The Dr. Leaf Show

Simple, science-backed strategies to help you take control of your thoughts and live your happiest life

Author: Dr. Caroline Leaf

Hi! Im Dr. Caroline Leaf. Im a cognitive neuroscientist, author, & mental health expert. Whether you are struggling in your personal life or simply want to learn how to understand and use your mind to live your best life, this podcast will provide you with practical & scientific tips and tools to help you take back control over your mental, emotional, and physical health. Visit: https://drleaf.com*DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with your personal physician if you have any personal medical questions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Language: en

Genres: Health & Fitness, Mental Health

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How to Stop Settling and 5 Steps to Building Healthier Relationship
Wednesday, 18 February, 2026

Settling in relationships isn’t a flaw in your personality — it’s a mental pattern shaped by years of reinforced experiences, internal narratives, and emotional habits. In this episode, I break down the science behind why we settle and walk you through five practical, brain-based stepsto help you make relational decisions from a place of clarity, stability, and self-respect — rather than familiarity or pressure. We explore how the mind forms relational templates, how to accurately read your internal warning signals, and how to strengthen your standards using simple, repeatable practices that create lasting change. These steps are designed to help you build relationships that support your emotional well-being and align with the season of life you’re in now — not the patterns you’ve outgrown. Why the mind gravitates toward familiar (even unhealthy) relationship patterns How internal narratives influence the partners and friendships you choose How to interpret warning signals without fear or overthinking How to define non-negotiables that support emotional steadiness How to use micro-alignment to shift long-standing habits How to make relationship decisions based on consistent evidence, not pressure 🔗 Explore my courses:https://drleaf.com/courses 📘 Get my book Help in a Hurry:https://www.helpinahurrybook.com 📲 Connect with me:Instagram: https://instagram.com/drcarolineleafTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@drcarolineleafFacebook: https://facebook.com/drleafTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/DrCarolineLeafWebsite: https://drleaf.com If this episode supported you, tap follow and subscribe, and share it with someone who may be settling in their relationships — your care could help them rethink patterns they’ve carried for years. Sponsors making this show possible! HUELGrab Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% off online using code DRLEAF at ⁠huel.com/DRLEAF⁠. New customers only. BETTERHELPLet therapy help you release what’s holding you back. Visit ⁠BetterHelp.com/DRLEAF⁠ today to get 10% off your first month. For educational purposes only.