Videos & Podcasts

Videos & Podcasts

ANNE'S LATEST YOUTUBE VIDEOS

April is World Autism Month, or as The Autism Society is shifting to Autism Acceptance Month. Raising a child with mental illness and Autism has been my resilience-building breeding ground. We began therapy when Evan was just 11-months old, and he has been in one form of therapy or another ever since. The lessons we have learned from countless therapists have been invaluable. It’s hard to believe that Evan is turning 18 this month and graduating from high school in June! While I know our journey is in many ways just getting started, I am so hopeful for Evan’s future. I am also incredibly proud of the fact that he still asks me to share his story. He understands the shame and stigma attached to mental illness and Autism and wants to help change that. As a mom, this is my proudest accomplishment. Just like you, I’ve learned how to build my resilience muscle out of necessity. On the days when I doubt my own strength, I look back on the lessons I’ve learned (and the ones I’m still learning): 1. Unconditional love 2. Acceptance 3. Empathy 4. Support 5. Self-care Join me this month in helping build awareness and acceptance for people with Autism. And remember, when you see behaviors from others that may make you cringe, rather than pass judgment, offer a kind smile, a pat on the back, and provide reassurance. Remember, we are all doing the very best that we can. ---------------- Subscribe to the Anne Grady Group for more resilience-building tools and strategies! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU8s...​... ---------------- Sign up for Anne's weekly Resilience Reset email list! https://www.annegradygroup.com/strong...​ ---------------- More at https://www.annegradygroup.com​​​​​ ▶︎ Instagram: @AnneGradyGroup ▶︎ Twitter: @AnneGradyGroup ▶︎ Facebook: Anne Grady Group ▶︎ New Book + Companion Journal: https://www.annegradygroup.com/books/...​
Lessons I’ve learned from raising a child with Autism

April is World Autism Month, or as The Autism Society is shifting to Autism Acceptance Month.

Raising a child with mental illness and Autism has been my resilience-building breeding ground. We began therapy when Evan was just 11-months old, and he has been in one form of therapy or another ever since. The lessons we have learned from countless therapists have been invaluable.

It’s hard to believe that Evan is turning 18 this month and graduating from high school in June! While I know our journey is in many ways just getting started, I am so hopeful for Evan’s future. I am also incredibly proud of the fact that he still asks me to share his story. He understands the shame and stigma attached to mental illness and Autism and wants to help change that. As a mom, this is my proudest accomplishment.

Just like you, I’ve learned how to build my resilience muscle out of necessity. On the days when I doubt my own strength, I look back on the lessons I’ve learned (and the ones I’m still learning):

1. Unconditional love
2. Acceptance
3. Empathy
4. Support
5. Self-care

Join me this month in helping build awareness and acceptance for people with Autism. And remember, when you see behaviors from others that may make you cringe, rather than pass judgment, offer a kind smile, a pat on the back, and provide reassurance. Remember, we are all doing the very best that we can.

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

Subscribe to the Anne Grady Group for more resilience-building tools and strategies! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU8s...​...

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

Sign up for Anne's weekly Resilience Reset email list!
https://www.annegradygroup.com/strong...​

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

More at https://www.annegradygroup.com​​​​​
▶︎ Instagram: @AnneGradyGroup
▶︎ Twitter: @AnneGradyGroup
▶︎ Facebook: Anne Grady Group
▶︎ New Book + Companion Journal: https://www.annegradygroup.com/books/...​

YouTube Video UExTZERTdG9fZ2VxQnF0bnBPUmNXMzMyZjRaRFdqdzdIYi5CQkEwRDA0MDkwNUM2MDY1

Lessons I’ve learned from raising a child with Autism

April 19, 2021 7:51 am

Who do you compare yourself to regularly? Or more specifically, who have you compared yourself to in the last 24 hours?   So often we ask ourselves, "How does this person do “that”? What am I doing wrong?" While it is natural to compare yourself to others, it’s also what robs us of joy.  Without realizing it, when we compare ourselves to others, we activate our brain’s negativity bias, and it directly affects our mental state. Research shows that the kind of social comparison women are prone to is directly linked to low self-esteem.   Social media makes this comparison all too easy. We compare our life to the highlight reel of our friends, family, and colleagues. I can tell you that when you see my posts on social, you are most likely to see the great moments. I rarely post when I’ve had a horrible day because who wants to see that? Social media can be great if it helps you connect with others and build relationships, but not when it starts impacting your mood or causes you to constantly compare yourself with others. Doing that is just waging mental war with yourself. The next time you find yourself heading for a social media fix, ask yourself if it is serving you. Instead of endlessly scrolling, take time to comment on posts and engage with the people in your network.  I confess, I check my phone more often than I care to admit and get caught up scrolling through social media. Half the time, I don’t even realize I’m doing it. And that’s the problem – when we unconsciously allow anything to interrupt our mental processes and potentially shift our mood, we are giving away our mental real estate. This is especially the case when you are tired and don’t have the mental capacity to process it, put it in perspective, and choose how you want to interpret it.   The next time you head down the path of comparison, make a concerted effort to S.T.O.P. (Stop, Take three deep breaths, Observe your thoughts and emotions, and Proceed). Then spend your time and energy celebrating all of the amazing things you have accomplished and all the great things you will go on to accomplish. Don’t rob yourself of joy by comparing yourself to others.  ---------------- Subscribe to the Anne Grady Group for more resilience-building tools and strategies! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU8s...... ---------------- Sign up for Anne's weekly Resilience Reset email list! www.annegradygroup.com/strong ---------------- More at https://www.annegradygroup.com​​​​ ▶︎ Instagram: @AnneGradyGroup ▶︎ Twitter: @AnneGradyGroup ▶︎ Facebook: Anne Grady Group ▶︎ New Book + Companion Journal: https://www.annegradygroup.com/books/...
Comparison is the thief of joy

Who do you compare yourself to regularly?

Or more specifically, who have you compared yourself to in the last 24 hours?  

So often we ask ourselves, "How does this person do “that”? What am I doing wrong?" While it is natural to compare yourself to others, it’s also what robs us of joy. 

Without realizing it, when we compare ourselves to others, we activate our brain’s negativity bias, and it directly affects our mental state. Research shows that the kind of social comparison women are prone to is directly linked to low self-esteem.  

Social media makes this comparison all too easy. We compare our life to the highlight reel of our friends, family, and colleagues. I can tell you that when you see my posts on social, you are most likely to see the great moments. I rarely post when I’ve had a horrible day because who wants to see that? Social media can be great if it helps you connect with others and build relationships, but not when it starts impacting your mood or causes you to constantly compare yourself with others. Doing that is just waging mental war with yourself. The next time you find yourself heading for a social media fix, ask yourself if it is serving you. Instead of endlessly scrolling, take time to comment on posts and engage with the people in your network. 

I confess, I check my phone more often than I care to admit and get caught up scrolling through social media. Half the time, I don’t even realize I’m doing it. And that’s the problem – when we unconsciously allow anything to interrupt our mental processes and potentially shift our mood, we are giving away our mental real estate. This is especially the case when you are tired and don’t have the mental capacity to process it, put it in perspective, and choose how you want to interpret it.  

The next time you head down the path of comparison, make a concerted effort to S.T.O.P. (Stop, Take three deep breaths, Observe your thoughts and emotions, and Proceed). Then spend your time and energy celebrating all of the amazing things you have accomplished and all the great things you will go on to accomplish. Don’t rob yourself of joy by comparing yourself to others. 

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

Subscribe to the Anne Grady Group for more resilience-building tools and strategies! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU8s......

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

Sign up for Anne's weekly Resilience Reset email list!
www.annegradygroup.com/strong

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

More at https://www.annegradygroup.com​​​​
▶︎ Instagram: @AnneGradyGroup
▶︎ Twitter: @AnneGradyGroup
▶︎ Facebook: Anne Grady Group
▶︎ New Book + Companion Journal: https://www.annegradygroup.com/books/...

YouTube Video UExTZERTdG9fZ2VxQnF0bnBPUmNXMzMyZjRaRFdqdzdIYi42RTNCOEMxREI3Q0VDMjU2

Comparison is the thief of joy

March 7, 2022 4:24 pm

If you have found yourself isolating, it is important to remember that our relationships play a huge role in our ability to stay resilient. They buffer us against our most difficult and challenging times, providing the deep connection human beings fundamentally need. Our social connections have been found to be the greatest predictor of how long we will live (more than smoking, high blood pressure, and obesity), and the greatest determinant of our long-term happiness: - Our connections shape the way we see the world. Harvard researcher Shawn Achor found that if you were to look at a hill by yourself, you would believe it’s 10-20% steeper than looking at a hill of the same height while standing next to someone who would climb the hill with you. Social connection changes what your brain sees. - Social connection improves overall wellbeing. When you have a pro-social mindset (when you’re focused on doing things to help others), research shows you are kinder, have more energy, and increase motivation, productivity, and creativity. If you are an introvert (or have found yourself becoming one) this doesn’t mean you have to constantly socialize or be the life of the party, but it is important to connect with others. The quality of our relationships is much more important than the quality. The happiness boost you get from connection with others is crucial to your health and well-being and a key element to building resilience. Not only does connecting with others give us a sense of belonging, it can lower anxiety and depression, help us regulate our emotions, lead to higher levels of empathy, and actually improve our immune systems. By neglecting our need to connect, we put our health at risk. If you have found yourself retreating into a cocoon, don’t forget to make time to connect with friends, family, and colleagues. Your health and happiness depends on it. ---------------- Subscribe to the Anne Grady Group for more resilience-building tools and strategies! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU8s...... ---------------- Sign up for Anne's weekly Resilience Reset email list! www.annegradygroup.com/strong ---------------- More at https://www.annegradygroup.com​​​​ ▶︎ Instagram: @AnneGradyGroup ▶︎ Twitter: @AnneGradyGroup ▶︎ Facebook: Anne Grady Group ▶︎ New Book + Companion Journal: https://www.annegradygroup.com/books/...
The greatest predictor of long-term happiness 😊

If you have found yourself isolating, it is important to remember that our relationships play a huge role in our ability to stay resilient. They buffer us against our most difficult and challenging times, providing the deep connection human beings fundamentally need.

Our social connections have been found to be the greatest predictor of how long we will live (more than smoking, high blood pressure, and obesity), and the greatest determinant of our long-term happiness:

- Our connections shape the way we see the world. Harvard researcher Shawn Achor found that if you were to look at a hill by yourself, you would believe it’s 10-20% steeper than looking at a hill of the same height while standing next to someone who would climb the hill with you. Social connection changes what your brain sees.

- Social connection improves overall wellbeing. When you have a pro-social mindset (when you’re focused on doing things to help others), research shows you are kinder, have more energy, and increase motivation, productivity, and creativity. If you are an introvert (or have found yourself becoming one) this doesn’t mean you have to constantly socialize or be the life of the party, but it is important to connect with others. The quality of our relationships is much more important than the quality. The happiness boost you get from connection with others is crucial to your health and well-being and a key element to building resilience.

Not only does connecting with others give us a sense of belonging, it can lower anxiety and depression, help us regulate our emotions, lead to higher levels of empathy, and actually improve our immune systems. By neglecting our need to connect, we put our health at risk.

If you have found yourself retreating into a cocoon, don’t forget to make time to connect with friends, family, and colleagues. Your health and happiness depends on it.

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

Subscribe to the Anne Grady Group for more resilience-building tools and strategies! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU8s......

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

Sign up for Anne's weekly Resilience Reset email list!
www.annegradygroup.com/strong

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

More at https://www.annegradygroup.com​​​​
▶︎ Instagram: @AnneGradyGroup
▶︎ Twitter: @AnneGradyGroup
▶︎ Facebook: Anne Grady Group
▶︎ New Book + Companion Journal: https://www.annegradygroup.com/books/...

YouTube Video UExTZERTdG9fZ2VxQnF0bnBPUmNXMzMyZjRaRFdqdzdIYi40MDNEMzA0QTBFRThFMzBE

The greatest predictor of long-term happiness 😊

February 14, 2022 12:50 pm

Would you let a total stranger into your house so they could steal all your stuff? Of course not! Well, guess what? You do this every single day, and the person sabotaging you is…YOU! When a friend makes a mistake, do you berate them? Belittle them? Yell at them? No. Then why in the world would you reserve that treatment for yourself? There are plenty of people who are kind and compassionate toward others but go for the total knockout when it comes to how they treat themselves. We don't often give ourselves the grace or the common decency that we would show a stranger on the street. This month I've been sharing the science behind kindness and compassion. We have explored how being kind can strengthen your immune system, reduce stress, and improve well-being. Unfortunately, you can’t practice true kindness and compassion with others if you don’t start with yourself. This has been a hard nut to crack for me, and it’s one I work on daily. In order to actively and intentionally give yourself grace, protect your peace, and build resilience practice these 3 strategies daily: 1. Start with the way you talk to yourself about yourself. I talk a lot about communication in business and in relationships, but in this case, it has to start with how you communicate TO yourself ABOUT yourself. It’s difficult to see the world in a way that is inconsistent with the way you see yourself. If you’re sending yourself messages like “I’m not good enough” and “I’m unhappy”, you start to find those things because we find what we look for. Building resilience starts with self-compassion. Blaming our actions rather than our character allows us to feel guilt instead of shame. In his book, "Resilient", Dr. Rick Hanson asks, “What would you do if you were on your own side?” Approach yourself with the same kindness you would show to a friend. 2. Quiet your mind. Our brain is constantly changing and adapting based on the input we give it, and what we focus on grows. Shawn Achor, author of "The Happiness Advantage" and "Big Potential", notes that the first and last 30 minutes of the day are the times when you are most vulnerable to having your attention hijacked. During these times, your brain is not as easily able to prioritize information or place it into a greater context. When it comes to taking care of yourself, take control of the first 30 minutes of your day. That means no social media, no news, and no email. Give yourself a fighting chance by taking control of your day before it takes control of you. Protect your most valuable resource – YOU. 3. Don’t believe everything you think. Your thoughts and feelings are not facts; they are simply information. Rather than analyzing and judging why you are thinking and feeling a certain way, simply observe it. When you notice a self-sabotaging thought, stop and ask yourself two questions: 1. Do you know this to be true? And 2. Is this thought or emotion serving you? Challenge self-defeating thoughts by deconstructing them, rather than getting stuck in them. This takes time and practice, but you’ll start to realize that you have developed self-defeating habits that are sabotaging your mental health. Being kind to yourself is a hard job, but it is a requirement for resilience. Thank you to everyone who participated in the Random Acts of Kindness Challenge! I hope you will continue practicing random acts of kindness and experiencing all the benefits (both physical and mental) that come with showing compassion to yourself and others. ---------------- Subscribe to the Anne Grady Group for more resilience-building tools and strategies! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU8s...... ---------------- Sign up for Anne's weekly Resilience Reset email list! www.annegradygroup.com/strong ---------------- More at https://www.annegradygroup.com​​​​ ▶︎ Instagram: @AnneGradyGroup ▶︎ Twitter: @AnneGradyGroup ▶︎ Facebook: Anne Grady Group ▶︎ New Book + Companion Journal: https://www.annegradygroup.com/books/...
The Most Important Kindness Practice Of All

Would you let a total stranger into your house so they could steal all your stuff? Of course not!

Well, guess what? You do this every single day, and the person sabotaging you is…YOU!

When a friend makes a mistake, do you berate them? Belittle them? Yell at them? No. Then why in the world would you reserve that treatment for yourself? There are plenty of people who are kind and compassionate toward others but go for the total knockout when it comes to how they treat themselves.

We don't often give ourselves the grace or the common decency that we would show a stranger on the street.

This month I've been sharing the science behind kindness and compassion. We have explored how being kind can strengthen your immune system, reduce stress, and improve well-being. Unfortunately, you can’t practice true kindness and compassion with others if you don’t start with yourself. This has been a hard nut to crack for me, and it’s one I work on daily.

In order to actively and intentionally give yourself grace, protect your peace, and build resilience practice these 3 strategies daily:

1. Start with the way you talk to yourself about yourself.

I talk a lot about communication in business and in relationships, but in this case, it has to start with how you communicate TO yourself ABOUT yourself. It’s difficult to see the world in a way that is inconsistent with the way you see yourself. If you’re sending yourself messages like “I’m not good enough” and “I’m unhappy”, you start to find those things because we find what we look for. Building resilience starts with self-compassion. Blaming our actions rather than our character allows us to feel guilt instead of shame. In his book, "Resilient", Dr. Rick Hanson asks, “What would you do if you were on your own side?” Approach yourself with the same kindness you would show to a friend.

2. Quiet your mind.

Our brain is constantly changing and adapting based on the input we give it, and what we focus on grows. Shawn Achor, author of "The Happiness Advantage" and "Big Potential", notes that the first and last 30 minutes of the day are the times when you are most vulnerable to having your attention hijacked. During these times, your brain is not as easily able to prioritize information or place it into a greater context.

When it comes to taking care of yourself, take control of the first 30 minutes of your day. That means no social media, no news, and no email. Give yourself a fighting chance by taking control of your day before it takes control of you. Protect your most valuable resource – YOU.

3. Don’t believe everything you think.

Your thoughts and feelings are not facts; they are simply information. Rather than analyzing and judging why you are thinking and feeling a certain way, simply observe it. When you notice a self-sabotaging thought, stop and ask yourself two questions:

1. Do you know this to be true? And 2. Is this thought or emotion serving you?

Challenge self-defeating thoughts by deconstructing them, rather than getting stuck in them. This takes time and practice, but you’ll start to realize that you have developed self-defeating habits that are sabotaging your mental health.

Being kind to yourself is a hard job, but it is a requirement for resilience.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Random Acts of Kindness Challenge! I hope you will continue practicing random acts of kindness and experiencing all the benefits (both physical and mental) that come with showing compassion to yourself and others.

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

Subscribe to the Anne Grady Group for more resilience-building tools and strategies! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU8s......

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

Sign up for Anne's weekly Resilience Reset email list!
www.annegradygroup.com/strong

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

More at https://www.annegradygroup.com​​​​
▶︎ Instagram: @AnneGradyGroup
▶︎ Twitter: @AnneGradyGroup
▶︎ Facebook: Anne Grady Group
▶︎ New Book + Companion Journal: https://www.annegradygroup.com/books/...

YouTube Video UExTZERTdG9fZ2VxQnF0bnBPUmNXMzMyZjRaRFdqdzdIYi4xM0YyM0RDNDE4REQ1NDA0

The Most Important Kindness Practice Of All

November 29, 2021 11:06 pm

It’s hard to believe it’s already time for Thanksgiving and before we know it 2022 will be here! This is a great time to really put things in perspective. It’s the time of year when we get to look back, celebrate our accomplishments, re-focus on things we still want to accomplish, and be genuinely thankful for all of the good in our life. Sometimes in order to gain perspective, we have to reset. Ask yourself, "What is most important and does the way I spend my time reflect that?" Take the time to make sure your actions match your intentions. Need a little help? Here is a 3-step process that you can use to literally rewire your brain by looking for the good stuff: 1. Look for it. Last week we talked about What is right, right now?. Whether it is spending time with family or surviving time with family, take time to look for all the good. 2. Savor it. When you experience a delicious moment, sit in that good feeling. It could be a belly laugh at a joke at the dinner table or extra whipped cream on your pumpkin pie. Whatever it may be, enjoy it and really take it in. 3. Express it. Gratitude is contagious. Let the people around you know how you feel about them. When you start looking for the right things, it’s amazing what you find. So this Thanksgiving, eat too much, laugh as often as possible, and cherish each moment and be thankful. THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart, to each and every one of you for being a part of my life. You make this journey incredible. Wishing you a healthy and Happy Thanksgiving! And don’t forget…we are in the home stretch of the Random Acts of Kindness Challenge! Every single day for the month of November practice at least one random act of kindness. I want to know what they are! Comment on social using the hashtag #RandomActsChallenge, send me an email at hello@annegradygroup.com, or subscribe to my YouTube channel and comment there. Let’s make kindness go viral this month! ---------------- Subscribe to the Anne Grady Group for more resilience-building tools and strategies! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU8s...... ---------------- Sign up for Anne's weekly Resilience Reset email list! www.annegradygroup.com/strong ---------------- More at https://www.annegradygroup.com​​​​ ▶︎ Instagram: @AnneGradyGroup ▶︎ Twitter: @AnneGradyGroup ▶︎ Facebook: Anne Grady Group ▶︎ New Book + Companion Journal: https://www.annegradygroup.com/books/...
A Thanksgiving gratitude reminder!

It’s hard to believe it’s already time for Thanksgiving and before we know it 2022 will be here!

This is a great time to really put things in perspective. It’s the time of year when we get to look back, celebrate our accomplishments, re-focus on things we still want to accomplish, and be genuinely thankful for all of the good in our life.

Sometimes in order to gain perspective, we have to reset. Ask yourself, "What is most important and does the way I spend my time reflect that?" Take the time to make sure your actions match your intentions.

Need a little help?

Here is a 3-step process that you can use to literally rewire your brain by looking for the good stuff:

1. Look for it.
Last week we talked about What is right, right now?. Whether it is spending time with family or surviving time with family, take time to look for all the good.

2. Savor it.
When you experience a delicious moment, sit in that good feeling. It could be a belly laugh at a joke at the dinner table or extra whipped cream on your pumpkin pie. Whatever it may be, enjoy it and really take it in.

3. Express it.
Gratitude is contagious. Let the people around you know how you feel about them.

When you start looking for the right things, it’s amazing what you find. So this Thanksgiving, eat too much, laugh as often as possible, and cherish each moment and be thankful.

THANK YOU, from the bottom of my heart, to each and every one of you for being a part of my life. You make this journey incredible. Wishing you a healthy and Happy Thanksgiving!

And don’t forget…we are in the home stretch of the Random Acts of Kindness Challenge! Every single day for the month of November practice at least one random act of kindness. I want to know what they are! Comment on social using the hashtag #RandomActsChallenge, send me an email at [email protected], or subscribe to my YouTube channel and comment there.

Let’s make kindness go viral this month!

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

Subscribe to the Anne Grady Group for more resilience-building tools and strategies! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU8s......

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

Sign up for Anne's weekly Resilience Reset email list!
www.annegradygroup.com/strong

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

More at https://www.annegradygroup.com​​​​
▶︎ Instagram: @AnneGradyGroup
▶︎ Twitter: @AnneGradyGroup
▶︎ Facebook: Anne Grady Group
▶︎ New Book + Companion Journal: https://www.annegradygroup.com/books/...

YouTube Video UExTZERTdG9fZ2VxQnF0bnBPUmNXMzMyZjRaRFdqdzdIYi5ERkUyQTM0MzEwQjZCMTY5

A Thanksgiving gratitude reminder!

November 23, 2021 12:19 am

What is one thing in your life that is right, right now? Is your family healthy? Do you have someone that loves you? Are you safe? Day-to-day life can be hard. There are stressors, to-do lists, chores, and more to do than time to do it. When we are in the middle of it all, it’s easy to find all of the things that are wrong. Take your home for example. Whether you live in an apartment, house, or on a friend’s couch, it’s easy to look around and find all of the things that you wish were different. The walls might need to be painted, carpet might need to be replaced, or maybe you are dying to get rid of the wallpaper you’ve had since 1985. I’m sure you can look around and find quite a few things you wish were different. But when was the last time you looked around your home or living space for the things that are right? Do you have electricity? Running water? A comfortable place to sit or sleep? When we zero in on what’s right in our life, our brain begins to scan the environment for whatever is top of mind. If you’re looking for good stuff, you’re much more likely to find it. Doing this often will literally change the neural structure and function of your brain, offsetting your negativity bias, making you more likely to see what’s right in your life. It also produces dopamine and serotonin which will lift your mood, making it easier to find the good. You’ll find yourself in a positive spiral, rather than a negative one. So, here is your assignment (should you choose to accept it): Write the following on a piece of paper or a sticky note and display it somewhere you will see regularly (computer monitor, refrigerator, bathroom mirror, etc.): WHAT IS RIGHT, RIGHT NOW? Since our brain was built to protect us and keep us safe, not make us happy, it is constantly looking around every corner to find what’s wrong. Unfortunately, we tend to find what we look for. This week, try looking for what’s right about your home, job, kids, family, and life. Then next time you find something wrong, counter it by finding something that’s right. Be intentional about finding the good in people and situations. Take notice of little moments, appreciate small gestures, and communicate your gratitude to others. The more specific, the better. Your brain becomes primed to start finding the good stuff out there, and there is plenty of it — even in difficult times. One method I have for cultivating positive emotions is something I call “delicious moments.” You can increase the likelihood of positive emotions by taking time to savor them. Every time you sit in a positive moment, you embed it more deeply into the neural structure of your brain. Whether it is savoring the first sip of coffee, snuggling with your pups, sending a text of gratitude to a friend, or binging a new Netflix series, delicious moments are all around us if we just take time to experience them. Subscribe to the Anne Grady Group for more resilience-building tools and strategies! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU8s...... ---------------- Sign up for Anne's weekly Resilience Reset email list! www.annegradygroup.com/strong ---------------- More at https://www.annegradygroup.com​​​​ ▶︎ Instagram: @AnneGradyGroup ▶︎ Twitter: @AnneGradyGroup ▶︎ Facebook: Anne Grady Group ▶︎ New Book + Companion Journal: https://www.annegradygroup.com/books/...
What is right, right now?

What is one thing in your life that is right, right now?

Is your family healthy? Do you have someone that loves you? Are you safe?

Day-to-day life can be hard. There are stressors, to-do lists, chores, and more to do than time to do it. When we are in the middle of it all, it’s easy to find all of the things that are wrong.

Take your home for example. Whether you live in an apartment, house, or on a friend’s couch, it’s easy to look around and find all of the things that you wish were different. The walls might need to be painted, carpet might need to be replaced, or maybe you are dying to get rid of the wallpaper you’ve had since 1985. I’m sure you can look around and find quite a few things you wish were different.

But when was the last time you looked around your home or living space for the things that are right? Do you have electricity? Running water? A comfortable place to sit or sleep?

When we zero in on what’s right in our life, our brain begins to scan the environment for whatever is top of mind. If you’re looking for good stuff, you’re much more likely to find it. Doing this often will literally change the neural structure and function of your brain, offsetting your negativity bias, making you more likely to see what’s right in your life. It also produces dopamine and serotonin which will lift your mood, making it easier to find the good. You’ll find yourself in a positive spiral, rather than a negative one.

So, here is your assignment (should you choose to accept it):

Write the following on a piece of paper or a sticky note and display it somewhere you will see regularly (computer monitor, refrigerator, bathroom mirror, etc.): WHAT IS RIGHT, RIGHT NOW?

Since our brain was built to protect us and keep us safe, not make us happy, it is constantly looking around every corner to find what’s wrong. Unfortunately, we tend to find what we look for. This week, try looking for what’s right about your home, job, kids, family, and life.

Then next time you find something wrong, counter it by finding something that’s right.

Be intentional about finding the good in people and situations. Take notice of little moments, appreciate small gestures, and communicate your gratitude to others. The more specific, the better. Your brain becomes primed to start finding the good stuff out there, and there is plenty of it — even in difficult times.

One method I have for cultivating positive emotions is something I call “delicious moments.” You can increase the likelihood of positive emotions by taking time to savor them. Every time you sit in a positive moment, you embed it more deeply into the neural structure of your brain. Whether it is savoring the first sip of coffee, snuggling with your pups, sending a text of gratitude to a friend, or binging a new Netflix series, delicious moments are all around us if we just take time to experience them.

Subscribe to the Anne Grady Group for more resilience-building tools and strategies! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU8s......

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

Sign up for Anne's weekly Resilience Reset email list!
www.annegradygroup.com/strong

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More at https://www.annegradygroup.com​​​​
▶︎ Instagram: @AnneGradyGroup
▶︎ Twitter: @AnneGradyGroup
▶︎ Facebook: Anne Grady Group
▶︎ New Book + Companion Journal: https://www.annegradygroup.com/books/...

YouTube Video UExTZERTdG9fZ2VxQnF0bnBPUmNXMzMyZjRaRFdqdzdIYi5CNTcxMDQ0NThBNzMxODYz

What is right, right now?

November 15, 2021 11:49 am

Welcome to Week 2 of the Random Acts of Kindness Challenge! After a very stressful travel week for our family, I had an opportunity to turn someone's day around, and this video shares how it ended up making mine better too. If you watched my video from last week, I talked about the concept of a "helper's high". When you give to others selflessly without expecting anything in return, your brain releases dopamine, serotonin, and lots of other happy hormones that make you feel warm and tingly inside. There has been a lot of research around this benefit of practicing kindness, including a 2005 review that found older adults who volunteer experience lower rates of depression, lower mortality rates, higher self-esteem, and greater functional ability than those who don't. The researchers also found these actions strengthened the resilience of those who performed them. One of my favorite authors, Kelly McConigal, wrote a book called The Science of Compassion, and she calls this the "tend-and-befriend response." In her book, she says, "Caring for others triggers the biology of courage and creates hope." We are all reeling from the emotions of navigating a global pandemic for almost two years. With so much volatility, uncertainty, and frustration, it is easy to feel hopeless. It’s simple. Volunteer. Help someone in need. Call a friend or family member who may be struggling. I donate a portion of all my book proceeds to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Central Texas. Although I love being able to do this it's also selfish because it feels so good to know I am giving back. Every single day for the month of November, practice at least one random act of kindness. I want to know what they are! Please share them with me in the comments on social media or email me at hello@annegradygroup.com. We rarely know at the time what a huge impact a small act of kindness may have on someone's day or even someone's life. Let's make kindness go viral this month! Subscribe to the Anne Grady Group for more resilience-building tools and strategies! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU8s...... ---------------- Sign up for Anne's weekly Resilience Reset email list! www.annegradygroup.com/strong ---------------- More at https://www.annegradygroup.com​​​​ ▶︎ Instagram: @AnneGradyGroup ▶︎ Twitter: @AnneGradyGroup ▶︎ Facebook: Anne Grady Group ▶︎ New Book + Companion Journal: https://www.annegradygroup.com/books/...
Go Ahead, Make My Day...

Welcome to Week 2 of the Random Acts of Kindness Challenge!

After a very stressful travel week for our family, I had an opportunity to turn someone's day around, and this video shares how it ended up making mine better too.

If you watched my video from last week, I talked about the concept of a "helper's high". When you give to others selflessly without expecting anything in return, your brain releases dopamine, serotonin, and lots of other happy hormones that make you feel warm and tingly inside.

There has been a lot of research around this benefit of practicing kindness, including a 2005 review that found older adults who volunteer experience lower rates of depression, lower mortality rates, higher self-esteem, and greater functional ability than those who don't. The researchers also found these actions strengthened the resilience of those who performed them.

One of my favorite authors, Kelly McConigal, wrote a book called The Science of Compassion, and she calls this the "tend-and-befriend response." In her book, she says, "Caring for others triggers the biology of courage and creates hope."

We are all reeling from the emotions of navigating a global pandemic for almost two years. With so much volatility, uncertainty, and frustration, it is easy to feel hopeless.

It’s simple. Volunteer. Help someone in need. Call a friend or family member who may be struggling. I donate a portion of all my book proceeds to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Central Texas. Although I love being able to do this it's also selfish because it feels so good to know I am giving back.

Every single day for the month of November, practice at least one random act of kindness. I want to know what they are! Please share them with me in the comments on social media or email me at [email protected] We rarely know at the time what a huge impact a small act of kindness may have on someone's day or even someone's life.

Let's make kindness go viral this month!

Subscribe to the Anne Grady Group for more resilience-building tools and strategies! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU8s......

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

Sign up for Anne's weekly Resilience Reset email list!
www.annegradygroup.com/strong

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

More at https://www.annegradygroup.com​​​​
▶︎ Instagram: @AnneGradyGroup
▶︎ Twitter: @AnneGradyGroup
▶︎ Facebook: Anne Grady Group
▶︎ New Book + Companion Journal: https://www.annegradygroup.com/books/...

YouTube Video UExTZERTdG9fZ2VxQnF0bnBPUmNXMzMyZjRaRFdqdzdIYi5CNTZFOTNGQzZEODg1RUQx

Go Ahead, Make My Day...

November 8, 2021 2:59 pm

In the past for the month of November, I've hosted a Gratitude Challenge. Remember the huge gratitude jar?! But this year, I want to try something a little different. This year's challenge is going to be to practice a random act of kindness each day. Performing an act of kindness provides the single fastest momentary feeling of joy and well-being of any exercise ever tested. In this video, I explain the neuroscience behind why practicing kindness is so powerful. Studies have shown that participating in random acts of kindness may encourage others to "pay it forward" - and the cycle continues. Here are just a few more ways that being kind can improve your overall physical health: Kindness keeps your heart healthy - Studies have shown that being kind causes the release of oxytocin (and nitric oxide), which helps to expand your blood vessels and lower blood pressure. Kindness makes you a happier human - When you are kind, your body releases endorphins that may help to elevate your mood. Kindness keeps you young - Free radicals and inflammation, which are big contributors to the aging process, are reduced when you show love and kindness. Being kind has been shown to strengthen your immune system and it can even bring down stress levels. You can’t provide good care for someone else when you’re highly stressed, so showing kindness to others automatically has a calming effect on our bodies. Kindness truly is contagious - When you do something kind for someone, it is almost guaranteed that they will perform an act of kindness for someone else. Your challenge for the month of November is to practice one act of kindness every single day, and I want to know what they are! Share them with me in the comments! Let's make kindness go viral this month! ---------------- Subscribe to the Anne Grady Group for more resilience-building tools and strategies! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU8s...... ---------------- Sign up for Anne's weekly Resilience Reset email list! www.annegradygroup.com/strong ---------------- More at https://www.annegradygroup.com​​​​ ▶︎ Instagram: @AnneGradyGroup ▶︎ Twitter: @AnneGradyGroup ▶︎ Facebook: Anne Grady Group ▶︎ New Book + Companion Journal: https://www.annegradygroup.com/books/...
Announcing the Random Acts of Kindness Challenge!

In the past for the month of November, I've hosted a Gratitude Challenge. Remember the huge gratitude jar?! But this year, I want to try something a little different.

This year's challenge is going to be to practice a random act of kindness each day. Performing an act of kindness provides the single fastest momentary feeling of joy and well-being of any exercise ever tested.

In this video, I explain the neuroscience behind why practicing kindness is so powerful.

Studies have shown that participating in random acts of kindness may encourage others to "pay it forward" - and the cycle continues.

Here are just a few more ways that being kind can improve your overall physical health:

Kindness keeps your heart healthy - Studies have shown that being kind causes the release of oxytocin (and nitric oxide), which helps to expand your blood vessels and lower blood pressure.

Kindness makes you a happier human - When you are kind, your body releases endorphins that may help to elevate your mood.

Kindness keeps you young - Free radicals and inflammation, which are big contributors to the aging process, are reduced when you show love and kindness.

Being kind has been shown to strengthen your immune system and it can even bring down stress levels. You can’t provide good care for someone else when you’re highly stressed, so showing kindness to others automatically has a calming effect on our bodies.

Kindness truly is contagious - When you do something kind for someone, it is almost guaranteed that they will perform an act of kindness for someone else.

Your challenge for the month of November is to practice one act of kindness every single day, and I want to know what they are! Share them with me in the comments! Let's make kindness go viral this month!

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

Subscribe to the Anne Grady Group for more resilience-building tools and strategies! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU8s......

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

Sign up for Anne's weekly Resilience Reset email list!
www.annegradygroup.com/strong

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

More at https://www.annegradygroup.com​​​​
▶︎ Instagram: @AnneGradyGroup
▶︎ Twitter: @AnneGradyGroup
▶︎ Facebook: Anne Grady Group
▶︎ New Book + Companion Journal: https://www.annegradygroup.com/books/...

YouTube Video UExTZERTdG9fZ2VxQnF0bnBPUmNXMzMyZjRaRFdqdzdIYi4wRjhFM0MxMTU1MEUzQ0VB

Announcing the Random Acts of Kindness Challenge!

November 1, 2021 10:31 pm

The last 20 months have been interesting, to say the least. While things might not have gone as we hoped or planned, it has certainly given us an opportunity to practice our resilience skills. While there is no simple solution to the stress, anxiety, and fear we are facing, there are things we can do to continually bring ourselves back to what matters most in our lives. I wrote about these tools in my last book "Mind Over Moment: Harness the Power of Resilience" and the companion journal, which came out ONE YEAR ago tomorrow. I cannot believe it! I remember this time last year going back-and-forth about whether or not I should release the books during the middle of a global pandemic, but I ultimately decided that these are skills, tools, and strategies that people need now more than ever. Check out this video to find out the other BIG reason I decided to release Mind Over Moment when I did. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support of Mind Over Moment over the last year. A portion of all my book proceeds go to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Central Texas, so by supporting me, you are also supporting mental health, education, and advocacy. Mental health is more than just the absence of mental illness; it is proactively improving mental well-being. During this time of global uncertainty and instability, we have to make a concerted effort to protect our mental health and preserve our mental well-being. This week (and every week), I challenge you to do something each day that supports your mental health. A walk outside, a bubble bath and good book, a snuggle with your kids or pets, lighting a candle while you do paperwork, a random act of kindness, and even just allowing yourself to daydream are all small activities that build mental well-being. And if you haven’t had a chance to check out Mind Over Moment, you can get your copy in the link below! ---------------- Subscribe to the Anne Grady Group for more resilience-building tools and strategies! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU8s...... ---------------- Sign up for Anne's weekly Resilience Reset email list! www.annegradygroup.com/strong ---------------- More at https://www.annegradygroup.com​​​​ ▶︎ Instagram: @AnneGradyGroup ▶︎ Twitter: @AnneGradyGroup ▶︎ Facebook: Anne Grady Group ▶︎ New Book + Companion Journal: https://www.annegradygroup.com/books/...
One year ago tomorrow...

The last 20 months have been interesting, to say the least. While things might not have gone as we hoped or planned, it has certainly given us an opportunity to practice our resilience skills.

While there is no simple solution to the stress, anxiety, and fear we are facing, there are things we can do to continually bring ourselves back to what matters most in our lives. I wrote about these tools in my last book "Mind Over Moment: Harness the Power of Resilience" and the companion journal, which came out ONE YEAR ago tomorrow. I cannot believe it!

I remember this time last year going back-and-forth about whether or not I should release the books during the middle of a global pandemic, but I ultimately decided that these are skills, tools, and strategies that people need now more than ever. Check out this video to find out the other BIG reason I decided to release Mind Over Moment when I did.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support of Mind Over Moment over the last year. A portion of all my book proceeds go to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Central Texas, so by supporting me, you are also supporting mental health, education, and advocacy.

Mental health is more than just the absence of mental illness; it is proactively improving mental well-being. During this time of global uncertainty and instability, we have to make a concerted effort to protect our mental health and preserve our mental well-being.

This week (and every week), I challenge you to do something each day that supports your mental health. A walk outside, a bubble bath and good book, a snuggle with your kids or pets, lighting a candle while you do paperwork, a random act of kindness, and even just allowing yourself to daydream are all small activities that build mental well-being.

And if you haven’t had a chance to check out Mind Over Moment, you can get your copy in the link below!

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

Subscribe to the Anne Grady Group for more resilience-building tools and strategies! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU8s......

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

Sign up for Anne's weekly Resilience Reset email list!
www.annegradygroup.com/strong

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

More at https://www.annegradygroup.com​​​​
▶︎ Instagram: @AnneGradyGroup
▶︎ Twitter: @AnneGradyGroup
▶︎ Facebook: Anne Grady Group
▶︎ New Book + Companion Journal: https://www.annegradygroup.com/books/...

YouTube Video UExTZERTdG9fZ2VxQnF0bnBPUmNXMzMyZjRaRFdqdzdIYi41OURENDc2NEM1MDI5Mjky

One year ago tomorrow...

October 4, 2021 9:00 pm

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Anne Grady Group
Anne Grady Group
2 days ago

Life is finite, and so is our energy. What small things can you integrate into your routine to build up your energy reserves? #MindfulMonday ... See MoreSee Less

Life is finite, and so is our energy. What small things can you integrate into your routine to build up your energy reserves? #MindfulMonday
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Anne Grady Group
Anne Grady Group
5 days ago

This is gonna be fun! #ranchlife

Find ways to incorporate fun into your life. Where can you create places to play in your life? The more time your brain spends feeling good, the more that becomes your default way of thinking. ... See MoreSee Less

This is gonna be fun! #ranchlife Find ways to incorporate fun into your life. Where can you create places to play in your life? The more time your brain spends feeling good, the more that becomes your default way of thinking.
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How utterly awesome! I need me some Anne and side by side time!!!

Very cool 😎 Nothing beats a ride in a side by side. Nothing. 🙂

Yesssss!!! That’s my idea of a perfect day! 💪🏼

So true! ❤️

Yay!!!!!! So happy you guys got it!

Agreed 1,000,000 %

Look at you. You go girl

Love this!❤️

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Anne Grady Group
Anne Grady Group
7 days ago

When you get to speak for the medical team that saved your life. 🙏

Healthcare workers are burnt out and have compassion fatigue. When you go to the doctor, remember the front desk staff, the finance teams, the marketing groups, the nurses, and so many other people that play a part in helping to keep you well.

Share your gratitude with a healthcare worker.

Thank you Austin Regional Clinic: ARC for all the work you do. ... See MoreSee Less

When you get to speak for the medical team that saved your life. 🙏 Healthcare workers are burnt out and have compassion fatigue. When you go to the doctor, remember the front desk staff, the finance teams, the marketing groups, the nurses, and so many other people that play a part in helping to keep you well. Share your gratitude with a healthcare worker. Thank you Austin Regional Clinic: ARC for all the work you do.Image attachment
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Anne Grady Group
Anne Grady Group
1 week ago

Strong mental health is more than just the absence of mental illness; it is our mental well-being. #MindfulMonday #mentalhealthawarenessmonth ... See MoreSee Less

Strong mental health is more than just the absence of mental illness; it is our mental well-being. #MindfulMonday #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth
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Minute to minute, hour by hour, day by day…take care of your mental well being just like you would a stomach ache, or back pain, or serious physical disease. Check up from the neck up!

I needed this reminder today! Thank you Anne.

Anne Grady Group
Anne Grady Group
1 week ago

When you love your kiddos enough to look like this 🤣

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms, grandmoms, single dads, and bonus moms. You are loved! ... See MoreSee Less

When you love your kiddos enough to look like this 🤣 Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms, grandmoms, single dads, and bonus moms. You are loved!Image attachment
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