Tag: Empowerment

Coping with Holiday Stress: Tips to Thrive

https://youtube.com/shorts/tIKPb7edW_w?si=rJrQdgtgJ8SR9krs Do you find Christmas holidays stressful? If you’re anything like Santa, you answered yes! Santa feels the pressure too. Something I wrote about in the Drive Magazine . Including the benefits of leaning into difficult emotions. Because the more we resist discomfort, the longer it lasts. "The root of all suffering is attachment." Buddha https://youtu.be/JU1eYOWaleg?si=m1ItZDTBNHMoLdTN Stop... Continue Reading →

The Sweet Spot

https://youtu.be/fd9TrYI75o0?si=0gaSNLNAWVqWOAE8 The sweet spot is the moment in life when you realize you have arrived and the most interesting part is that you haven’t gone anywhere. Instead, you finally come home to the present moment. The here and now. The sweet spot. Nowhere else to be. But here and now. Right Here. Right Now. The... Continue Reading →

Laughter is the best medicine

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 →

Self-Talk That Lifts You Up

“Be mindful of your self-talk. It's your conversation with the universe.” As humans, we can’t help but look to the next rung on the ladder. Forgetting the 100 rungs we have already climbed. https://youtu.be/1ALCrzw_1Xo Today’s Psychology Challenge Take note of the trail behind you. The hard work. The success. The heartbreak. The soul awakenings. The... Continue Reading →

50 Ways to Calm Your Nervous System

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 →

One Word Vision for 2023

What’s your one word vision for 2023? Growth Space Peace Freedom Adventure Joy Empowerment https://youtu.be/2l6sO_77nw0

Emotional CPR: Catch Pause Repair

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 →

Psychology Interview with Arms Bumanlag

Interview #1 https://youtu.be/qJfPHOVXEPU?si=zAPYaPMLSTS0w8yr Interview #2 https://youtu.be/xwnQthkxSq8 What psychology topics are you interested in learning about?

The Stories We Tell Ourselves

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 →

Positive Psychology in Education • Mental Health • School Board Speech

https://youtu.be/I08EUaQ8g9Y I had the opportunity to give a psychology speech on cultivating mental health daily 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 Assistants, Child and Youth Care Workers, Developmental Services Workers, Teachers, Social Workers,... Continue Reading →

Embracing Change | Interview & Article

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 →

Peace Lives Here

 Peace happens in moments. Not days. Not weeks. Not years. Hot coffee. Cozy blankets. Birds singing. Deep breathing. https://youtu.be/tNXR9hCHZoc?si=lNaH-DE2kxo60oYe Peace happens in moments. Not days. Not weeks. Not years. Savour the sunshine. Taste every morsel. Dance with abandon. Stroll by the moonlight. Go for a bike ride. Peace happens in moments. Not days. Not weeks.... Continue Reading →

Psychology Class on Addiction and Stigma

https://youtube.com/shorts/3WYW4vkbSMU?feature=shared BELOW THE SURFACE PSYCHOLOGY LESSONS In psychology class this week we are talking about stigma and drug addiction and why it’s important to lean in, listen, and get curious about why people do what they do. End the stigma. Change lives. COMMUNICATION CLEAR AND CONCISE The second topic of discussion in psychology class is... Continue Reading →

WHAT’S IN MY CONTROL?

Locus of Control is a key ingredient in resilience. Assessing what is within your control and sphere of influence is crucial. Decide what to let go of and what to surrender. This exercise should be practiced daily for optimal mental health and energy. https://youtu.be/W7dz0FvnkxY?si=WhAFJHR53EIV9q_p PSYCHOLOGY TEST Locus of Control TestDownload PSYCHOLOGY REFLECTION What’s within your... Continue Reading →

What’s Your Endurance Mantra?

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 →

Free Your Soul

https://youtu.be/1dwCnVQhpQ4?si=4r9fjY0ii_Cw_QNc Soul Reflections ⚜️ What do you need to LET GO of to feel a sense well-being?  ⚜️ Who and what do you no longer want to be OBLIGATED to? ⚜️ If you had only one year to live, what five things would you STOP doing? ⚜️ What JOY do you wish you had more... Continue Reading →

Don’t be pushed by your problems — Be led by your dreams

https://youtu.be/YbMOOGW_A2Y Back on Campus In this psychology video I share one way I engage students at the start of a semester, including this past week when we were back on campus for the first time, in a very long time! Transcript of Psychology Video Read Here Show Them You Care Connecting with students from a... Continue Reading →

Face Everything and Rise

Fight or Flight Threat Response Every time we feel threatened (threat is the fundamental definition of stress) our first instinct is to “fight or flight“. This perpetual “fight or flight” response loop eventually creates a host of secondary problems, above and beyond, the original stressor. Powerpoint Slide from Broaden and Build Leadership Event, January 2022... 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 →

Honour Your Limits

Today’s Reminder That You Are Human Honour Your Limits. In every area of your life. It’s not a race. https://youtube.com/shorts/OT3d7YLBthQ?feature=shared It’s a lifetime. Pace Yourself The world needs what you have to give — long-term. In every area of your life. It’s not a race. It’s a lifetime.

Anchor Yourself With Light

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 →

Staying Motivated During Challenging Times

Today’s story begins in the middle of a spin class. The point in time when 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 year. It was thirty minutes into class, and... Continue Reading →

Empowering Conversations About Change

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 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 →

2020 Life Lessons: Be Strong Enough To Be Gentle

2020 had us spending a lot of extra time with the ones we love. Especially during the holidays. And if you’re anything like our household, it requires a whole new level of relationship skills. A deeper level of empathy and compassion for the pressures of the people we are living with. Helpful Tips: Psychology Today... Continue Reading →

Shine your light

https://youtu.be/pjxCsK2qudw?si=xHsV_IBAKQq47am2 I used to think of life purpose as some great big grand scheme for life, something we spend our whole life chasing after. Daunting for sure. At times overwhelming. Then one day I realized that life purpose was a series of small, fleeting events, rather than one great big span of life. Bite size... Continue Reading →

New Virtual Experiences

Staying Hopeful I wanted to share how I have been keeping hope alive in my heart and soul during 2020. 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. 1. F45 Live Event: Community Resilience... Continue Reading →

Failure as Feedback

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=810whIFASFI&feature=emb_title "Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit."  With time, I have come to realize that failure has always been my greatest teacher. Each failure pointed me in a better direction and helped me to develop strength and authenticity, ultimately unveiling who I was and... Continue Reading →

Energy Management

What we give energy to impacts everything. Thoughts Emotions Actions People Some drain. Others invigorate. https://youtube.com/shorts/fKBUoSAw1tY?si=XnBDucWk31XIbvrk Awareness is the first step to enhancing vitality. The goal is to identify the source of energy leaks and peaks. Where to start? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RK7EzyPXRPA My interview on FM 105.9 The Region was designed to help people become more conscious... Continue Reading →

Freedom is realizing you have a choice

Freedom doesn’t come from holding on. Freedom comes from letting go. Again and again and again. Universal Experience Too often we are hard on ourselves for having to release the same thought, emotion, person, or situation.  When in fact that’s how life goes. For all of us. Letting go and surrendering are an ongoing daily... Continue Reading →

Anger is a sign that something needs to change

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 →

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 …

Continue reading Can Trauma and Happiness Coexist?

Psychology Insights: Self Criticism to Self Compassion

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2DrNWX5JBGk WHY ARE WE SO HARD ON OURSELVES? Great question! One that I’m asked often. And one that I often ask myself. PSYCHOLOGY INSIGHTS What causes this behaviour? The answer is multifaceted and includes several factors. These factors include how we were parented. This aspect pertains to when the internalized superego and conscience first develop.... Continue Reading →

Student Resilience and Success (YouTube Video)

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 →

What has COVID-19 awakened in you?

How is everyone doing? How are you coping with our universal global event? How has your perception of yourself and the world evolved? How has COVID-19 transformed you? What is the higher purpose in all of this? I Am Waking Up After socially distancing and working full-time from home as a psychology professor (now online),... Continue Reading →

Breathe

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. 5 Breathing Techniques: Follow Your Breath Become aware of each inhalation and exhalation. Focus on the sensations you feel as air passes through... Continue Reading →

Emotional Freedom Technique for Social Anxiety & Imaginary Audience

Have you ever felt like you’re being watched?  Judged and scrutinized. Like all eyes are on you and every potential error you make? Everyone experiences this phenomenon from time to time, especially when trying out something for the first time. Think back to the first time you gave a dinner party, swung a golf club,... Continue Reading →

Signs are everywhere

Signs pointing us in the direction of our dreams are everywhere. Everywhere! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rE3fD-8aSF8 But we have to look UP to see it. OPEN our minds to BELIEVE it. Visualization Exercise Look for the signs The next time you see a 40 km, 50 km, or 100 km sign — take it as an opportunity to... Continue Reading →

3 C’s of Thriving Under Pressure

https://youtu.be/czXG8odb7pY A map for transforming stress into strength In my TEDx Talk and leadership training, I discuss how to THRIVE under pressure using 3 stress resilience tools: dr.-andrea-dinardo-thriving-under-pressure-training-and-speaking-servicesDownload 1. Commitment Envisioning a higher purpose above and beyond the immediate stressor. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjxCsK2qudw 2. Challenge Reframing stressful challenges as opportunities for growth. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7TFtJHASn8 3. Control Focusing on the things... Continue Reading →

Focus on what’s within your control in life & leadership.

When things go wrong, what do you focus on first? The world outside you or the world within you? The following is a video and activity overview from Part 2 of the 2020 SRC Leadership Development Workshop. Click Here for Part 1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVEjYGl9c0k Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control... Continue Reading →

Strengths-Based Leadership Training and Development

“The strength of any organization is a direct result of the strength of its leaders.” — John C. Maxwell  The best part is that strengths-based leadership skills can be learned, developed, mentored, and coached. https://youtu.be/pjxCsK2qudw?si=xHsV_IBAKQq47am2 Student Leaders Training and Development Strengths- based leadership is the cornerstone of my work with Ontario student leaders. Including St.... Continue Reading →

Coping With Loneliness

When we feel a painful emotion, our first instinct is to pull away. To numb the pain. To hide from the intensity. This was the case for Sarah and Jack, two unique individuals with vastly different circumstances. But they each experienced the same emotion: loneliness. An emotion that is heightened during the holidays. SARAH Sarah... Continue Reading →

CPR: Catch Pause Repair

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 →

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 →

5 Stress Relief Techniques

Life is complicated. Stress management shouldn't be. 5 Stress Relief Techniques 1. Gratitude https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gXDMoiEkyuQ 2. Breathwork https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zRSQw-LjU8k 3. Movement https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=d4SyONPkus0 4. sur·ren·der https://youtu.be/I7YD4A900-4 5. This moment https://youtu.be/moc-AtmSSGU Repeat Daily 💕

Improve Mental Health with Positive Psychology

https://youtu.be/I08EUaQ8g9Y Reevaluate Your Approach to Mental Health 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 equal attention to our psychological needs. Original Source — The Drive... Continue Reading →

HOPE CHANGES EVERYTHING

H old O n P ain E nds During difficult times, I often tell myself: “What a difference a day makes.” This one simple sentence helps me to remember that tomorrow is a brand new day. Illuminating the possibility that what looks like the end in that dark moment, could in fact be preparing me... Continue Reading →

Happiness and Healing in Present Time.

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.

Patience is the ability to count down before you blast off

What is meant for you is coming for you. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHAotUT2eAY E  X  P  A  N  S  I  O  N happens in the space in between stress and strength, pain and power. Trust and Believe in Your Divinity. HONOUR this day, this moment, the unknown. You got this! What is meant for you is on its way. https://drandreadinardo.com/2020/05/13/stay-open-to-the-possibilities/

Psych Insight 💡 Saying No Is Not A One Size Fits All

https://youtube.com/shorts/O-UOPC4wEAI?si=gUNXEk5J5PVB4ekC Boundaries, Personality, and Saying No Do you have a difficult time saying no? While others in your life say no without a second thought. Is this confusing and at times upsetting for you? Are you hard on yourself because of this discrepancy between yourself and others? You may be interested to discover that Saying... Continue Reading →

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