Mentally Stronger with Therapist Amy Morin

How much time do you spend in nature? Most of us spend far more time indoors than outdoors. And we're more likely to be surrounded by electronics than trees. Craig Foster, the Academy Award-winning filmmaker behind My Octopus Teacher, says we've lost touch with our wild side. Not only is that bad for our psychological well-being, but it's harmful to the ecosystem. He's written a book called Amphibious Soul, and he's now encouraging all of us to get in touch with our wild side again. Some of the things he shares are how to rewild ourselves, how to really learn about nature, and how to use nature to reinvigorate our lives. Links & Resources Save Our Seas Foundation My Octopus Teacher Amphibious Soul Offers From Our Sponsors ButcherBox — Sign up today at butcherbox.com/stronger and use code stronger and choose salmon, chicken breast, or steak tips FREE in every order for a year, plus get $20 off your first order. ASPCA Pet Insurance — To explore coverage, visit ASPCApetinsurance.com/stronger Subscribe to Mentally Stronger Premium — Get weekly bonus episodes, monthly bonus content, and cool gifts (like signed books)! Connect with the Show Buy Amy's books on mental strength Connect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthor Email the show — Podcast@AmyMorinLCSW.com Order 13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are a lot of misconceptions about what it means to be mentally stronger and how to know when you are gaining strength. Unfortunately, society often rewards us for acting tough while not actually being strong. This can lead to confusion and frustration about whether you are getting better and growing stronger. As a therapist, I want everyone to know that if you are doing any of these 10 things, you are probably already stronger than you give yourself credit for. Keep in mind that we are all a work in progress, and there is always room for improvement. Offers From Our Sponsors ASPCA Pet Insurance — To explore coverage, visit ASPCApetinsurance.com/stronger ButcherBox — Sign up today at butcherbox.com/stronger and use code stronger and choose salmon, chicken breast, or steak tips FREE in every order for a year, plus get $20 off your first order. Subscribe to Mentally Stronger Premium — Get weekly bonus episodes, monthly bonus content, and cool gifts (like signed books)! Connect with the Show Buy Amy's books on mental strength Connect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthor Email the show — Podcast@AmyMorinLCSW.com Order 13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Panic attacks and anxiety are common. But almost no one talks about how to deal with them. For years, Matt Gutman, the Chief National Correspondent for ABC News, kept his panic attacks secret. He worried what people would think if he revealed his mental health struggles. After years of suffering in silence, followed by years of searching for help, he's written a book to help others learn how to cope with panic attacks. Some of the things he shares are the link between anxiety and his childhood trauma, the treatments he found most effective, and the steps he takes to manage his mental health. Links & Resources Instagram — MattGutmanABC X — MattGutmanABC No Time to Panic Offers From Our Sponsors ASPCA Pet Insurance — To explore coverage, visit ASPCApetinsurance.com/stronger ButcherBox — Sign up today at butcherbox.com/stronger and use code stronger and choose salmon, chicken breast, or steak tips FREE in every order for a year, plus get $20 off your first order. Subscribe to Mentally Stronger Premium — Get weekly bonus episodes, monthly bonus content, and cool gifts (like signed books)! Connect with the Show Buy Amy's books on mental strength Connect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthor Email the show — Podcast@AmyMorinLCSW.com Order 13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's probably second nature to get some physical distance from something stressing you out when you can. But what about those times when you can't? You can't run away from a traffic jam or physically escape bad news. Fortunately, you can always get psychological distance. Some things you'll learn are strategies for gaining psychological distance, when to use this tool, and how to make it most effective. Offers From Our Sponsors ZocDoc — Go to ZocDoc.com/stronger and download the app for free. ButcherBox — Sign up today at butcherbox.com/stronger and use code stronger and choose salmon, chicken breast, or steak tips FREE in every order for a year, plus get $20 off your first order. Subscribe to Mentally Stronger Premium — Get weekly bonus episodes, monthly bonus content, and cool gifts (like signed books)! Connect with the Show Buy Amy's books on mental strength Connect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthor Email the show — Podcast@AmyMorinLCSW.com Order 13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Improving your communication skills could improve your life in many ways. From deeper relationships to healthier conflict resolution, your communication skills play a large part in the overall quality of your life. Bestselling author Charles Duhigg says we all have the ability to sharpen our communication skills and become what he calls "supercommunicators." Some of the things he shares today are how to have conversations with strangers, how to avoid the common communication mistakes most of us make, and how to develop deeper relationships. Links & Resources CharlesDuhigg.com Supercommunicators Offers From Our Sponsors ZocDoc - Go to ZocDoc.com/stronger and download the app for free. ButcherBox - Sign up today at butcherbox.com/stronger and use code stronger and choose salmon, chicken breast, or steak tips FREE in every order for a year, plus get $20 off your first order. Subscribe to Mentally Stronger Premium — Get weekly bonus episodes, monthly bonus content, and cool gifts (like signed books)! Connect with the Show Buy Amy's books on mental strength Connect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthor Email the show — Podcast@AmyMorinLCSW.com Order 13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are some sentimental items you keep despite the fact that they really serve no practical purpose? Whether you keep clothes that no longer fit or you have a collection of birthday cards from childhood, the items you keep could reveal a lot about you. Here's what the research says about sentimental items, what your keepsakes reveal about you, and the link between emotional attachment to your items and your self-worth. Offers From Our Sponsors BetterHelp — Go to BetterHelp.com/MENTALLYSTRONG today to get 10% off your first month of therapy. ButcherBox - Sign up today at butcherbox.com/stronger and use code stronger and choose salmon, chicken breast, or steak tips FREE in every order for a year, plus get $20 off your first order. Subscribe to Mentally Stronger Premium — Get weekly bonus episodes, monthly bonus content, and cool gifts (like signed books)! Connect with the Show Buy Amy's books on mental strength Connect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthor Email the show — Podcast@AmyMorinLCSW.com Order 13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The fear of the unknown can cause us to over-plan, micromanage, and worry about things that are beyond our control. But coping with uncertainty feels uncomfortable. According to author/professor Brian Klaas, many of the things that shape our lives aren't really within our control. A chance meeting at the grocery store might have a much more profound effect on your life than where you went to college. His book Fluke explains the role chance and chaos play in our lives. But he says everything we do is still important. Some of the things he talks about today are how to embrace radical uncertainty, accept things that you can't control, and recognize why every little thing you do matters. Links & Resources BrianPKlaas.com X — @BrianKlaas Fluke Subscribe to Mentally Stronger Premium — Get weekly bonus episodes, monthly bonus content, and cool gifts (like signed books)! Offers From Our Sponsors BetterHelp — Go to BetterHelp.com/MENTALLYSTRONG today to get 10% off your first month of therapy. Shopify — Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/mentallystronger Connect with the Show Buy Amy's books on mental strength Connect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthor Email the show — Podcast@AmyMorinLCSW.com Order 13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From job rejections to health problems, bad news is part of life. But the way you respond to bad news can make all the difference in how you feel as you move forward. Staying mentally strong in the face of bad news can help you solve a problem, cope better, and manage your stress. Here are seven strategies that can help you cope with whatever challenges life throws your way. Resources 7Cups.com Offers From Our Sponsors BetterHelp — Go to BetterHelp.com/MENTALLYSTRONG today to get 10% off your first month of therapy. Shopify — Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/mentallystronger Subscribe to Mentally Stronger Premium — Get weekly bonus episodes, monthly bonus content, and cool gifts (like signed books)! Connect with the Show Buy Amy's books on mental strength Connect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthor Email the show — Podcast@AmyMorinLCSW.com Order 13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Although everyone experiences grief sometimes, no one talks about how to grieve. Not knowing what to do when you're experiencing serious emotional pain can compound the hurt. And if you're not careful, you might unknowingly do things that worsen the pain. Fortunately, Meghan Jarvis has studied the concrete strategies that heal. She's a psychotherapist who, after losing both of her parents, realized that the information about grief is inadequate. She's since written a book, launched a podcast, and made it her mission to help people learn how to grieve. Some of the things she shares today are the misconceptions about grief, the things that worsen the pain, and the concrete steps you can take to work through grief after your loss. Links & Resources MeghanRiordanJarvis.com Grief Is My Side Hustle Podcast End of the Hour Subscribe to Mentally Stronger Premium — Get weekly bonus episodes, monthly bonus content, and cool gifts (like signed books)! Connect with the Show Buy Amy's books on mental strength Connect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthor Email the show — Podcast@AmyMorinLCSW.com Order 13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mental strength is built with exercise, the same way physical strength is built. However, mental strength exercises don't have to be painful or complicated to be effective. There are many small things you can do every day to grow mentally stronger. Sometimes, slight shifts in the way you think, manage your emotions, or take action can make a huge difference to your mindset. Here are five simple but effective ways you can start building mental strength today. And you can do all these exercises right now without even getting off the couch! 100th episode giveaway — Enter to win a signed copy of one of my books Subscribe to Mentally Stronger Premium — Get weekly bonus episodes, monthly bonus content, and cool gifts (like signed books)! Connect with the Show Buy Amy's books on mental strength Connect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthor Email the show — Podcast@AmyMorinLCSW.com Order 13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do Order 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do Workbook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you ever feel bored or stuck in a rut? If so, you're not alone. It's easy to go through life on autopilot. But inventor, author, and Harvard professor Jeff Karp says it doesn't have to be that way. Jeff is a biomedical engineer who has invented many interesting things. He's also the author of a new book called LIT: Life Ignition Tools. Some of the things he shares today are how to spark new ideas, solve problems creatively, and find new things to do. Links & Resources JeffKarp.com LIT: Life Ignition Tools Subscribe to Mentally Stronger Premium — Get weekly bonus episodes, monthly bonus content, and cool gifts (like signed books)! Offers From Our Sponsors Shopify — Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/mentallystronger Connect with the Show Buy Amy's books on mental strength Connect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthor Email the show — Podcast@AmyMorinLCSW.com Order 13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's tough to find a therapist sometimes. The last thing you want to do when you're stressed out or battling a mental health issue is research how to find someone you can talk to. But if you just go with the first therapist you find, you might find they're not the best match for you. Research shows the number one factor that determines the effectiveness of your treatment is your relationship with your therapist. If you find someone you trust and respect, your mental health is much more likely to improve. In this episode, I share concrete steps for finding the best mental health treatment either online or in person. Offers From Our Sponsors Shopify — Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/mentallystronger BetterHelp — Go to BetterHelp.com/MENTALLYSTRONG today to get 10% off your first month of therapy. ZocDoc - Go to ZocDoc.com/stronger and download the app for free. Subscribe to Mentally Stronger Premium — Get weekly bonus episodes, monthly bonus content, and cool gifts (like signed books)! Connect with the Show Buy Amy's books on mental strength Connect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthor Email the show — Podcast@AmyMorinLCSW.com Order 13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kindness isn't a sign of weakness. It's a sign of strength. But too many people worry that they'll be taken advantage of or that they'll finish last if they're kind. James Rhee says kindness is what will help you succeed in life. James is a Harvard Law graduate, high school teacher, and private equity investor who was tasked with saving a women's clothing company from liquidation. He's also the author of Red Helicopter, where he shares his operating system of life, money, and joy. Some of the things he talks about today are why kindness is so powerful, how to practice it in everyday life, and how to incorporate a little math into figuring out how to succeed. Links & Resources RedHelicopter.com Instagram — @IAmJamesRhee Buy the book — Red Helicopter Subscribe to Mentally Stronger Premium — Get weekly bonus episodes, monthly bonus content, and cool gifts (like signed books)! Offers From Our Sponsors LMNT — Get your electrolytes in balance with LMNT. Go to DrinkLMNT.com/stronger, and get a free sample pack with any purchase. Shopify — Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/mentallystronger Paired — Connect with your partner every day using Paired. Download the app for free at Paired.com/STRONGER Connect with the Show Buy Amy's books on mental strength Connect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthor Email the show — Podcast@AmyMorinLCSW.com Order 13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Venting actually fuels anger and keeps you stuck in a negative mindset. But many people have bought into the idea that you have to vent your frustrations so you don't explode. Research shows there are much more effective ways to manage your anger. Some of the things I share are why venting is bad for your mental health, how to process your emotions more healthily, and how to manage your emotions effectively. Offers From Our Sponsors Shopify — Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/mentallystronger BetterHelp — Go to BetterHelp.com/MENTALLYSTRONG today to get 10% off your first month of therapy. Subscribe to Mentally Stronger Premium — Get weekly bonus episodes, monthly bonus content, and cool gifts (like signed books)! Connect with the Show Buy Amy's books on mental strength Connect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthor Email the show — Podcast@AmyMorinLCSW.com Order 13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The way you think affects everything from the way you feel to the way you perform. It also affects your physical health. There's plenty of research that shows your thought patterns influence your body in some interesting ways. Dr. Josh Axe learned this firsthand when he was diagnosed with a serious illness. While he used to think nutrition could heal almost anything, he now realizes mindset is the key to healing your body. Some of the things he talks about are the mind/body connection, how to change the way you think so you can feel your best, and how to use your mind to promote healing within your body. Links & Resources DrAxe.com Instagram — @DrJoshAxe Think This, Not That Subscribe to Mentally Stronger Premium — Get weekly bonus episodes, monthly bonus content, and cool gifts (like signed books)! Offers From Our Sponsors LMNT — Get your electrolytes in balance with LMNT. Go to DrinkLMNT.com/stronger, and get a free sample pack with any purchase. BetterHelp — Go to BetterHelp.com/MENTALLYSTRONG today to get 10% off your first month of therapy. Shopify — Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/mentallystronger Quince — Go to Quince.com/stronger for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Connect with the Show Buy Amy's books on mental strength Connect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthor Email the show — Podcast@AmyMorinLCSW.com Order 13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you dwell on the negative? If so, you're not alone. Our brains are hardwired to look for negative things in life so we will be aware of danger. But it's important for your mental health to also notice good things in life. And it's possible to do so without crossing the line into toxic positivity. Some of the things I share are why it's hard to look for good news, why it's so important to proactively look for good things, and a simple strategy you can use every day to remind yourself of the good things in life. Offers From Our Sponsors Shopify — Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/mentallystronger Babbel — Get 55% off at Babbel.com/STRONGER Subscribe to Mentally Stronger Premium — Get weekly bonus episodes, monthly bonus content, and cool gifts (like signed books)! Connect with the Show Buy Amy's books on mental strength Connect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthor Email the show — Podcast@AmyMorinLCSW.com Order 13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's well known that physical activity can improve your mental health. But how much exercise do you really need? What exercise is best for your psychological well-being? Can going for a walk really combat depression? Those are just some of the questions we'll cover with neurophysiologist Louisa Nicola. Louisa founded Neuro Athletics, a consulting firm that provides scientific strategies to help athletes and investors achieve peak performance. She's also the host of The Neuro Experience podcast where she talks about everything from brain health and neuroscience to longevity and peak performance. Some of the things she shares today are how much exercise you need for optimal mental health, the types of exercise that improve your psychological well-being, and the physical activities that will help you feel your best emotionally. Links & Resources Neuro Athletics Instagram — @LouisaNicola Podcast — The Neuro Experience with Louisa Nicola Subscribe to Mentally Stronger Premium — Get weekly bonus episodes, monthly bonus content, and cool gifts (like signed books)! Offers From Our Sponsors Babbel — Learn a new language fast. Get 50% off on a one-time payment for a lifetime Babbel subscription at Babbel.com/STRONGER Shopify — Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/mentallystronger Quince — Go to Quince.com/stronger for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. ZocDoc — Go to Zocdoc.com/stronger and download the Zocdoc app for FREE. Factor — Head to FACTOR MEALS.com/mentallystronger50 and use code mentallystronger50 to get 50% off. Connect with the Show Buy Amy's books on mental strength Connect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthor Email the show — Podcast@AmyMorinLCSW.com Order 13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mental health advice on social media can be downright dangerous. Research has shown that many of the tips and much of the advice on managing mental health just aren't credible, even though they are popular. So I decided to call out some of the most popular, yet awful advice I've seen being shared on social media lately. Here are 10 pieces of unhealthy mental health advice that are often shared by influencers. Offers From Our Sponsors Shopify — Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/mentallystronger Babbel — Get 55% off at Babbel.com/STRONGER Subscribe to Mentally Stronger Premium — Get weekly bonus episodes, monthly bonus content, and cool gifts (like signed books)! Connect with the Show Buy Amy's books on mental strength Connect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthor Email the show — Podcast@AmyMorinLCSW.com Order 13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While there's a lot of information about improving your physical health, there's much less information about improving your brain health. Improving your brain health isn't just about doing puzzles to improve your memory. There are lots of other ways to improve your brain health. Dr. Austin Perlmutter is a physician who studies brain health and decision-making. Some of the things he talks about today are the everyday things that can take a toll on your brain, the biggest dangers to your brain health, and the small steps you can take to improve your brain health every day. Links & Resources AustinPerlmutter.com BigBoldHealth.com Instagram — @DrAustinPerlmutter Offers From Our Sponsors Babbel — Get 50% off on a one-time payment for a lifetime Babbel subscription at Babbel.com/STRONGER Shopify — Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/mentallystronger Quince — Go to Quince.com/stronger for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. LMNT — See how much better you feel once you get your electrolytes in balance. Try LMNT and get a free sample pack with your order. drinklmnt.com/stronger Subscribe to Mentally Stronger Premium — Get weekly bonus episodes, monthly bonus content, and cool gifts (like signed books)! Connect with the Show Buy Amy's books on mental strength Connect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthor Email the show — Podcast@AmyMorinLCSW.com Order 13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Journaling provides a long list of mental health benefits. But staring at a blank page feels intimidating. Fortunately, the Three-Minute Mental Makeover prompts give you the structure you need. Research shows it's an effective, quick strategy that can reduce your stress fast. Some of the things I share are how this quick writing exercise helped doctors and families reduce their stress, how to conduct the Three-Minute Mental Makeover on yourself, and what the research reveals about why it's so effective. Offers From Our Sponsors Babbel — Get 50% off on a one-time payment for a lifetime Babbel subscription at Babbel.com/STRONGER Shopify — Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/mentallystronger Paired — Connect with your partner every day using Paired. Download the app at paired.com/STRONGER Subscribe to Mentally Stronger Premium — Get weekly bonus episodes, monthly bonus content, and cool gifts (like signed books)! Connect with the Show Buy Amy's books on mental strength Connect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthor Email the show — Podcast@AmyMorinLCSW.com Order 13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices