Gratitude is a superpower that offers incredible benefits, ranging from improved mental and physical health to better social connections. Yet, we often underestimate how impactful it can be. Some of the things I share in this episode are: What gratitude really is The link between gratitude and happiness Research about why gratitude improves physical health Strategies for practicing gratitude regularly What to avoid when you're practicing gratitude Subscribe to Mentally Stronger...

Looking for the good in life can be challenging when things seem dark. But no matter how rough life might be, amazing things still happen in the world. Lucia Knell, the Vice President of Upworthy, curates uplifting content that inspires millions of people on social media. She's now the author of a book called Good People, in which she shares heartwarming stories from their community. She's no stranger to mental health struggles and is acutely aware of how mighty kindness and compassion can...

Adding more good habits to your life might give you some benefits. But if you really want to see improvements, subtracting a negative habit will provide you with the biggest boost in happiness and success. Whether you need to let go of a toxic friendship or stop holding onto a grudge, sometimes releasing one thing from our lives is the key to positive change. Some of the things I share today are: What the research says about letting go and why it's so effective How letting go of control...

Do you ever fall into the trap of thinking you'll feel better if you achieve more? According to Megan Hellerer, founder of Coaching for Underfulfilled Overachievers, believing the "achievement lie" is common. Fortunately, we can change that by shifting the way we view success. When we start focusing on the process rather than the outcome, we learn how to enjoy the journey. Some of the things we discuss today are: Why success does not automatically lead to achievement How to focus on actions...

Sadness serves an important purpose. It reminds us of something that needs our attention. So we shouldn't avoid it all the time. In fact, sadness can help you build mental strength when you know how to manage it well. Some of the things I share are: How allowing yourself to feel sad makes you mentally stronger Strategies for processing sadness The dangers of avoiding sadness all the time Five strategies for working through sad feelings The benefits you gain from addressing...

If mindfulness sounds confusing or overwhelming, you're not alone. Many people feel like they just don't have the time or patience to start a mindfulness practice. Fortunately, Dr. William Kuyken says we can incorporate mindfulness into our everyday lives without meditating. Dr. Kuyken is a renowned psychologist professor, and author who specializes in depression and mindfulness. His research has found that incorporating mindfulness in everyday activities has tremendous mental health...

Your belief in yourself significantly impacts how likely you are to succeed at anything you do. Research studies show that self-efficacy affects your motivation, perseverance, and performance. Fortunately, you can take steps to build your belief in yourself. And when you do, you'll increase your likelihood of reaching your goals. Some of the things I share today are: Why self-efficacy is a core component of mental strength How your belief in yourself influences the way you tackle challenges...

A toxic workplace can take a serious toll on your well-being. But it's not always an option to quit your job. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to reduce the impact it has on you. Dr. Jessica Kriegel is a workplace culture expert. She's the Chief Strategy Officer of Workforce and Labor at Culture Partners. She transforms corporate culture for success. Some of the things we discuss are: The signs of a toxic workplace The role leaders play in preventing workplace toxicity The...

Do you need motivation but aren't sure how to get it? Fortunately, some science-backed strategies can help you build and maintain motivation over time (yet no one tells us how to do it). Whether you just want to get your house organized or you want to complete a triathlon, this episode will give you the skills you need to get (and stay) motivated. Some of the things I share are: The biggest myths about motivation (and what the science actually says) How to get motivated when you just don't...

Do you cringe when you see a picture of yourself? Do you say negative things about how you look? If so, you're not alone. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to improve your body image. Dr. Charlotte Markey is a renowned health psychologist and professor of psychology. She has an extensive background in body image research and has authored several influential books. Her newest book, Adultish: The Body Image Book for Life, delves into how our perceptions of our bodies evolve over time...

People often say, "Face your fears," but they rarely share how to do it. Fortunately, there are specific steps you can take to make something feel a lot less scary. Whether you struggle with a fear of public speaking, a snake phobia, or a social phobia, this method can help. Therapists use exposure therapy in a controlled manner because it works. Some of the things I share are: The difference between fear and anxiety The top 10 most common fears The science-backed strategy for conquering...

Deryck Whibley, the frontman of platinum-selling rock band Sum 41, opens up about his latest book, Walking Disaster. He explores the stories that shaped the title of his book while opening up about his turbulent teenage years, the emotional gravity of his music, and his harrowing journey through substance abuse and recovery. His stories of resilience, including overcoming multiple health crises and chronic pain, offer invaluable insights into mental and physical perseverance. Some of the...

Most people don't discuss their bad mental habits, so we think we're the only ones struggling. But everyone has unhelpful thoughts, catastrophic predictions, and negative self-talk. Fortunately, you don't have to entertain those thoughts. In fact, you can choose to change the way you think. Whether you get caught up in overthinking or you frequently compare yourself to others, recognizing your bad mental habits is the first step to creating change. Some of the things I share are: How to...

We all have hidden biases that shape our perceptions and interactions. And we often have biases about ourselves. Fortunately, we can unlearn our biases once we're aware of them. Anu Gupta is an educator, lawyer, scientist, and the CEO of Be More. He delivered a popular TED talk and wrote a book called Breaking Bias. Some of the things we discuss are: How biases can be unlearned through conscious effort and practices The 5 causes of bias The PRISM method and how this science-backed...

Feelings are complex and confusing at times. But knowing how to cope with those feelings doesn't have to be complicated. There are several things you can do to take charge of your feelings and when you know these skills, you'll gain confidence in your ability to handle discomfort. Some of the things I share are: Why emotions aren't either positive or negative How naming an emotion reduces the intensity of a feeling How to evaluate your feelings with one simple question How to change your...

Resilience isn't something you're born with. But it is something you can learn. No one understands this better than Dr. Edith Eger. She's a Holocaust survivor, psychologist and bestselling author. Dr. Eger shares key lessons she's learned on inner strength, curiosity, forgiveness, and living with purpose. It's an inspirational episode you won't want to miss. Some of the things we talk about are: What it means to have inner strength Why curiosity can be a powerful tool for growth The...

There are foundational beliefs, fears, and struggles that all humans grapple with. Yet, many of those things are never discussed. As a therapist, however, I get to hear what people are really thinking and it's taught me a lot about the common experiences we have as humans. Some of the things I share are: The 10 universal truths I've learned about human nature Why these things are rarely talked about How to cultivate self-compassion, embrace vulnerability, and nurture hope How to alleviate...

Whether you're nervous about a business meeting or you're overwhelmed and aren't sure why, it's important to have strategies to calm your nervous system at a moment's notice. Liz Kelly is a therapist and she wrote a book called, This Book Is Cheaper Than Therapy. She offers actionable strategies for improving mental health and psychological well-being. Some of the things we talk about are: The mental health tools to keep on-hand when therapy isn't available How stress manifests physically...

Anxiety is uncomfortable. When you're anxious, you want relief fast. But, some of the best anxiety reducing strategies feel counterintuitive. These seven strategies are backed by science and when you put them into practice, you can manage your anxiety and feel empowered to live a more fulfilling life. Some of the things I talk about today are: How to embrace uncertainty A tool that reduces worrying How to conquer specific fears How to learn to trust your opinions How to overcome...

Social health is just as important as other aspects of your health. However, it can be challenging to make friends and difficult to prioritize social connections. Kasley Killam, a social scientist and author of The Art and Science of Connection, suggests some simple strategies that can go a long way toward improving our social health. Some of the things we discuss are: What it means to have social health The benefits of establishing new connections and improving existing relationships How...

Do you struggle to fall asleep? Do you wake up at times with a lot on your mind? Sometimes, our brains just feel like they will not shut off and let us rest. In this episode, I share science-backed sleep strategies rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy. Whether you have a hard time sleeping quite often or you have some occasional worries that keep you up at night, there are some steps you can take to get better sleep. Some of the things I share are: The lifestyle changes that will help you...

If you're feeling burned out, you're not alone. Many people are feeling overwhelmed by having too much to do and exhausted by the pressure to perform better. Fortunately, Dr. Kristen Neff says that even if we can't change our circumstances, we can still manage burnout effectively. As a psychology professor at the University of Texas at Austin and a leading expert in self-compassion, she says emotional self-care is the key to coping with significant stress. Some of the things we talk about...

Mental strength requires a counterintuitive approach. When you embrace seemingly contradictory actions, you can foster greater resilience and mental strength. But you must go against society's typical beliefs (and perhaps your own ideas about strength) to make it happen. Building mental strength isn't about eliminating problems. Instead, it's about overcoming challenges. Some of the things I share are: The power of quitting The balance between optimism and realism Why vulnerability is...

Do you feel cynical these days? Research shows our negative feelings about one another are on the rise. However, studies also indicate that people are actually more trustworthy, honest, and less greedy than they used to be. Dr. Jamil Zaki says that if you're feeling cynical, there are strategies that can help you develop a more positive outlook on others. He's a psychologist and professor of Psychology at Stanford University, an expert in social connections, kindness, and human behavior, and...