285 - Talking to the Mirror: Transforming Anger Into Self-Compassion

In today's episode of "Your Absolute Mind," We delve deep into the often overlooked aspects of mental health. Drawing on my extensive experience as a dedicated multimodal therapist for over a decade, I offer a compassionate, practical guide for anyone looking to strengthen their mental resilience and navigate the complexities of daily life's stresses. What You'll Discover: Understanding Mental Health: Explore why mental health, despite being crucial, isn't as straightforward to nurture as physical health. Insights from My Therapy Practice: Gain insights from my 10 years + of experience in a demanding therapy environment, dealing with a wide spectrum of mental health issues. Daily Steps Towards Mental Wellness: Discover practical, actionable steps you can incorporate into your daily life to build a resilient and healthy mind. The Significance of Movement, Sleep, and Meditation: Learn about the three pillars essential for mental health, supported by real-life examples and therapeutic advice. Beyond Labels: Understand the importance of recognising and labelling emotions correctly to foster a healthier mental state. Empowering Personal Change: I share how taking control of your mental health can be empowering, with simple yet effective strategies that can dramatically change your life. Featured in This Episode: My personal journey and what has led me to focus on empowering others to improve their mental health. An engaging analogy of a glass of water and stones to illustrate how daily stresses accumulate and impact our mental health. A breakdown of essential steps towards becoming mentally healthy, including practical advice and why consistency is key. Resources Mentioned: Your Absolute Mind app: A tool I created to facilitate daily guided meditation practice, making it simpler than ever to incorporate meditation into your routine. Join Us: Tune in to "How to Become Mentally Healthy: A Therapist's Guide" for a deep dive into building a stronger, more resilient mind. Whether you're navigating stress, anxiety, or just seeking ways to improve your mental well-being, this episode is a must-listen. Remember, taking care of your mind is just as vital as taking care of your body, and with my expert guidance, you're on the right path to mental wellness. Stay Connected: Don't forget to subscribe to "Your Absolute Mind" on your favourite podcast platform and follow us on social media for the latest updates and tips on maintaining a healthy mind. Thank you for joining me on this journey towards mental health empowerment. Remember, your absolute mind is your absolute power.

Discover the Hidden Truths of Ashwagandha: "Join me in a revealing journey into the world of Ashwagandha. Uncover how this ancient herb is shaping our modern lives, from stress relief to the risks of anhedonia. Don't miss this eye-opening episode on 'Your Absolute Mind.'" Ashwagandha Uncovered: Miracle Herb or Hidden Danger?: "Ever heard of Ashwagandha? Dive into the latest episode of our podcast as Paula unravels the complexities of this popular herb. Learn about its potential benefits and dark sides in mental health. Tune in to stay informed!" The Ashwagandha Paradox: Anxiety Relief with a Price?: "Explore the surprising effects of Ashwagandha with Paula. From natural anxiety relief to the risk of losing joy in life, get the full story in our latest episode. Join us to understand why moderation is key in using this ancient remedy." Breaking Down Ashwagandha: Natural Aid or Risky Business?: "We go through the ins and outs of Ashwagandha. Is it the natural solution to stress and anxiety, or does it carry hidden risks? Discover the answers and make informed choices for your mental health in our thought-provoking podcast." Ashwagandha: A Therapist's Perspective on the Trendy Herb: "With over a decade of experience, I delve into the hype around Ashwagandha. Find out how it impacts mental health and why it's not just another quick fix. Tune in for an expert's take on this trending topic."

Hi, I'm Paula Sweet, and you're about to step into a world where your mind's potential is limitless. In this episode, we're unlocking the secrets of your brain's chemistry to supercharge your focus and motivation. Forget about waiting for inspiration to strike; it's time to take control. Even when it doesn't feel good. We'll explore why that 'start-up' stress is actually your brain's way of gearing up for success, and how dopamine – your mental cheerleader – celebrates every small victory, keeping you driven towards your goals. I'll also reveal why internal satisfaction trumps external applause every time, and how recognising every little win fuels your journey to a healthier, happier you. So, if you're ready to transform your focus into your superpower and turn everyday actions into a series of triumphs, this episode is for you. Remember, it's not just about the destination; it's about loving every step of the journey. Let's dive in!

Welcome to another enriching session of Meditation Monday on the Absolute Mind Podcast. Today, we dedicate a tranquil 10 minutes to ease our minds and soften the grip of stress. Join us in this guided journey as we: Initiate the Escape: Begin with deep, intentional breaths that not only nourish the body but also expel the day's accumulated tensions. Allow each exhale to carry away stress, preparing you for a serene experience. Embrace the Glow: Envision a soothing light, unique in its colour and essence, offering warmth and tranquillity as it travels through your body. With each breath, this light transforms stress into serenity, guiding you towards inner peace. Discover Your Haven: Transport yourself to a personal paradise that resonates with safety, peace, and happiness. Explore the sensory details of this refuge, finding solace in its imagined comfort. Craft Your Talisman: Engage in an ambiguous visual exercise where you transform concerns into a symbol of growth and potential. Create your mental keepsake that will serve as a source of strength in the days to come. Return Refreshed: Gently reacquaint yourself with the present, carrying with you the peace and personal talisman you've created to anchor you through the bustling weeks ahead. Prepare to transform your mental landscape with "Illuminate Your Mind: A Guided Meditation for Growth" — your sanctuary amidst the seasonal shift. 🔔 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more peaceful escapes. Share this meditation with someone who could use a touch of tranquillity.

Welcome back to the "Your Absolute Mind" podcast with your host, Paula Sweet. Today's episode is a must-listen for anyone on a self-improvement journey. We're uncovering the often overlooked but incredibly impactful Hawthorne Effect and how it can catalyse profound changes in your life. 🎧 Available on: Apple App Store | Google Play Store | Your Absolute Mind app In This Episode: Introduction to the Hawthorne Effect: What it is and why it could be the secret ingredient to breaking out of your comfort zone. The Comfort Crisis: We discuss how modern life's ease might be holding you back and how the Hawthorne Effect can challenge you to grow. Personal Insights: Paula shares candid moments of choosing comfort over challenge, and how self-observation kickstarted her journey back to embracing discomfort. Actionable Strategies: Tips on making your commitment public, incorporating structured challenges, and the importance of seeking feedback. Community Influence: Find out how joining a community that values growth can leverage the Hawthorne Effect for even greater success. Reflections on Rewards: We delve into recognising the small steps out of comfort zones and how they lead to significant personal development. Remember, it's not about seeking discomfort for its own sake—it's about the growth that lies within it. 📌 Check out the Your Absolute Mind app for daily guided meditations, a simple journaling tool, inspirational quotes, and hundreds of mental health tools and techniques. Don't just coast through life—push beyond your boundaries with us. Tune in now and take the first step toward a more resilient and self-aware you! 👍 If you enjoyed the episode, please consider subscribing to our channel and app for your weekly dose of motivation and strategies to become mentally healthy. Until next time, take care of yourself and be kind to your mind. 👋 This is Paula Sweet, signing off.

Hey everyone, it's Paula Sweet here, inviting you to start your week off right with this episode of Meditation Monday. I'll be guiding you through a short, simple yet powerful breath work. No theme, no fuss—just you and your breath, exploring what your mind has to offer. Enjoy x

Welcome back to another episode of the Absolute Mind Podcast with your host, Paula Sweet. Today, we unravel the profound impact of self-compassion on mental health through an inspiring tale from Dr. Peter Attia. So, next time you find yourself in front of a mirror, ask yourself: "How am I speaking to the person looking back at me?" Let's dive into it! 🎙 Episode Highlights: Introduction to the concept of the "Mirror of Self-Compassion." A beautiful quote from Buddha to set the stage. Dr. Peter Attia's transformative journey from struggling with anger to embracing self-compassion. Tips for incorporating self-compassion into your daily life. 👁‍🗨 Topics Covered: The Mirror of Self-Compassion: What Does It Reflect? A Buddhist Quote: "You Deserve Your Own Love and Affection." Dr. Peter Attia's Story: Overcoming Anger Through Self-Compassion. Mindfulness: The First Step Toward Positive Self-Talk. Positive Self-Talk and How to Practice It. The Power of Forgiveness: Letting Go of Self-Criticism. 📌 Takeaways: Mindfulness as a tool for becoming aware of your internal dialogue. The importance of positive self-talk in reframing your relationship with yourself. How forgiveness and restructuring the self-talk structure can pave the way for a peaceful mind. 👉 Resources: Learn more about Dr. Peter Attia: Peter Attia's Website

🌞 Wake Up to Wellness: How Morning Light and Movement Boost Your Mental Health 🏃‍♀️ Welcome back to another Self-Care Saturday on Your Absolute Mind! I'm your host, Paula Sweet, and today we're uncovering the magic recipe for a mentally healthy day. Spoiler alert: it involves morning light and movement! 🌟 In This Episode, You'll Discover: 🎉 The true meaning behind "Move a muscle, change a thought." 🧠 How endorphins, aka 'nature's happy pills,' elevate your mood. 🌞 The surprising benefits of soaking in morning sunlight. 🚶‍♀️ Simple and effective movement routines that anyone can do. 😴 The ripple effect of morning habits on your overall day and even your sleep. 📚 Key Takeaways Move It to Improve It: Physical activity releases endorphins, lifting your mood and lowering stress. Sunrise, New Mindset: Morning sunlight sets your circadian rhythm, helping your body wake up and eventually wind down for sleep. It's Easier Than You Think: Even a modest 20-minute brisk walk can reduce your risk of premature death by 16-30%. 🎧 Episode Highlights Welcome and Intro Why moving a muscle changes your thoughts The science behind endorphins The power of morning sunlight Simple daily movement routines How morning habits impact your mental health Wrap-up and what to look forward to 🔗 Resources Mentioned Study from the University of Cambridge on physical activity and mental health Your Absolute Mind App: Build positive mental health habits daily Google Play Store Apple App Store 🙏 Thank You for Tuning In! Remember, it's not about a complete lifestyle overhaul overnight. It's about taking simple steps daily to better your mental health. Subscribe to keep getting soulful, science-backed tips for a healthier mind and body. 👋 Till Next Time, Look After Yourself!

🎙️ Episode Description: Hey there, it's Paula Sweet, and I'm thrilled to welcome you back to another enriching episode of "Your Absolute Mind." Today, we're diving deep into the captivating world of self-hypnosis and how it shapes our reality every single day. Discover why our inner dialogue is absolutely crucial and how we can turn it into our biggest cheerleader. I'll be sharing insights from my over a decade of therapy experience and offering practical tips to help you cultivate those positive mental habits. 🌱 Key Takeaways: Our minds are like gardens; what we focus on truly does grow. Self-talk plays a profound role in influencing our mental health. Let's learn to add what we desire instead of just removing what we don't. I'll guide you in consciously choosing the media, conversations, and affirmations you engage with. Don't forget to explore the Your Absolute Mind app for your daily dose of mental wellness support. 📱 Your Absolute Mind App: Looking for a tool to boost your mental health journey? Check out the Your Absolute Mind app for daily inspiration, meditations, and journal prompts. Start your free trial today on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Google Play Store Apple App Store 🌟 Transformation Challenge: What positive thing will you add to your daily routine after tuning into this episode? Make a commitment and witness the transformation in your life. 📢 Stay Tuned: Subscribe, like, and share to spread the message of mental wellness. Remember, every moment is an opportunity to enhance our mental health, so let's make each one count! #MentalWellness #SelfHypnosis #PositiveMentalHabits #YourAbsoluteMind

🌟 Welcome to Therapeutic Thursday with Paula Sweet! 🌟 🎙️ What's Inside This Episode: The accidental discovery of EMDR by Francine Shapiro in 1987. How simple eye movements can help process traumatic memories. Insights into the role of EMDR as an alternative treatment for PTSD and trauma. The fascinating overlap and distinctions between EMDR and other forms of therapy like NLP. 🌳 A Stroll in the Park That Changed Therapy Discover how a simple walk in the park led to the development of one of the most effective therapies for trauma and PTSD. 👁️ The Power of Eye Movements Learn how guided eye movements can make a world of difference in processing traumatic memories and why this matters in mental health. 🌍 Global Impact of EMDR From accidental discovery to global impact. Find out how EMDR has become a beacon of hope for those dealing with traumatic experiences. 🔨 Breaking Trauma into Bite-Sized Pieces Understand how EMDR allows your brain to process trauma in manageable chunks, making the unbearable a lot more bearable. 🌟 Pearls of Wisdom Why it's crucial to seek trained professionals for any alternative therapy, especially something as potent as EMDR. 🌿 Natural Processes for Healing A dive into how EMDR might just be a rediscovery of natural healing processes we've forgotten in our modern lives. 📱 Download the Your Absolute Mind App Looking for more ways to build positive mental health habits? Check out the Your Absolute Mind app on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. It's chock-full of tools for less than the cost of a weekly coffee! Google Play Store Apple App Store 👉 Don't Forget to Share! If you find value in this episode, please share it with someone who could benefit from it. Let's all become mentally healthy together!