Jelena Dokic, once a top-ranked tennis player, has transformed her life from being an abuse victim to a thriving survivor. Her journey is encapsulated in her powerful TEDx speech from 2023, where she declared, “I refuse to be defined and defeated by my past…. I speak up and tell the truth… I never give up on myself.” Today, Dokic is not only a sports commentator but also an author and motivational speaker, inspiring many with her resilience and strength.
In this article, we delve into her health routines, mental well-being strategies, and how she manages social media criticism.
Staying Fit and Healthy
For Dokic, maintaining fitness and health is a holistic endeavor that encompasses mind, body, and soul. She emphasizes the importance of balance and moderation in exercise, nutrition, mental health, and self-care. “I like to move most days and try new activities like Pilates and pickleball,” she shares. Self-care is crucial, including taking breaks from her phone and ensuring adequate sleep amidst her busy lifestyle.
Dokic also prioritizes mental health, practicing gratitude and journaling daily. She cherishes her morning coffee, savoring it for at least 30 minutes as a peaceful ritual. She believes that fitness is personal, encouraging others to find what makes them feel good, whether it’s walking or running marathons.
Finding Motivation
Dokic finds motivation in the positive impact of her health routines on her physical and mental well-being. She appreciates that even small efforts, like a 20-minute walk, contribute to her health. Listening to podcasts and reading books on health and mental wellness also keep her inspired and motivated.
Handling Online Criticism
Dokic has faced body shaming on social media, particularly after her weight loss. She acknowledges that online criticism can be harsh due to the anonymity of the internet. However, she has found strength in speaking up for herself and others, advocating for kindness and self-acceptance.
She highlights the unrealistic beauty standards that harm women’s and girls’ self-confidence. Dokic is committed to calling out negative behavior and fighting for positive values, using her voice to empower herself and others.
Turning Health Around
Dokic recognizes that health is not a one-size-fits-all concept. With a family history of diabetes and high blood pressure, she focuses on preventive measures, such as consuming nutritious foods and avoiding late-night eating. She has reduced junk food intake, opting for soups, healthy bowls, and salads, and ensures she stays hydrated.
While she still enjoys coffee, she has incorporated matcha and gut health supplements into her routine, noting improvements like reduced bloating.
Maintaining Resilience
Dokic believes in the power of self-belief and resilience. She emphasizes the importance of trusting oneself and learning from setbacks. Having faced anxiety, depression, PTSD, and trauma, she prioritizes mental health care, including professional therapy, which she credits with saving her life and contributing to her current well-being.
Looking Ahead
Dokic is passionate about her role as a tennis commentator, especially for the Grand Slams like the Australian Open, and hopes to continue for many years. She also enjoys motivational speaking, finding fulfillment in helping others, and plans to write more books following her bestsellers, “Unbreakable” and “Fearless.”
Additionally, she dreams of hosting a travel show, combining her love for travel with sharing experiences with others. Overall, Dokic is committed to pushing boundaries, dreaming big, and stepping outside her comfort zone.