https://youtube.com/shorts/Bvo0FXfS7t4?feature=shared When faced with a choice, ask yourself: Do I need to slow down? Am I being impulsive? Will I have regrets? Do I have all the information? Is it worth the wait? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXZvf2_UHJ0 Reflection Questions 1. Do you consider yourself a patient person, an impatient person, an impulsive person? Does your answer depend on... Continue Reading →
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 →
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.
What's your perspective on purpose? Is it something you do or something you are? Is it ignited at birth? Or at work? Does it expire at death? Or when you retire? https://youtu.be/0WA8LzF5m3Y The way I see it. Purpose is for a lifetime. It's what lights you up, and sets your soul on fire! Video of... Continue Reading →
How do you express love? Take Quiz The 5 Love Languages Quiz for Singles: Click Here The 5 Love Languages Quiz for Couples: Click Here Paper Version of Quiz — Tap on Photo Below Love and Social Psychology One of the reasons I love teaching psychology is that it gives me the opportunity to share... Continue Reading →
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 →
I find the perception of time fascinating.Everyone experiences time differently. Because time truly is relative. Changing from situation to situation.For example: Work Week vs. Vacation Week COVID vs. Pre-COVID Bored versus in Flow Time perception also varies from person to person. For example: Teenager vs. Baby Boomer Good Health vs. Poor Health Type A Personality... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 💕
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 →
Life lived backwards makes perfect sense. You finally understand WHY the job, the partner, the degree, the house, the friendship, the ______ didn’t work out. BUT what about in the “here and now”? How do we make the leap of faith during the darkest of days? Mantras Are My Answer https://youtu.be/nD4LmUHG2vM?si=j88ssJBGT3y6KepP Find a phrase that... Continue Reading →
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 →
Interview Now Available: I begin 6 min 24 sec into radio segment: http://www.iheartradio.ca/am800/audio/sunday-morning-live-dr-andrea-dinardo-1.9561424?mode=Article JULY 28 RADIO SHOW TOPIC: COGNITIVE DISSONANCE Why facts don't change our minds I would love your questions and reflections on the topic of why people refuse to change their minds and/or adjust their stance on a political, personal, relationship, or health... Continue Reading →
Social Media and Mental Health is a frequent topic and active discussion in my psychology class with college and university students.Social media is here to stay. The question is how can we teach our children, students, and each other to use it responsibly. How do we lead the way? LIVE FROM AM800 STUDIO https://omny.fm/shows/am-800-cklw/april-anderson-talks-to-dr-andrea-dinardo Your... Continue Reading →
Time + Energy Audit 1. What area of your life do you need to slow down in? 2. What area of your life do you need to REV IT UP in? https://youtu.be/jq14fr86-Jk ABCD Priority List Make a list of all the things that you have to do today. Order them in terms of A to... 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 →
This moment. This day. THIS LIFE. Is yours for the taking. Don't be afraid to step into your power. https://youtube.com/shorts/_kBlKrI8RQ8?feature=share It is you. And you are it. Empowerment is the reason you were born. Face It — You Are Strong!
FOCUS ON THE GOOD This is my mantra. I write it on my bathroom mirror. I post it on my refrigerator door. I tape it to my office wall. I speak of it every time I teach. These 4 words remind me to focus on what's good, what's working, what's infinitely possible. Even (especially) when everything... Continue Reading →
I met a delightful group of people at a dinner party Saturday night. Which of course, like all social occasions, got my psychologist mind percolating. Particularly when one of the guests leaned in halfway through dinner and stated: “Andrea, you seem like the kind of person who never worries”. At which point my husband laughed very... Continue Reading →
“Every day might not be good, but there is something good in every day.” In psychology class this week, I teach one of my favourite subjects - Stress, Coping, and Health Psychology Chapter 11 in my psychology textbook. I purposely teach this topic during the height of midterms. Raising awareness about the healthy (and not so healthy) ways students manage... Continue Reading →
Show yourself some love today. Your health and happiness depend on it. ♥️ Related Post: From Fear to Love
TO ALL NURSING STUDENTS If I were to assign homework this week it would be to take a break. 10 minutes at a time. 5 times a day. Because you have worked exceptionally hard. And a good rest is half the work. Although things may not have gone your way. Not exactly as you had... Continue Reading →
Psychology Class https://youtu.be/7KVHUEDYFk4?si=vXjjhNYVg2gCINkCThis post is a summary of a psychology lecture and Chapter 2 in my psychology textbook. Free Psychology Chapter If you want to learn more about this topic, you can download a free PDF of my neuroscience and behaviour chapter by clicking on this link. Understanding Individual Differences Have you ever wondered how your best friend... Continue Reading →
5 Simple 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 💕
No more futile tests. No more unrelenting trials. No more self inflicted tribulations. Lay down your burdens. Let. Them. Go. Take a breath. Take a rest. You have strengthened from your burdens. You have overcome great obstacles. You have developed. You have grown. You have earned your freedom ten times over. Trust your wisdom. Trust your wings.... Continue Reading →
https://youtu.be/yCLrqDoNDmo As a positive psychologist, I often write about the bright side of life. Including harnessing strengths, enhancing motivation, and flourishing in the wake of adversity. Not the whole picture While strengths are vital to realizing one's full potential - it's not the whole picture when it comes to living a balanced life. Embrace the downside... Continue Reading →
There's a diamond inside all of us. Waiting to be discovered. Related Post: Your strengths light my way.
Stop expecting others to validate what you hear (see and feel). The music is not "out there". The music is in you. A beautiful melody that only you can hear. Listen. Be still. Take a long deep breath. Fear not who you are. Fear not what you hear. You are the symphony. Trust the music that... Continue Reading →
Psychology Reflection Questions Do you experience more stress than the average person? Are you overly sensitive to external stimuli? Chances are, there is nothing wrong with you or your coping strategies. Instead, your brain may be more sensitive to stress than the average person. You may in fact, be what Dr. Elaine Aron has coined "A Highly Sensitive... Continue Reading →
Self-awareness is the starting point for personal success. Until you know who you are, how will you know what truly motivates you? Reawaken your passion for life and enhance your self-esteem by reflecting on “Who you are“. A daily practice in self-discovery and personal responsibility. How would you describe yourself in one word? What are... Continue Reading →
Do not fear challenge or adversity. Run towards it. Not away from it. Use it consciously. As a stepping stone. To ascend. To soar. To propel yourself forward. To begin again. For strength is ultimately built from challenge, from difficulty, from overcoming. You were born to thrive! https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ento8DliEOs
So many choices when it comes to stress relief. Which one will you choose today? Thriving Test — Click Here
POWER OF LIGHT Even though we often have little control over the “outside forces” in our lives, we can always make a positive difference - from the inside out. Start here. Right here. Right now. Be still. Breathe in gratitude. Be thankful for this very moment. Start small. Notice your passing thoughts. Let go. Awareness empowers.... Continue Reading →
Question your stress. It has something to teach you. Psychology Worksheet 1/ Identify a stressor / challenge in your life. Be specific. For example: Not enough money. Too busy. Lack of sleep. Pushy relative. Your Answer: ______________________________ 2/ What is this stressor / challenge trying to teach you? For Example: Slow down. Change jobs. End... Continue Reading →
When you notice the blessings in your life (big or small), happiness happens. One conscious thought. One mindful emotion. One insightful gesture. One moment of wonder.. at a time.☀️ Inspiration: 21 positive thoughts for your morning.
https://youtube.com/shorts/zRSQw-LjU8k?feature=share A glimpse of my psychology classroom. Today’s Reminder to Breathe.🌿 Related Post: The Sweet Spot
"Create a vision for your life that makes you want to jump out of bed in the morning!" Why Vision Boards in the Classroom At the beginning of the semester, I ask nursing students to share their reasons "why" they want to become a nurse. Why this program? Why Nursing? This simple "WHY" question gives students... Continue Reading →
Recently, a fellow blogger asked an excellent question regarding tipping points and stress response. They were curious to know if each of us has a tipping point when it comes to stress management. And if so, how does it differ from person to person. I love questions like this because they encourage me to dig deep, reflect,... Continue Reading →
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2Sy1x3nliU&feature=emb_title How do you talk to yourself? Have you ever noticed that the more challenging life gets the more critical you are of yourself. And the more critical you are of yourself the more challenging life becomes. It's a fearful, exhausting, repetitive loop that feeds on itself. When you're under extreme pressure, the last thing... Continue Reading →
Instead of focusing on what you want TO DO. Focus on how you want TO FEEL. Desired Feeling ⇔ Supporting Behaviour Strong ⇔ Move your body. Valuable ⇔ Help someone. Lighthearted ⇔ See a funny movie. Joyful ⇔ Go dancing with friends. Free ⇔ Unshackle from daily regimes & routines. Inspired ⇔ Spend time with... Continue Reading →
Miracles are everywhere. The only catch is that we have to "be here now" to notice them. Gratitude speeds their discovery.💫 What are you grateful for? Right here. Right now. In this moment - I am grateful for this hot cup of coffee. And for this delicious lunch. I am grateful for Tim Horton's camp day. I... Continue Reading →
Shifting from Extrinsic to Intrinsic Motivation We live in a world that rewards frivolous behaviour with fame and fortune, so it is no wonder that some students expect their motivation to come from the outside, in the same way that reality show contestants expect to win a million dollars, simply by “showing up”. How can... 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 →
At the beginning of my Is Happiness a Choice? presentation I ask the audience to write down the one word that best describes what has brought them the most happiness in the past 12 months. How would you answer this question? In one word, what best describes the people, places, or things, that have... Continue Reading →
Thriving Under Pressure 