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 →
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 →
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 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 →
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 →
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 →
“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 →
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 →
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.
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 →
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 →
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 →
https://youtu.be/W7dz0FvnkxY?si=WEfPsjb9TVnDgRTK Surrender is not giving in. Surrender is not giving up. It is trusting in something bigger than yourself. Something you can’t quite see. https://youtu.be/I7YD4A900-4 Quietly unfolding. Slowly expanding. In your favour. Behind the scenes.
One of my favourite ways to energize before teaching psychology classes at St. Clair College is to summarize a theory in practical and concrete ways in the parking lot.Literally! 🚘 I filmed this video 5 minutes before I was about to teach a lecture on personality and positive psychology in my liberal arts class. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUC7f_3EdHA Just... Continue Reading →
Let's not wait until Mother's Day to celebrate moms everywhere. Let’s celebrate moms today. Including my own. Moms of every age. Moms of every country. Moms of every kind. Cat moms. Dog moms. Aunt moms. Friend moms. Professor moms. Neighbour moms. The only thing that matters is love. Sharing Mom Memories And since Mother's Day... Continue Reading →
Acceptance and peace go hand in hand. Watch Video — Click Here Consciously accept the good and the bad that exists in your life. The rain and the sunlight. The shadow and the light. Shift your focus. Change your life. Accepting what is does not lower the bar. Quite the opposite. Acceptance shines a spotlight on... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
How you perceive stress. Changes everything. Challenge or opportunity? Ending or new beginning? Stumbling block or stepping stone? Coal or diamonds? If you can't change the stress. Change the way you think about it. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Yl8hUkZ39dQ Week 2 at College: Short Video
How do you start the day? Do your morning routines lighten you up? Or bring you down? Early morning rituals spark the divine in me. No matter the day. No matter the moment. Angel cards, hot coffee, and mindfulness take me there. Fueling my creativity. Illuminating my path. Shifting me higher. Today’s Angel Reading —... Continue Reading →
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 →
The Psychology of Wellness I had the opportunity to be interviewed on the Lemon Soul Podcast by an engaging and bright young woman named Sierra Parr. It was one of the most rewarding projects I have worked on and I hope you find the same value in listening to the podcast as I had co-creating it... Continue Reading →
#internationalwomensday #rolemodel Growing up my Mom, my mentor, and the first psychologist in our family, didn’t talk a lot about women’s empowerment. — She lived it. Gracefully. Quietly. Courageously. Today, and all days, I am grateful for a role model who began her journey from challenge to strength with incredible will and a heart of... Continue Reading →
So many people in this world are struggling with what to do with their lives. An existential struggle that did not exist 100 years ago when jobs were more clearly defined. Which is why it is essential to explore purpose in many different ways. PURPOSE 🆚 JOB We must not confuse life purpose with occupation.... Continue Reading →
What percentage of the time do you spend talking about your stress versus talking about your dreams? Arguing for your weaknesses versus championing for your strengths? Dwelling on the negative simply contributes to its power. So please accept this challenge of beginning your conversations with your dreams instead of your stress. In doing so you... Continue Reading →
“Self-care is giving the world the best of you, not what's left of you." Pause. Be still. Catch your breath. Take a rest. Practice self-care. As often as you can. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=H8MKH2-QErg Pause at the end of my video ⬆️ for 30 fun self-care ideas. Do you practice daily self-care? Please share in the comments below.
Reframe stressful moments as growth moments. Opportunities moving you one step, one breath, one moment closer to your dreams. One thought debilitates. The other levitates. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ucdU7URx5g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czXG8odb7pY During my TEDx Talk I discuss how to thrive under pressure using three stress resilience techniques: challenge, commitment, and control. The purpose of this talk is to help students develop coping skills in empowering, educational, and uplifting ways. Additional Information Blog: Click Here YouTube: Click Here Twitter: Click Here Contact Form: Click Here Interviews: Click Here Articles: Click Here Speaking Services: Click Here
Good news to share! This month I published my first psychology advice column for a Canadian magazine. The same magazine that profiled my work in positive psychology. My intention for the psychology article is to inspire and comfort individuals experiencing loneliness during the holidays. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JU1eYOWaleg Writing Hopes I have been writing psychology textbooks for McGraw-Hill... Continue Reading →
“The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things.” Our left brain lives in the past and the future. Our right brain lives in the here and now. One scrambles for solutions to problem after problem. The other sinks into the present moment, trusting all is well. Which side... Continue Reading →
When the going gets tough do you focus on the dream or the sacrifice? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rbWW9jb1Q8 "When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves." Viktor Frankl Boost your motivation and raise your energy by laser focusing on what is within your control during challenge and adversity — Your Mindset
This post was inspired by a stressful situation that I could not let go of. No matter how hard I tried. Day in day out. The worry would reappear. Then someone suggested that I “shed the stress" and a lightbulb went off. Each time the repetitive thought appeared, I imagined a tree shedding its leaves.... 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 →
https://youtu.be/UlkaArLVg28?si=VVI9DtIw7EIBTC1A You are resilient. You are strong. You are a diamond in the making. You sparkle. You shine. I see it every time I look at you. And one day you will too. Thriving Under Pressure TEDx Talk: Watch Here
“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” Mae West https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sucq3BluxGw&t=5s ◊ In this video clip from my “Pitch with Passion” seminar with student and community entrepreneurs, I discuss the importance of being authentic and true to oneself. ◊ Not everyone is going to like who you are. Not everyone is... 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 →
PSYCHOLOGY THOUGHTS They say we only use 5-10% of our brain’s full potential. A statement I agree with. Psychology Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jwisq9hn8q0 Know thyself Understanding ourselves better, including our brains, is always the first step in tapping into what’s possible, within, and all around us. Hacking the brain Did you know that fear and excitement share the same... Continue Reading →
Happy Monday Everyone! I am excited to share my interview with The Drive Magazine on positive psychology and stress resilience. Inspired by my TEDx Talk: Thriving Under Pressure. The 3 C's of Positive Psycholog My favourite part of this photo is the story behind it.When the magazine was arranging the photo shoot, they asked where... Continue Reading →
Hope everyone’s having a great day! I wanted take a moment and share some good news with you. In June I was interviewed by THE DRIVE magazine for an article on mental health and thriving under pressure. The creative director saw my TEDx Talk and reached out for input into their next issue. How cool is that! Consequently,... Continue Reading →
In this psychology video and article I share 5 Steps to Thriving and Growth using Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyGHeBzGwUU&feature=youtu.be Read the article and watch the video, then try out the reflection questions below. https://issuu.com/sabooster/docs/thedrive_143_issuu/72 Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Reflection Questions Which deficiency needs (physiological, safety) are currently met vs. unmet? Which growth needs (love... 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 →
Good news to share! I have been working on a TEDx project with the University of Windsor TEDx team since last year. Today I received the news that the finished video was uploaded to the official TED Talks site. Video below — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czXG8odb7pY Stress Resilience In my TEDx Talk I discuss how to THRIVE under pressure using 3 stress... Continue Reading →
Show yourself some love today. Your health and happiness depend on it. ♥️ Related Post: From Fear to Love
“Don’t tell people your dreams. Show them.” I am excited to share an interview, photos, and a short video clip from yesterday’s TEDx Event at the University of Windsor. It was one of the most positive speaking experiences I’ve ever had. Truly magical. TEDx Videoclip TEDx Slideshow TEDx Dream Team Thank you for letting me share... Continue Reading →
What are you most excited about in your life right now? What brings a smile to your face and makes your heart skip a beat? Each time you share your zest for life — you move the world ! Related Post: Enthusiasm is contagious.
I have some exciting news to share! I was recently chosen to be a TEDx speaker for the University of Windsor TEDx Event on Sunday, January 28, 2018. The theme of the event is “Diamonds from Pressure”. Which fits in beautifully with my psychology blog — Thriving Under Pressure. What are TEDx Talks? "A... Continue Reading →
What we believe matters as it’s our mindset that shapes our physiological and emotional response to stressful circumstances. Ultimately, determining our ability to face our fears, overcome resistance, and bounce back after adversity. Watch Video - Click Here https://youtu.be/p58APeFQEmM RELATIONSHIP: BELIEF PATTERNS For example, when a relationship ends, if we view it as a personal... Continue Reading →
Smile like you’re changing the world. Because you are! We often think of changing the world as some great big, grand gesture. Performed on stage with millions of people watching. When in fact it’s just you and me. And 8 billion human beings. Smiling, connecting, caring, and loving. Every moment. Every encounter. We are the... Continue Reading →
Thriving Under Pressure 