Psychologist who's read 500 books shares 10 tips to be happier

A psychologist who has studied more than 500 books has shared her 10 essential tips for moving forward, finding happiness and better understanding your emotions. Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour in humans and animals, with psychologists helping people address their mental, emotional and behavioural challenges through therapy.

Millie Hardie, a registered psychologist with the Psychologist Board of Australia and AHPRA, regularly shares advice on her TikTok page under the handle @pocket.psychologist to make her practices more accessible to others.

She frequently posts videos condensing what took her a decade to learn into quick, digestible content, which has helped thousands of people worldwide.

Millie posted a video revealing she had studied more than 500 psychology books, and wanted to share her top 10 tips on practices she knows are effective.

She said: "I'm a psychologist and I've read over 500 books psychology books. Give me 60 seconds and I will tell you what actually works."

The first tip from the professional emphasised the importance of "notice your thoughts" but stressed that you don't actually have to believe them.

The second tip helps diminish the power emotions hold over you. Millie said: "Number two, name your emotions, they loose power when they're seen."

She continued: "Number three, act on your values and not your mood. Number four, kindness to yourself changes your biology.

"Number five, boundaries teach people how to treat you. Number six, you don't need more motivation, action creates it."

The seventh tip from the expert highlighted how grounding your body helps to calm your mind. In a recent video, Millie revealed some unusual psychology techniques that can help ease anxiety and panic, such as sucking a sour sweet or gripping an ice cube.

Millie added: "Number eight, my favourite, the story you tell yourself is your reality. Number nine, understanding your brain is your biggest superpower and it is the start to healing.

"Number ten, acceptance isn't giving up it's moving forward. After 500 books that's the truth, simple, human, repeatable, and it works."