Podcasts > The Mel Robbins Podcast > “I Can’t Stop Stalking My Ex Online. How Do I Stop?” How To Move On For Good | Mel Robbins Podcast

“I Can’t Stop Stalking My Ex Online. How Do I Stop?” How To Move On For Good | Mel Robbins Podcast

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Join Mel Robbins and her guest Amy McGlinn in "The Mel Robbins Podcast" as they delve into personal growth and the intricate maze of relationships. Mel, drawing on conversations with experts like Dr. Russell Kennedy and the everyday wisdom of Dr. Mindy Pelz and Dana K. White, shares her own regimented routines for mental and physical wellness, advocating for the nurturing of both to achieve a comprehensive state of well-being. Whether through morning light exposure or intermittent fasting, see how Robbins applies these lifestyle habits to strengthen mental health and champions intentional actions that bolster self-worth and internal love.

Diving deeper, Robbins grapples with the complexities of digital-era heartache, offering practical advice for those entangled in the web of social media stalking post-breakup. In a heartfelt response to various listeners’ confessions, she provides solace and straightforward solutions, including embracing intimacy in its many forms after life-changing events like childbirth. Mel doesn't stop at relationships; she unpacks her own beliefs in life's interconnectedness, the intricacies of self-promotion in business, and her family's experiences with dyslexia. This episode isn't just about receiving guidance; it's an invitation for active listener engagement and a collective pursuit of mindful improvement, setting "The Mel Robbins Podcast" apart as a participatory beacon for those on the path to betterment.

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“I Can’t Stop Stalking My Ex Online. How Do I Stop?” How To Move On For Good | Mel Robbins Podcast

This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Oct 23, 2023 episode of the The Mel Robbins Podcast

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“I Can’t Stop Stalking My Ex Online. How Do I Stop?” How To Move On For Good | Mel Robbins Podcast

1-Page Summary

Cultivating Mental Wellness and Self-Improvement

Mel Robbins emphasizes the significance of daily practices in enhancing mental wellness, inspired by the valuable insights of her podcast guests like Dr. Russell Kennedy, who focuses on anxiety relief through nurturing the nervous system. She adopts a variety of healthy habits herself, such as engaging with morning light and meditative walks.

Embracing Daily Practices for Mental Health

Robbins practices intermittent fasting and cherishes better organization in her day-to-day life, influenced by Dr. Mindy Pelz and Dana K. White respectively, showcasing her commitment to holistic mental health through physical habits.

Activating Behavioral Change for Self-Worth

Towards the end of the podcast, Robbins underscores the importance of internalizing self-improvement rather than treating it as mere entertainment. She recommends behavioral activation therapy and visualizes a life filled with a sense of worthiness, urging her listeners to adopt actions that reinforce their self-worth and internal love.

Confronting and Triumphing Over Impostor Syndrome

Sharing her daughter Kendall's story of overcoming impostor syndrome at a music festival, Robbins highlights the transformative power of embracing opportunities and actively aligning with one's truth, exemplifying the universe's support for those who step into their authenticity.

Exploring Relational Health and Challenges

In the realm of relationships, Robbins digs deep, addressing problems such as social media stalking an ex-partner and the issues arising from dealing with the parents of a child's friends.

The host approaches the topic of stalking an ex on social media, which she compares to an addiction. She offers actionable advice by suggesting listeners block their ex across all platforms to foster healing and enable the formation of healthier relationships.

Communicating with Parents in Your Child's Social Circles

Robbins tackles the subject of difficult parents, suggesting clear communication and criticizing the projection of insecurities onto children. She advices letting children form their own friendships rather than being influenced by parents' fears of exclusion.

Sustaining Intimacy in Post-Childbirth Relationships

Regarding intimacy after childbirth, Robbins consoles a listener named Skip, assuring him that intimacy is not solely about sexual activity, and emphasizes understanding and support during such important life transitions.

Insights into Personal Beliefs and Mindful Living

Robbins doesn't shy away from discussing her personal beliefs, sharing her conviction in life's interconnectedness and her openness to divine signs.

Reflecting on Spiritual Beliefs and Life's Interconnectedness

Answering a listener named Missy, Robbins affirms her belief in a higher power and appreciates signs and synchronicities as messages from the universe, showcasing her spiritual side.

Committing to Authentic Self-Improvement Practices

Mel drives home the point of truly engaging with self-improvement practices, moving beyond passive consumption to actual application, thereby fostering a lifestyle of continuous personal evolution.

Providing Professional Insights and Lifestyle Tips

Robbins shares her personal experiences and insights on topics like self-promotion, reflecting on how essential it is for business and addressing dyslexia both in society and within her own family dynamics.

Decoding the Essentials of Self-Promotion in Business

Robbins introduces the topic of self-promotion, which she considers a vital part of business strategy. By discussing the importance of marketing one's services effectively, she dispels the notion that self-promotion is boastful when it is, in fact, crucial for success.

Understanding and Addressing Dyslexia Within Family Contexts

Sharing her personal journey with dyslexia, which was discovered after her child's diagnosis, Robbins navigates the complexities of learning differences and their implications for both individuals and families.

Engaging Audiences and Structuring the Podcast

Mel Robbins sets the tone for her podcast, ensuring the audience knows the intent and framework of the show, and actively involves her listeners in the production of content.

Establishing the Podcast's Educational and Entertainment Mandate

The host stresses that the podcast serves both educational and entertainment purposes and does not replace professional counseling, positioning herself as a friend rather than a licensed therapist, thus emphasizing a conscientious dissemination of guidance.

Fostering Active Listener Participation and Content Development

She concludes with a call to her listeners to participate in shaping the podcast's discussions and sharing the content, creating an interactive and mutually beneficial dialogue between her and the audience.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Behavioral activation therapy (BA) is a type of behavior therapy that focuses on engaging in positive activities to improve mood. It is often used in treating mood disorders like depression. BA involves planning and participating in activities that can boost mood and increase self-control. It is based on the principles of behavior analysis and is commonly integrated into cognitive behavioral therapy.
  • Impostor syndrome is a psychological pattern where individuals doubt their abilities and fear being exposed as frauds, despite evidence of their competence. It can lead to feelings of inadequacy and hinder personal growth and success. This phenomenon often manifests in high-achieving individuals who struggle to internalize their accomplishments. Impostor syndrome can impact relationships and professional development, causing individuals to downplay their achievements and capabilities.
  • Intermittent fasting is a dietary approach that involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting. It can include various schedules like alternate-day fasting or time-restricted eating. Studies suggest it may offer benefits for weight management, metabolic health, and inflammation, but individual results can vary. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider before making significant changes to your eating patterns.
  • Dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects reading, writing, and spelling skills. It can lead to difficulties in processing language and recognizing words. Individuals with dyslexia may struggle with phonological awareness and decoding words accurately. Early identification and appropriate interventions can help individuals with dyslexia succeed academically and in daily life.
  • Nurturing the nervous system involves practices and habits that support the overall health and function of the nervous system, which is responsible for transmitting signals throughout the body. This can include activities like meditation, deep breathing exercises, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques. By engaging in behaviors that promote relaxation and reduce stress, individuals can positively impact their nervous system's well-being. These practices aim to enhance mental wellness and emotional resilience by creating a more balanced and harmonious internal environment.

Counterarguments

  • While daily practices can enhance mental wellness, they may not be sufficient for everyone, especially those with severe mental health issues who might require professional treatment or medication.
  • Nurturing the nervous system is important, but anxiety relief can also involve cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication, or other forms of treatment that address the psychological aspects of anxiety.
  • Exposure to morning light and meditative walks are beneficial, but they might not be practical for individuals with certain lifestyles or living conditions that limit their ability to engage in these activities.
  • Intermittent fasting may not be suitable for everyone, such as those with certain medical conditions, eating disorders, or nutritional needs that require more frequent food intake.
  • Better organization can improve mental health, but it's important to recognize that some individuals may struggle with organizational skills due to neurodiversity or other challenges.
  • Behavioral activation therapy is a useful tool for some, but it may not resonate with or be effective for everyone, and alternative therapies might be more appropriate for certain individuals.
  • Overcoming impostor syndrome is a complex process, and while embracing opportunities can be transformative, some individuals may require additional support or strategies to address deep-seated feelings of inadequacy.
  • Blocking an ex on social media can aid in the healing process, but for some, learning to coexist online without engaging may be a more realistic or necessary step, especially if they share mutual friends or professional networks.
  • Clear communication with other parents is important, but it's also necessary to recognize that some situations may require more nuanced approaches or the involvement of mediators or counselors.
  • Intimacy after childbirth is multifaceted, and while it's not solely about sexual activity, it's also important to address and validate the sexual needs and concerns of both partners.
  • Personal beliefs in interconnectedness and divine signs are subjective, and not everyone may share these beliefs or find comfort in them, preferring more secular or different spiritual perspectives.
  • Self-promotion is important in business, but it's also crucial to balance it with humility and authenticity to avoid alienating potential clients or customers who may be put off by overly aggressive marketing.
  • Dyslexia and learning differences require individualized approaches, and what works for one family or individual may not be suitable for another.
  • While the podcast aims to educate and entertain, listeners should be encouraged to critically evaluate the content and seek out diverse perspectives and expert advice when needed.
  • Encouraging listener participation is valuable, but it's also important to ensure that the content remains accurate and evidence-based, even if it may not align with popular opinions or requests from the audience.

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“I Can’t Stop Stalking My Ex Online. How Do I Stop?” How To Move On For Good | Mel Robbins Podcast

Cultivating Mental Wellness and Self-Improvement

Mel Robbins emphasizes the significance of daily practices in enhancing mental wellness, inspired by the valuable insights of her podcast guests like Dr. Russell Kennedy, who focuses on anxiety relief through nurturing the nervous system.

She adopts a variety of healthy habits herself, such as engaging with morning light and meditative walks.

Embracing Daily Practices for Mental Health

Robbins highlights the importance of physical habits in maintaining mental well-being. Such habits include not lingering in bed after waking, soaking in the early morning sunlight to regulate her sleep-wake cycle, partaking in meditative walks to clear her mind, and following intermittent fasting for overall health.

Activating Behavioral Change for Self-Worth

Towards the end of the podcast, Robbins underscores the importance of internalizing self-improvement rather than treating it as mere entertainment.

She recommends behavioral activation therapy and visualizes a life filled with a sense of worthiness, urging her listeners to adopt actions that reinforce their self-worth and internal love.

Confronting and Triumphing Over Impostor Syndrome

Sharing her daughter Kendall's story of overcoming i ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
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Cultivating Mental Wellness and Self-Improvement

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Mel Robbins is an American podcast host, author, motivational speaker, and former lawyer known for her TEDx talk "How to Stop Screwing Yourself Over" and her books like "The 5 Second Rule." She emphasizes the importance of daily practices for mental wellness and self-improvement, drawing insights from experts like Dr. Russell Kennedy. Robbins shares personal habits like morning light exposure and meditative walks to enhance mental well-being. She also discusses confronting impostor syndrome and the transformative power of seizing opportunities in personal growth.
  • Behavioral activation therapy (BA) is a type of behavior therapy that focuses on engaging in positive activities to improve mood. It is often used in treating mood disorders like depression. BA involves planning and participating in activities that can boost mood and increase self-control. It is based on the principles of behavior analysis and is commonly integrated into cognitive behavioral therapy.
  • Impostor syndrome is a psychological p ...

Counterarguments

  • While daily practices can enhance mental wellness, they may not be sufficient for everyone, especially those with severe mental health issues who might require professional treatment or medication.
  • Nurturing the nervous system is one approach to anxiety relief, but it may not address the root causes of anxiety for all individuals, such as trauma or biochemical imbalances.
  • Exposure to morning light and meditative walks are beneficial, but they might not be practical for everyone due to different lifestyles, work schedules, or living environments.
  • The effectiveness of intermittent fasting for overall health is still a subject of debate among experts, and it may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with certain health conditions or dietary needs.
  • Behavioral activation therapy is a useful tool for some, but it may not resonate with or be effective for everyone, and other therapeutic approaches might be more appropriate for certain individuals.
  • The concept of visualizing a life filled with worthiness is positive, but without actionable steps and support, visualization alone may not lead to significant changes in one's sense of self-worth.
  • Encouraging actions that reinforce self-worth is beneficial, but it's important to recognize that building self-worth is a complex process ...

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“I Can’t Stop Stalking My Ex Online. How Do I Stop?” How To Move On For Good | Mel Robbins Podcast

Exploring Relational Health and Challenges

In the realm of relationships, Robbins digs deep, addressing problems such as social media stalking an ex-partner and the issues arising from dealing with the parents of a child's friends.

When discussing the issue of obsessively checking an ex's social media, Robbins compares it to an addiction, offering direct advice to break the harmful habit.

She advocates for the decisive action of blocking the ex across all digital platforms, framing it as an essential step in breaking free from the past and enabling the creation of new, healthy relationships.

Her guidance strikes a chord with listeners seeking practical steps to reclaim control over their emotional well-being.

Communicating with Parents in Your Child's Social Circles

Robbins addresses the question posed by Amy McGlinn about managing challenging interactions with parents of her child's peers. Robbins advises considering the ages of the children involved and calls for direct communication with the problematic parents.

She criticizes the actions of those who project their insecurities onto their children's social arrangements and urges parents to allow children the freedom to establish their own friendships. Advocating for a child's autonomy, she reproves parents who insinuate their offspring into every social happening due to a fear of exclusion ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

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Exploring Relational Health and Challenges

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Robbins is a renowned relationship expert and author known for her insightful advice on navigating various relationship challenges. She has a background in counseling and psychology, offering practical solutions to common issues faced in relationships. Her expertise lies in helping individuals and couples improve their relational health and communication skills. Robbins' guidance is often sought after for her empathetic approach and actionable strategies in dealing with interpersonal dynamics.
  • Robbins advises individuals to break the harmful habit of obsessively checking an ex's social media by taking decisive action, such as blocking ...

Counterarguments

  • While blocking an ex on social media can be helpful, it may not be necessary for everyone; some individuals may have the self-control to not check their ex's profiles without needing to block them.
  • Breaking free from the past is important, but it's also essential to process emotions from a past relationship; simply blocking an ex might not address underlying emotional issues.
  • Direct communication with other parents is generally good advice, but it may not always be practical or possible, especially if the other parents are uncooperative or hostile.
  • Advocating for a child's autonomy is important, but parents also have a responsibility to guide their children's social interactions to ensure they are safe and positive.
  • Criticizing parents for projecting insecurities might overlook the complexities of parenting and the genuine concerns parents have about their children's social lives.
  • While fostering healthy social connections is beneficial, the approach to doing so can vary greatly depending ...

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“I Can’t Stop Stalking My Ex Online. How Do I Stop?” How To Move On For Good | Mel Robbins Podcast

Insights into Personal Beliefs and Mindful Living

Robbins doesn't shy away from discussing her personal beliefs, sharing her conviction in life's interconnectedness and her openness to divine signs.

Reflecting on Spiritual Beliefs and Life's Interconnectedness

Robbins openly shares her spiritual practices, including her habit of looking for universal signs as affirmations that she's on a positive life path. She holds a deep belief in the value of observing life's synchronicities, viewing them as gentle nudges or cues from a higher power that highlight the interconnectedness of all human beings.

Commit ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

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Insights into Personal Beliefs and Mindful Living

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Life's interconnectedness is the idea that all living beings and elements in the universe are interconnected and influence each other in various ways. This concept suggests that everything is linked and that actions or events in one part of the world can have ripple effects elsewhere. It emphasizes the interdependence and unity of all things, highlighting how our choices and experiences are intertwined with those of others. Understanding life's interconnectedness can lead to a greater sense of empathy, responsibility, and mindfulness in how we interact with the world around us.
  • Looking for universal signs as affirmations involves interpreting events or occurrences as meaningful messages from the universe or a higher power, indicating that one is on the right path or making the right decisions. These signs are believed to provide reassurance, guidance, or confirmation of one's beliefs or actions. People who seek these signs often pay attention to synchronicities or coincidences that they perceive as significant and meaningful in their lives. It's a practice rooted in spirituality and the idea that there is a deeper connection between individuals and the universe.
  • Observing life's synchronicities as cues from a higher power involves recognizing meaningful coincidences that seem to be more than just random event ...

Counterarguments

  • Robbins' belief in life's interconnectedness and divine signs may not be supported by empirical evidence, and some individuals may argue that life events can be explained by coincidence or psychological biases such as confirmation bias.
  • The practice of looking for universal signs could be criticized for being subjective and potentially leading to misinterpretation of random events as meaningful.
  • While Robbins values observing life's synchronicities, skeptics might argue that attributing these to a higher power lacks scientific basis and may not resonate with those who have a more secular or evidence-based worldview.
  • The emphasis on active engagement in self-improvement practices is commendable, but critics might point ou ...

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“I Can’t Stop Stalking My Ex Online. How Do I Stop?” How To Move On For Good | Mel Robbins Podcast

Providing Professional Insights and Lifestyle Tips

Robbins shares her personal experiences and insights on topics like self-promotion, reflecting on how essential it is for business and addressing dyslexia both in society and within her own family dynamics.

Decoding the Essentials of Self-Promotion in Business

Robbins introduces the topic of self-promotion, which she considers a vital part of business strategy. By discussing the importance of marketing one's services effectively, she dispels the notion that self-promotion is boastful when it is, in fact, crucial for success.

Addressing Anne Marie's dilemma about promoting her business without seeming boastful, Robbins reframes self-promotion as a duty to provide services to those in need, rather than an ego-driven endeavor. She emphasizes the importance of overcoming the fear of judgment to ensure that valuable offerings reach the right audience.

Understanding and Addressing Dyslexia Within Family Contexts

Sharing ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

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Providing Professional Insights and Lifestyle Tips

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • In the context of self-promotion, reframing it as a duty emphasizes the responsibility to share valuable services rather than focusing on personal pride. This shift in perspective highlights the importance of reaching those who can benefit from the offerings, making it more about service than self-aggrandizement. It encourages individuals to prioritize the value they can provide to others over concerns a ...

Counterarguments

  • Self-promotion, while important, must be balanced with humility to avoid alienating potential clients or colleagues who may perceive it as arrogance.
  • The effectiveness of marketing services can vary greatly depending on the industry, target audience, and cultural context, and is not the only factor in business success.
  • Reframing self-promotion as a duty can be problematic if it leads to justifying aggressive or unethical marketing practices under the guise of serving others.
  • Overcoming the fear of judgment is easier said than done, and not all individuals may have the same capacity to do so due to varying levels of confidence and social anxiety.
  • The personal experience of dyslexia may not reflect the broader experiences ...

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“I Can’t Stop Stalking My Ex Online. How Do I Stop?” How To Move On For Good | Mel Robbins Podcast

Engaging Audiences and Structuring the Podcast

Mel Robbins sets the tone for her podcast, ensuring the audience knows the intent and framework of the show, and actively involves her listeners in the production of content.

Establishing the Podcast's Educational and Entertainment Mandate

The host stresses that the podcast serves both educational and entertainment purposes and does not replace professional counseling, clarifying that she offers information and advice as a friend rather than a licensed therapist.

This delineation of her role is essential in responsibly managing the expectations of her audience regarding the type of guidance provided and underscores a conscientious approach to disseminating information through the podcast.

Fostering Active Listener Participation and Content Development

Robbins fosters active participation by encouraging her audience to submit their questions through comments for potential discussion in future episodes, further tailoring the ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
Start your free trial today

Engaging Audiences and Structuring the Podcast

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Mel Robbins engages her audience by encouraging them to submit questions for potential discussion in future episodes, tailoring content to their interests. She also prompts listeners to share the podcast with others, fostering a sense of community and support among her audience. Additionally, she teases upcoming content, like detailed coaching sessions, to keep listeners intrigued and involved in the podcast's development.
  • Mel Robbins fosters listener participation in her podcast by encouraging them to submit questions for potential discussion in future episodes. This engagement helps tailor the content to the audience's interests and creates a sense of community. By inviting listeners to share the podcast with others, she facilitates mutual aid and support within her audience. Teasing upcoming content, such as detailed coaching sessions, keeps listeners engaged and interested in the show's future episodes.
  • A detailed coaching session within a podcast typically involves the host providing personalized advice or guidance on a specific topi ...

Counterarguments

  • While Robbins emphasizes the educational and entertainment value of her podcast, some may argue that without professional credentials, the advice given could be taken too seriously by vulnerable listeners, potentially leading to reliance on non-expert guidance for serious issues.
  • Encouraging listener participation is positive, but it may also lead to a selection bias in content creation, where only the most vocal or engaged listeners shape the direction of the podcast, possibly neglecting the silent majority's interests.
  • The act of sharing the podcast to build a community is well-intentioned, but it could be seen as a marketing strategy that primarily benefits the podcast's reach and populari ...

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