Mentally Stronger with Therapist Amy Morin

What would you do if fear never held you back? You might be just one or two steps away from a completely different life — but it takes courage to take those steps.In this episode, I talk to Dr. Margie Warrell about the fascinating science behind fear, why our brains are so good at holding us back, and how we can push the barriers to live more boldly. Whether it's starting a new job, resolving a rocky relationship, or simply signing up for a class you're nervous about — courage is a skill you can learn, and this episode tells you how. Some of the things we discuss are: What "The Courage Gap" is and how it prevents us from living the life we want The surprising way fear works in your brain and why it often overestimates risks How to build your "courage muscle" one small step at a time The power of examining not just the risks of change but the cost of staying the same Strategies to reframe discomfort as a sign of growth and progress Why rewriting the stories you tell yourself is essential for overcoming self-doubt The difference between bravery and recklessness — and how to find the balance Subscribe to Mentally Stronger Premium for exclusive content like bonus episodes, signed books, and 30-day challenges that will keep you growing stronger.Links & ResourcesMargieWarrell.comThe Courage GapConnect with the ShowBuy Amy's books on mental strengthConnect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthorSponsorsOneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpodWildgrain — For a limited time, Wildgrain is offering our listeners $30 off the first box - PLUS free Croissants in every box - when you go to Wildgrain.com/MENTALLYSTRONGER to start your subscription. ZocDoc — Go to Zocdoc.com/STRONGER to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today!AirDoctor — Head to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today!Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at Shopify.com/mentallystronger!Branch Basics — Get 15% off Branch Basics with the code STRONGER15 at https://branchbasics.com/STRONGER15 #branchbasicspod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You've heard people say video games are bad for your mental health. But what if a game like Tetris might actually change how your brain processes trauma and prevent you from developing PTSD?Researchers have found that playing Tetris can be a valuable therapeutic tool. Some of the things I share are: How Tetris affects your brain What the research studies say it does to your brain and how it affects your intrusive thoughts The window of opportunity that makes Tetris effective The science behind video games and their impact How to apply this knowledge to your life, and how to help someone who has been through something traumatic Subscribe to Mentally Stronger Premium for exclusive content like bonus episodes, signed books, and 30-day challenges that will keep you growing stronger.Links & Resources13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't DoConnect with the ShowBuy Amy's books on mental strengthConnect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthorSponsorsOneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpodWildgrain — For a limited time, Wildgrain is offering our listeners $30 off the first box - PLUS free Croissants in every box - when you go to Wildgrain.com/MENTALLYSTRONGER to start your subscription. ZocDoc — Go to Zocdoc.com/STRONGER to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today!AirDoctor — Head to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today!Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at Shopify.com/mentallystronger!Branch Basics — Get 15% off Branch Basics with the code STRONGER15 at https://branchbasics.com/STRONGER15 #branchbasicspod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TJ Power, a neuroscientist and author of The Dose Effect, dives into the fascinating world of brain chemistry. He explains how neurochemicals like dopamine and serotonin influence motivation and mood. Avoiding your phone in the morning can notably balance dopamine levels. Fostering connections boosts oxytocin, enhancing love and confidence. Spending time outdoors uplifts serotonin, while high-intensity workouts release endorphins to alleviate stress. Practical strategies abound for optimizing mental well-being and growing mentally stronger.

Conflict can actually strengthen relationships when handled well. Learn three key strategies for healthy disagreements that promote growth. Uncover the common pitfalls that couples encounter, like blame shifting and poor communication. Discover constructive tactics to transform conflicts into opportunities for deeper connections. Embrace effective communication to navigate arguments without falling into harmful patterns like stonewalling.

Dr. Adam Galinsky, a psychologist and professor at Columbia Business School, explores how inspiration can be cultivated by anyone. He shares that self-reflection is a key tool for inspiring others and discusses the importance of genuine connections over mere compliance in relationships. Galinsky highlights communication strategies that enhance understanding and reduce conflict, emphasizing the leader amplification effect. Through visionary thinking and mentorship, he illustrates how individuals can empower others and leave a lasting positive legacy.

Habits play a crucial role in mental strength. They influence how you manage stress, how well you focus, and how you make decisions. That's why it's so important to work on building helpful habits while eliminating the ones keeping you stuck.Some of the things I share today are: The most common misconceptions about habits The science behind habit loops and how understanding this is crucial to understanding behavior The two-minute rule that will help you change your habits Strategies that make it easier to stick to habits The key to long-lasting habit change Subscribe to Mentally Stronger Premium for exclusive content, such as bonus episodes, signed books, and 30-day challenges that will keep you growing stronger.Links & ResourcesThe Power of Habits13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't DoTiny HabitsConnect with the ShowBuy Amy's books on mental strengthConnect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthorSponsorsOneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpodBranch Basics — Right now, our listeners get 15% off their entire order by using code STRONGER15 at BranchBasics.com.Wildgrain — For a limited time, Wildgrain is offering our listeners $30 off the first box - PLUS free Croissants in every box - when you go to Wildgrain.com/MENTALLYSTRONGER to start your subscription. Calm — For listeners of our show, Calm is offering an exclusive offer of 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription at calm.com/STRONGER.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anxiety is one of the most treatable yet under-treated mental health issues. Most people struggle with it for years before getting help. But you don't have to live with anxiety forever.Dr. Nicole Cain is known for integrating holistic practices with cutting-edge neuroscience to heal anxiety from its roots. Some of the things we discuss are: The nine types of anxiety and their treatment approaches The genetic and environmental factors contributing to anxiety The critical role gut health plays in mental health The daily practices that decrease anxiety The activities that reprogram how the brain handles anxiety The most important thing you can do to reduce your anxiety today Subscribe to Mentally Stronger Premium — Get weekly bonus episodes, monthly bonus content, and cool gifts (like signed books)!Links & ResourcesDrNicoleCain.comFollow Dr. Cain on Instagram - @drnicolecainConnect with the ShowBuy Amy's books on mental strengthConnect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthorSponsorsOneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpodBranch Basics — Right now, our listeners get 15% off their entire order by using code STRONGER15 at BranchBasics.com.Wildgrain — For a limited time, Wildgrain is offering our listeners $30 off the first box - PLUS free Croissants in every box - when you go to Wildgrain.com/MENTALLYSTRONGER to start your subscription. Calm — For listeners of our show, Calm is offering an exclusive offer of 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription at calm.com/STRONGER.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you been struggling to forgive someone who hurt you? You’re not alone. Forgiveness can feel heavy, confusing, and even impossible at times. But what if forgiveness isn’t just about the person who wronged you—it’s a gift you give to yourself?Fascinating psychological research reveals why letting go of anger and resentment is crucial for your mental and physical wellbeing. You don’t need to confront the person who hurt you, and forgiveness doesn’t mean excusing bad behavior. Instead, it’s about releasing yourself from emotional pain and reclaiming your peace. Some of the things I share today are: The science of forgiveness How forgiveness affects your brain and body in profound ways How forgiveness can lower stress, improve physical health, and even extend your life expectancy The biggest myths about forgiveness A 4-step approach to forgiveness that anyone can follow Subscribe to Mentally Stronger Premium for exclusive content like bonus episodes, signed books, and 30-day challenges that will keep you growing stronger.Connect with the ShowBuy Amy's books on mental strengthConnect with Amy on Instagram — @AmyMorinAuthorSponsorsOneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpodBranch Basics — Right now, our listeners get 15% off their entire order by using code STRONGER15 at BranchBasics.com.Wildgrain — For a limited time, Wildgrain is offering our listeners $30 off the first box - PLUS free Croissants in every box - when you go to Wildgrain.com/MENTALLYSTRONGER to start your subscription. Calm — For listeners of our show, Calm is offering an exclusive offer of 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription at calm.com/STRONGER.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elizabeth Husserl, a registered investment advisor and co-author of "The Power of Enough," shares valuable insights about financial anxiety. She discusses how our mindset influences our relationship with money and reveals the importance of identifying personal financial stories. Strategies to differentiate between genuine financial concerns and misconceptions are highlighted, along with practical tips for creating a spending plan. Husserl also introduces a transformative 30-day challenge designed to alleviate financial stress and emphasizes the need to separate self-worth from net worth.

Discover the powerful link between physical fitness and mental well-being. Learn how exercise can significantly alleviate anxiety and depression while boosting creativity. Strength training not only builds muscles but also fortifies mental resilience. Explore effective strategies to stay motivated, even with less appealing workouts. Revel in the importance of joyful movement to ensure consistency and maximize mental health benefits. Finally, embrace the mind-body connection through physical activity and reflective journaling.