going on behind the dread, and some simple steps to make the transition to the work week easier.

Anxiety
Why We’re Drawn to Things That Scare Us a Little

Annie Mueller Ph.D. on June 23, 2026

Personal Perspective: What a 38-mile desert ultrarun taught one psychologist about why we secretly love being scared, and what's waiting on the other side of discomfort.

Personal Perspective: What a 38-mile desert ultrarun taught one psychologist about why we secretly love being scared, and what's waiting on the other side of discomfort.

Depression
Dreading Summer? You Might Have Reverse SAD

Annie Mueller Ph.D. on June 15, 2026

Most people think of winter when they hear the term Seasonal Affective Disorder, but a subset of people struggle most during the summer months. If that's you, read on.

Most people think of winter when they hear the term Seasonal Affective Disorder, but a subset of people struggle most during the summer months. If that's you, read on.

Sport and Competition
What Your Pre-Race Nerves Are Telling You

Annie Mueller Ph.D. on May 26, 2026

Pre-race nerves can spiral out of control, and some athletes start to feel anxious about feeling anxious. What are your pre-race nerves actually trying to tell you?

Pre-race nerves can spiral out of control, and some athletes start to feel anxious about feeling anxious. What are your pre-race nerves actually trying to tell you?

Mindfulness
Too Restless for Meditation? Try These Alternatives

Annie Mueller Ph.D. on May 13, 2026

For people who have trouble sitting still or simply lack an extra 20 minutes in their day, traditional meditation practices can feel impossible. Here's what to do instead.

For people who have trouble sitting still or simply lack an extra 20 minutes in their day, traditional meditation practices can feel impossible. Here's what to do instead.

ADHD
Why Are People With ADHD Drawn to the Mountains?

Annie Mueller Ph.D. on April 28, 2026

Many people with ADHD thrive in the mountains, even in the midst of high-risk mountain sports. Here's why this environment offers such a welcome reprieve for the ADHD brain.

Many people with ADHD thrive in the mountains, even in the midst of high-risk mountain sports. Here's why this environment offers such a welcome reprieve for the ADHD brain.

Sport and Competition
The Psychological Side of Sports Injury Recovery

Annie Mueller Ph.D. on April 20, 2026

Sports injuries are emotionally jarring, yet rehabilitation often focuses solely on the physical aspects of recovery. Here's what can help facilitate psychological healing.

Sports injuries are emotionally jarring, yet rehabilitation often focuses solely on the physical aspects of recovery. Here's what can help facilitate psychological healing.

Climate Anxiety
Coping With Climate Change Anxiety

Annie Mueller Ph.D. on April 14, 2026

While climate change can elicit strong feelings of anxiety, dread, and hopelessness, there are tangible tools that can help you understand and cope with climate change anxiety.

While climate change can elicit strong feelings of anxiety, dread, and hopelessness, there are tangible tools that can help you understand and cope with climate change anxiety.

Back
Back
Find a Therapist
Back
Get Help
Back
Magazine
September 2026 magazine cover
September 2026
The Power of Enough

We’re all holding onto something we’re sure we can’t give up on, but research shows that letting go can boost our happiness a lot more than we might think.

Subscribe Issue Archive
Back
Tests
Self Tests
Self Tests

Self Tests are all about you. Are you outgoing or introverted? Are you a narcissist? Does perfectionism hold you back? Find out the answers to these questions and more with Psychology Today.

Self Assessments
Quizzes