Get Connected

5409 Overseas Highway
Unit 74
Marathon, Florida 33050

©2025 –   Amy Morin, LCSW. All Rights Reserved

90 — The 3-Minute Mental Makeover That Will Reduce Your Stress

March 15, 2024

Journaling provides a long list of mental health benefits. But staring at a blank page feels intimidating. Fortunately, the Three-Minute Mental Makeover prompts give you the structure you need. Research shows it’s an effective, quick strategy that can reduce your stress fast.
 
Some of the things I share are how this quick writing exercise helped doctors and families reduce their stress, how to conduct the Three-Minute Mental Makeover on yourself, and what the research reveals about why it’s so effective.

 

Key Takeaways:

 

  • The “three-minute mental makeover,” is an uncomplicated but research-backed journaling technique that may significantly reduce stress with lasting effects.
  • Expressive writing isn’t universally beneficial. It might be disadvantageous for individuals who are less emotionally expressive.
  • Learn about the potential relationship-strengthening benefits of the mental makeover exercise, particularly when shared with a trusted person.
  • Recognize the importance of writing with pen and paper to fully experience the benefits of journaling, as it engages the brain differently than digital typing.
  • Hear how several listeners succinctly sum up their life stories in just six words.

Notable Quotes:

“Writing things down makes them focus on the same things over and over again.”

“88% of the parents and the families reported that the activity was helpful and it reduced their stress.”

“Both the families and the doctors reported lower levels of stress instantly.”

“There’s something about writing something on a piece of paper that makes a big difference as compared to just thinking about what your answers might be.”

Timestamp Summary

0:00:00 Introduction to the power of journaling for mental health improvement.

0:01:04 The challenge of knowing what to write in a journal.

0:02:26 Why expressive writing may not be beneficial for everyone.

0:04:31 Introducing the three minute mental makeover journaling exercise.

0:07:23 Results of the three minute mental makeover study.

0:10:00 The impact of reading answers out loud and involving others.

0:12:27 Examples of summing up life in six words.

Subscribe to Mentally Stronger Premium — Get weekly bonus episodes, monthly bonus content, and cool gifts (like signed books)!

Connect with the Show

Sponsors

Babbel — Get 50% off on a one-time payment for a lifetime Babbel subscription at Babbel.com/STRONGER

Shopify — Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/mentallystronger

Paired — Connect with your partner every day using Paired. Download the app at paired.com/STRONGER

Did you enjoy this episode?

Leave a podcast review on