I'll Keep Holding On: Why I Want You To Care About Grip Strength 👊🏻
And celebrating 2 years of All Too Well! Thanks for holding on with me.
2 min read
FLASHBACK FRIDAY
🥳 All Too Well is TWO! ✌🏻In September 2023, I hit “publish” on this newsletter as an experiment, to use my experience and voice of authority to try to connect with folks who don’t always feel like “wellness” is a level playing field, ‘cuz they’re like, not Gwyneth enough. Since then, it’s become a weekly ritual with thousands of readers and, I hope, a bright spot in your inbox. Whether you’re here since day one or just joined last week, I’m grateful for your support (and your eyeballs). 👀🙏🏻
To celebrate, I’m revisiting some gems from those debut issues — proof that beyond the wellness whiplash of trends and clickbait, there are real timeless tips for better health out there, you just need a reliable navigator on the highway to well. Here we’re revisiting mental health, muscle strength, and why the key to longevity is literally in your hands, with some 2025 updates along the way. Let’s go.
IT’S ABOUT DAMN TIME
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and right on time, the FDA had just approved the first oral medication for postpartum depression, offering hope and relief for the millions of women suffering from this condition that had long been sidelined, marginalized and cloaked in shame. It was refreshing that we were finally normalizing the mental health conversation, though we still have work to do.
2025: In the two years since, more postpartum depression treatments have gained approval, and mental health access is (slowly) becoming part of mainstream policy conversations. Long overdue, but movement matters.
DON’T BELIEVE ME, JUST WATCH
🎥 Back in 2023, I surprised myself by bingeing the three-part Netflix docuseries on Arnold Schwarzenegger. If you still haven’t caught it, his journey from ordinary to extraordinary, warts and all, is a master class in the power of mindset and visualization.
2025 Note: Other worthy watching to inspire, surprise and delight: Billy Joel: And So It Goes, the BTS of We Are The World The Greatest Night in Pop, and Questlove’s Summer of Soul. And of course Yacht Rock: A Dockumentary, tho not suitable for people who hate fun.
HERE’S A TIP, MAKE THE CHANGE
👊🏻💪🏻What we have learned is that a strong grip is in itself a biomarker for longevity, indicating future resilience and potential resistance against falls. Not only that, but taking proactive steps to improve grip strength can actually help stave off frailty, injury, and age-related decline in immunity. Dexterity-focused activities like drawing, needlepoint, or playing piano or guitar can yield long-term benefits (this may explain how Keith Richards is still standing.) I said that in 2023. You guys, he’s STILL AT IT. For those of us less creatively inclined, a few minutes a day of old-fashioned exercise can do the trick.
Back then, I shared this nifty set of squeeze balls for quick workouts anytime. I’m also digging this combo device that both trains AND tests your progress. Doubles as a neat party trick if you wanna be that guy. This is not a case for holding on loosely – a stronger grip can mean a longer life.
JOY BOMB
🎉💣 For two years running, every issue of All Too Well, from the subject line to many of the bullet headers has a music theme. Why? Because music is transportive, it’s a powerful conductor of joy, and I like to send you off into your weekend with a little nugget of happiness.
And you’re all, “ok this chick is clearly a genius at music puns but how is that capital W-wellness?” Well, here’s the proof that it’s good for you: Listening to music, especially if it gives you chills, can send your brain into pleasure overdrive. SCIENCE!
Happy weekend, all. Send me YOUR joy bombs – what are your top chill-inducing songs? Drop a comment below and share! 👇🏻 I’ll keep holding on til then.