Retrain your Brain for success

Dopamine is our 'reward' chemical. Instinctively our brain is programmed to survive, and many many years ago survival was much harder. Now we need to think long term and seek fulfilment at part of that, and so sometimes, we need to reprogram what we recognise as positive. 
This episode explains the effects of dopamine. 

#positivepsychology #wellbeing #wellbeingexpert #resilienceexpert #trainer #teachingpoints #mentalhealthmatters #stress #wellbeingtips 

Adrenaline, because of its link to 'fight/flight' often gets bad press, but a little can do you good. For me, when it comes to self care I prefer to re-energise rather than relax - I dance, I perform, I see friends and do 'escape rooms' - these are very much about excitation over relaxation...so this episode gives some ideas to engage with the dynamic aspects of self care. 

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It's known as 'cuffing season' - when we're forming relationships pretty quickly for reasons perhaps less related to attraction...but does 'Love at first sight' exist? 

Many would say it does, of those, I hope they are still together(!), but there are definitely a number of physiological changes which can set our heart a-flutter initially, although whether they deepen into love is another matter. 

Sometimes you don't need talking therapy, just some practical tools to get yourself back on track, and these can be used alongside professional intervention too to build emotional and mental fitness. 

#positivepsychology #wellbeing #wellbeingexpert #resilienceexpert #trainer #teachingpoints #mentalhealthmatters #stress #wellbeingtips 

Unfortunately, when I reflect on panic buying, the solution to the anxiety caused by not having the item - is to buy it... Of course in the case of creating a shortage this isn't helpful. 

Before we all worry about turkeys and Walkers crisps, this episode reflects on the petrol shortage and the reasons why we panic buy, and what to try instead. 

#positivepsychology #wellbeing #wellbeingexpert #resilienceexpert #trainer #teachingpoints #mentalhealthmatters #stress #wellbeingtips 

Want some simple exercises you can do in under 2 mins to destress at your desk, this episode brings you my top 10.

For more practical tools, check out my YouTube channel https://youtube.com/channel/UCnn8-Waxrg6TmuNPHL1NQmg

Being well is for everyone 

#positivepsychology #wellbeing #wellbeingexpert #resilienceexpert #trainer #teachingpoints #mentalhealthmatters #stress #wellbeingtips 

I used to be concerned about 'alternative' therapies, but when it comes to psychotherapy (not necessarily medical) - I believe they are an option. Talking therapy isn't for everyone, it is not always accessible neither is it always effective, and for many with whom I've spoken, talking comes later. In this episode I look at the alternatives, or approaches that can be used in compliment to psychological intervention. 
Note: I am not promoting one over another, but keeping an open - although critically aware - mind. 

#positivepsychology #wellbeing #wellbeingexpert #resilienceexpert #trainer #teachingpoints #mentalhealthmatters #wellbeingtips #therapy 

The final episode of this season is about managing toxic friendships - how we can protect ourselves, as well as learn not to behave in ways that make others feel we are the problem. 
Toxicity is not always malicious, so keeping relationships healthy can be about keeping communications open and behaviour choices flexible, while not being swayed from our core values. 

#positivepsychology #wellbeing #wellbeingexpert #resilienceexpert #trainer #teachingpoints #mentalhealthmatters 

Often friendships, unless deliberately solicited to be so, do not start off as toxic, but they can become so. Sometimes it might be because behaviours have been allowed to happen without question, and it might be that voicing your thoughts may help realign. Sometimes as you get to know someone you traits you don't like, or perhaps circumstances changed and one or both of you are struggling to find a me balance. Healthy friendships take effort from both sides.
#positivepsychology #wellbeing #wellbeingexpert #resilienceexpert #trainer #teachingpoints #mentalhealthmatters #friendships 

The last 3 episodes of this season will be focused on toxicity in relationships:
- how to spot the signs
- why it happens
- what you can do about it (and how to avoid those behaviours yourself) 
Friendships are wonderful but they take work from both parties, you are both making a regular choice to be there. That's why it can be so hard when they don't work out. 

#positivepsychology #wellbeing #wellbeingexpert #resilienceexpert #wellbeingtips #friendships #friendshipgoals