CLEANING UP YOUR MENTAL MESS with Dr. Caroline Leaf

Dr. Caroline Leaf

Hi! I’m Dr. Caroline Leaf. I’m a cognitive neuroscientist, author, & mental health expert. Whether you are struggling in your personal life or simply want to learn how to understand and use your mind to live your best life, this podcast will provide you with practical & scientific tips and tools to help you take back control over your mental, emotional, and physical health. Visit: https://drleaf.com*DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with your personal physician if you have any personal medical questions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

Mentioned books

Jan 18, 2021 • 24min

How I used my 5 step Neurocycle to manage my mental health during and after a family argument + my favorite breathing technique to help calm intense emotions

***Pre-order my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here & get access to exclusive pre-order bonuses like a workbook, bonus chapters and more: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.com/Sign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips. Just text DRLEAF to 1 (833) 285 3747SHOW DESCRIPTION: Let’s face it, we all argue, so we may as well learn how to argue well, and learn how to turn arguments into experiences that improve, not harm, mental health & relationships! In this podcast I discuss the best ways to manage arguments and intense emotions like frustration and anger, based on my personal and professional experience, and I walk you through how to use my 5 step Neurocycle for dealing with arguments. Read the show blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/how-i-used-my-5-step-neurocycle-to-manage-my-mental-health-during-and-after-a-family-argumentSPECIAL OFFERS FROM OUR SPONSORS:Public Goods (My preferred online goods store, which has everything you need, from natural cleaning products and foods to sustainable house goods). Receive $15 off your first Public Goods order with NO MINIMUM purchase. Just go to https://www.publicgoods.com and use code DRLEAF at checkout.NOOM (A great way to develop healthier habits, reduce your risk of chronic health problems, reverse disease, and foster a healthier relationship with yourself and others! I love using NOOM to keep track of my exercise routine and make sure I am eating well every day): For your special offer see: noom.com/DRLEAFPODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:1:40 How to argue better5:30 How I handled a recent argument with my daughter7:35 Why exercise and deep breathing are great tools to calm down the mind10:15 How mind-management helped me turn the argument into a constructive experience20:00 You too can learn how to clean up your mental mess!ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:-Get my new brain detox app SWITCH on sale now! Get 50% off a 3 month subscription. Just visit: https://theswitch.app-Visit my website at https://drleaf.com for more free resources-Instagram: @drcarolineleaf: https://www.instagram.com/drcarolineleaf/-Facebook: Dr. Caroline Leaf: https://www.facebook.com/drleaf-Twitter: @drcarolineleaf: https://twitter.com/DrCarolineLeaf-Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/drcarolineleafIf you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5 review on iTunes, Google Play, or wherever you are listening! And don't forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends and family! I love seeing your posts on social media! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 14, 2021 • 56min

How to biohack your body to improve your mood & mind, how fasting can make you more mentally & emotionally strong + why you need to drink more coffee for optimal mental health (with Dave Asprey)

***Pre-order my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here & get access to exclusive pre-order bonuses like a workbook, bonus chapters and more: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.com/Sign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips. Just text DRLEAF to 1 (833) 285 3747SHOW DESCRIPTION: Did you know coffee is a superfood? That fasting doesn’t just mean drinking water? Or that you have the power to change and control your biology? In this podcast I speak with founder of Bulletproof and NY Times bestselling author Dave Asprey about common dangerous wellness myths, how coffee is amazing for your brain, what biohacking is and how it can help you, how to navigate the many wellness trends and find the ones that are best for you, how to fast correctly, the benefits of going without and putting your body under good stress, and more!Read the show blog here:Order Dave's new book here:SPECIAL OFFERS FROM OUR SPONSORS:Kettle & Fire (My favorite organic bone broths, which are full of nutrients that can improve brain and mental health!): To get up to 25% off your Kettle & Fire bone broth order and free shipping see: Kettleandfire.com/drleaf or use code DRLEAF at checkout.NED (A company that makes the highest quality, organic, full spectrum CBD based on the latest science. I take NED’s CBD daily, and have honestly seen a difference in my sleep quality and mental health!). To get 15% off your first order and free shipping visit helloned.com/drleaf or use the code DRLEAF at checkout.PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:3:07 Why Dave loves coffee and biohacking4:47 Is coffee good for us?7:43 How coffee can improve our mental health9:17 What is biohacking and how can it help us?11:17 Can biohacking be dangerous?13:17 How fasting can increase brain power28:26 Tips to fast better44:33 Why not all stress is bad for usADDITIONAL RESOURCES:-Get my new brain detox app SWITCH on sale now! Get 50% off a 3 month subscription. Just visit: https://theswitch.app-Visit my website at https://drleaf.com for more free resources-Instagram: @drcarolineleaf: https://www.instagram.com/drcarolineleaf/-Facebook: Dr. Caroline Leaf: https://www.facebook.com/drleaf-Twitter: @drcarolineleaf: https://twitter.com/DrCarolineLeaf-Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/drcarolineleafIf you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5 review on iTunes, Google Play, or wherever you are listening! And don't forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends and family! I love seeing your posts on social media! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 11, 2021 • 41min

Are new years resolutions just another form of toxic positivity? + Why positive affirmations don't work in the long run

***Pre-order my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here & get access to exclusive pre-order bonuses like a workbook, bonus chapters and more: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.com/Sign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips. Just text DRLEAF to 1 (833) 285 3747SHOW DESCRIPTION: New Year’s resolutions may seem great on the surface, but they can also be a form of toxic positivity. As I discuss in detail in this podcast when we fail to keep a resolution (which often happens!), we can feel really bad about it. We often experience shame because we often think that there must be something wrong with us, or we think that we always fail and are so bad at all this “life” stuff. But that’s not the case at all! So in this episode I share how to correctly rewire your brain to create sustainable habits, why positive affirmations are not sustainable solutions, why giving up on goals may actually be a good thing, and more!Show blog: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/are-new-year-s-resolutions-just-another-form-of-toxic-positivity-why-positive-affirmations-dont-work-in-the-long-runBlinkist, one of my favorite ways to pass the time while exercising and build my brain, which improves mental resilience!: To get your free week on Blinkist AND 25% off your subscription see: https://www.blinkist.com/nc/partners/cleaning-up-the-mental-messBiOptimizers’s Leaky Gut Guardian, which is a great way to heal your gut and improve your immune health! Use code DRLEAF10 for 10% off any order at https://www.bioptimizers.com/drleafJenni Kayne, my favorite online store with a a beautiful selection of clothes and home goods. Get 15% off your first order when you use code DRLEAF at checkout: https://www.jennikayne.comPODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:1:49 How New Year’s resolutions can be a form of toxic positivity2:46 It is okay to change or even not make a New Year’s resolution!4:12 Why it can be difficult to build a new mental habit and change your lifestyle5:02 How much time it really takes to change your mind14:52 Why shaming yourself for not keeping a resolution will damage your mental health16:30 Why failure is good for us and how we can learn from our experiences19:47 Keeping a resolution won’t make you happy all the time or take away all your issues22:00 Why negative emotions and feelings are telling us something about ourselves23:10 Why “bad” emotions are a normal part of life, and why it is okay to be unhappy26:00 How to change your mind and keep your resolutions-Visit my website at https://drleaf.com for more free resources-Instagram: @drcarolineleaf: https://www.instagram.com/drcarolineleaf/-Facebook: Dr. Caroline Leaf: https://www.facebook.com/drleaf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 7, 2021 • 40min

How to heal from sexual abuse, childhood neglect, disordered eating & depression with Tana Amen

***Pre-order my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here & get access to exclusive pre-order bonuses like a workbook, bonus chapters and more: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.com/Sign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips. Just text DRLEAF to 1 (833) 285 3747SHOW DESCRIPTION: We have stuff we have to deal with, even if everything looks “perfect” on the surface. But what happens when we can’t pretend that everything is all right anymore? Is true healing possible? In this podcast I speak with NY Times best-selling author, ICU trauma nurse and vice president of Amen Clinics Tana Amen about overcoming abuse, cancer and an eating disorder, finding the courage to face your past and find true healing, how to help others recover from trauma, and so much more!Read the show blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/how-to-heal-from-sexual-abuse-childhood-neglect-disordered-eating-depression-with-tana-amenGet Tana's amazing book here: https://www.thomasnelson.com/p/relentless-courage-of-a-scared-child/Follow Tana on social media: https://www.instagram.com/tanaamen/?hl=enSPECIAL OFFERS FROM OUR SPONSORS:NOOM (A great way to develop healthier habits, reduce your risk of chronic health problems, reverse disease, and foster a healthier relationship with yourself and others! I love using NOOM to keep track of my exercise routine and make sure I am eating well every day): For your special offer see: https://noom.com/drleafThirdLove Bras (If you are like me, you know how hard it is to find a bra that looks and feels good, which is why I love ThirdLove, the most comfortable bra company around!): To get up to 20% off your ThirdLove Bra order see: https://thirdlove.com/drleafPODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:1:49 Tana’s amazing new book, Relentless Courage4:30 Why we often minimize or hide our pain to survive6:33 Healing trauma takes time and effort7:51 Why there is power in telling your story9:52 What happened toTana, and how she overcame sexual abuse, trauma, an eating disorder and cancer17:00 Why you never know if someone is struggling or what they are going through, even when their life looks “perfect”28:45 When we struggle, we often learn and grow the mostADDITIONAL RESOURCES:-Get my new brain detox app SWITCH on sale now! Get 50% off a 3 month subscription. Just visit: https://theswitch.app-Visit my website at https://drleaf.com for more free resources-Instagram: @drcarolineleaf: https://www.instagram.com/drcarolineleaf/-Facebook: Dr. Caroline Leaf: https://www.facebook.com/drleaf-Twitter: @drcarolineleaf: https://twitter.com/DrCarolineLeaf-Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/drcarolineleafIf you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5 review on iTunes, Google Play, or wherever you are listening! And don't forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends and family! I love seeing your posts on social media! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 1, 2021 • 38min

My top lessons from 2020 + Strategies for dealing with anticipation anxiety, general anxiety disorder (GAD) & difficult family members

Dec 31, 2020 • 1h 14min

Your 2020 Tragedies, Triumphs, Breakups, & Breakthroughs + Valuable Lessons Learned from a Tough Year

Dec 24, 2020 • 40min

BONUS EPISODE: Managing anxiety, loneliness, grief, & depression during the holidays + how to set & enforce boundaries with family, and listener Q&A

Dec 18, 2020 • 25min

A 5 step Neurocycle to heal burnout & toxic stress + tips to help you deal with feelings of overwhelm & always being "on"

***Pre-order my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here & get access to exclusive pre-order bonuses like a workbook, bonus chapters and more: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.com/Sign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips. Just text DRLEAF to 1 (833) 285 3747SHOW DESCRIPTION: In this podcast I will walk you through one of the best ways to deal with toxic stress and burnout, which is something I think we all need as 2020 comes to an end!Read the show blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/newsSPECIAL OFFERS FROM OUR SPONSORS:-Huzzah (The most delicious, low sugar seltzers that are filled with probiotics for optimal gut and brain health!). Get 20% off your order with the code DRLEAF at https://drinkhuzzah.com.-Thrive Market (Hands down, a great way to shop and save money without leaving your house! Thrive Market makes shopping easier, enjoyable and sustainable!): try Thrive Market today and become a member risk-free! Go to thrivemarket.com/DRLEAF. Join today and you’ll get a FREE gift of your choosing, up to $24 dollars in value!PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:3:00 Why is mind management so important for our mental health?4:10 The best way to manage stress & prevent burnout7:00 How toxic stress affects the brain & body8:47 Why we need to embrace our negative feelings & emotions, not ignore or suppress them12:20 How self-regulation can help us control our stress levels14:40 How writing helps organize our thinking16:33 Steps you can take today to deal with stress & prevent burnout20:42 The importance of mental & physical boundaries and why saying “no” is a good thing!ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:-Get my new brain detox app SWITCH on sale now! Get 50% off a 3 month subscription. Just visit: https://theswitch.app-Visit my website at https://drleaf.com for more free resources-Instagram: @drcarolineleaf: https://www.instagram.com/drcarolineleaf/-Facebook: Dr. Caroline Leaf: https://www.facebook.com/drleaf-Twitter: @drcarolineleaf: https://twitter.com/DrCarolineLeaf-Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/drcarolineleafIf you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5 review on iTunes, Google Play, or wherever you are listening! And don't forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends and family! I love seeing your posts on social media! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 16, 2020 • 27min

Can you train yourself to become a more optimistic person? + The brain science behind why the negative affects us so much & how to get out of a toxic thinking spiral

***Pre-order my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here & get access to exclusive pre-order bonuses like a workbook, bonus chapters and more: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.com/Sign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips. Just text DRLEAF to 1 (833) 285 3747SHOW DESCRIPTION: As I discuss in this podcast the brain has a natural optimism bias—we are what I call “wired for love”. This means that when we are connected to others in deep and meaningful ways, and when we are satisfied with where we are in life and where we are going (even if we have ups and downs, which are normal!), we can function at a healthy level. The brain likes it when we are in a good place!Read the show blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/can-you-make-yourself-a-more-optimistic-personSPECIAL OFFERS FROM OUR SPONSORS:Blinkist (This is one of my favorite ways to pass the time while exercising and build my brain, which improves mental resilience!): To get your free week on Blinkist AND 25% off your subscription see: https://www.blinkist.com/nc/partners/cleaning-up-the-mental-messBiOptimizers (The best magnesium supplement for optimal mental and physical health!): Get up to 32% off and free shipping on select packages at BiOptimizers.com.PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS:2:00 Our natural optimism bias & how we are wired for love2:27 What is the mind, and how is it different to the brain?3:26 How optimism helps us survive AND thrive7:00 How negative thinking distorts the brain12:00 How negative thinking can become a habit and impact your mental and physical health16:50 How to get rid of a bad thinking habit17:50 Why we need to embrace the negative20:21 The best way to control your thinking and manage your mind21:50 How to make negativity work for you and not against youADDITIONAL RESOURCES:-Get my new brain detox app SWITCH on sale now! Get 50% off a 3 month subscription. Just visit: https://theswitch.app-Visit my website at https://drleaf.com for more free resources-Instagram: @drcarolineleaf: https://www.instagram.com/drcarolineleaf/-Facebook: Dr. Caroline Leaf: https://www.facebook.com/drleaf-Twitter: @drcarolineleaf: https://twitter.com/DrCarolineLeaf-Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/drcarolineleafIf you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5 review on iTunes, Google Play, or wherever you are listening! And don't forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends and family! I love seeing your posts on social media! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 14, 2020 • 1h

Overcoming addiction + how to help someone who is struggling with addiction (with LCSW & ex-addict Nathan Padilla)

***Pre-order my new book Cleaning up Your Mental Mess here & get access to exclusive pre-order bonuses like a workbook, bonus chapters and more: https://www.cleaningupyourmentalmess.com/Sign up to join my free text program and receive mental health care tips. Just text DRLEAF to 1 (833) 285 3747SHOW DESCRIPTION: Yes, addiction can be a scary thing, but true recovery is possible. In this podcast I speak with licensed clinical social worker and therapist Nathan Padilla about his own experiences with addiction and mental health, the nature of addiction recovery, how you can help someone overcome an addiction, and more!Read the show blog here: https://drleaf.com/blogs/news/overcoming-addiction-how-to-help-someone-struggling-with-an-addictionSPECIAL OFFERS FROM OUR SPONSORS:Public Goods (My preferred online goods store, which has everything you need, from natural cleaning products and foods to sustainable house goods). Receive $15 off your first Public Goods order with NO MINIMUM purchase. Just go to https://www.publicgoods.com and use code DRLEAF at checkout.Solitaire Grand Harvest (A great way to unwind, keep your mind busy and spend quality time with your loved ones): Download Solitaire Grand Harvest for free today in the Apple App Store, Google Play, and Amazon!PODCAST HIGHLIGHTS: 5:00 Why Nathan used drugs to cope with reality21:00 How the birth of Nathan’s son and hid time in jail was an “ahah!” moment in his healing journey25:41 Tips for recovering from an addiction32:15 Why Nathan started his own practice34:50 What is dual diagnosis and why is it important?38:05 How to help someone recover from an addictionADDITIONAL RESOURCES:-Get my new brain detox app SWITCH on sale now! Get 50% off a 3 month subscription. Just visit: https://theswitch.app-Visit my website at https://drleaf.com for more free resources-Instagram: @drcarolineleaf: https://www.instagram.com/drcarolineleaf/-Facebook: Dr. Caroline Leaf: https://www.facebook.com/drleaf-Twitter: @drcarolineleaf: https://twitter.com/DrCarolineLeaf-Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/drcarolineleafIf you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5 review on iTunes, Google Play, or wherever you are listening! And don't forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends and family! I love seeing your posts on social media! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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