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 itโ€™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 →

Whatโ€™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 →

Donโ€™t be pushed by your problems โ€” 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 →

Empowering Conversations About Change

Psychology of Change During this weekโ€™s health psychology lecture, we talked about the psychology of change, including the parts of our lives that remain โ€˜unchangedโ€™ 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 →

Psychology of Body Image: Donโ€™t Believe Everything You Think

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9hhtrE8yxCU Perception versus Reality I was motivated to write this post and film an accompanying video after witnessing so many students overwrought by thoughts of inadequacy about how they looked. In reality, there was no doubt that they were healthy and whole, but in their minds, they believed the opposite. A phenomenon heightened by imaginary audience... Continue Reading →

What advice would you give your younger self?

ASK DR. D โ€ฆ 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 →

Enjoy Every Moment

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fd9TrYI75o0 Never let the things you want make you forget the things you already have. Nothing Lasts Forever. Good or Bad. Enjoy Every Moment. Embrace it. Be it. See it. Everything you appreciate is you reflecting back. Homework for Today Look Around You. Notice Things Like You Are Seeing Them for the Very First Time.... Continue Reading →

Situational Anxiety Interview

Mental Health Matters with Dr. Kathy Garland 1. Video Format of Interview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7ttX6h_D8o&feature=youtu.be Watch on YouTube 2. Podcast Format of Interview https://soundcloud.com/user-240189621/mental-health-matters-dr-dinardo-and-situational-anxiety Listen on SoundCloud  and Apple Podcasts Reflection Questions What did you learn about situational versus clinical anxiety from our interview? Can you relate to the personal example of heightened situational anxiety shared by Dr.... Continue Reading →

Rethink Time in COVID-19

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 →

Peer Pressure: What happened when I quit drinking?

Getting ready for my online summer courses which requires a lot of new psychology videos. Including video discussions on health, wellness, and personal empowerment. Similar to in person college classes, the goal is to stimulate active discussions and open communication. For example: Discussion Topic What happened when I quit drinking? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ejpt6agt1tk Watch this short video... Continue Reading →

3 Cโ€™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 →

Have you experienced stage fright or performance anxiety?

PUBLIC SPEAKING TIP How to Turn Fear into Excitement Neuroscience Solutions & Insights Did you know that fear and excitement share the same set of neurotransmitters, including dopamine, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine. Opposite emotions. Identical neurotransmitters. Same neural activity. Different Cognitive Appraisal. And the best way to shift from performance anxiety to excitement is to say... Continue Reading →

PUBLIC SPEAKING TIP Practice the Pause

Stop saying โ€œUm,โ€ or โ€œAh,โ€ during speeches with this one simple tip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vpr9HR-Ur2I&feature=youtu.be The next time you have a speech to give, try taking a pause between thoughts. In doing so, you allow your message to sink in. Giving yourself and the audience a much needed break. Allowing time for everyone to digest the information.... 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 โ€” not a memory issue. An important distinction between memory and attention that I share in... Continue Reading →

How does a psychologist make a clinical diagnosis?

Psychology in Your Life The intention for this post is to introduce you to one aspect of the diagnostic process โ€” specifically: differential diagnosis. And ultimately to help you understand that psychological assessmentย is a complex, worthwhile process. Whatโ€™s normal ๐Ÿ†šย clinical? To answer that question, I would like to invite you into my clinical psychology class.ย ... Continue Reading →

My philosophy of teaching

I have one intention in mind when I walk into a classroom: How can I warm up the room? Enthusiasm is contagious! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4J4oL093oU0 In this short video I share the thoughts that go through my mind as I walk into a classroom and meet my psychology students for the first time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8uxAo-kfnE I also discuss the specifics of... 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 weekโ€™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 →

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 →

Lemon Soul Podcast: Thriving Under Pressure

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 →

5 Love Languages: Social Psychology Class

Social Psychology Class Part 1: Before Class Preparations https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAbH9tKzJhA Part 2: After Class Reflections https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vfwz7JVkgLU Your Turn What's your love language? What do you value in relationships?

Donโ€™t give up. Great things take time.

Donโ€™t give up. Great things take time. Sometimesย we have to go through the worst. To get to the best. Fall down 7 times. Stand up 8. Today is your day. Your time to rise up! https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sw_igZkhv3c Trust and Believe in 2019 This blog post and classroom videoย above are dedicated to all the students around the... Continue Reading →

TEDx Talk: Thriving Under Pressure

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:ย Click Here Twitter: Click Here Contact Form: Click Here Interviews: Click Here Articles: Click Here Speaking Services: Click Here

Biology of Stress

Resilience Training & Education During my psychology speech at the โ€œYou Can Do College Eventโ€ 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 →

Shifting from anxiety to excitement

PSYCHOLOGY THOUGHTS They say we only use 5-10% of our brainโ€™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 whatโ€™s possible, within, and all around us. Hacking the brain Did you know that fear and excitement share the same... Continue Reading →

1000 views on the official TEDx site!

I am so excited to share that myย TEDx video hit 1000 views today! ๐ŸŽฅ A BIG thank you for watching and sharing my TEDx talk with your friends and family.ย We are stronger than our stress. This I know for sure.ย Together we will thrive under pressure. ๐Ÿ’ฅ Click on TEDx Video โ†’ Thriving Under Pressure

Thriving Under Pressure TEDx Talk

Good news to share! I have been working on aย TEDx project with the University of Windsor TEDx team since last year. Today I received the news that theย finished video was uploaded to the official TED Talks site. Video below โ€” 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 →

From Stress to Strength

https://youtu.be/nD4LmUHG2vM Instead of seeing obstacles and stressors as taking you down. Challenge can be difficult. Adversity overwhelming.ย Growth painful. I agree! Try perceiving challenges as taking you UP โ†‘ Again and again and again. For itโ€™s in this uncomfortable space in between failure and success; breakups and makeups; exams and graduation that strength is ultimately born. https://youtu.be/ldOlNJ0ds0c

TEDx Photos: Diamonds from Pressure.

โ€œDonโ€™t tell people your dreams. Show them.โ€ I am excited to share anย interview,ย photos, and a short video clip from yesterdayโ€™s TEDx Eventย at the University of Windsor. It was one of the most positive speaking experiences Iโ€™ve ever had. Truly magical.   TEDx Videoclip   TEDx Slideshow TEDx Dream Team Thank you for letting me share... Continue Reading →

TEDx Preparation: Diamonds from Pressure.

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 โ€œDiamonds from Pressureโ€. ย Which fits in beautifully with my psychology blog โ€” Thriving Under Pressure.   What are TEDx Talks? "A... Continue Reading →

Reigniting Motivation.

I wrote this on the blackboard for my nursing students today. This is their final week of classes. Which means one final opportunity for me to encourage their success. This is my favourite part of teaching psychology. Every time I face a challenge, I imagine how I can translate it into a motivating lessonย for my... Continue Reading →

Work hard. Rest. Repeat.

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 →

Study Tip: Stay Focused

This post was inspired by the one question students ask year after year: "Why Can't I Remember Anything?" More often than not, it's a focusing and attention issue, not a memory problem. Atkinsonโ€“Shiffrin Memory Model An important distinction between attention and memory described in the video below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVLM9VWCkeU Stay Focused You Can't Do Big Things... Continue Reading →

Who motivates you?

Students, past and present, motivate me!"The future of the world is in my classroom today." One of my first year BScN nursing students (Mona on the right) asked if I would sign the psychology textbook that I co-wrote and take a photo with her after class this week. She said that an encouraging note and a picture... Continue Reading →

Enthusiasm is contagious

I believe in the power of education. Deep down in my soul. And it's this core belief that translates into a high level of enthusiasm and excitement for student success in my classroom.Video of Post: https://youtu.be/4J4oL093oU0 I believe so strongly in the impact of enthusiasm on motivating students, capturing their attention, and enhancing their learning that I wrote my... Continue Reading →

Letting life flow.

Stressful Times. The one word I hear repeatedly from students this time of year is drowning. Drowning in bills. Drowning in midterms. Drowning in research. Not a pleasant thought. And definitely not energizing. A sinking feeling that takes student motivation from 100 to 0 in an instant. By thought alone. Empowering Lessons. How can we... Continue Reading →

Teaching Psychology with Enthusiasm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4J4oL093oU0 I love teaching about psychology as much as I love writing about psychology. And that's a lot! Psychology is my passionย  Students First Is My Philosophy Which is why Iย take every opportunity I have to support and encourage student success and development. Whether it be as a reference for college scholarships. Helping stressed out... Continue Reading →

10 Tips to Help you Focus Better

https://youtu.be/AVLM9VWCkeU?si=QefaAWPnhAh9oWb3 How to focus better when you study Preparation is half the victory. 1. REIGNITE your motivation. Revisit why you are studying in the first place. To one day save someone's life as a nurse. To protect vulnerable children from abuse. To create a business that will employ displaced workers. Your future self will thank... Continue Reading →

Give yourself a break.

I work hard. Too hard sometimes. And I bet you do too. On one hand, that's fantastic. You wouldn't be where you are without steadfastness and sacrifice. On the other hand, having a singular focus on work ultimately shortchanges your potential. Rest is part of the equation. Rest is critical for success. At life and... Continue Reading →

Hold the vision. Trust the process.

"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" theyย want to become a nurse. Why this program? Why Nursing? This simple "WHY" question gives students... Continue Reading →

Summer school.

Bittersweet Ending The end of a college semester is always bittersweet. Summer school is no different. The final psychology exam was just this week. And I miss my summer students already. Full disclosure: Psychology is my passion. Pre-Nursing Psychology I am grateful to have met so many wonderful St. Clair College students in the pre-nursing... Continue Reading →

What’s your why?

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 โ€œshowing upโ€. How can... Continue Reading →

Happiness in One Word

  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 →

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