https://youtu.be/MXd_bZn1lqo 50 Calming Exercises Light a candle. Notice the flicker of the flame. Open a window. Watch the trees sway in the breeze. Breathe in fresh air. Record last night’s dreams in a journal. Smile while reading this sentence. Dance to a song from your teenage years. Belt out show tunes in the shower. Burn... Continue Reading →
Back to school!
Today marks my 20th orientation with Bachelor of Science Nursing Students at St. Clair College. No matter how many years I attend Fall orientation, it feels like the first time. No matter how many times I work with students, it never gets old. Their first class is my first class. https://youtu.be/4J4oL093oU0 Their struggle is my... Continue Reading →
Mental Health PD Event
Cultivating Mental Health and Wellness https://youtu.be/I08EUaQ8g9Y Mental Wellness Education This month I had the opportunity to give a speech on cultivating mental health daily to 700 people at the Greater Essex County District School Board in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Audience Members The audience was comprised of education support staff and front line workers, including Education... Continue Reading →
Laughter is the Best Medicine — It Relieves Stress
What consumes your mind consumes your life We live in a world weighed down by tragedy and adversity. And we have been conditioned to believe that tragedies require tragic mindsets and hardships demand hardened spirits. We also live in a world overflowing with abundance and joy. But we cannot see the good from the bad... Continue Reading →
Lighten Up in 2022 — Positive Emotions & Problem Solving
“Your heart is the light of this world. Don’t cover it with your mind.” Lighten Up in 2022 The solution to a problem is rarely found in the source of the problem. This is why it’s important to lighten up before tackling difficulty. Problem Solving from a Higher Place Positive emotions heighten our awareness and open our minds to... Continue Reading →
Empowering Conversations About Change
The 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. 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 →
Resilience Articles
After a two year hiatus, I am excited to share that I have returned to writing the Psych Drive column for The Drive Magazine. Topics include mental health, motivation, wellness, stress, resilience, and positive psychology. Resilience Talks In addition to writing for The Drive Magazine, I also offer virtual and in person keynotes and workshops... Continue Reading →
What helps you adapt to change?
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 →
Training and Keynotes
Professional Speaking Dr. Andrea Dinardo has been speaking professionally for 25 years on a number of psychology topics, including: Thriving Under Pressure Resilient Leadership Embracing Change Positive Psychology Stress and Anxiety Solutions Resilience and Mental Health Energy and Time Management Strength-Based Leadership Peak Performance and Flow Social and Emotional Intelligence Igniting Motivation and Drive Contact Dr. Andrea Click Here... Continue Reading →
Resilience and Mental Health: Healthy Workplace Keynote
Healthy Workplace Awards I recently did a virtual keynote at the Healthy Workplace Awards Ceremony. Watch Video: Click Here Given all we are collectively going through, I thought the notes and video from the virtual keynote presentation would be helpful to everyone. News Release: CTV News Especially as we wrap up 2020. A year where... Continue Reading →
Does Your Self-Talk Energize You or Drain You?
How we talk to ourselves matters. Especially at the start of a brand new day. Our thoughts are the lyrics to our daily soundtrack after all. A topic I talk about with love and laughter in this video workshop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ALCrzw_1Xo Psychology Homework: The One Day at a Time Approach Step One: Awareness Begin by WAKING... Continue Reading →
Energy Awareness
What we give energy to impacts everything. Thoughts Emotions Actions People Some drain. Others invigorate. Awareness is the first step to enhancing vitality. The goal is to identify the source of energy leaks and peaks. Where to start? My interview on FM 105.9 The Region was designed to help people become more conscious of what... Continue Reading →
Situational Anxiety Interview
Mental Health Matters Interview with Dr. Kathy Garland Situational Anxiety vs. Clinical Anxiety 1. Video Format of Interview Watch on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7ttX6h_D8o&feature=youtu.be 2. Podcast Format of Interview Available on SoundCloud and Apple Podcasts. https://soundcloud.com/user-240189621/mental-health-matters-dr-dinardo-and-situational-anxiety Reflection Questions What did you learn about situational versus clinical anxiety from our interview? Can you relate to the personal example of heightened... Continue Reading →
What Trauma Taught Me About Happiness
Is it possible to feel joy in the face of adversity? Strength during the lowest of lows? Creativity in the midst of destruction? Peace in difficulty? Vibrancy during cancer? Happiness during COVID-19? In the video below, I share some personal examples from my own upbringing on how my parents found strength and contentment during …
Ambitious Mama Podcast: Thriving Under Pressure & Posttraumatic Growth
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 →
Posttraumatic Growth: Can Adversity Be Good for You?
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 →