Mentally Stronger with Therapist Amy Morin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Narcissists are everywhere. And whether your boss is a narcissist, or you're in a relationship with one, their behavior can take a toll on you if you're not prepared. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to stay mentally strong when they're trying to manipulate you, they're blaming you, and they're acting out. Dr. Ramani Durvasula is a licensed psychologist who has authored several books on narcissism, including It's Not You. Her work focuses on studying the impact that narcissism and high-conflict personality styles have on relationships and mental health. Some of the things she talks about today are how to recognize a narcissist, how to diffuse a situation with a narcissist, and how to stay mentally strong when you're dealing with one. Links & Resources doctor-ramani.com/ Follow Dr. Ramani on Instagram - @doctorramani It's Not You 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. Paired — Connect with your partner every day using Paired. Download the app 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

Mental toughness serves a purpose in some circumstances. A tough exterior can help you get through a crisis. But mental strength is what is really needed to grow, learn, and thrive in life. The two things are often confused. Some of the things I share today are the six key differences between mental strength and mental toughness, how to develop more strength, and the dangers of acting tough. 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 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

Your memory and your mental health form a two-way street. Remembering only negative things can worsen your mental health. But poor mental health can also cause your brain to only focus on negative memories. Learning more about how your mind filters your memories could help you build mental strength. Dr. Charan Ranganath, a memory researcher at the University of California Davis and the author of Why We Remember, studies how our brains store and retrieve memories. Some of the things he talks about today are why certain memories stick in our brains, why many of our memories are faulty, and how we can use this knowledge to improve our mental health. Links & Resources Visit Dr. Ranganath's website - CharanRanganath.com Why We Remember Follow Dr. Ranganath on Instagram - @TheMemoryDoc Offers From Our Sponsors Quince - Go to Quince.com/stronger for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. 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 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. 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

Whether you want to change an eating habit, or you're trying to change a relationship, there's a series of stages you're going to go through along the way. The stages don't necessarily happen in a nice, neat order, however. Progress rarely comes in a straight line. Understanding the stages of change can help you create and stick to change better. When you learn to recognize where other people are in their transformation, you'll then be able to know how to support them best. Some of the things I share are the six stages, what to do to move yourself along in your journey, and how to support someone else based on where they are in the process. 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 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

Narcissists and psychopaths are just a few examples of "pathological lovers." Their charm often lures people in and their partners often develop what's known as "trauma bonds." They're tough to escape, but once you do, the healing can begin. No one knows this better than Dr. Nadine Macaluso. She was married to the man known as "The Wolf of Wall Street." After years of abuse, she broke free from the trauma bond and became a therapist so she could help other people. Some of the things she shares today are how to recognize red flags in relationships, how to break free from a trauma bond, and how to begin healing. Links & Resources Visit Dr. Macaluso's website - drnae.com Follow Dr. Macaluso on Instagram - @therealdrnadine Run Like Hell 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 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

Acting "as if" is a therapy strategy that helps people change their habits, their emotions, and their lives. It's a simple but effective way to start creating positive change right now. And the good news is, it works for many different problems. Some of the things I share are how "acting as if" works, what issues you can target, and what sort of results you can expect. 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 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

James Altucher interviews Amy about what it's like to be a therapist, her experience becoming an author, and her newest book, 13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do. Links & Resources The James Altucher Show 13 Things Mentally Strong Couples Don't Do Offers From Our Sponsors Factor - Head to FACTORMEALS.com/mentallystronger50 and use code mentallystronger50 to get 50% off. 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 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

Your career path and your mental strength are likely a two-way street. Creating a great career likely requires mental strength. But having a career that fits your lifestyle will also likely help you grow mentally stronger. That's why creating a career path that works for you is important. Scott Jeffrey Miller is the senior advisor on thought leadership for FranklinCovey — behind the wildly popular books about the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. He's the host of On Leadership with Scott Miller, the world’s largest weekly leadership podcast, and C-Suite Conversations with Scott Miller, a podcast that features interviews with the world’s top executives. He's also the best-selling author of several books including Career on Course. Some of the things he talks about are how to develop a strategy for your career, how to be intentional even when you don't know what you want to do, and how to create a work life that's in line with your values. Links & Resources Visit Scott's website - ScottJeffreyMiller.com Career on Course book Offers From Our Sponsors Factor - Head to FACTORMEALS.com/mentallystronger50 and use code mentallystronger50 to get 50% off. 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 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

Decision fatigue occurs when we become mentally exhausted from making numerous decisions throughout the day. As a result, we make poorer decisions because our brains are just too tired to think. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent yourself from getting mentally exhausted. Here are five simple strategies that can prevent decision fatigue. Subscribe to Mentally Stronger Premium — Get exclusive bonus episodes, access to the Mentally Stronger community, and answers to your questions about mental strength! 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 Offers From Our Sponsors Babbel - Get 55% off 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 https://www.paired.com/STRONGER

It's easy to tell other people to seek help or take charge of their mental health, but much harder to take those steps when you need to do so for yourself. But struggles with your mental health don't mean you're mentally weak. Accomplished singer and songwriter Madeline Merlo has made it her mission to remove the stigma associated with mental health issues. She has a history of panic attacks, PTSD, anxiety, and depression. And she's learned the importance of seeking help, getting proactive about managing her symptoms, and making healthy lifestyle changes. Some of the things she talks about today are how to find the courage to start healing, how to identify the things that can improve your mental health, and the coping skills that help her feel better. Links & Resources Visit Madeline's website - MadelineMerlo.com 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 LMNT - Get your electrolytes in balance with LMNT. Go to DrinkLMNT.com/stronger, and get a free sample pack with any purchase. Paired - Connect with your partner every day using Paired. Download the app at https://www.paired.com/STRONGER Subscribe to Mentally Stronger Premium — Get exclusive bonus episodes, access to the Mentally Stronger community, and answers to your questions about mental strength! 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