Soap Hub’s Wellness Wednesdays: General Hospital Star Eden McCoy

Soap Hub is introducing a new feature this week — Wellness Wednesday — in which we take a look at how your favorite Daytime TV stars take care of themselves both physically and mentally. First up is Eden McCoy, who plays Josslyn Jacks on General Hospital, who shares some health tips.

Eden McCoy’s Wellness Wednesday Tips

McCoy juggles school, playing volleyball, and a work schedule! How does she do it all? Read on for some helpful tips that may apply to your own life.

Soap Hub: How do you schedule fitness into your life with school and work?
Eden McCoy: Fitness is something that I make a priority, even if it seems like there’s not enough time in a busy day or if I don’t feel like it. I try and get to the beach at least twice during the week plus one weekend day for a volleyball workout or scrimmage, and I’m lucky to live near cool places to hike. I hike at Runyon Canyon or the trails around Lake Hollywood. If I’m really pressed for time, I’ll just jog for 20-25 minutes in my neighborhood. If I go more than a couple of days without exercise I notice it in my mood, and it isn’t good, so that motivates me.

What’s a typical fitness regime for you?
Before Covid, my routine was pretty regimented. I would train regularly on the sand for volleyball three times a week and tournaments every weekend with the same group and coaches, but when sports weren’t allowed anymore, we were all kind of on our own to find ways to stay in shape. Now things are getting back to how they used to be and I’m establishing a regular training routine.

I usually find out my taping schedule [at GH] about a week in advance, so that’s when I set up my workouts. I mainly do cardio, and I don’t lift weights. My leg muscles really benefit from hiking, because it’s a different movement than when I’m playing beach volleyball. I can really feel it on the days after I hike!

Do you have a “cheat” day? Do you believe in them?
I cheat a little bit every day! I have a real weakness for junk food and I can’t resist a good donut, but I’m trying to balance it out by drinking a ton of water. My mom bought me a giant 64 oz colorful water jug that I carry with me everywhere, and I actually refill it and drink between 2 and 3 of those a day.

Josslyn had a recent injury taking her off the volleyball court; how do you deal with recoveries and how do you handle injuries?
Being injured is the most frustrating thing. Not only as an athlete, but for any person who likes to be active. It’s so hard to listen to the doctor’s advice and rest/stay off whatever body part is recovering, and it can actually be kind of depressing.

I’ve dislocated the same shoulder three times by diving in the sand trying to dig a volleyball. One thing that has helped speed up my recoveries tremendously is Cryotherapy. It is pure torture in that freezing chamber for those few minutes, but if I do it, it will heal in days rather than weeks.

Do you meditate?
No. I can’t do it. My brain just won’t settle down. I know that it’s a matter of discipline and that it has a ton of benefits, so maybe Laura [Wright, Carly] will teach me how to do it and give me guidance because I know she is a big advocate for the benefits of meditation.

Have you always been active?
Yes, I think I have. My parents are really active, they used to run 10Ks together and do a lot of hiking, and my dad still always tries to get me to go do active stuff with him on weekends. I think being active just seems normal to me because I always have someplace I need to be or something that I need to be doing.

I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t trying to balance school, work, and sports commitments. But when a day comes along that I don’t have to be anywhere, I will literally stay in my pajamas all day. My mom has to yell at me to even brush my teeth and hair! I love those days!

As always, it’s best to consult a physician before embarking on any new fitness or diet regime. General Hospital (GH) airs weekdays on ABC. Check your local listings for airtimes.