Linda's Corner: Inspiration for a Better Life

Much of our fear, anxiety, worry, and stress can be alleviated simply by getting a more balanced perspective.  Our thoughts may not be an accurate reflection of what is really happening.  Today's episode is about increasing personal awareness about our automatic thought process and recognizing cognitive distortions that may skew our perspective.   We discuss a list of common cognitive distort...

Perfectionism is not the same thing as striving for excellence or trying to do a really good job.  Perfectionism is a counterfeit to striving for excellence and, like most counterfeits, it looks enough like the real thing to confuse some people.  This episode explores the pitfalls of perfectionism as well as the dangers (and possible benefits) of social comparison.  Increasing awareness on these i...

It may seem strange, but people often refuse to let go of negative emotions.  Why would that be?  On a subconscious level, we understand that these emotions serve us; they are giving us some kind of real or perceived benefit.  As we identify what those rewards are, then we may choose whether or not we're willing to let them go in order to receive a better reward.  This episode is part 12 in a...

Hopefully, by this point, we can see that at least some of our mental and emotional burdens are unnecessary and we are willing to let go of some of that excess.   But how do we let go?  Today's action step is a visualization technique designed to help us let go of unnecessary burdens by symbolically handing them over to a higher power.  This episode is part 13 in a series of excerpts from the...

Have you ever wondered if you're good enough?  The short answer is yes.  Yes you are good enough.  Many of us use external factors like: wealth, status, accomplishments, popularity, or other people's opinions to determine whether or not we're good enough.   However, the truth is that the value of a human soul is intrinsic.  Intrinsic means "belonging to a think by its very natu...

According to cognitive behavioral scientists, our most fundamental questions are:  Am I loveable?  Am I worthy of love and belonging?  Am I good enough?  In this episode we explore threats to our self worth and learn tools to significantly  reduce those threats.  When we truly understand that the answers to the questions, "Am I loveable?" "Am I worthy of love and belonging?" an...

Is it possible to stop worrying about your children?  Is there another way?  Yes.  Worry is concern coupled with fear.  It is possible to care about someone and to be concerned about them, without adding fear into the mix.  We can be concerned about someone who is experiencing hardships, but add love and trust to that concern rather than fear.   Listen to this episode to learn how.  This episode i...

The purpose of today's action step is to strengthen and empower us to be able to better deal with those problems that we cannot change by becoming aware of our values, meaning, and purpose.  Victor Frankl said, "He who has a 'why' to live can bear with almost any 'how.'"  So how do we find meaning in our lives?  We can increase feelings of meaning and purpose in...

Often, when people are struggling with feelings of being overwhelmed with fear, anxiety, worry, and/or stress they eliminate those things from their lives that bring them joy.  They feel that there's too much to do, or they're not in the mood, or that there just isn't enough time.  However, experts say that positive emotions can decrease stress hormones, build emotional strength, an...

Gratitude provides benefits on physical, emotional, and mental levels.  Studies show that gratitude increases feelings of happiness and optimism, builds confidence, and alleviates anxiety.  It has even been shown to lower systolic blood pressure, decrease cortisol, and can actually rewire the brain.  This episode is part 19 in a series of excerpts from the book "You Got This! an action plan t...

Forgiveness is a concept that is often misunderstood.  Some people believe that in order to forgive someone you have to be able to say, "That's okay," and somehow minimize or absolve the offender for their actions against you.  But often the offender's actions were not "okay" and no amount of passage of time will make it "okay."  This assumption often leads...

Relationships and dealing with other people can be a source of stress.  Today's episode shares a tool called a virtual conversation to reduce stress in dealing with other people.  This episode is part 21 in a series of excerpts from the book "You Got This! an action plan to calm fear, anxiety, worry, and stress" by Linda Bjork. Visit the Linda's Corner website at lindascornerpo...

Sometimes when we're feeling stressed and overwhelmed we feel like we're carrying the whole world on our shoulders and we're totally alone.  However, even though we might feel like we're alone, that's often not really the case.  There is a difference between our perception of social support and the actual social support available.  The purpose of today's podcast is to...

The purpose of this episode is to use the information we've already learned in previous episodes to begin finding solutions to your problems.  Remember that you are the expert on you and your situation.  Chances are that you  have many of the answers already inside of you, but until you can calm down enough to get a greater perspective, you might not be able to see them.  One way to see that...

Numerous studies show that job stress is the biggest source of stress for American adults.   This episode explores numerous strategies to alleviate stress at work.  This episode is part 24 in a series of excerpts from the book "You Got This! an action plan to calm fear, anxiety, worry, and stress" by Linda Bjork. Visit the Linda's Corner website at lindascornerpodcast.com and follow...

Financial matters often are a source of fear, anxiety, worry, and stress.  Today's episode will discuss how hidden core beliefs about money may contribute to some of our worries and frustrations about money and wealth.  We'll review four basic core beliefs about money:  money avoidance, money worship, money status, and money vigilance.  We'll also discuss ways to improve your financ...

Our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are all interconnected with each other and influence one another.  Therefore, we can change or at least influence one by changing another.   Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been demonstrated to be effective for a range of problems including depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use problems, marital problems, eating disorders and mental illnes...

Studies show that just 20 minutes in contact with nature will significantly lower your stress hormone levels.  Spending time outside in nature is good for the body and the mind.  Research indicates that being in nature, or even viewing scenes of nature, reduces anger, fear, anxiety, worry, and stress and increases feelings of well being.  Exposure to nature not only makes you feel better emotional...

Journaling is a great tool for coping with fear, anxiety, worry, and stress.   Multiple studies suggest that journaling is good for your mental and emotional health because it makes you more aware, improves perspective, and helps make problems feel more manageable.  This episode includes instructions for a helpful journaling exercise as well as an explanation of how and why journaling works.  As a...

How to get relax and get better quality sleep.   This episode includes a progressive relaxation routine as well as tips to fall asleep and stay asleep.  A better night's sleep helps insure that you have a better day tomorrow.  This episode is part 6 in a series of excerpts from the book "You Got This! an action plan to calm fear, anxiety, worry, and stress" by Linda Bjork. Visit the...

This short morning routine is designed to get your day started in the right direction by nourishing, empowering, and increasing feelings of peace and safety.  Today's episode explains each step of the morning routine and why we would want to do these things.  This episode is part 5 in a series of excerpts from the book "You Got This! an action plan to calm fear, anxiety, worry, and stres...

An "emotional first aid kit" is a list of tools that can provide an immediate positive effect on mental and emotional well-being.   Today's episode shares 13 scientifically verified tips to improve mood, confidence, and happiness.   Use these tools anytime you hit an emotional wall, feel overwhelmed, or you just need a quick boost.  This episode is part 4 in a series of excerpts fro...

Why is it hard to change?  Why do people give up?  These questions and more are answered in this segment of the book "You Got This! an action plan to calm fear, anxiety, worry, and stress."    This episode is part 3 in a series of excerpts from the book "You Got This! an action plan to calm fear, anxiety, worry, and stress" by Linda Bjork. Visit the Linda's Corner website...

Today's excerpt shares some of the science behind our emotions and how they affect our bodies and our minds.   Emotions by themselves are neither good nor bad, instead they are helpful or hurtful depending on intensity, duration, and circumstances.  Fear, anxiety, worry, and stress are psychological and physiological responses to danger and can be a central part of our harm avoidance system. ...

For today’s episode I will be sharing an excerpt from one of my books called “ You Got This! An action plan to calm fear, anxiety, worry, and stress ."  With all the disturbing current events we’re facing, people all around the world are experiencing overwhelmingly high levels of stress right now.   I feel strongly about the need to empower people to be resilient and able to handle their prob...