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The Savvy Psychologist

Science-backed tips for achieving health and happiness

Mindfulness
6 Skills to Help You Be Mindful

Monica Johnson Psy.D. on May 9, 2023

Mindfulness is a hot topic, yet it can seem like an overwhelming idea. If you don't know where to start or how to really be mindful, read on.

Mindfulness is a hot topic, yet it can seem like an overwhelming idea. If you don't know where to start or how to really be mindful, read on.

Body Image
The 4 Components of Body Image

Monica Johnson Psy.D. on February 11, 2022

Understand the 4 components of body image and the best ways to change your mind about your body. Embrace it for what it is and can do for you.

Understand the 4 components of body image and the best ways to change your mind about your body. Embrace it for what it is and can do for you.

Relationships
18 Schemas That Change the Way You See the World

Monica Johnson Psy.D. on January 11, 2022

Your belief systems from childhood may adversely affect how you view the world and your relationships. Once identified, you can work to change these beliefs.

Your belief systems from childhood may adversely affect how you view the world and your relationships. Once identified, you can work to change these beliefs.

Trauma
How Does Trauma Hijack the Brain?

Monica Johnson Psy.D. on November 29, 2021

Has it ever felt like trauma changed the way your brain worked? You're not wrong. Here's how trauma affects brain development and natural responses to danger.

Has it ever felt like trauma changed the way your brain worked? You're not wrong. Here's how trauma affects brain development and natural responses to danger.

Health
4 Strategies to Invest in Your Mental Health Bank

Monica Johnson Psy.D. on August 31, 2021

Your mental health fluctuates depending on what you put into it—and what you take out. Here's how to invest in your personal mental health bank.

Your mental health fluctuates depending on what you put into it—and what you take out. Here's how to invest in your personal mental health bank.

Anxiety
How to Cope with the Fear of a Loved One Dying

Jade Wu Ph.D. on May 12, 2021

The fear of and anxiety about a loved one's death can be paralyzing, but despite these worries, you can still get meaning and joy out of your life with your loved ones.

The fear of and anxiety about a loved one's death can be paralyzing, but despite these worries, you can still get meaning and joy out of your life with your loved ones.

Friends
9 Tips to Save Your Politically Divided Friendships

Jade Wu Ph.D. on April 8, 2021

Have you ended a friendship over politics? Open and empathetic conversations can help to save your friendships that span across the political aisle.

Have you ended a friendship over politics? Open and empathetic conversations can help to save your friendships that span across the political aisle.

Self-Talk
5 Ways to Use Positive Self-Talk to Psych Yourself Up

Jade Wu Ph.D. on March 25, 2021

Positive self-talk isn't just an athlete's secret weapon. It's a research-backed way to boost your performance and psych yourself up before a challenging task.

Positive self-talk isn't just an athlete's secret weapon. It's a research-backed way to boost your performance and psych yourself up before a challenging task.