Tag: Mental Health

Happiness: What deters it? What contributes to it?

On By Dr. Andrea DinardoIn Happiness, Mindfulness, Personal Growth, Psychology Class, Purpose and Meaning, Reflection Question, Video20 Comments

The Happiness Class

4115936F-330B-4596-95BF-54D9A7676FEF

One of my favourite things to do as a professor is to stay after class and talk to students. They look at the world in a very unique way. Motivating me to think about psychology at a whole different level.

  • Especially when it comes to FOMO and happiness:

FOMO is an acronym for fear of missing out, which is a feeling of anxiety that manifests itself in various ways, from a brief pang of envy to more intense feelings of self-doubt or inadequacy. Source: Macmillan Dictionary

Student Insights

In the video below I share the insightful questions my psychology students asked about social comparison and happiness today. Each question underscoring the famous quote:  

“Comparison is the thief of joy.”

Happiness, FOMO, and Social Comparison

FOMO and “measuring happiness” against each other’s’s lowlight reel (difficult times) and highlight reel (celebratory times) was also an active discussion on social media

7C88F151-CA70-4C6E-8C09-C80DFAA82EEC

I would love your insights too!

How would you answer the questions posed by my students:

  1. What are 2 deterrents to happiness?
  2. What are 2 contributors to happiness?
  3. How is your happiness influenced by other people’s highlights and lowlights?
    • Social comparison and happiness was the crux of today’s class discussion and accompanying video.
  4. What simple changes can you make today to enhance your happiness?

4022C27C-5A1B-471E-8D83-4484DC24A7C4

Optimism Bootcamp - Click Here

Radio Interview: Is Social Media Good or Bad for Mental Health?

On By Dr. Andrea DinardoIn Interview, Mental Health, psychology, technology38 Comments

JULY 7 RADIO INTERVIEW

“Live” from the studio 📸

7ED5E20F-B4D8-405C-9C80-C933BA530067

Your Input Please

I would love your questions and reflections on the topic of social media and well-being for my upcoming July 7 SUNDAY MORNING LIVE interview with host April Anderson on AM800 CKLW iHeart Radio. We will also be discussing thriving under pressure and why failure is good for us.

To watch video — click here

RADIO INTERVIEW OBJECTIVES

The goal of the interview is to give listeners the tools to enjoy the benefits of social media without sacrificing mental health and wellness.

mental health social media

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

What comes to mind when you think about social media? What’s your experience? The pros. The cons. The unexpected.

MY HOPE IS TO INCLUDE YOUR IDEAS IN THE JULY 7 RADIO INTERVIEW

happy

For example:

1. How does your phone and/or social media affect your mental health?
2. Your relationships?
3. Your mood?
4. Your memory?
5. Your self-esteem?

Please share in the comments below.

JULY 7 INTERVIEW IS NOW AVAILABLE!

765F38FC-5A5B-40A0-B731-8ED9DB2FCB5E

Sunday Morning Live with Host April Anderson

— Link to AM800 CKLW radio interview below

http://www.iheartradio.ca/am800/audio/april-anderson-talks-to-dr-andrea-dinardo-1.9433208?mode=Article

https://omny.fm/shows/am-800-cklw/april-anderson-talks-to-dr-andrea-dinardo

One Minute to Mindfulness: Look Up

On By Dr. Andrea DinardoIn Mindfulness, nature, Peace, positivity, Purpose and Meaning, Relaxation, Video27 Comments

F5DC5F59-184C-4A7B-8F04-E4E7E0EA0A19

From Restless to Restful

I look up every chance I get. First thing in the morning. On my run. On my way to work. In between classes. Out for a bike ride. From the skylight in my office. On the front porch before I go to sleep.

Connected to Something Bigger

The sky connects us to something much bigger. Challenges seem small in comparison to the vastness of the sky. Solutions seem plausible. Answers come more easily.

One Minute to Mindfulness — Click Here

Peace in Every Glance

The stars heighten our awareness, expand our field of possibilities, and relax our mind. In their presence, we embrace the profound and surrender the pettiness.

When we look up, we become fully present. In the moment. Completely mindful. Nowhere else to be but one with the sky.

FDCFA12B-EB28-42F3-AB9C-FB4511EA2118

Reflection Questions

What are your mindfulness tips?

How do you transcend your restless thoughts?

How often do you look up?

Are you a star gazer or a sun worshipper?

Do you see pictures in the clouds?

8160C543-0F08-4C65-AE53-BB08E6CA494A

Video of Blog Post — Click Here

Empowering Conversations.

On By Dr. Andrea DinardoIn empowerment, Psychology Class, resources, Strengths, Student Engagement, The Drive Magazine, Video14 Comments

2AA5CC0F-113D-4B25-AD70-30C33D3E95E2

In today’s psychology class, we discussed how important it is to empower friends, family, and clients going through difficult times.

And how even if we’re an expert in psychology, medicine, or business – it does not make us the master of someone else’s life.86413B3A-117A-451E-9318-CB334FF5E5CC

Together we explored strength based techniques for uplifting and encouraging others in conversation and in daily life.

Acknowledging that we still have so much left to learn about friends and family.

And the only way to do this is to create an inviting listening space between ourselves and the people we meet.

3B1FF595-B8C3-423B-90B1-BC954B8EB699

Next Steps

Helpful tips for enhancing conversations with clients and family members can be found in the June article in The Drive Magazine (click here) and in the psychology video below —

The Story Behind the Story

This post was inspired by my sister Noelle.

12BB321D-E44A-4F1F-A3DF-D616562A0831“When my sister was 19, she had a brain aneurysm. Every day since, she has struggled to maintain her independence and financial security.

Despite her trauma, Noelle continues to thrive in unexpected and beautiful ways. She never gives up, no matter what comes her way. Over the years, I have discovered the difference it makes when I support Noelle from her perspective, rather than dictating what she needs.”

Excerpt from The Drive Magazine | Issue 122, p. 49

EMPOWERING

Someone with a Brain Injury

60FB6719-BDBF-404F-84B3-91BB1D7197BC

Written with the help of my sister ❤️

Your emotions have a message for you.

On By Dr. Andrea DinardoIn Emotional Awareness, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Peace, Personal Growth, Self Reflection, Video

Create space for feelings to flow.

Quotefancy-55413-3840x2160

Emotions are neither good or bad.

Only labeling makes it so.

Don’t run from challenging emotions.

Instead, lean in and ask:

“What are you trying to tell me?”

Witness. Observe. Learn.

The best part is how small fear appears close up!

We must go in — to get through.

Helpful Article with Strategies

Click Here:  Lean into lonelinessDriveLoneliness

How we talk to ourselves matters.

On By Dr. Andrea DinardoIn Affirmation, courage, Hope, Peace, Personal Growth

4C28F69F-30DC-4EEB-8EA3-B9960748303E

How we talk to ourselves matters tremendously.

Particularly in the eye of the storm.

Having a “go to” mantra in times of stress helps.

Especially in the uncomfortable (agonizing) moments between stress and strength.

Video of Blog Post ⇒ Click Here

A mantra that has helped me over the years is imagining myself:

g r o w i n g + e x p a n d i n g

during the dark times.

Chanting “I am expanding” as the rain falls.

6937F365-0513-46A8-9016-32606C5DB390

Today I wish the same for you.

May you see the blessing in every storm. 

Expanding you.

Preparing you. 

For the next level of your destiny.🎈

B5092702-BE8C-4FC8-B787-F5CC7001A7EB

Helpful Tips: Optimism Bootcamp

Cultivating Mental Health Daily.

On By Dr. Andrea DinardoIn Mental Health, Positive Psychology, Resilience, Self-Care, Stress Relief and Release, The Drive Magazine, Video

DAB46DB7-A01C-4325-965A-C30BB615F342.jpeg

In Celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month in Canada

In this video, I share an overview of my latest psychology article in The Drive Magazine (May, Issue 121). An issue devoted entirely to mental health awareness, treatment, and prevention. With the ultimate goal of ending the stigma of mental illness.

Instead of thinking of mental health as a burden to be shouldered, imagine it as an opportunity to experience peace and joy. In the same way that we make time for our physical needs (eating and sleeping) we must devote attention to our psychological needs.

Excerpt from The Drive Magazine, Issue 121, pages 58-60.

happybucket

Building a mental health reserve

In the article I discuss the importance of daily self-care as a preventative and restorative health strategy.

In the same way that save money to buy our dream home, it is critical that we contribute daily to our mental health bank account. Health is wealth after all!

Everything little bit counts. Everything adds up. Spa coffee dates especially. ☕️💗

IMG_0854

Read Magazine Article ⇒ Click Here

Optimism Bootcamp Workshop.

On By Dr. Andrea DinardoIn Hope, Optimism, Positive Psychology, The Drive Magazine, Video

Come join us at my most recent positive psychology workshop.

72FE34DA-8573-4912-9BA1-0DC9566F1373

Have fun and do the interactive exercises with us!

Video Clip of the Workshop:

OPTIMISM BOOTCAMP is based on an article of the same name that I recently wrote for my psychology column in The Drive Magazine.

I believe that optimism is a life skill that can be learned. A thriving mindset that helps people focus on what’s within their control. Making it easier to let go and move on to what matters most: Life itself 💃💥

To Read Optimism Bootcamp Article 
 ⇒ Click Here

Psychology on YouTube: Helping people live a better life.

On By Dr. Andrea DinardoIn community, psychology, Psychology Class, Public Speaking, resources, Teaching, Video

Psychology for Everyone

My number one intention for becoming a psychologist and psychology professor has always been to help people live a better life, no matter their life circumstances.

And since there are only so many hours in a day, I’m always looking for new ways to reach and teach as many people as I can. All at once, if possible.   

Which is why I created a Psychology Tips Playlist on my YouTube Channel that I contribute to weekly. Fifty plus psychology videos so far!

Psychology Tips: Video Playlist

7C261820-DD77-4BC5-9FF4-A6DFD24F1462.jpeg

The purpose of my Psychology YouTube Channel is to share the key lessons of my 3 hour psychology lectures in 3 to 5 minutes.

I know how busy everyone is. And I love a good challenge! 

I also include videos of psychology workshops and keynote speeches.

4C0BB165-6D1A-4AE7-A4E0-1E00F2550E50

Wishing you a day filled with love and learning!

Positive Psychology Workshop | Women with Drive Summit

On By Dr. Andrea DinardoIn community, Inspiration, Mental Health, Positive Psychology, Public Speaking, resources, Video

“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.”

Positive Psychology Workshop

“If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

In celebration of this year’s International Women’s Day I had the opportunity to speak at a Windsor Summit called Women with Drive.

A local conference organized by a young woman named Cierra Bray, who poured her heart and soul for months into planning, organizing, and promoting the exhilarating two-day event.

37D90BA9-F645-4796-8783-C3EA4F9B1453

When asked to describe the conference to those who were unable to attend, I summed it up in three words: beautiful, heartwarming, and informative.

And even more than that — my favourite takeaway from the Women with Drive Summit was the empowering community Cierra Bray, the organizer, created.

B7224203-0BB2-4F10-8FFB-B337AB9FECD2
All Photos by Charlie O’Brien

“Educate a girl, and you educate a community.” 

Including weekly WWD newsletters and face-to-face reunions for all who participated.

For gatherings aren’t meant as a means to an end. Instead, they are just the beginning for all that is yet to come.

Heal. Learn. Grow. Succeed.

037F0784-1A7B-4FFE-B61B-62319365BA64

“Expand your knowledge by expanding your community.”

LESSONS LEARNED

From an Audience Member 

 For all 7 lessons, visit GutsyFeeling.com

Ms. Nathalie Begin shares her lessons below:

PROTECT YOURSELF

Dr. Dinardo explained to us all about positive psychology while sharing with us some of the struggles she faced earlier in her career as a psychologist.

6CE10BD0-2D5E-40DB-BD46-410081597249

The main focus of her discussion was about protecting yourself from everyone’s problems.

One of the main things that Dr. Dinardo struggled with years ago was protecting her own mental health when she had all of these patients who needed her help.

169772E8-DADB-427B-956C-9CD155EEC77E

She taught us that we should be focusing less on the PROBLEMS in our lives, and more on strengths and goodness in our lives.

When someone comes to her with a problem, she believes it is best to speak 15 minutes about the problem, and 45 about the solutions, strengths and goodness.

Dr. Dinardo explains that we must build on what is STRONG, not on what is WRONG.

If you spend too much time talking about the problems, you will never find a solution.

30375C23-235D-433C-BF5C-E2A6549B53B1

She also explains that we must protect ourselves from other people’s  problems.

We should be respectful of other peoples time and energy, and ensure that it is okay to talk about our problems with other people. (We often word vomit our problems onto so many people in our lives and this is not okay to do all the time.)

Dr. Dinardo explains one of her favorite practices is the 10 minute timer. She allows friends to vent for 10 minutes, and after that time it is over.

Overall, it is important that we protect our energy and respect others energy in order to stay sane and happy.

A041FBDF-D5D5-46A7-923D-FF74AAC4B2ED
All photos by Charlie O’Brien

“Together we rise.” 💞