Stress Management Psychological Resiliency
The idea we have for our life rarely matches up with the life we end up with. Plan A is fantasy. Plan B is reality. Growth is not a straight line, which is often a blessing in disguise, yet something we seldom realize in the thick of life. How do we move on from what... Continue Reading →
I am a strong believer in keeping things simple. The less complicated things are, the more likely we are to repeat the behaviour. Especially when it comes to health and happiness habits. https://youtu.be/0i0tuqAmdaw Twelve Days of Self Care Day 1: Mindful Mornings Add five to ten minutes of relaxation to each of your morning routines.... Continue Reading →
Take a moment and anchor yourself with something that lights you up. That reminds you that you are not alone in this storm. You have been here before. It may have been a personal pandemic, not a global one. But somehow, deep inside, you made it through. And you will again. You have the courage,... Continue Reading →
Today’s story begins in the middle of a spin class. The point in time where you feel like giving up the most. Because the middle is always the hardest. Whether it be the middle of a semester, the middle of a week, or the middle of a pandemic. It was thirty minutes into class, and... Continue Reading →
Live Zoom Conference At a recent leadership conference, student leaders from St. Clair College's Student Representative Council SRC had the opportunity to ask questions live during the final portion of the virtual training event. Ask Dr. D The student leaders raised the reflection bar high during this discussion period. One Question Stood Out The Most... Continue Reading →
Staying Hopeful I wanted to share how I have been keeping hope alive in my heart and soul during COVID-19. Specifically, by expanding my reach with new virtual experiences. Beginning in the spring with my first "live" recorded internet event with Sam Piercell, a fitness entrepreneur, from Windsor, Ontario. F45 "Live" Event: Community Resilience with... Continue Reading →
Even as a psychologist, I often don’t know what to say. Especially now with so many people experiencing pain and trauma in escalating ways. So rather than assume what someone needs, I have learned over the years to ask one simple question: How Can I Support You? In doing so, I create a safe space... Continue Reading →
Embrace Uncertainty One of my favourite ways to energize before teaching psychology classes at St. Clair College is to summarize a theory in practical and concrete ways in the parking lot. Literally! 🚘 I filmed this video 5 minutes before I was about to teach a lecture on personality and positive psychology in my liberal arts... Continue Reading →
Wishing everyone an extra dose of hope + optimism at the start of this brand new month of May. Paradoxically, I have never felt so close to friends, family, and strangers since social distancing began. 8 billion people experiencing the same global event, at the same time – together. May we continue to connect on […]
Three Ways ~ 2020 graduates ~ can bridge the gap between what was ~ and what will be. 🎓 CONNECT 🎓 CREATE 🎓 CRISIS MANAGEMENT All three resilience strategies described in full detail in the 8 minute video below: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3OXADYU-pQs&app=m&persist_app=1 Hold On STAY STRONG 2020 Graduates! Growth happens in the s p a c e ... Continue Reading →
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zRSQw-LjU8k Every time we take a long deep breath, we are telling our bodies that we are safe. Each breath connecting our mind, body, and heart. Bringing us back to present time. Breathing Techniques To Try Follow Your Breath Become aware of each inhalation and exhalation. Focus on the sensations you feel as air passes... Continue Reading →
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rE3fD-8aSF8 Signs pointing us in the direction of our dreams are everywhere. Everywhere! But we have to look UP to see it. OPEN our minds to BELIEVE it. Daily Visualization Exercise The next time you see a 40 km, 50 km, or even 100 km sign — take it as an opportunity to visualize where... Continue Reading →
Podcast Details & Show Notes I was recently interviewed by wellness entrepreneur Christa Realba for her Ambitious Mama Podcast Series. During the podcast, Christa and I discussed how posttraumatic growth and thriving under pressure are possible for all of us. In different gradients, and at different times for sure. Depending on where you are on... Continue Reading →
Today let’s celebrate all the dreams that came true. Merely an idea 5 years ago. It’s so easy to get lost in our hopes and motivations for the future. Without realizing how many of our aspirations we’ve already achieved. Together let’s honour how far we’ve come. Only then will we have the fuel + the... 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 →
In this psychology article, published in The Drive Magazine, I share simple ways to cultivate mental health daily. Instead of thinking of mental health as a burden you must shoulder, imagine it as an opportunity to experience peace and joy. In the same way that we make time for our physical needs, we must devote... Continue Reading →
Thriving Under Pressure 