Savvy Psychologist

Napping isn’t just for kids; it’s a brain booster! Discover how short naps enhance memory, emotional regulation, and even athletic performance. Learn why a well-timed nap can make night-shift workers perform better, too. Dive into the J-shaped relationship between nap duration and health, and get practical tips for napping effectively. From creating a cozy nap environment to scheduling it right, find out how to unlock the power of rest without ruining your nighttime sleep!

In a world obsessed with optimization, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The discussion highlights how excessive self-improvement can actually backfire. Emotions and experiences sometimes defy control and can’t be 'optimized.' There’s a focus on evaluating whether habits align with personal values rather than societal standards. Trade-offs, like choosing community over perfect efficiency, offer deeper fulfillment. Finally, it’s all about intentionally optimizing what truly matters to you instead of succumbing to cultural pressures.

Two former hosts reunite to share their current endeavors in mental health. Ellen emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and discusses her new writing project. Jade highlights the significance of sleep for high performers and offers tips for improving sleep quality. They delve into the importance of flexibility over rigid rules for perfectionists and share practical grounding techniques to alleviate anxiety. Listeners can look forward to new insights on optimizing well-being and sleep health in upcoming discussions.

540. On her final episode, Dr. Monica Johnson shares a brain dump of quick and dirty tips to help listeners build a life worth living. She looks at the benefits of being DUMB—an acronym covering Decode/Disrupt patterns, Uncomfortable Engagement, Meaning-Making/Mastery, and Belonging.Find a transcript here. Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. Have a mental health question? Email us at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail at 929-256-2191. Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips.Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links: https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologisthttps://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologisthttps://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsychhttps://www.kindmindpsych.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

539. Dissociation is a normal human experience, but when it's outside of normal limits, it can be dysregulating. In this episode, Dr. Monica Johnson and Alexandra Mejia look at the signs of structural dissociation, the importance of building a baseline of coping skills, and the need for trauma-informed, integrated therapy (like DBT and somatic work) for long-term healing.Learn more about Sasha at her practice, MindfulInsightsMHC.Find a transcript here. Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. Have a mental health question? Email us at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com or leave a voicemail at 929-256-2191. Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips.Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links: https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologisthttps://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologisthttps://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsychhttps://www.kindmindpsych.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hilary Bucell, a licensed clinical social worker and grief expert, dives into the profound realm of loss and grief. She distinguishes between grief and depression, emphasizing that grief is the emotional response to loss. Hilary explores various types of loss, including ambiguous and disenfranchised grief. She introduces helpful tools like journaling and rituals for managing grief and shares the importance of self-compassion. Finally, she encourages listeners to 'move with grief' rather than fight it, using an analogy of navigating a riptide.

Winter doesn't have to bring you down! Discover how regulating sleep and boosting light exposure can lift your mood. Learn about the surprising benefits of exercise and social connections in combating the winter blues. Explore evidence-based treatments like light therapy and cognitive behavioral strategies designed specifically for Seasonal Affective Disorder. Plus, get practical tips for enhancing your diet and maximizing natural light in your everyday routine!

Discover why sleep is a crucial foundation for your mental and physical health. Learn about the impact of seven or more hours of sleep on mood, memory, and immune function. Dr. Johnson discusses how sleep regulates emotions and can dampen anxiety and depression. Explore the risks of insomnia and the importance of cognitive behavioral therapy for treatment. Get practical tips for improving your sleep routine, including the best wind-down practices and the benefits of morning light exposure.

Delve into the intriguing world of deceptive illness behaviors. Discover the stark differences between factitious disorder and malingering, alongside their motivations. Explore the profound impact of social media on illness performance and the modern pursuit of attention as a driving force behind deception. Learn about the serious medical and social consequences of these behaviors and how trauma and unmet emotional needs can shape them. Therapeutic approaches like CBT and DBT offer paths toward authenticity and healing.

Money is more than just numbers; it’s an emotional landscape influenced by our childhood beliefs. The concept of mental accounting explains how we categorize our finances, affecting our spending decisions. Discover the intriguing phenomenon of doom spending, used as a form of emotional regulation. Research shows that experiences bring more happiness than material purchases, while optimism can enhance savings and reduce anxiety. Learn practical strategies to change your money story and make mindful spending choices aligned with your values.