Health + Wellness
A selection of Sunny’s articles and essays on disability, spirituality, relationships, health, and wellness. Published in The New York Times, The Washington Post, National Geographic, Glamour, Condé Nast Traveler, Health Central, Trail Runner, and elsewhere.
To view Sunny’s articles and essays on other topics, click desired topic below
IT’S OKAY NOT TO BE PRODUCTIVE DURING A PANDEMIC
The Washington Post
We’re being pummeled with productivity messaging in the midst of a pandemic. However you’re coping (aside from breaking laws and endangering people, obviously) is okay. Here’s what the experts have to say.
This story was recognized as one of The Washington Post’s Top 20 Wellness Stories of 2020
WE’VE BEEN HEARING A LOT ABOUT PTSD. HERE’S HOW TO RECOGNIZE AND HEAL FROM TRAUMA.
The Lily (published by The Washington Post)
Over the past year in particular we have endured multiple, overlapping traumatic events. Here is some expert insight to help you better understand trauma and, if needed, take steps to heal.
PANDEMIC HABITS: HOW TO HANG ON TO THE GOOD ONES AND GET RID OF THE BAD
The Washington Post
With the rollout of coronavirus vaccines picking up, there’s a lot of talk about resuming our pre-pandemic lives. But although many of us may welcome such a return, we also may have made changes over the past year — such as prioritizing our health, creating new family traditions and learning new skills — that we’d like to carry forward. Here is some advice from the experts to help you do that.
HOW TO SUPPORT SURVIVORS DURING SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH AND BEYOND
The Lily (published by The Washington Post)
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month: an event intended to create space for survivors’ voices, shed light on the insidious nature of sexual violence and amplify calls to action. But this month-long focus on sexual assault can be painful for survivors. Here’s how you can help.
NO, YOU SHOULDN’T HIDE GOOD NEWS DURING A PANDEMIC. HERE’S HOW TO SHARE IT GRACEFULLY.
The Washington Post
If you’ve been hesitant to share positive developments over the past year, it’s understandable and compassionate, but experts caution that it’s not healthy to do so long term. Here are their tips on how to express good news gracefully, and what to do if you need to share tough news as well.
IT TOOK A 400-MILE TREK FOR ME TO STOP RESENTING MY BODY
Glamour
My rare neuro condition and years of criticism convinced me I was weak. Here’s how a hike across Jordan proved me wrong.
The New York Times
Ignoring our pain can have longterm psychological and physical consequences.
THE SECRET TO MINDFUL TRAVEL? A WALK IN THE WOODS
National Geographic
Visit these five destinations to practice the Japanese art of forest bathing.
I DON’T NEED A SELF-ISOLATION PROJECT. I NEED TIME TO GRIEVE.
Huffington Post
I don’t need a Pinterest project or any other fill-my-time, fix-my-life thing people are peddling.
JORDAN FOR TWO: ROMANTIC THINGS TO DO WITH THE ONE YOU LOVE
Lonely Planet
Jordan might not immediately strike travellers as a hotspot for a romantic getaway, but it should. The warm hospitality, exquisite sunsets, endless outdoor adventures and otherworldly landscapes create a magical setting for making memories with your other half.
6 UNEXPECTED THINGS TO DO IN JORDAN
National Geographic
If you’re planning a trip to Jordan, it’s likely that a visit to the archaeological wonder and UNESCO World Heritage site of Petra is already on your itinerary. After crossing that must-see off your list, check out some of the many lesser known activities worth experiencing in this Middle Eastern country.
10 PLACES WHERE YOU CAN TRY EQUINE THERAPY
Fodor's
What do you get when you cross life-coaching with a large, intuitive animal? Equine therapy—a horse-guided, personal growth experience.
LIVE BOLD, LIVE NOW: TRUE GRIT
Health Central
Determination to live a life of adventure proves stronger than migraine
HERE'S WHAT IT'S LIKE TO HAVE HEMIPLEGIC MIGRAINES
Health Central
A travel writer recounts what it was like to have a hemiplegic migraine attack while in Cuba, and offers tips for others who might find themselves in a similar situation.
UNABLE TO GATHER IN GRIEF, WE MUST FIND NEW WAYS TO MOURN
The Washington Post
How do we mourn when pandemic guidelines prohibit us from gathering? Here are some options.
6 WAYS TRAVEL HAS BECOME MORE ACCESSIBLE DURING THE PANDEMIC
Condé Nast Traveler
While there are a number of pandemic protocols, such as face masks, that have created additional obstacles for those with disabilities, there are also a few new habits that, if made permanent, could make for a much more inclusive travel industry.
YOUR GUIDE TO MAKING BIG DECISIONS RIGHT NOW
The Lily (published by The Washington Post)
Advice to help you navigate major choices during an ongoing crisis
12 ESSENTIALS TO BRING IN ORDER TO SURVIVE A LONG DISTANCE HIKE
Fodor’s
What do you pack when you’ve got to carry it all on your back?
Unity Magazine
Some say Jordan’s ancient city of Petra is a spiritual gateway. Here’s what happened when I unknowingly stumbled into it.
The Independent
In recent years, Ljubljana has transformed itself from a congested, fume-filled city to a vibrant, cyclist-friendly oasis, teeming with cultural activities, culinary delights, and architectural sights to discover.
WHAT IT'S LIKE TO LIVE AND TRAVEL WITH AN INVISIBLE DISABILITY
Out of Office by Mic
“Are you OK?” Craig asked, taking his eyes off the road just long enough to see me sitting motionless and silent next to him. When I didn’t respond, his smile faded and his forehead crumpled. “Say something.”
Lonely Planet
Discover the world’s most energising, inspiring and relaxing wellbeing retreats. From yoga, t’ai chi and meditation to mindfulness, spa treatments and creative writing, we present our favourite retreats and spas around the world to help replenish the mind, body and soul.
(Sunny is one of the writers for this guidebook. It’s available in print and digital on Kindle.)
5 THINGS I'VE LEARNED FROM LIVING WITH A RARE NEUROLOGICAL CONDITION
Health Central
These are some of the lifestyle changes you need to make when you have sporadic hemiplegic migraines.
Trail Runner Magazine
Karst stones, olive groves and the glittering Adriatic Sea as the backdrop, Croatia makes it easy to find epic and inspiring trails to run. The challenge is choosing one.
TRAVEL GUIDE: KICKING BACK IN THE ADIRONDACKS
Ruby Magazine
As our lives blast by at an ever-increasing clip in this age of “instant,” the Adirondack Mountains in Upstate New York invite us to slow down.
THE INTERNET WANTS TO KEEP YOU ‘DOOM-SCROLLING.’ HERE’S HOW TO BREAK FREE
The Washington Post
It’s not a penchant for pain or a deficit of self-discipline that causes people to repeatedly tumble down the rabbit hole; it’s the tangled relationship of human survival instincts and technological design amplified by the pandemic. And we can get a handle on it if we understand how it works.
NOT READY TO BE VEGAN? HERE ARE 5 TWEAKS TO MAKE YOUR DIET MORE EARTH-FRIENDLY
TED Ideas
It’s clear that reducing our meat consumption is good for Earth’s carbon budget and for our health — but choosing planet-friendly meals shouldn’t feel like a punishment. Here are five simple ways to make your diet more climate-friendly.
HOW TO FIND YOUR FLOW WORKING FROM HOME
The Washington Post
For the millions of people expected to work from home during the pandemic, finding flow — the optimal state of consciousness in which we feel and perform our best — can seem impossible. So we asked some specialists for advice.
6 PLASTIC-FREE WAYS TO TRAVEL WITH SAFE DRINKING WATER
National Geographic
Staying hydrated when you travel can be a challenge, particularly in places where tap water is unsafe or unavailable. Rather than reaching for a single-use plastic bottle and contributing to the world’s plastic problem, learn some new strategies for safe water consumption wherever you roam.
TWO DAYS IN AMMAN: THE BEST OF JORDAN'S CAPITAL IN 48 HOURS
Lonely Planet
Although many travellers to Jordan have their sights set on the architectural marvels of Petra and the magical martian landscapes of Wadi Rum, the capital of Amman is worth at least 48 hours of your time.
MY BODY EXPERIMENT: EQUINE THERAPY
Furthermore by Equinox
How a travel journalist found natural anxiety relief in the deserts of Jordan.
ROAD TAKEN: FORGET THE RIGHT WAY
Middlebury Magazine
I was an oddity. But odd isn’t against the rules.
5 REASONS NOT TO TOUGH IT OUT WITH MIGRAINE
Health Central
Why self-care is critical to managing migraine