Mentally Stronger with Therapist Amy Morin

How much control do you have over your life? Do you think life happens to you? Or do you believe you have the power to shape it? On this episode of Mentally Stronger, we’re exploring the psychology of control, also known as "locus of control." Your belief about who or what is in control of your life has a huge impact on your mental strength. Understanding it can help you make better decisions, respond to challenges, and find more balance. Some of the things I share are: What locus of control is and how it develops. The difference between internal and external locus of control. Why having too much control can backfire and the downsides to not believing you have enough control. The surprising ways our beliefs about control influence our mental health and relationships. A quiz to help you find out where you fall on the control spectrum. 5 strategies that will you start taking control of what really matters while letting go of the rest Mentally Strong App Put this episode into action on the Mentally Strong app. Try this for free - episode 226 exercise. Subscribe to the Mentally Strong app to unlock all the features. 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 BetterHelp — Give online therapy a try and get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/mentallystrong CocoaVia — Get 20% off with code Amy2025 at cocoavia.com. 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! 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if improving your mental health and physical well-being could be as simple as understanding one nerve in your body? Research shows your vagus nerve plays a powerful role in your well-being. This week, I’m joined by Dr. Kevin Tracey, a world-renowned neurosurgeon and pioneering researcher, to explore the vagus nerve and how improving your vagal tone can improve your health. Some of the things we discuss are: What the vagus nerve is and why it’s crucial for your overall health. How vagus nerve stimulation is being used to treat conditions like depression and rheumatoid arthritis. Clear signs of vagus nerve dysfunction and how it connects to inflammation. Practical ways to improve your vagal tone, from exercise to breath work. Why heart rate variability might be a window into your health. The critical role the vagus nerve plays in building mental strength and resilience. 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 The Great Nerve Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research 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

Discover the surprising truths behind eight common myths about emotions that hinder emotional growth. From the misconception that venting always helps to the idea that controlling feelings equates to authenticity, this discussion dismantles harmful beliefs. Learn how to accept your emotions, regulate them without suppression, and transform discomfort into strength. Gain practical strategies to take charge of your emotional well-being and challenge the myths that hold you back from mental resilience.

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