I would like to share a sustainable model of mental and emotional health called Emotional CPR: Catch Pause Repair - presented below in video and written format. Video Format https://youtu.be/KVfeKg78fEY https://youtu.be/8VvwITnvrhs https://youtu.be/DbBwCkQ9sKI?si=SRgBxAe8uX4boR0n Written Format STEP 1 CATCH What Triggers You? Catch yourself before a stress response escalates by becoming more aware of what provokes you. Take Inventory Make... Continue Reading →
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=119i-Qv-ep0 The Stories We Tell Ourselves In this psychology video and article, I share concrete strategies. These strategies help in transforming painful emotional experiences. They use a model of cognitive psychology. An A-B-C Formula for reality testing that is especially helpful during outer circumstances beyond a person’s control. What’s real? What’s distorted? A-B-C Scenario The... Continue Reading →
Change is both personal and universal. Everyone goes through changes and transformations. We are born. We grow old. What sets us apart is how we experience change. https://youtu.be/rUWGr_GwzhM FACTORS TO CONSIDER 1. Personality of Change How we perceive the world has a significant impact on how we experience change. Type A vs. Type B Individuals... Continue Reading →
Psychology of Change During this week’s health psychology lecture, we talked about the psychology of change, including the parts of our lives that remain ‘unchanged’ during rapid and unexpected change. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4UkgwELpI0M What Remains During Change? The Sun Still Rises Coffee Tastes Delicious Trees Greet You on Your Walk Favourite Movie Still Delights Bed is Comfie... Continue Reading →
What helps you adapt to rapid, unpredictable, unexpected change? I asked this question of student leaders at a province wide conference. See student answers on the chalkboard below: My answer on the chalkboard was: GO SMALLER One day at a time. One hour at a time. One class at a time. Microseconds sometimes.. https://youtu.be/rUWGr_GwzhM Your... Continue Reading →
https://youtu.be/_SA7gZG1FHs Individuals are often looking for healthier ways to express their emotions. For Example: Anger That said, it's not as simple as becoming "more calm" or "less explosive". The first step in transformation and lasting change is looking below the surface. The Kübler-Ross Model provides insight: The goal is to discover if angry thoughts, actions,... Continue Reading →
Resilience & Success In this 8 minute video, I describe three resilience tips for student success: 1. CONNECT 2. CREATE 3. THRIVE https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3OXADYU-pQs&app=m&persist_app=1 Hold On STAY STRONG “Be Fearless in Pursuit of What Sets Your Soul on Fire.” There will always be obstacles. The question is — do you see them as roadblocks or stepping... Continue Reading →
Getting ready for my online summer courses which requires a lot of new psychology videos. Including video discussions on health, wellness, and personal empowerment. Similar to in person college classes, the goal is to stimulate active discussions and open communication. For example: Discussion Topic What happened when I quit drinking? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ejpt6agt1tk Watch this short video... Continue Reading →
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVfeKg78fEY Catch Pause Repair (CPR) is a Framework for Sustainable Mental Health & Resilience Habits. CPR includes three simple steps as outlined in the video. 1. Catch Catch yourself before a stress response escalates by becoming more aware of what triggers you. 2. Pause Pause and take a 60 second time out when you feel... Continue Reading →
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlkaArLVg28 Psychology Keynote In this video you will hear the remarkable stories of teachers, social workers, and principals who suffered greatly through illness, injuries, and difficult pregnancies. Eventually rising up with time and support to greater heights in their current lives. Personal Experience In this video I share examples of how my parents coped with dark times... Continue Reading →
You have the ability to make positive changes in your life. Right here. Right now. Don’t wait for “the perfect time” to transform your life. NOW IS YOUR POWER.
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 →
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 →
“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 →
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 →
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUWGr_GwzhM&app=desktop The first question I ask clients wanting to make a change is “Why Now?” For there is no doubt that they (and you and I) have been wanting to transform an aspect of our lives for a very long time. But the intrinsic motivation just isn’t quite there. The kind of motivation that is... Continue Reading →
“Go 24 hours without complaining and watch your life start changing.” The next time you’re tempted to complain about the same thing over and over again, direct that same frustrated energy into your highest, loftiest goals. Consciously swap one complaint for one baby step towards your dreams. Same energy required. Magically different results. To view... Continue Reading →
Everything you're afraid of - you've already experienced. Afraid of commitment? You've been dumped. Afraid of failure? You've failed. Afraid of rejection? You've been rejected. Afraid of being broke? You've been without money. Fill in the blanks for me.. Afraid of being _________? You've been _________. And then vow to erase that fear in your... Continue Reading →
When life changes direction, are you able to change with it? Are you flexible and open to new experiences? Are you able to break free from old patterns and habits? Or do you struggle to adapt to anything new and different? Flexibility and Change In this interview on CBC-TV, Chris Hyndman and I examine the... Continue Reading →
https://youtube.com/shorts/Bvo0FXfS7t4?si=VS8zekxAt08kVAE4 Are you tired of doing the same old, same old? Are you ready to end the repetitive cycles in your life? Is it time for a change? But ..... you..... don't..... have... time... Surrender your fears, your resistance, your excuses. Change need not be overwhelming. Start small. End Big. Little changes make a big difference. They... Continue Reading →
No more futile tests. No more unrelenting trials. No more self inflicted tribulations. Lay down your burdens. Let. Them. Go. Take a breath. Take a rest. You have strengthened from your burdens. You have overcome great obstacles. You have developed. You have grown. You have earned your freedom ten times over. Trust your wisdom. Trust your wings.... Continue Reading →
Do you trust the process / evolution of your life? Do you stir the pot before it boils? Do you open the oven before it bakes? Or do you relax on the sofa trusting the recipe and the time it takes? Not long ago, I was interviewed by Adam Rochon on the topic of transformational... Continue Reading →
Begin your morning with love and gentle care, for the way we greet the day shapes the way we experience life. What are the daily habits and routines that uplift you and shift you each morning? Share in the comments below.
The next time you are tempted to complain about the same thing over and over again, direct that energy into your highest, loftiest goals. Consciously swap one complaint for one baby step towards your dreams. Same energy required. Magically different results. 🎈 https://youtu.be/RK7EzyPXRPA
"The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance." https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rUWGr_GwzhM Need help embracing change but don’t know where to start? Video In my interview on CBC-TV I share 5 positive ways to embrace change using the principles of positive psychology. Article I also... Continue Reading →
POWER OF LIGHT Even though we often have little control over the “outside forces” in our lives, we can always make a positive difference - from the inside out. Start here. Right here. Right now. Be still. Breathe in gratitude. Be thankful for this very moment. Start small. Notice your passing thoughts. Let go. Awareness empowers.... Continue Reading →
Question your stress. It has something to teach you. Psychology Worksheet 1/ Identify a stressor / challenge in your life. Be specific. For example: Not enough money. Too busy. Lack of sleep. Pushy relative. Your Answer: ______________________________ 2/ What is this stressor / challenge trying to teach you? For Example: Slow down. Change jobs. End... Continue Reading →
When you notice the blessings in your life (big or small), happiness happens. One conscious thought. One mindful emotion. One insightful gesture. One moment of wonder.. at a time.☀️ Inspiration: 21 positive thoughts for your morning.
What’s the one habit you have been vowing to change for good? What are you waiting for? The right time? The right place? The right person? Today I challenge you to wait no more. For now is the right time. For here is the right place. And YOU are the right person. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rUWGr_GwzhM&app=m&persist_app=1 Helpful Video:... Continue Reading →
Take a long deep breath. Be still. Don't Rush. Find a safe place to challenge your fears and beliefs. Take a long walk. Eat a nourishing meal. Learn something new. Have Fun! Self-Discover. Imagine. Envision. Explore and Begin Again! Sometimes good things fall apart so great things can fall together.
Instead of focusing on what you want TO DO. Focus on how you want TO FEEL. Desired Feeling ⇔ Supporting Behaviour Strong ⇔ Move your body. Valuable ⇔ Help someone. Lighthearted ⇔ See a funny movie. Joyful ⇔ Go dancing with friends. Free ⇔ Unshackle from daily regimes & routines. Inspired ⇔ Spend time with... Continue Reading →
https://youtu.be/ldOlNJ0ds0c?si=e8brBfNIuW-MPtuX Dare to move on. No more waiting. No more wondering. This is your time. Have faith in yourself. Trust in your instincts. The universe is on your side. This is your time.
Thriving Under Pressure 