TV host, author, and speaker Mel Robbins discusses the importance of daily habits and shares insights on panic attacks. She emphasizes the power of self-affirmation and explains how the high five habit can lead to self-acceptance. The podcast also explores activating the vagus nerve for calm and the significance of positive daily habits for better mental health.
The high-five habit can be a powerful tool for rewiring negative thought patterns and boosting self-esteem.
Practicing self-compassion and redirecting focus can help manage anxiety and panic attacks.
Reframing triggers as redirections towards opportunities can help build confidence and overcome panic.
Deep dives
The Power of High-Fiving Yourself
The podcast episode explores the concept of high-fiving yourself as a means of overcoming negative self-talk and developing self-confidence. The guest, Mel Robbins, shares her personal experiences and how she turned her life around by changing her habits and self-talk. She explains how negative thoughts can snowball and emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and empathy. Mel discusses the high-five habit, which involves raising your hand and high-fiving your reflection in the mirror as a gesture of self-support and encouragement. She highlights the neurological and psychological benefits of this simple action, such as calming the nervous system, promoting focus, and cultivating self-love. The episode also touches on the impact of external validation and the misconception that we should only celebrate ourselves when we achieve something noteworthy.
Understanding Anxiety and Panic Attacks
The podcast delves into the topic of anxiety and panic attacks and provides insights on managing these overwhelming emotions. Mel Robbins explains the connection between worries, the nervous system, and panic attacks. She emphasizes the importance of interrupting negative thought patterns by using the five-second rule and redirecting focus. Mel also introduces the practice of high-fiving your heart, which involves placing your hands on your chest and repeating affirmations like 'I'm okay, I'm safe, I'm loved.' This technique activates the vagus nerve and switches the body from a state of anxiety to calmness. She encourages listeners to challenge the 'what if' loop and adopt a more optimistic mindset to alleviate anxiety and regain a sense of control.
Overcoming Specific Triggers and Moving Forward
In this episode, Mel Robbins addresses specific triggers and offers strategies to overcome them. Using live TV and radio as an example, she acknowledges the challenges and panic associated with stepping into situations where judgment and potential mistakes are involved. Mel suggests reframing these triggers as signs that redirect us towards a different path or opportunity. She introduces the practice of asking 'What if it all works out?' to counter negative thoughts and worries. Additionally, she shares techniques such as interrupting racing thoughts with the five-second rule, using high-fiving the heart to calm the nervous system, and adopting a mindset of self-compassion and acceptance. By implementing these strategies, individuals can navigate triggering situations with more confidence and ultimately break free from panic and anxiety.
The Power of High Fiving Yourself
The podcast episode explores the importance of developing the habit of high fiving yourself as a way to boost self-esteem and change negative thought patterns. The speaker emphasizes that habits play a crucial role in our lives and that we should not underestimate their impact. They highlight the tendency of individuals to attach happiness and validation to achieving certain goals and how this mindset can lead to a never-ending cycle of seeking external validation. By practicing the habit of high fiving oneself every day, individuals can rewrite their default thought patterns and show themselves support and celebration, ultimately leading to improved self-worth and confidence.
The Science Behind High Fives and Self-Encouragement
The podcast episode delves into the science behind high fives and self-encouragement. It mentions research from neuroscientist Dr. Daniel Ayman, who explains that the gesture of high fiving triggers a celebratory response in the nervous system and releases dopamine in the brain, which boosts mood. The episode also discusses a study conducted with children that showed the power of affirmation and celebration in motivating individuals. The act of receiving a high five affirmed the students' efforts, leading to increased confidence and better outcomes. Implementing the habit of high fiving oneself can have a similar effect, rewiring the brain's default programming and fostering self-compassion, self-validation, and improved mental health.
How kindly do you talk to yourself? TV host, author, and speaker Mel Robbins spent a lifetime caught in a loop of negative self-talk, but she’s now learnt how to validate herself in the way she champions others.
In this chat with Fearne, she explains the importance of daily habits. There’s no silver bullet when it comes to building confidence; you have to be disciplined and put in the daily grind. Mel also explains what panic attacks actually are on a physiological level.