https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cFzHZ8JYVWk 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. https://youtu.be/d4C0_7En6ZY But we cannot see the good from the bad when we are blinded by... Continue Reading →
Transforming our mindset from pain to power and stress to strength is key during uncertain times. And particularly important for students as they complete exams this semester! Watch the video below to hear my endurance mantra during a difficult spinning class at a local gym. https://youtu.be/nD4LmUHG2vM An endurance mantra I use during workouts, in the... 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 Day 1: Mindful Mornings Add five to ten minutes of relaxation to each of your morning routines. Time expands when... 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 →
Mental Health Matters with Dr. Kathy Garland 1. Video Format of Interview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7ttX6h_D8o&feature=youtu.be Watch on YouTube 2. Podcast Format of Interview https://soundcloud.com/user-240189621/mental-health-matters-dr-dinardo-and-situational-anxiety Listen on SoundCloud and Apple Podcasts Reflection Questions What did you learn about situational versus clinical anxiety from our interview? Can you relate to the personal example of heightened situational anxiety shared by Dr.... Continue Reading →
Why Can't I Remember Anything? One of the most frequent questions I was asked as a practicing psychologist and more recently as a psychology professor is why can't I remember anything. The problem is most likely a focusing issue — not a memory issue. An important distinction between memory and attention that I share in... 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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
Trust Your Journey https://youtu.be/Tlejs0QvHDE FEAR MAKES BAD DECISIONS was the “hot topic” during coffee talk today. Hot enough to write today's blog post. Blog discussions are the next best thing to sharing a cup of coffee after all. I hope this message speaks directly to your heart. And reminds you that the still small voice within you... 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 →
"Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference." I value positivity and a sense of security in the classroom, above all else. For it is only when students feel safe, supported, and uplifted are they motivated to learn. Creating a harmonious classroom atmosphere happens long before the school bell rings. Which is why... Continue Reading →
Take a long deep breath with me. Inhale Calm Exhale Chaos Release Let Go You are more powerful than you know. https://youtu.be/zRSQw-LjU8k Breathing Video — Watch Here
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 stress of waiting. The list is long when it comes to student stress. But by far, one of the greatest sources of stress is waiting! Students are always forecasting into the future. Every single moment of student life is about waiting. Waiting for grades. Waiting for summer. Waiting for graduation. Forever in a day. Students... Continue Reading →
So many choices when it comes to stress relief. Which one will you choose today? Thriving Test — Click Here
Stressful Times. The one word I hear repeatedly from students this time of year is drowning. Drowning in bills. Drowning in midterms. Drowning in research. Not a pleasant thought. And definitely not energizing. A sinking feeling that takes student motivation from 100 to 0 in an instant. By thought alone. Empowering Lessons. How can we... Continue Reading →
FEAR ->Forget Everything And Run. Each time we feel threatened (threat is the fundamental definition of stress) our first instinct is to "fight or flight". PUFF UP or Shrink. This perpetual "fight or flight" response loop eventually creates a host of secondary problems, above and beyond, the original stressor (or oppressor). It does not matter how we... Continue Reading →
https://youtu.be/zRSQw-LjU8k Sometimes it's the smallest things that have the greatest impact on our happiness. Something so close, so within reach, we often forget it was there in the first place. The good night's sleep we're yearning for.. waiting patiently at the end of each day. The connection to nature we're searching for.. available 24/7 just beyond our front... Continue Reading →
Thriving Under Pressure 