Logo

    Episode 111: Psychology and Health

    enNovember 27, 2023
    How does negative self-talk affect our health?
    What is positive psychology in relation to health?
    Why is self-care important during illness?
    How do personal character strengths influence well-being?
    What impact does gratitude have on our perspective?

    Podcast Summary

    • The power of positive self-talk in improving healthFocusing on positive aspects and sharing positive experiences can improve overall well-being, breaking the cycle of negativity.

      The way we talk to ourselves about our health can significantly impact it. Negative self-talk is deeply ingrained in us, but research shows that we're more likely to share negative experiences than positive ones. This can create a cycle of negativity that affects our overall well-being. Positive psychology, or focusing on the positive aspects of our health, can have a much greater impact on our health than we might realize. Instead of commiserating about our tiredness or exhaustion, try to focus on the positive and share positive experiences. And remember, the way we speak to ourselves matters. During the discussion, Dr. T.J. Williams and Erin also touched upon the importance of self-care, such as getting groceries delivered through Instacart during times of illness, to prioritize our health and well-being.

    • Mindset and emotions impact overall well-beingPositive mindset leads to better outcomes and faster recovery, brain can be rewired through positive self-talk, acknowledging progress and challenges in healthcare setting, way we think and talk to ourselves plays a crucial role in physical and emotional health.

      Our mindset and emotions significantly impact our overall well-being, including our stress levels. Being positive, even in challenging situations, can lead to better outcomes and faster recovery. The brain is capable of being rewired through positive self-talk and focusing on improvements, rather than dwelling on remaining issues. However, it's important to recognize that everyone may not express positivity consistently in all areas of their life, and that's okay. In a healthcare setting, it's essential to acknowledge and discuss both progress and remaining challenges. Ultimately, the way we think and talk to ourselves plays a crucial role in our physical and emotional health.

    • Recognizing and Cultivating Positive TraitsFocusing on personal character strengths like creativity, bravery, fairness, kindness, humility, and gratitude can improve mood and overall well-being. Practicing gratitude can help shift perspective and bring attention to the good things in life.

      Focusing on personal character strengths can positively impact one's health journey. When faced with challenges, it's easy to focus on the negative aspects, but recognizing and cultivating positive traits like creativity, bravery, fairness, kindness, humility, and gratitude can lead to improved mood and overall well-being. Practicing gratitude, in particular, can help shift perspective and bring attention to the good things in life. As the speaker shared, even during difficult times, recognizing one's own strength and focusing on positive traits can make a significant difference.

    • Using positive self-talk to improve wellbeingFocusing on positive affirmations like 'I am strong' can help shift perspective and improve mental and emotional wellbeing

      The words we use to describe ourselves have a profound impact on our mindset and overall wellbeing. During a discussion on Wellness 101, Erin shared her experience of using positive self-talk, specifically the phrase "I am strong," to help her get through challenging times. The speaker emphasized that the words that follow "I am" shape our reality, and focusing on positive affirmations can help us overcome negative thoughts and feelings. By choosing to tell ourselves that we are strong, healthy, or blessed, we can shift our perspective and improve our mental and emotional wellbeing. This simple yet powerful practice can help us navigate daily challenges and foster a more positive outlook on life.

    • The Power of Gratitude During Challenging TimesExpressing gratitude daily can help individuals navigate difficult situations, build resilience, and enhance overall well-being.

      Focusing on gratitude, even during challenging times, can significantly shift one's mindset and increase resilience. The speaker shares her experience of going through a difficult period with her children, which kept her awake for almost seven months. Despite the lack of sleep, she emphasizes that she would not trade her children for it. This realization helped her adopt a positive mindset, which she carried with her even after she had overcome her challenges. The speaker also mentions her practice of expressing gratitude daily, which she developed during her time in a counseling group. She shares how she talks out loud about things she's grateful for during her daily commute and has designated landmarks that trigger this practice. This habit not only helps her maintain a positive mindset but also allows her to appreciate the little things in life. In essence, focusing on gratitude can help individuals navigate difficult situations and build resilience. The practice of expressing gratitude daily can become a powerful habit that enhances overall well-being.

    • Practicing Gratitude Daily Boosts Happiness and HealthExpressing gratitude daily can lead to increased happiness, better health, and longer lifespan. Focusing on positive thoughts through neuroplasticity can train our brains to be more resilient and happier.

      Practicing gratitude every day can have a positive impact on both our emotional and physical well-being. Expressing gratitude, whether it's out loud or to ourselves, can lead to increased happiness, better overall health, and even longer lifespan. Our mindset and self-talk play a crucial role in shaping our brain through neuroplasticity, and focusing on positive thoughts can help train our brains to be more resilient and happier. Research supports these benefits, and there are numerous resources, such as Amy Cuddy's TED talk on the Superwoman pose, that can help reinforce the importance of practicing gratitude and positivity. By making a conscious effort to focus on the things we're grateful for each day, we can break the monotony of negative self-talk and improve our overall well-being.

    • The power of neuroplasticity to change our brainsThrough neuroplasticity, our brains can adapt and rewire based on experiences and habits. Positive psychology helps focus on positivity, but changing deeply ingrained negativity requires conscious effort and affirmative actions.

      Our thoughts, behaviors, and emotions have the power to change our brains through a process called neuroplasticity. This means that our brains can rewire and adapt based on our experiences and habits. Positive psychology, including positive self-talk and beliefs about ourselves, can help us focus on positivity and switch our mindset. However, changing deeply ingrained negative patterns requires conscious effort and affirmative actions. The book "The Emotional Life of Your Brain" by Davidson and Begley provides insights into how neuroplasticity affects different areas of the brain based on our activities. For example, violinists have enhanced dexterity areas, while cab drivers have superior spatial memory. Everyone has the ability to rewire their brains, and it's essential to be aware of the impact of our thoughts and habits on this process.

    • Choosing Positive News and PerspectivesFocusing on positive news and perspectives can improve mental and emotional well-being. Choose what news sources we consume, reframe thoughts, and focus on benefits to reduce stress and improve mood.

      Focusing on positive news and perspectives can have a significant impact on our mental and emotional well-being. The speaker emphasizes the importance of choosing what news sources we consume and how we frame our thoughts, especially when it comes to challenges or problems we face. Instead of dwelling on negativity, we can rewire our brains for positivity by carefully choosing our words, focusing on the benefits, and getting curious about the root causes of our struggles. It's not about ignoring or denying the challenges we face, but rather finding the positive perspective and taking action to address them. By doing so, we can reduce stress, improve our mood, and live more fulfilling lives.

    • Practicing mindfulness and self-awareness for positive self-talkIdentify negative thoughts, find root cause, seek help, focus on past wins, and reinforce a growth mindset for improved well-being

      Practicing mindfulness and self-awareness is crucial in dealing with negative thoughts and emotions. Identifying the root cause and seeking help when necessary are important steps towards positive self-talk. Focusing on past wins and successes can also help rewire the brain towards positivity. Remembering these victories and the lessons learned from them can serve as motivation and reinforce a growth mindset. By practicing mindfulness, focusing on past successes, and changing negative self-talk, we can improve our overall health and well-being.

    • Strategies for Happiness: Past Successes and Self-CareIdentifying successful strategies, practicing gratitude, visualization, creating new habits, and focusing on self-care can lead to happiness and productivity.

      Strategies that have worked for us in the past are likely to work again in both business and personal life. Identifying these strategies and implementing them can lead to a positive outlook and overall happiness. Another key takeaway is the importance of practicing gratitude and visualization through a happiness intervention. This involves writing about future successes and the resulting feelings to boost motivation and overall well-being. Creating new habits and focusing on self-care are also essential for maintaining happiness and productivity. As the speaker emphasized, it's important to put yourself first, just like in the airplane analogy, to ensure that you have the energy and resources to help those around you.

    • The Power of Positive Self-TalkPractice positive self-talk, focus on 'I am,' promote positivity, identify priorities, and utilize online resources for mental well-being.

      The way we speak to ourselves and the words we use to describe ourselves have a significant impact on our mindset and overall well-being. The speaker emphasizes the importance of practicing positive self-talk and focusing on the word that follows "I am," as it reflects our beliefs about ourselves. He suggests actively promoting positivity in our daily interactions and encouraging others to do the same. By doing so, we can help prevent negative thoughts and emotions from taking control. Additionally, identifying what is important to us and making time for it can lead to greater happiness and fulfillment. Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp can be a helpful resource in this process. Lastly, for parents, the podcast "After Bedtime with Big Little Feelings" offers a supportive and non-judgmental space to discuss various parenting challenges.

    Related Episodes

    119. Treating Eating Disorders in a broken system w/ Dr. Anita Federici

    119. Treating Eating Disorders in a broken system w/ Dr. Anita Federici

    We welcome Dr. Anita Federici, a Clinical Psychologist and Owner of The Centre for Psychology and Emotion Regulation, for a discussion on the treatment of eating disorders. The conversation covers the significance of case conceptualization, explores factors contributing to eating disorders, including biological components, metabolic conditions, and neurobiology. Dr. Federici also emphasizes the importance of informed consent regarding popular weight loss drugs, specifically GLP-1’s, which may have implications such as triggering eating disorders. 


    With over 375 lectures, workshops, and talks, she shares insights on MED-DBT, compassionate care for complex needs, and the development of differential care pathways integrating biotemperament-based approaches, experts-by-experience, and ethical care.


    Dr Anita Federici (@dranitafederici) • Instagram photos and videos

    Linktr.ee @Dranitafederici


    Note: This podcast episode is designed solely for informational and educational purposes, without endorsing or promoting any specific medical treatments. We strongly advise consulting with a qualified healthcare professional before making any medical decisions or taking any actions.


    *If you are in crisis or believe you have an emergency, please contact your doctor or dial 911. If you are contemplating suicide, call 1-800-273-TALK to speak with a trained and skilled counselor.


    RADICALLY GENUINE PODCAST

    Dr. Roger McFillin / Radically Genuine Website

    YouTube @RadicallyGenuine

    Dr. Roger McFillin (@DrMcFillin) / X (Twitter)

    Substack | Radically Genuine | Dr. Roger McFillin

    Instagram @radicallygenuine


    Contact Radically Genuine


    —-----------

    FREE DOWNLOAD! DISTRESS TOLERANCE SKILLS

    —----------


    ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

    9:30 - Dialectical Behavior Therapy - PMC

    12:00 - Conceptualization and Flexibility in Cognitive Therapy | SpringerLink

    14:00 - A Most Misunderstood Illness | National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder

    19:00 - (PDF) The Course and Evolution of Dialectical Behavior Therapy

    27:00 - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders - PMC

    35:00 - The Neurobiology of Eating Disorders - PMC

    35:30 - Significant Locus and Metabolic Genetic Correlations Revealed in Genome-Wide Association Study of Anorexia Nervosa

    38:30 - Radically Genuine Podcast with Dr. Roger McFillin | 40. Chris Palmer, MD

    41:00 - On bells, saliva, and abdominal pain or discomfort: Early aversive visceral conditioning and vulnerability for anorexia nervosa

    42:30 - The significance of overvaluation of shape and weight in binge eating disorder - ScienceDirect

    46:30 - Minnesota Starvation Experiment - Wikipedia

    48:00 - Obesity drug industry could be worth $200 billion within the decade, says Barclays, as market valuations grow

    49:00 - Successful treatment of binge eating disorder with the GLP-1 agonist semaglutide: A retrospective cohort study - ScienceDirect

    56:00 - Weight loss: GLP-1 agonists may increase risk of stomach paralysis

    59:00 - How DBT Can Help Treat Eating Disorders - Behavorial Tech Institute

    1:05:00 - She's 47, anorexic and wants help dying. Canada will soon allow it. | Reuters

    1:18:00 - Efficacy of acceptance and commitment therapy on impulsivity and suicidality among clients with bipolar disorders: a randomized control trial | BMC Nursing

    1:20:00 - Prediction of Suicide Attempts Using Clinician Assessment, Patient Self-report, and Electronic Health Records


    Weight Management for Type 1 Diabetes

    Weight Management for Type 1 Diabetes

    Weight Management for Type 1 Diabetes

    TAKING CONTROL OF YOUR DIABETES® - THE PODCAST! ...With Expert Endocrinologists Living with T1D, Drs. Steven V. Edelman & Jeremy Pettus


    Did you know that 2 out of 3 people living with type 1 diabetes are overweight? That’s right, we all deal with it! Drs. E and P are sitting down to discuss how type 1 diabetes can contribute to weight gain and what you can do to successfully lose weight and keep it off. They’ll also cover what “overweight” means and what a realistic weight loss plan looks like

    Questions We’ll Cover in This Episode:

    • Is weight an issue for people with type 1 diabetes?
    • How does insulin contribute to weight gain?
    • How do lows contribute to weight gain?
    • Can hormone deficiencies affect weight gain in T1Ds?
    • What does it mean to be “overweight”?
    • What are the associated risks of having type 1 diabetes and being overweight?
    • How can people with type 1 adjust their diet for weight loss?
    • What is a realistic weight loss goal?
    • What are tips for exercising with type 1?
    • Are there meds type 1s can take to help with weight loss?
    • What about surgery for weight loss?

    **Tune in for 2 new episodes each month! Like what you hear and want to help us grow? Please rate and review this podcast so we can reach more people living with diabetes!**

    ★ Support this podcast ★

    59. Pain Psychologist Dr. Rachel Zoffness

    59. Pain Psychologist Dr. Rachel Zoffness

    We’re joined by global pain expert and pain psychologist Dr. Rachel Zoffness to discuss how pain works and how we can alleviate the root causes of pain instead of seeking short-term relief from addictive painkillers.


    Dr. Rachel Zoffness / Website

    Dr. Rachel Zoffness (@therealdoczoff) / Instagram

    Dr. Rachel Zoffness (@DrZoffness) / Twitter

    Rachel Zoffness PhD - Pain psychologist / LinkedIn 


    The Pain Management Workbook: Powerful CBT and Mindfulness Skills to Take Control of Pain and Reclaim Your Life


    If you are in a crisis or think you have an emergency, call your doctor or 911. If you're 

    considering suicide, call 1-800-273-TALK to speak with a skilled trained counselor.


    RADICALLY GENUINE PODCAST

    Dr. Roger McFillin / Radically Genuine Website

    YouTube @RadicallyGenuine

    Dr. Roger McFillin (@DrMcFillin) / X (Twitter)

    Substack | Radically Genuine | Dr. Roger McFillin

    Instagram @radicallygenuine


    Contact Radically Genuine


    —-----------

    FREE DOWNLOAD! DISTRESS TOLERANCE SKILLS

    -------------


    ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

    4:30 Gate Control Theory of Pain - Physiopedia

    7:00 What Is a Pain Psychologist? | Psychology Today

    9:00 The Science of Pain

    10:20 Think Pain Is Purely Medical? Think Again. | Psychology Today

    11:00 Congenital insensitivity to pain: MedlinePlus Genetics

    11:50 Phantom Limb Pain - Physiopedia

    12:30 The Emotional Brain as a Predictor and Amplifier of Chronic Pain - PMC

    14:00 Tackling the Grand Challenge of chronic pain needs widespread reform: Prof John Loeser

    16:30 Drug Dealer, MD: How Doctors Were Duped, Patients Got Hooked, and Why It’s So Hard to Stop

    17:15 Radically Genuine Podcast | 57. Beliefs, mindsets and the placebo effect

    22:30 How to explain central sensitization to patients with ‘unexplained’ chronic musculoskeletal pain: Practice guidelines - ScienceDirect

    25:00 Pain Tolerance and Sensitivity in Men, Women, Redheads, and More

    29:00 Central sensitisation in chronic pain conditions: latest discoveries and their potential for precision medicine - The Lancet Rheumatology

    31:00 A ‘Volume Control’ for Pain | Harvard Medical School

    38:00 How to Calm an Anxious Stomach: The Brain-Gut Connection | Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA

    39:30 The Brain-Gut Connection | Johns Hopkins Medicine

    40:30 Microbes Help Produce Serotonin in Gut

    44:00 Pain Recipe - @therealdoczoff

    49:30 Increased Pain Sensitivity in Accident-related Chronic Pain... : The Clinical Journal of Pain

    51:00 Hypervigilance in PTSD and Other Disorders

    53:30 The mind's mirror