Mentally Stronger with Therapist Amy Morin

What if everything you’ve been told about emotions is wrong? Emotional intelligence is important but there's a lot of misinformation about emotions that are holding people back. On this episode, I’m exposing eight common myths about emotions that keep us stuck and make it hard to grow mentally stronger. From the idea that venting your feelings helps you feel better to the notion that controlling your emotions makes you less authentic, I’m breaking down the science behind these myths and sharing actionable strategies to overcome them. Some of the things I talk about are: Why judging your feelings keeps you stuck and how to accept them instead. The truth about venting and why it might actually make things worse. How to regulate emotions without shutting them down. How to stop letting other people have power over your emotions. Steps to take uncomfortable emotions and turn them into a strength. When to feel your feelings and when to shift them. Strategies for reducing the intensity of uncomfortable feelings. Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentally Stronger Premium⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for exclusive content like bonus episodes, signed books, and 30-day challenges that will keep you growing stronger. Connect with the Show Buy a copy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors Quince — Get free shipping and 365-day returns at ⁠Quince.com/stronger⁠ OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ZocDoc — Go to ⁠⁠⁠Zocdoc.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠ to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! Calm — Get 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠calm.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Mentally Strong — Sign up for your free 7-day trial at ⁠⁠⁠⁠MentallyStrong.Downpat.ai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Therese Huston, a cognitive scientist and psychologist, emphasizes the crucial role of deep rest for mental clarity and resilience. She explores the distinction between true rest and mere zoning out, revealing the brain's need for genuine downtime. Listeners learn practical techniques for incorporating restorative breaks into busy days, including breathing exercises and the benefits of yoga nidra. Huston highlights how nature enhances mental strength and counters burnout, making a compelling case for prioritizing rest as essential for overall well-being.

What if decluttering your life could make room for more energy, joy, and freedom? Have you ever felt weighed down by the physical, emotional, or mental clutter in your life? This week, I’m breaking down five key areas where decluttering can make life simpler and more meaningful. From tidying up your spaces to reassessing relationships, we’re covering practical strategies to lighten your load and focus on what truly matters. Some of the things I talk about are: How physical clutter impacts your mental health and how to declutter effectively. Simple tips to organize your finances and reduce money stress. How to clear mental clutter for sharper focus and inner peace. Strategies to set boundaries and declutter toxic relationships. Ways to declutter your time and prioritize what’s truly essential. Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentally Stronger Premium⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for exclusive content like bonus episodes, signed books, and 30-day challenges that will keep you growing stronger. Connect with the Show Buy a copy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors Quince — Get free shipping and 365-day returns at ⁠Quince.com/stronger⁠ OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ZocDoc — Go to ⁠⁠⁠Zocdoc.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠ to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! Calm — Get 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠calm.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Mentally Strong — Sign up for your free 7-day trial at ⁠⁠⁠⁠MentallyStrong.Downpat.ai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our struggles often feel isolating. But talking about them, even when it's uncomfortable, can be the key to growth and healing. Today's guest, Carnie Wilson, co-founder of the world famous musical group Wilson Phillips, understands the importance of vulnerability. From navigating fame and a multigenerational legacy in music (including her legendary late father, Brian Wilson, co-founder of The Beach Boys) to overcoming addiction, shame, and postpartum depression... Carnie’s willingness to share her struggles is a testament to the power of connection and self-compassion. We explore how opening up about challenges can build mental strength, the importance of community, and the small steps you can take to find healing. Some of the things we discuss are: How vulnerability can become a superpower for growth and healing What led to her becoming a mental health advocate The role of connection in staying resilient and fostering mental strength The challenges and triumphs of battling addiction and recovering from postpartum depression Why shame and stigma hold us back, and how sharing your story can set you free The importance of mental health advocacy and raising awareness for conditions like tardive dyskinesia (TD) Practical steps to move past perfectionism and focus on progress in your mental health Want more tips for building mental strength? Subscribe to ⁠Mentally Stronger Premium⁠ and get weekly AMA episodes and monthly bonuses to help you grow mentally stronger! Links & Resources Connectingwithcarnie.com⁠ Follow Carnie on Instagram — @Carnie68 Connect with the Show Buy Amy's ⁠⁠books on mental strength⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠ ⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com ⁠ Sponsors OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠ #oneskinpod Calm — Get 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription at ⁠⁠⁠⁠calm.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠ AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠ Mentally Strong — Sign up for your free 7-day trial at ⁠MentallyStrong.Downpait.Ai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Struggling with racing thoughts at night? Discover how three simple nightly questions can transform your mindset and enhance emotional intelligence. Explore the GHI Method, focusing on gratitude, hope, and inner strength, to bolster resilience and calm anxiety. Personal stories illustrate the profound impact of this routine on mental health. Learn how to incorporate these reflections into your daily habits for lasting benefits, making it easier to drift off to sleep with a sense of peace and positivity.

Do you feel like your inner critic is trying to make you hate yourself? That deep-rooted feeling that you’re not good enough can quietly shape your life, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. I’m joined by Dr. Blaise Aguirre, professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and one of the top experts on self-hatred and borderline personality disorder. With decades of experience, he’s here to unravel why self-hatred develops and what you can do to overcome it. Some of the things we discuss are: Why self-hatred is a learned behavior (and how to identify its roots). The hidden ways self-hatred creeps into your life, like perfectionism and people-pleasing. How to tell the difference between low self-esteem and self-hatred. Simple steps that can help you stop hating yourself and build self-compassion. Why small acts of kindness can help you see your value more clearly. The exact steps you can take to stop hating yourself today. Want more tips for building mental strength? Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠Mentally Stronger Premium⁠⁠⁠ and get weekly AMA episodes and monthly bonuses to help you grow mentally stronger! Links & Resources Ihatemyselfbook.com Follow Dr. Aguirre on Instagram — @blaiseaguirre Connect with the Show Buy Amy's ⁠⁠⁠⁠books on mental strength⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com ⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors Quince — Get free shipping and 365-day returns at ⁠Quince.com/stronger OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #oneskinpod Calm — Get 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠calm.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ZocDoc — Go to ⁠⁠Zocdoc.com/STRONGER⁠⁠ to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! Mentally Strong — Sign up for your free 7-day trial at ⁠⁠MentallyStrong.Downpait.Ai⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you struggle to set boundaries that stick? You're not alone. Boundaries protect your time, energy, and mental well-being, yet many of us feel guilty or back down when faced with pushback. Fortunately, boundary setting is a skill, and just like any skill, you can get better with practice. This episode is all about helping you create boundaries you can feel good about. By the end of the episode, you'll know how to identify, communicate, and stick to your boundaries—with zero guilt. Some of the things I share are: Why boundaries are essential for your mental and emotional wellbeing How unclear boundaries drain your energy and create resentment A simple 3-step formula for building boundaries that last How boundaries can transform your relationships for the better Words and strategies to clearly and kindly communicate your limits Why “showing” your boundaries can work better than just “telling” people How to handle pushback without backing down Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentally Stronger Premium⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for exclusive content like bonus episodes, signed books, and 30-day challenges that will keep you growing stronger. Connect with the Show Buy a copy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors Quince — Get free shipping and 365-day returns at Quince.com/stronger OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ZocDoc — Go to ⁠⁠Zocdoc.com/STRONGER⁠⁠ to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! Calm — Get 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠calm.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠ Mentally Strong — Sign up for your free 7-day trial at ⁠⁠⁠MentallyStrong.Downpat.ai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you feel heard when you talk to people? Have you struggled to connect deeply with others in challenging moments? Validation could help you build trust, strengthen your relationships, and prevent miscommunications. But validation is often misunderstood. You don't have to agree with someone to validate them. No one knows this better than Dr. Caroline Fleck, a clinical psychologist and validation expert. In this episode, we discuss how the power of validation can strengthen connections and foster mental strength. Some of the things we discuss are: How validation is different from praise. Why validation is just as important as love and compassion in relationships. How validation can de-escalate conflicts and strengthen communication. Simple skills like mirroring emotions and the “mindfulness, understanding, and empathy” framework. The role of validation in self-compassion and mental strength. The exact steps you can take to ensure someone feels heard and understood. What happens when people don't feel validated. What you can do if you aren't feeling validated by other people. Want more tips for building mental strength? Subscribe to ⁠⁠Mentally Stronger Premium⁠⁠ and get weekly AMA episodes and monthly bonuses to help you grow mentally stronger! Links & Resources Follow Dr. Fleck on Instagram - @CarolineFleckphd DrCarolineFleck.com Validation Connect with the Show Buy Amy's ⁠⁠⁠books on mental strength⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com ⁠⁠ Sponsors Quince - Get free shipping and 365-day returns at ⁠⁠Quince.com/stronger⁠ OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #oneskinpod Calm — Get 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠calm.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ZocDoc — Go to ⁠Zocdoc.com/STRONGER⁠ to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! Mentally Strong — Sign up for your free 7-day trial at ⁠MentallyStrong.Downpait.Ai⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Research shows 70% of us will experience trauma at least once in our lives, but many won’t seek therapy to work through it. Whether it’s because therapy doesn’t feel right for you, it’s not accessible, or you want to supplement it with additional strategies, there are many ways to recover from a traumatic experience. From drum circles to spending time in nature, research shows you don't have to talk about trauma to heal from it. There are practical and effective ways to help you regulate your emotions, calm your nervous system, and work through the pain in your own way. Some of the things I discuss today are: Why traditional talk therapy isn’t the only path to healing (and sometimes, not the best one). How drumming or theater can help release buried emotions. The surprising ways caring for animals or gardening can soothe your nervous system and promote healing. The specific physical activities that release trauma. The creative outlets that can open up paths to recovery. Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentally Stronger Premium⁠⁠⁠⁠ for exclusive content like bonus episodes, signed books, and 30-day challenges that will keep you growing stronger. Connect with the Show Buy a copy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website — ⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠  ZocDoc - Go to ⁠Zocdoc.com/STRONGER⁠ to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! Calm — Get 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription at ⁠⁠⁠⁠calm.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠ AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠ Mentally Strong — Sign up for your free 7-day trial at ⁠⁠MentallyStrong.Downpat.ai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Revenge sounds like a good idea sometimes. Whether you want to get back at an ex or you want to hurt a coworker who wronged you, there's a reason why you might fantasize about getting even. It has to do with the way your brain works. Today's guest, James Kimmel Jr., is a researcher at Yale School of Medicine and the author of The Science of Revenge. He'll discuss how revenge becomes addictive and why you shouldn't entertain the idea. Some of the things we talk about today are: Why revenge is a natural human craving and how it activates your brain's addiction pathways How to recognize and break free from toxic revenge cycles The surprising science behind forgiveness and why it’s better for you than revenge A powerful mental exercise to help you move beyond resentment How letting go of revenge can help you build resilience and mental strength Want more tips for building mental strength? Subscribe to ⁠Mentally Stronger Premium⁠ and get weekly AMA episodes and monthly bonuses to help you grow mentally stronger! Links & Resources JamesKimmelJr.com The Science of Revenge Episode 182 — The Science of Forgiveness Connect with the Show Buy Amy's ⁠⁠books on mental strength⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠ ⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com ⁠ Sponsors OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠ #oneskinpod Calm — Get 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription at ⁠⁠⁠⁠calm.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠ AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠ ZocDoc - Go to Zocdoc.com/STRONGER to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! Mentally Strong — Sign up for your free 7-day trial at MentallyStrong.Downpait.Ai⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices