Author: Dr. Andrea Dinardo

Dr. Andrea Dinardo is a psychology professor and retired psychologist who empowers people to thrive under pressure using the science of positive psychology. A TEDx speaker, author, and educator, she shares practical tools for stress resilience and mental wellness through her YouTube channel, blog, and classroom. Her work inspires personal growth and transformational change in everyday life and leadership.

Reality Test Your Thoughts — Often

https://youtu.be/9hhtrE8yxCU More Psychology Tips: ABC Technique for Cognitive Distortions

Thriving Teams. Thriving Leaders.

LESSONS LEARNED In this post, I share the lessons learned at a thriving teams thriving leaders board retreat. It was a true team effort!   With the team-building and leadership exercises equally led by the student leaders and myself. Please join in and explore the reflection questions, interactive activities, and workshop videos with the teams... Continue Reading →

Positive Psychology on Campus

Glimpse inside my classroom https://youtube.com/shorts/-KbyDnDI4QA?si=bKM7kj8bFdvcg9_q TRADITIONAL VERSUS POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY "While traditional psychology focuses its attention on pathology and problems, in the relatively new field of positive psychology, researchers strive to explore and understand the strengths of individuals that contribute to their flourishing." Source: Psychology Guide https://youtu.be/qGg70RIiUR8 PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION Strengths first I am passionate about... Continue Reading →

ABC Technique: Transforming Painful Experiences

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=119i-Qv-ep0 "Forces beyond your control can take away everything you possess except one thing, your freedom to choose how you will respond to the situation." Viktor E. Frankl Psychology Article: https://www.thedrivemagazine.com/posts/the-stories-we-tell-ourselves

Radio Interview: Why People Refuse to Change Their Minds

Interview Now Available: I begin 6 min 24 sec into radio segment:  http://www.iheartradio.ca/am800/audio/sunday-morning-live-dr-andrea-dinardo-1.9561424?mode=Article JULY 28 RADIO SHOW TOPIC: COGNITIVE DISSONANCE Why facts don't change our minds I would love your questions and reflections on the topic of why people refuse to change their minds and/or adjust their stance on a political, personal, relationship, or health... Continue Reading →

Finding the light.

How do you start the day? Do your morning routines lighten you up? Or bring you down? Early morning rituals spark the divine in me. No matter the day. No matter the moment. Angel cards, hot coffee, and mindfulness take me there. Fueling my creativity. Illuminating my path. Shifting me higher. Today’s Angel Reading —... Continue Reading →

The Happiness Class

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KbyDnDI4QA Reflections on Happiness One of my favourite things to do as a professor is to stay after class and talk to students about what hit home for them about each week’s lecture. Fresh Perspective Students look at the world in a very unique way. Motivating me to think about psychology at a whole different... Continue Reading →

Radio Interview: Social Media and Mental Health

Social Media and Mental Health is a frequent topic and active discussion in my psychology class with college and university students.Social media is here to stay. The question is how can we teach our children, students, and each other to use it responsibly. How do we lead the way? LIVE FROM AM800 STUDIO https://omny.fm/shows/am-800-cklw/april-anderson-talks-to-dr-andrea-dinardo Your... Continue Reading →

Peer Pressure and Alcohol: Stand Your Sacred Ground

The Social Side Effects of Change Motivation to make a change is as much about you, as the people all around you. And unfortunately, not everyone agrees with our decision to grow, change, and evolve. In whatever form it may take. “Being different isn't a bad thing. It means you're brave enough to be yourself“... Continue Reading →

Empowering Conversations About Health

Psychology Class In today's health psychology class, we discussed how to empower someone with a chronic illness. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=iPqZ6pIgSJA Acknowledging that even though we are experts in psychology, nursing, etc., this does mean not make us the expert of someone’s life. EMPOWERMENT ZONE We explored various strength-based techniques for uplifting and encouraging others in conversation and... Continue Reading →

Your emotions have a message for you.

Create space for feelings to flow. Emotions are neither good or bad. Only labeling makes it so. Don't run from challenging emotions. Instead, lean in and ask: “What are you trying to tell me?" Witness. Observe. Learn. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQKomXhKKbE&t=29s The best part is how small fear appears close up! We must go in — to get... Continue Reading →

Self-Talk in The Eye of the Storm

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=FHAotUT2eAY How we talk to ourselves matters. Particularly in the eye of the storm. Having a “go to” mantra in times of uncertainty helps. Especially in the uncomfortable, agonizing moments between stress and strength. An image that helps me is imagining myself growing roots and wings during dark times. Chanting “I am expanding” as the... Continue Reading →

What brings you joy?

HAPPY HOUR What brings you joy on a Saturday morning, Friday night, or Tuesday afternoon? From my experience, it’s never the time, the day, or the month that brings good vibes.  It’s how we feel on the inside.  So why wait another minute for happy hour.  Create the life you want wherever you are. https://youtube.com/shorts/OqxVAYXQD7o?si=C1Osw3DrO6XXj3LW

CULTIVATING MENTAL HEALTH DAILY

In Celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month, I wrote a psychology article and did a series of videos and training on community mental health. I hope you enjoy! The Drive Magazine Psych Drive Article Video One Professional Development & Training This is a video of professional development for educational assistants and mental health support staff... Continue Reading →

TEDX MOTIVATION FOR NEW SPEAKERS – WHAT’S YOUR WHY? WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL ALIVE?

Last night I had the wonderful opportunity to speak to the new roster of TEDX Windsor speakers at Beachgrove Golf and Country Club in Windsor Ontario. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URKcpc0rEVQ In the 4 min video I advise new TEDX Speakers on how to stay motivated during the extensive and lengthy TEDX preparation process. Reminding speakers HOW THEY DREAMED... Continue Reading →

Save Your Energy For What Matters Most

Time + Energy Audit 1. What area of your life do you need to slow down in? 2. What area of your life do you need to REV IT UP in? https://youtu.be/jq14fr86-Jk ABCD Priority List Make a list of all the things that you have to do today. Order them in terms of A to... Continue Reading →

Breathe. Trust. Let Go.

Trust that everything is working out as it should. In divine time. In divine order. For your highest good. 'These mountains that you are carrying, you were only supposed to climb.” Breathe. Trust. Let Go.

Optimism Bootcamp Workshop and Article

OPTIMISM BOOTCAMP: Overcoming Learned Helplessness is a dynamic, interactive psychology workshop based on an article I wrote for The Drive Magazine https://youtu.be/z_DNIWYh6vE 1/ Optimism Article https://thedrivemagazine.com/posts/optimism-bootcamp 2/ Optimism Bootcamp - April 2019 https://youtu.be/z_DNIWYh6vE 3/ Optimism Bootcamp - August 2019 https://youtu.be/LgACYyFv2YQ

How brightly you shine.

Remembering Who You Are The first thing that goes when we are faced with a stressor of any kind is the memory of all we have overcome in years gone by. Wake Up Call Let this be your daily, weekly, hourly signpost of how wildly capable you are. Truly. Incredibly. Strong. And if you ever... Continue Reading →

Choice and transformation go hand in hand.

“Empowerment is realizing you have a choice.” My mission in life is to encourage people to own their choices – no matter how big or how small. In doing so, individuals will uncover the magnificent power that lives within them. Embracing the power to choose one’s emotions, thoughts, and reactions to life’s circumstances is the key which... Continue Reading →

Change the world one compliment at a time

Today I encourage you to notice the little things in everyone you meet. Their smile. What lifts them up. What makes their heart sing. How hard they work. How they get through a day. Celebrate their strengths Show them you care Acknowledge them. Notice them. Lean in. Listen completely.  Praise their hard work. Compliment their... Continue Reading →

Manage energy not time. Positive energy multiplies.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=l9ZS9KiA6uQ This was my first video blog (vlog) ever!  (Filmed July 2018) I was equal parts terrified and excited. Hence the breathlessness. Upside: I had a blast filming it

Taming Your Monkey Mind

Nature is a beautiful way to stop the monkey mind in its’ tracks. What is the monkey mind? “Buddha described the human mind as being filled with drunken monkeys, jumping around, screeching, chattering, carrying on endlessly. Fear is an especially loud monkey -  screaming out all the things that could go wrong.” Source: HuffPost  When we’re caught... Continue Reading →

Lemon Soul Podcast: Thriving Under Pressure

The Psychology of Wellness I had the opportunity to be interviewed on the Lemon Soul Podcast by an engaging and bright young woman named Sierra Parr. It was one of the most rewarding projects I have worked on and I hope you find the same value in listening to the podcast as I had co-creating it... Continue Reading →

5 Love Languages: Social Psychology Class

Social Psychology Class Part 1: Before Class Preparations https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAbH9tKzJhA Part 2: After Class Reflections https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vfwz7JVkgLU Your Turn What's your love language? What do you value in relationships?

Women with Drive Summit

“Expand your knowledge by expanding your community.” In celebration of this year’s International Women’s Day I had the opportunity to speak at a Windsor Summit called Women with Drive. A local conference organized by a young woman named Cierra Bray, who poured her heart and soul for months into planning, organizing, and promoting the exhilarating …

Continue reading Women with Drive Summit.

The Shadow Effect

Psychology Class The Shadow Effect https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aECfb8QNp0 One of the things I love to do is share what’s happening on campus in my psychology class. Today’s Topic: The Shadow Effect Watch this short video and consider the following questions: What is your shadow?How does it serve you?Where does it come from?How do I bring it into... Continue Reading →

International Women’s Day: Who Inspires You?

#internationalwomensday #rolemodel Growing up my Mom, my mentor, and the first psychologist in our family, didn’t talk a lot about women’s empowerment. — She lived it. Gracefully. Quietly. Courageously. Today, and all days, I am grateful for a role model who began her journey from challenge to strength with incredible will and a heart of... Continue Reading →

Directory of Bloggers on Social Media.

Expanding Our WordPress Writing Community. Connecting - Sharing - Expanding The Power of Community This post is an opportunity for you to share all the wonderful things that you're doing as a writer on the world wide web. Including your: WordPress. LinkedIn. Pinterest. Google+. Facebook. Snap Chat. Twitter. Instagram. YouTube. Vimeo. etc. Please share in... Continue Reading →

The power of beliefs.

Belief plays a pivotal role in success. Believing that you have what it takes. Believing that you can try again. Believing in something greater than yourself. Believing you are never alone. Believing your power is greater than your pain. Believing that things are going to get easier. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKimTCawJls In this 5 minute training video, I... Continue Reading →

Don’t give up. Great things take time.

Don’t give up. Great things take time. Sometimes we have to go through the worst. To get to the best. Fall down 7 times. Stand up 8. Today is your day. Your time to rise up! https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sw_igZkhv3c Trust and Believe in 2019 This blog post and classroom video above are dedicated to all the students around the... Continue Reading →

Thriving Under Pressure Leadership Training

Fitness is more than physical I was invited to do a Leadership Training and Development Workshop at a local kickboxing club. https://youtu.be/4468XR7wyyI The ultimate stress release This is where I go to cool my jets and find my joy. So, I was more than excited to take the leadership team's mental fitness up to the next... Continue Reading →

Failure as Feedback – The Drive Magazine

There are two ways of looking at failure. Failure as FEEDBACK. Failure as PUNISHMENT. ⊕⊕⊕⊕⊕ One energizes. The other paralyzes. WHY FAILURE IS NECESSARY I believe that failure is essential for success, at work and in our personal lives. Failure lights our way to what we’re ultimately meant to do. Especially when we embrace it... Continue Reading →

Exploring Purpose in Psychology Class

So many people in this world are struggling with what to do with their lives. An existential struggle that did not exist 100 years ago when jobs were more clearly defined. Which is why it is essential to explore purpose in many different ways. PURPOSE 🆚 JOB We must not confuse life purpose with occupation.... Continue Reading →

Keep Dreaming. Keep Believing.

What percentage of the time do you spend talking about your stress versus talking about your dreams? Arguing for your weaknesses versus championing for your strengths? Dwelling on the negative simply contributes to its power. So please accept this challenge of beginning your conversations with your dreams instead of your stress. In doing so you... Continue Reading →

Catch your breath.

“Self-care is giving the world the best of you, not what's left of you." Pause. Be still. Catch your breath. Take a rest. Practice self-care. As often as you can. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=H8MKH2-QErg Pause at the end of my video ⬆️ for 30 fun self-care ideas. Do you practice daily self-care? Please share in the comments below.

Rest in Truth

Truth is truth Let them talk. Let them chatter. Let them say what they choose to say. Because at the end of the day truth is truth. And nothing can stand in its way Rest. Relax. Sit back. Breathe in deep. Stop trying to convince anybody and everybody of anything and everything. At the end of the day... Continue Reading →

Reading People: Lesson #2 Social Awareness

Reading People Begins with Awareness In reading people lesson #1 I discussed the importance of self awareness before attempting  to understand and read others behaviour. “Self-knowledge is the beginning of wisdom.”  Reading People: Lesson #2 Adding to the first lesson is an excerpt from my Pitch with Passion  presentation with student and community entrepreneurs at the EPIC Genesis Entrepreneurship Centre.... Continue Reading →

Empathic Listening: How Can I Support You?

How do you respond when a close friend shares a problem with you? Are you a fixer or a listener? If you’re anything like me, my first instinct is to fix the problem. To try and save loved ones from adversity. To rescue them. To make them instantly feel better. I suggest we do the... Continue Reading →

Growth Moment Meditation

Reframe stressful moments as growth moments. Opportunities moving you one step, one breath, one moment closer to your dreams. One thought debilitates. The other levitates. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ucdU7URx5g

TEDx Talk: Thriving Under Pressure

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czXG8odb7pY During my TEDx Talk I discuss how to thrive under pressure using three stress resilience techniques:  challenge, commitment, and control. The purpose of this talk is to help students develop coping skills in empowering, educational, and uplifting ways. Additional Information  Blog: Click Here YouTube: Click Here Twitter: Click Here Contact Form: Click Here Interviews: Click Here Articles: Click Here Speaking Services: Click Here

Lean into Loneliness: The Drive Magazine

Good news to share! This month I published my first psychology advice column for a Canadian magazine. The same magazine that profiled my work in positive psychology. My intention for the psychology article is to inspire and comfort individuals experiencing loneliness during the holidays. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JU1eYOWaleg  Writing Hopes I have been writing psychology textbooks for McGraw-Hill... Continue Reading →

From darkness comes light

"Not until we are lost do we begin to find ourselves." No matter what happens today, know that in the end everything works out. Trust me. I speak from experience. My smile comes equally from a place of darkness and a place of light. How would I ever know how good I have it today... Continue Reading →

Happiness in Present Time

“The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things.” Our left brain lives in the past and the future. Our right brain lives in the here and now. One scrambles for solutions to problem after problem. The other sinks into the present moment, trusting all is well. Which side... Continue Reading →

What you seek is seeking you.

As we head into the weekend, may we all be reminded of the importance of rest in striving for success. If only for a moment. An hour or a day. Be still and let your dreams find you. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mDigR8RVXU “What you seek is seeking you”. You hold the key. Breathe. Believe. Receive.

Mind over matter

When the going gets tough do you focus on the dream or the sacrifice? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rbWW9jb1Q8 "When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves." Viktor Frankl Boost your motivation and raise your energy by laser focusing on what is within your control during challenge and adversity — Your Mindset

Claim Your Prize

Inspiration is everywhere. Today's post is brought to you from my psychology classroom. I hope it inspires you to claim the joy in your life. Good vibes, after all, start on the inside. We spend so much time creating future opportunities that we often forget to claim the magic we’ve manifested - right in front... Continue Reading →

Shed the stress. Let. It. Fall.🍂

This post was inspired by a stressful situation that I could not let go of. No matter how hard I tried. Day in day out. The worry would reappear. Then someone suggested that I “shed the stress" and a lightbulb went off. Each time the repetitive thought appeared, I imagined a tree shedding its leaves.... Continue Reading →

The deeper the breath, the deeper the peace.

The next time you are under any kind of pressure. Stuck in traffic. Rushing from class to class. Dealing with a difficult customer at work. Desperately trying to recall answers on a final exam.  Wake up to the formidable power that exists within you.  Right here. Right now. Right under your nose. Breathe https://youtu.be/zRSQw-LjU8k The deeper the breath, the deeper... Continue Reading →

Biology of Stress

Resilience Training & Education During my psychology speech at the “You Can Do College Event” I share the biological origins of stress and anxiety with 600 grade 10 high school students during a 2 day event. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0tKO_mV7uY&t=25s Stress & Anxiety Management I also demonstrate simple strategies for coping with stressful, anxiety-provoking situations. Including: deep breathing... Continue Reading →

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