Discover how to navigate the pressures of modern life in this thought-provoking episode of Psychology in the Wild. We unpack societal expectations, the concept of 'slow productivity,' and the power of mindfulness and critical thinking to help you manage the chaos of everyday demands. Learn how to define success on your terms, let go of unrealistic standards, and find joy in the journey. This conversation is packed with practical strategies and reflections to inspire balance and fulfillment in your life.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Welcome to Psychology in the Wild

00:20 Reflecting on the Podcast Journey

00:41 Technical Challenges and Triumphs

03:26 The Therapeutic Side of Podcasting

05:50 Listener Question: Feeling Like You're Not Doing Enough

06:27 Managing Expectations and Comparisons

15:13 Mindfulness and Critical Thinking

27:05 Defining Your Own Success

30:29 Reevaluating Success and Expectations

31:31 The Concept of Slow Productivity

34:04 Challenges of Applying Slow Productivity

38:11 The Competitive Nature of Society

42:34 Managing Expectations and Self-Compassion

43:12 Letting Yourself Off the Hook

51:41 Balancing Busy Phases and Connection

52:54 Final Thoughts on Expectations

slow productivity, mindfulness, critical thinking, societal expectations, personal productivity, mental health, balance in life, defining success, podcast therapy, managing stress, finding fulfillment, Psychology in the Wild podcast.

How to Set Meaningful Goals: Behavioral Science, Stoicism, and Alternatives to New Year’s Resolutions | Psychology in the Wild

In this episode of Psychology in the Wild, we explore the difference between big 'P' Purpose and small 'p' purpose, and why the small, everyday moments of meaning matter most. You'll learn practical strategies for:

In this episode of 'Psychology in the Wild,' we discuss the collective struggle with loneliness and social isolation, highlighting its detrimental effects on health.

We offer practical strategies for fostering meaningful connections and intentional socializing, emphasizing the importance of supportive relationships and micro-interactions ('pebbling') for mental well-being. We also delve into the beneficial role of shared meaningful experiences and vulnerability in creating deep social bonds.

You can talk to us at [email protected]

_

O ur Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation Report: https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf

00:00 Introduction to Psychology in the Wild

00:35 Reflecting on Smoking and Social Norms

02:21 The Impact of Loneliness and Social Isolation

04:09 COVID-19 and the Loss of Social Connection11:15 The Importance of Social Connection in the Workplace

23:15 Building Resilience Through Connection

28:40 The Vulnerability Loop: Building Connections

29:26 The Skill of Vulnerability in Small Talk

32:54 Navigating Social Anxiety and Small Talk

36:57 Embracing Uncertainty for Connection

39:04 Supporting Others and Self-Care

40:44 Pebbling: Small Gestures for Big Connections

45:34 Final Thoughts and Practical Tips

Join us as we discuss the importance of setting and maintaining boundaries in our everyday lives. We delve into personal stories and offer practical tips on how to effectively communicate your boundaries to protect your time, energy, and focus. Learn how to navigate the challenges that come with both personal and professional commitments and find resilience in the process.

You can talk to us at [email protected]

In this episode of Psychology in the Wild, Dr. Gemma and Erin dive into the everyday chaos we all face, sharing stories and practical insights to help you feel more in control. From finding connection and support to embracing little moments of joy, they unpack the power of small 'power-ups' to navigate life’s challenges. If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, this episode is your reminder to prioritise your well-being and find joy, even in the messiness of life.

You can talk to us at [email protected]

In this episode, we explore the depths of emotional intelligence and its crucial role in navigating the wild chaos of everyday life.

From understanding the four quadrants of emotional intelligence—self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management—to practical tips for managing emotions and building strong relationships, we cover it all.

Join us as we discuss how to develop emotional intelligence and why it's essential for personal and professional success.

Don't miss out on this insightful conversation aimed at helping you thrive emotionally and socially!

We hope you enjoy!

_

If you want to share your you story or want us to discuss any topic of your interest, send us a note on

[email protected]

In this episode, the focus is on navigating failure and redefining success through personal experiences and insights. The conversation emphasises the importance of defining one's own version of success based on values and strengths, highlighting the need for an experimental mindset that views failure as an opportunity for growth and learning.

Engaging in open discussions about failure with trusted individuals can provide essential support and help process experiences. Sharing these moments fosters a culture of openness, leading to collective growth and resilience.

We hope you enjoy.

_

Send us your personal experience, episode topic suggestions or just a hello at

In this episode, we explore the impact of optimism on success and resilience and share insights on why those who believe in their potential are often the ones who achieve it.

It’s not about ignoring challenges but seeing opportunities and staying motivated to keep pushing forward.

Discover how a shift in mindset can fuel your goals, and learn practical ways to build optimism—even on the tough days. Because when you truly believe you can, you’re already halfway there.

We hope you enjoy it. If you’d like to share your story or topic suggestion, email us at [email protected].

This episode dives into the challenges of navigating change and managing uncertainty, focusing on why change often feels uncomfortable. You'll explore how the brain’s natural need for predictability can lead to stress when faced with the unknown.

Practical strategies for handling life transitions are shared, with an emphasis on practising self-compassion and recognising personal reactions to change.

The episode also explores personal agency, offering small, actionable steps to help you regain a sense of control in unpredictable situations.

With real-life examples, this discussion provides insights to build resilience, develop psychological flexibility, and embrace change in everyday life.

We hope you enjoy.

_

Send us your personal experience, episode topic suggestions or just a hello at