Tag: Positive Psychology

Speaking and Training with Dr. Andrea Dinardo

Contact Form: Click HereArticles & Speeches: Click Here https://youtu.be/y3bWmoKule8?feature=shared https://youtu.be/6zlJDM58-a0?feature=shared Background and Overview: Dr. Andrea Dinardo is a positive psychology expert, keynote speaker, and leadership trainer who helps people thrive under pressure, build resilience, and cultivate mental health daily. She is passionate about applying positive psychology to facilitate personal growth and transformational change in individuals... Continue Reading →

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

Growth Mindset in Challenging Times

https://youtu.be/ldOlNJ0ds0c 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... Continue Reading →

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?

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 →

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 →

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 →

Put a Time Limit on Negativity

https://youtu.be/jq14fr86-Jk Time and Energy Management When I was a kid, my mom set a timer for almost everything we did. Whether it was how long we spent doing our homework, weeding the garden, watching television, or complaining about life’s challenges. 1. Passing vs Permanent Difficulties Setting time limits helped us understand that nothing lasts forever,... 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 →

Twelve Days of Self-Care

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 →

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 →

Let Your North Star Guide You

Mindfulness Tip: Look Up The sky connects us to something bigger than ourselves. Challenges appear small in comparison to the vastness of the sky. Solutions seem plausible. Answers come more easily. In the presence of stars, we embrace the profound and surrender it all. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gMq9BNKvOA

What advice would you give your younger self?

ASK DR. D … ANYTHING! 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 training event. Questions & Reflections The student leaders raised the reflection bar high during this discussion period. One Question Stood Out The... Continue Reading →

Catch Pause Repair (CPR): Healthy Workplace Awards Keynote Speech

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VvwITnvrhs Healthy Workplace Awards This week I did a keynote speech at the Healthy Workplace Awards Ceremony. Given all we are collectively going through, I thought the notes and video from the keynote would be helpful to everyone. News Release: CTV News Especially as we wrap up this year. A year where we collectively experienced... 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 →

Energizing Self-Talk

How we talk to ourselves matters. Especially at the start of a brand new day. The way I see it, our thoughts are the lyrics to the daily soundtrack of our lives. A topic I discuss with love and laughter during my Women With Drive Speech. Video below ⬇️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ALCrzw_1Xo Try This One Day at... 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?

Let Your North Star Guide You

My Wish For You Today May you find peace in your home. And calm in your heart. No matter the storm. Psychology Thought for the Day The goal isn’t to get rid of all our negative thoughts and emotions. The goal is to change our response to them. To accept them without judgement. To transcend... Continue Reading →

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 →

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 →

Psychology on YouTube

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlPm9OCnSiX1LK7Mef6fn19tKZqIkxzn1&si=pz4QC7U84ulksfmc ORIGIN STORY I launched my YouTube channel in 2015 to share quick, three-to-five-minute psychology lessons for busy viewers. Over time, I expanded the content to include interviews, workshops, and speeches—making psychology accessible through fun, educational, and uplifting formats. Join the Journey: https://m.youtube.com/c/DrAndreaDinardo LEARN MORE YouTube: Click Here Blog: Click Here Twitter: Click Here TEDx Talk: Click Here Interviews: Click... Continue Reading →

Mindful Moments in California

We are on a trip to California for our December birthdays and wedding anniversary and I couldn’t imagine a more mindful place to be. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pa_DVAmmTzY Nature everywhere we look. Luminous moonlight. Dancing campfire. Fresh ocean air. Water as far as the eye can see. Sunshine in every nook. 100 year old fig trees. Just outside... 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 →

5 Ways to Focus Better

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 →

Thriving Teams. Thriving Leaders.

LESSONS LEARNED In this post, I share the lessons learned at a thriving teams thriving leaders board retreat. It was a true team effort!   With the team-building and leadership exercises equally led by the student leaders and myself. Please join in and explore the reflection questions, interactive activities, and workshop videos with the teams... Continue Reading →

Positive Psychology on Campus

Glimpse inside my classroom https://youtube.com/shorts/-KbyDnDI4QA?si=bKM7kj8bFdvcg9_q TRADITIONAL VERSUS POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY "While traditional psychology focuses its attention on pathology and problems, in the relatively new field of positive psychology, researchers strive to explore and understand the strengths of individuals that contribute to their flourishing." Source: Psychology Guide https://youtu.be/qGg70RIiUR8 PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION Strengths first I am passionate about... Continue Reading →

The Happiness Class

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KbyDnDI4QA Reflections on Happiness One of my favourite things to do as a professor is to stay after class and talk to students about what hit home for them about each week’s lecture. Fresh Perspective Students look at the world in a very unique way. Motivating me to think about psychology at a whole different... Continue Reading →

CULTIVATING MENTAL HEALTH DAILY

In Celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month, I wrote a psychology article and did a series of videos and training on community mental health. I hope you enjoy! The Drive Magazine Psych Drive Article Video One Professional Development & Training This is a video of professional development for educational assistants and mental health support staff... Continue Reading →

TEDX MOTIVATION FOR NEW SPEAKERS – WHAT’S YOUR WHY? WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL ALIVE?

Last night I had the wonderful opportunity to speak to the new roster of TEDX Windsor speakers at Beachgrove Golf and Country Club in Windsor Ontario. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URKcpc0rEVQ In the 4 min video I advise new TEDX Speakers on how to stay motivated during the extensive and lengthy TEDX preparation process. Reminding speakers HOW THEY DREAMED... Continue Reading →

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