Meredith Hayden has been candid about her mental health as she prepares for a ski trip to Japan in celebration of her 30th birthday. She posted a series of TikTok videos detailing her anxiety, her recovery from an ACL injury, and her excitement for the adventure. The influencer, known online as Wishbone Kitchen, also revealed how she is coping with the physical demands of skiing after a year-long rehabilitation.
At a Glance
- Meredith Hayden opened up about her anxiety and panic attacks before a Japan ski trip.
- She is recovering from an ACL injury that occurred in February 2025.
- Hayden celebrated her 30th birthday with a ski day in Niseko, Japan.
- Why it matters: Her story highlights the mental and physical challenges faced by athletes and creators during recovery.
Background: Wishbone Kitchen and the ACL Injury
Meredith Hayden, the private chef behind Wishbone Kitchen, suffered a torn ACL while skiing in Big Sky, Mont. on Feb. 6, 2025. In her original TikTok post she described the moment: “My body turned one way. My knee turned another. I heard a pop. I fell to the ground.” The injury forced her to take a three-week break from social media and to begin a long rehabilitation process.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Feb. 6, 2025 | ACL tear during ski trip in Big Sky, Mont. |
| March 21, 2025 | Returned to TikTok with a “proof of life” video |
| Jan. 13, 2026 | Posted about anxiety before Japan trip |
| Jan. 24, 2026 | Showed ski gear and preparation for Japan |
Anxiety and Mental Health
On Jan. 13, 2026, Hayden posted a heartfelt TikTok where she admitted to being anxious about the upcoming trip. She said, “I really want to be excited about [the trip], but I’m so anxious,” and added that she had felt “frozen” and experienced panic attacks and crying. She clarified that she is not typically anxious about flying, but the combination of post-holiday work, returning to the office, and traveling to a new country heightened her stress.
- Three weeks of anxiety kept her from posting.
- She expressed a fear of traveling altogether.
- She hoped the anxiety would subside once she arrived.
Preparing for Japan
Despite her worries, Hayden was excited to finally hit the slopes. On Jan. 24, 2026, she posted a video from her hotel bathroom, wrapped in a robe, announcing, “The day has finally come for me to return to the slopes.” She described her outfit for the 17-degree weather in Niseko and highlighted leggings with a built-in knee brace. She joked that the leggings were the most restricting items she had ever worn.
She also mentioned that she would be wearing a brace for several months and that the full recovery cycle is about a year. Hayden noted that she would not be able to return to usual physical activity or sports before then.
Skiing and Recovery
The ski day marked Hayden’s first time on the slopes since her ACL surgery. She documented the experience in a TikTok video, showing her excitement and confidence. The video also highlighted how her recovery gear, including the knee-brace leggings, helped her maintain stability.
Her journey from injury to skiing illustrates the challenges of returning to high-impact sports. Hayden’s transparency about her physical limitations and her mental state offers a realistic view of recovery for her followers.
Reflections and Future
During a recent interview with News Of Los Angeles, Hayden reflected on her 30th birthday and the lessons she has learned. She said, “I am a high-maintenance person, one might say, but I’m maintaining it myself,” and added that relying on herself has become a source of pride.
She expressed excitement for the coming year, noting that she is entering a new decade of life. Hayden’s openness about mental health and physical recovery provides a relatable narrative for fans and athletes alike.
Key Takeaways
- Meredith Hayden’s story underscores the importance of mental health support during recovery.
- Her candidness about anxiety can help others feel less isolated.
- The timeline of her injury, recovery, and return to skiing shows the long road athletes often face.
- Celebrating milestones, like a 30th birthday, can serve as motivation for continued growth.
Bottom Line
Meredith Hayden’s journey from ACL injury to a celebratory ski trip in Japan offers insight into the physical and emotional hurdles that creators and athletes navigate. Her willingness to share her struggles and triumphs may inspire others to confront their own challenges with honesty and resilience.
