“I refuse to be defined and defeated by my past…. I speak up and tell the truth… I never give up on myself.” These are just some of the powerful words from Jelena Dokic’s memorable TEDx speech in 2023 when she outlines how she went from an abuse victim to surviving and thriving. Dokic was a world number four tennis player and is now a sports commentator, author and motivational speaker.
We spoke to her about her health routines, how she looks after her mental health and how she copes with constant social media haters.
What are your favourite routines to stay fit and healthy?
“Staying fit and healthy is a combination of mind, body, and soul. My favourite ways to stay fit and healthy are a balance and moderation between exercise, food, mental health, self-care and being kind to myself. For me, it’s about having the right balance in both my private and professional life.
“I like to move most days. I like to try new things like Pilates and pickleball. Self-care is extra important for me, like having time away from my phone during the day and getting enough sleep as I have a very busy lifestyle.
“Looking after my mental health is really important. Practicing gratitude and journalling every day is a must. So is having my morning coffee in peace and enjoying it for at least 30 minutes and really savouring that time.
“Being fit and healthy looks different for everyone and I think it’s important to find what works for you, what makes you feel good and happy. For some it’s walking and for some it’s running marathons. I think it’s important to experiment and test things and see what makes you feel best."
How do you stay motivated to look after yourself?
“I stay motivated by knowing that I am doing something good for myself and my health and by the good feeling I get physically and mentally when I look after myself.
“I also stay motivated by knowing that I don’t have to go to extremes. Even if I just do a 20-minute walk, I’ve already done something good for myself.
“Listening to podcasts and reading books on health and mental health has really helped in keeping me motivated and inspired."
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In her above social post Dokic addressed people who had "body shamed" her following weight loss.
You’ve faced a lot of flak online recently about your weight loss – can you tell us your thoughts on that?
“I think we all face it online and in real life. Online can be worse because it is so easy to write something anonymously behind a keyboard.
“I have found strength through speaking up for myself and others on the topic and having a voice. It is so liberating to speak up for yourself, find your voice and embrace who you are as a person.
“You can’t win no matter what you do, what size you are, whether you lose weight, gain weight, stay the same… We are starting to feel like we are never good enough and the beauty standards are just out of control. It's ruining women’s and girls’ body image and self-confidence.
“People are way too comfortable commenting and talking about others and we are not focusing on values like kindness and being a good person. We need to be calling out this behaviour and I know that I will continue to do that and fight for the right things, for myself and for other people. I know that I am fighting for the right thing, and using my voice gives me strength and hope."
What has turned your health around for you that might be helpful to others?
“I don’t think that health is one size fits all and what works for me might not work for someone else and vice versa.
“I have diabetes and high blood pressure in my family so I want to prevent that if I can. I have started to focus more on good ingredients and nutrients so that I can have more energy. I don’t eat late anymore.
“I have definitely cut down on junk food especially when working and I am eating more soups and healthy bowls and salads. I drink lots of water too.
“I will always love my coffee but I now also drink matcha. I am adding in gut health supplements, as so much of our health starts from the gut and I am already seeing great results like less bloating."
You’ve been through a lot over the years. How do you stay resilient? How do you look after your mental health?
“I trust and always believe in myself, I think it’s important to believe that you are stronger than what you might face.
“I believe that resilient people always believe in themselves, believe that they can change the outcome or get through it somehow and that they have the ability not just to get over setbacks but learn from them.
“That’s what I try and do and I think that’s the secret to some of my resilience. I also really make sure I look after my mental health after suffering from anxiety, depression, PTSD and so much trauma. For me seeing a professional is a must and something that I am proud to admit because it has saved my life and is a big part of my healing and my mental health where it is today, which is in a great place."
What's next for you?
“I always love the fact that I get to commentate tennis and all the Grand Slams especially the Australian Open, so I hope I get to do the commentary for many more years to come.
“I love motivational speaking because I feel like I give something helpful to people, so I hope to continue that for many more years too.
“And I do have some plans for more books soon too after now having two best-selling book, Unbreakable and Fearless.
“I hope to do a travel show one day as I love traveling and bringing that to people. But in general, just keep pushing, dreaming, and getting outside of my comfort zone."
We spoke to Jelena Dokic courtesy of Theranomic, which produces tribiotic supplements.
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