How to practice emotional hygiene | Guy Winch | TEDxLinnaeusUniversity

This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. We have medicine cabinets for common physical injuries like cuts and colds but no toolkits for common psychological injuries such as failure, rejection, guilt, and loss. In his inspirational talk, Guy Winch tells us that “you can’t treat a psychological wound if you don’t know you’re injured”. Guy teaches us a lesson on why it is so important to practice emotional hygiene.

Guy Winch Ph.D. is a psychologist, speaker, and author whose books have been translated into 15 languages. His most recent book, Emotional First Aid: Practical Strategies for Treating Failure, Rejection, Guilt, and Other Everyday Psychological Injuries (Hudson Street Press, 2013) examines the surprising ways in which seven common psychological injuries (Rejection, Loneliness, Loss, Guilt, Rumination, Failure, and bouts of Low Self-Esteem) impact our behavior, emotions, cognitive functioning, and physical health, and provides science-based treatments to heal the wounds they inflict.
In both his writing and his talks, Dr. Winch aims to bridge the gap between the science of psychology and its practice in the real world. He is passionate about translating current scientific findings into practical applications people can use to better their psychological health and their relationships. Dr. Winch is a member of the American Psychological Association. He lives and practices in New York City.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[lisamurphy]

I just lost my job and was so depressed I couldn't get out of bed. I just laid there and sobbed for days. I found this and it hit home. I cried through the whole video. I was so grateful that he posted this. I got out of bed and got dressed. I still am sad, but I am actively looking for another job, actually got an interview too. This video made a great difference in my life, and am glad it was created and uploaded.

[iamnowbernardmyburgh]

So remember:
1. Take action when you're lonely
2. Change your responses to failure
3. Protect your self esteem
4. Stop ruminating
5. Battle negative thinking


Now actually practice this, don't just binge watch another 20 self help videos :)

[johnmorrison]

This is the best 17 minutes I've spent in a long, long time. Thank you, Dr. Winch, for greatly improving my day. Four stars. Must see.

[ahikernamedgq]

I cannot express with a "like" how wonderful and insightful this talk is. Thanks Guy!!

[jassybee]

I am retired and live alone. I'm never lonely. I lost my driver's license due to failing eyesight so I can no longer flit over to a friend's house. My son is attentive and generous to me. He solved the problem of my getting to the grocery store (or anywhere) with Uber -- which he pays for! He takes me to our favorite Chinese restaurant for lunch, and once in a while to a fine restaurant for dinner. I keep in touch with friends and relatives who live in other states with emails and phone calls. It's all good! Living alone means I can eat what I want when I want. I can stay up until the wee hours watching a great old movie or reading a good book

[greimalkin]

this guy has a great voice and tone. I happened to listen to this talk without looking at it. this guy should do bedtime stories or something. I mean that sounds silly but it would just make me feel so much better before going to sleep. bedtime lectures about emotional health and hygiene.

[meekainc]

“LONELIENESS: Creates a deep physiological wound, one which distorts our perceptions and scrambles our thinking. It makes us believe that those around us care much less than they actually do. It makes us really afraid to reach out; why set yourself up for rejection and heartache, when your heart is already aching more than you can stand” ….

“LONELIENESS is defined purely subjectively; it depends solely at whether you feel emotionally or socially disconnected from those around you.”

WOW, WOW, WOW!!!! THIS has been the missing link is my Knowledge is VERY powerful!

[meekainc]

SO POWERFUL!

“LONELINESS: Creates a deep physiological wound, one which distorts our perceptions and scrambles our thinking. It makes us believe that those around us care much less than they actually do. It makes us really afraid to reach out; why set yourself up for rejection and heartache, when your heart is already aching more than you can stand” ….

“LONELINESS is defined purely subjectively; it depends solely on whether you feel emotionally or socially disconnected from those around you.”

[jamiesunger]

I am a self-help/metaphysics junkie, and I never heard it put quite this way. Really insightful and eye-opening. Thank you so much.

[mofbro]

Among the best TEDx Talks I've encountered. Simple, elegant, poignant.

[Jonpena]

I have seen so many of the Talks and this is by far one of the best ones I have listen too. Thank you for this I really appreciate it.

[Aragorn...]

A simple LIKE is just NOT enough. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for delivering a wonderful speech!

[RoyEldorado]

You are a real doctor!
One of the best Ted talks I've ever watched.
Thanks for the knowledge.

[aktiwari]

Emotional hygiene, and mental alertness


should be included in basic education, one community and seven, billion people United. Thanks Doctor.

[carpenterfamily]

I forwarded this to my family as a Christmas present.
I’ll rewatch it myself.

[MichelleLopezish]

Guy, this was a great talk. The key takeaway I got was "A different kind of favoritism — how much more we value the body than we do the mind."

That is true, I have seen physically fit, almost physically perfect athletes walk around with emotional infections, gaping holes in their souls almost... probably due to this lack of emotional hygiene you discuss. I myself have favored the physical, almost completely neglecting the emotional. Your work will shed awareness on this important topic.

Who cares about anti-aging and extending the length of our lives, if we're miserable?!?!

[scifiholly]

Very enlightening and encouraging. As a mother, I witness children being told "what not to do", instead of "what to do" when it comes to emotions and social interaction simply because we adults may not understand what to do ourselves. This presentation has convinced me to invest in teaching myself and my family about emotional hygiene. I like the practical facts on how to make changes for the better.

[randydavis]

Thanks Guy this has changed and improved my life. I needed than more than I ever knew. I want to share it with Everyone. Thanks REAL Doctor!

[alexdeleon]

Who else judged this video by its title and then ended up really appreciating it afterwards?

[RedBloopCreature]

I have some real emotional hygiene to take care of Guy Winch. This video made me realize that. And so many others need the same. Thank you so much. Awesome.