It’s that time of year when everyone reminds us to be grateful—but what if you’re not feeling it? Despite its proven benefits, gratitude can be surprisingly challenging to practice. In this episode, Monica dives into why it’s difficult for so many of us to engage with gratitude, exploring psychological factors like negativity bias, social comparisons, and stress.

Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. A transcript is available at Simplecast.

Have a mental health question? Email us at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com.

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-psychologist

https://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologist

https://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsych

https://www.kindmindpsych.com/

Feeling stuck and unable to start even simple tasks? You’re not lazy—this is ADHD task paralysis. Monica breaks down why this happens and shares science-backed strategies to help you get unstuck, from using the Pomodoro Technique to finding accountability through body doubling. Learn how to turn task paralysis into progress.

Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. A transcript is available at Simplecast.

Have a mental health question? Email us at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com.

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-psychologist

https://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologist

https://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsych

https://www.kindmindpsych.com/

In this follow-up episode, Monica dives deeper into the paradox of choice, offering practical strategies to help reduce decision fatigue, increase satisfaction, and simplify decision-making. From limiting options and setting realistic thresholds to practicing gratitude and embracing flexibility, she outlines ten actionable steps to bring clarity and calm to your daily choices.

Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. A transcript is available at Simplecast.

Have a mental health question? Email us at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com.

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-psychologist

https://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologist

https://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsych

https://www.kindmindpsych.com/

Is having too many options a problem? Most of us see choice as a hallmark of freedom, but in today’s world, too many choices can lead to stress, anxiety, and even decision paralysis. In this episode, Monica explores the paradox of choice—the surprising downsides of endless options—and why more choices might mean less satisfaction.

Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. A transcript is available at Simplecast.

Have a mental health question? Email us at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com.

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-psychologist

https://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologist

https://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsych

https://www.kindmindpsych.com/

In this Halloween-themed episode, Monica dives into 10 of the most common fears and recommends a horror or thriller movie that brings each fear to life on the big screen. From the fear of heights in Vertigo to the fear of failure in Black Swan, this episode explores how our deepest anxieties are reflected in cinema. Can horror movies help us confront our fears?

Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. A transcript is available at Simplecast.

Have a mental health question? Email us at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com.

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-psychologist

https://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologist

https://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsych

https://www.kindmindpsych.com/

Monica explores seven common types of inner critics, from the Perfectionist to the Destroyer, and explains how each one is trying to protect you in its own misguided way. Learn how recognizing and addressing these critics can lead to healing and personal growth.

Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. A transcript is available at Simplecast.

Have a mental health question? Email us at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com.

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-psychologist

https://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologist

https://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsych

https://www.kindmindpsych.com/

Exploring the five key types of thoughts that can either build up or break down your relationship. By understanding selective attention, attributions, and other relationship cognitions, you can change how you view and interact with your partner. Learn practical techniques to shift your mindset and create a healthier, more balanced connection.

Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. A transcript is available at Simplecast.

Have a mental health question? Email us at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com.

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-psychologist

https://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologist

https://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsych

https://www.kindmindpsych.com/

Have you ever tried to injure yourself on purpose? You're not alone. In this episode, the Savvy Psychologist helps us cope with the urge to self-harm.

Savvy Psychologist is hosted by Dr. Monica Johnson. A transcript is available at Simplecast.

Have a mental health question? Email us at psychologist@quickanddirtytips.com.

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-psychologist

https://www.facebook.com/savvypsychologist

https://twitter.com/qdtsavvypsych

https://www.kindmindpsych.com/