The transformative power of small talk

529. Do you find yourself easily overwhelmed or shut down by stress? In this episode, Dr. Monica Johnson looks at the window of tolerance, a key concept for understanding your nervous system's capacity to handle life's challenges. She looks at how past trauma and societal pressures, particularly for groups like Black women, can impact this window, and offers actionable strategies to expand it.Find a full transcript here. Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. Have a mental health question? Email us at [email protected]. Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips.Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links: https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologisthttps://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologisthttps://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsychhttps://www.kindmindpsych.com/

Do you have adult ADHD, or suspect that you might? In this episode, we explore 12 techniques that can help improve executive skills that are affected by ADHD.This episode originally aired on July 15, 2022.Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. A full transcript can be found here. Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips.Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologist-newsletterhttps://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologisthttps://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsychhttps://www.kindmindpsych.com/

Losing a job often triggers unrecognized grief and a significant increase in stress and anxiety. In this episode, Dr. Monica Johnson looks at the emotional fallout of unemployment, from shock and anger to self-blame. She looks at how to navigate these feelings, reclaim your narrative, and establish a new routine that balances healing with proactive steps toward your next opportunity.Find a full transcript here. Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. Have a mental health question? Email us at [email protected]. Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips.Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links: https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologisthttps://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologisthttps://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsychhttps://www.kindmindpsych.com/

Do you struggle with small talk? This episode looks at why this everyday interaction is more important than you might think for mental health and relationships. We look at the benefits of small talk, including building social bonds and practicing communication skills, and offer actionable tips like the FORD framework and reflective listening to make it easier.Find a full transcript here. Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. Have a mental health question? Email us at [email protected]. Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips.Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links: https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologisthttps://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologisthttps://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsychhttps://www.kindmindpsych.com/

Body image is more than just appearance; it's about identity and self-worth. This episode looks at the four components of body image—perceptual, cognitive, affective, and behavioral—and explores how media, cultural standards, and personal experiences influence it for everyone, including women, men, and nonbinary individuals. We look at strategies for healing your body image.Find a full transcript here. Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. Have a mental health question? Email us at [email protected]. Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips.Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links: https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologisthttps://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologisthttps://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsychhttps://www.kindmindpsych.com/

Political differences can strain even the closest relationships. This episode looks at why political issues now feel so personal, often tying into core values and identity. We look at how to navigate these tough conversations with family and friends, focusing on setting boundaries and maintaining connection without compromising your truth.Find a full transcript here. Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. Have a mental health question? Email us at [email protected]. Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips.Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links: https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologisthttps://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologisthttps://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsychhttps://www.kindmindpsych.com/

In this episode, we discuss premature ejaculation (PE). Dr. Johnson breaks down the DSM-5-TR definition, explores common causes and types, and offers mental health tips and treatment options for individuals navigating this experience.Transcript for this episodeSavvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. Have a mental health question? Email us at [email protected]. Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips.Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links: https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologisthttps://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologisthttps://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsychhttps://www.kindmindpsych.com/

Breakups are tough, but you don't have to navigate them alone. Join Dr. Monica Johnson as she shares psychological insights on why relationships end, what pitfalls to avoid, and how to authentically heal and rebuild your life after heartbreak. This episode will give you practical strategies for emotional well-being and reclaiming your identity post-relationship.Other episodes mentioned in this episode: 408 - 4 communication assassins that end relationships409 - How to fight back against communication assassinsTranscript: https://savvy-psychologist.simplecast.com/episodes/what-to-do-and-not-do-when-a-relationship-ends/transcriptSavvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. Have a mental health question? Email us at [email protected]. Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips.Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links: https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologisthttps://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologisthttps://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsychhttps://www.kindmindpsych.com/

Dr. Monica Johnson reveals the powerful psychology behind hobbies and how they are essential for boosting mental health, reducing stress, and fostering joy. Discover why engaging in leisure activities can improve brain function, build social connections, and aid in trauma recovery, even when life feels overwhelming.Transcript: https://savvy-psychologist.simplecast.com/episodes/how-to-start-and-stick-with-hobbies-for-better-mental-health/transcriptSavvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. Have a mental health question? Email us at [email protected]. Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips.Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links: https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologisthttps://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologisthttps://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsychhttps://www.kindmindpsych.com/

"Buy Now, Pay Later" (BNPL) can feel like a "treat yourself" pass, but it's not magic; it's psychology. This episode looks at why BNPL systems are so seductive, especially for those with financial instability or emotional trauma. We also look at actionable steps to manage BNPL use, such as identifying the emotions behind spending and addressing financial shame.Transcript: https://savvy-psychologist.simplecast.com/episodes/how-buy-now-pay-later-companies-use-psychology-to-hook-you/transcriptSavvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. Have a mental health question? Email us at [email protected]. Find Savvy Psychologist on Facebook and Twitter, or subscribe to the newsletter for more psychology tips.Savvy Psychologist is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links: https://quickanddirtytips.com/savvy-psychologisthttps://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologisthttps://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsychhttps://www.kindmindpsych.com/