Welcome to the Joy Lab Podcast, a podcast that goes beyond your ears, working to help you uncover and foster your most joyful self. Hosts, Drs. Henry Emmons and Aimee Prasek, bring you the ideal mix of soulful and scientifically sound tools to help you not only create resilience in mind and body, but bring more joy back into your life. New episodes drop every Wednesday. Each is fully-focused on helping you take simple actions that fuel your resilience and joy. Joy Lab’s unique and powerful p ...
…
continue reading
1
We're All Just Like the Rest of Us, Aren't We? (the compassion of recognition) [ep. 179]
18:03
18:03
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
18:03
We're focusing on the third level of compassion, as conceptualized by Dr. Gabor Maté—compassion of recognition. This level emphasizes realizing the shared nature of suffering, highlighting that we are not alone. We'll highlight the 'illusion of separation' and how breaking through it can deepen our connections and ease our struggles. The episode in…
…
continue reading
1
The Compassion of Understanding & How to Practice Deep Listening [ep. 178]
20:10
20:10
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
20:10
In this episode of the Joy Lab podcast, we'll explore the 'compassion of understanding'—the second level in Dr. Gabor Maté's five levels of compassion. We'll first highlight the power of moving beyond judgment and into curiosity and understanding, using depression as an example. We'll then get into the practice of deep listening, inspired by Thich …
…
continue reading
1
Your Ordinary Human Compassion (and what happens when you say something you wish you hadn't said) [ep. 177]
25:55
25:55
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
25:55
In this episode of the Joy Lab podcast, we're not just defining compassion, but we're really getting into how it shows up in our daily life. We'll start by highlighting the important difference between pain and suffering and then get into how compassion, especially self-compassion, serves as a powerful antidote to ease stress responses. This episod…
…
continue reading
1
What Imposter Syndrome Really Is [ep. 176]
24:12
24:12
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
24:12
In this episode, we're digging deeper into imposter syndrome. First, a reminder from last episode that you do not have a syndrome if you have these imposter feelings. You are not broken. Further, imposter feelings are not just a problem with self-esteem. This is a common misconception. Self-esteem is actually just a small contributor to these very …
…
continue reading
Imposter syndrome is a myth. Well, mostly anyway. We'll unpack this concept of imposter syndrome, or rather, imposter phenomenon, emphasizing that the common perception of it as a 'syndrome' is misleading. In this first part of our two-part series, you'll get a historical overview of this phenomenon, which starts with the work of Dr. Pauline Clance…
…
continue reading
1
How Can I Love Myself More... And Love Others More Too? [ep. 174]
25:28
25:28
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
25:28
Love is a skill that takes daily practice. And if you're feeling a bit out of practice... well, you're not alone. In this episode, we're diving into our Element of love by focusing on the wisdom of James Baldwin as he encourages us all to find light within darkness. We'll talk about the relationship of love and mental health, love as a tool for beh…
…
continue reading
1
Practicing the Art of Love [ep. 173]
25:42
25:42
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
25:42
We're diving into our Element of love in this episode; those genuine, deep connections that feed every aspect of wellbeing. We'll focus on five key lessons of loving well: loving oneself, seeing the innocence in others, embracing vulnerability, listening deeply, and creating a House of Belonging. Joy Lab and Natural Mental Health are community-supp…
…
continue reading
1
Making Space for Flow and Fun (special encore) [ep. 172]
26:44
26:44
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
26:44
Too often mental health conversations get stuck in a focus of dysfunction, uncomfortable symptoms, and focusing on "fixing" what feels off. But, mental health is not simply about trying to rid ourselves of things like negative thoughts. So much of mental health has to do with the day-to-day infusion of positive practices. Which leads us into the im…
…
continue reading
1
Where's Your Third Place? [ep. 171]
17:23
17:23
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
17:23
Do you have a 'Third Place?' If you don't (or don't know what that is), be sure to take some notes for this episode. We'll talk about a Third Place (a term coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg) as a an accessible, often public space that invites a diversity of folks to gather. In this episode, we'll get into the simple ways we can all deepen our con…
…
continue reading
1
Obliger Rebellion: The Pros and Cons [ep. 170]
15:20
15:20
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
15:20
Obliger rebellion... it's an intriguing term, right? Gretchen Rubin introduced it in her book, 'The Four Tendencies.' The idea here is that when our external expectations exceed a threshold, then we can become exhausted or rebel. We'll talk about the pros and cons of this phenomenon and how we can listen to our body and make more nourishing, skillf…
…
continue reading
1
Saturday Update + Summer Self-Care (SAD, sleep, supplements, and more!) [ep. 169]
18:51
18:51
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
18:51
Our self-care needs change with the seasons. That's why we're talking about self-care tips for the summertime in this episode. We'll dig into the concept of reverse seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and offer practical advice on managing summer agitation. We'll also talk about optimizing sleep during longer days, adjusting supplement routines, and …
…
continue reading
1
Making Friends & Accepting Support [ep. 168]
12:35
12:35
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
12:35
In this episode, we're talking about the power of deep, supportive relationships for overall wellbeing. We highlight the Japanese tradition of Moai, groups of lifelong friends that provide various supports, as an example of fostering meaningful connections. We'll talk a bit about the how-to's of building connections, focusing on the necessity of bo…
…
continue reading
In this episode of the Joy Lab podcast, we're talking about the mental health benefits of dad jokes. We're serious. We'll get into an article by humor researcher Marc Hye-Knudsen, highlighting how dad jokes can build resilience, teach impulse control, and improve emotional regulation in children. So, dads (and all of us), please take care of yourse…
…
continue reading
1
The Impact of Anxiety & Depression on Decision Making [ep. 166]
14:13
14:13
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
14:13
In this episode of the Joy Lab podcast, we talk about how anxiety and depression can influence our decision-making processes. We hope this becomes a more talked about issue because it's a common struggle. We'll get into how anxiety can narrow our options and make us more risk-averse, while depression can lead to more pessimistic choices and lower e…
…
continue reading
Our goal is to help you build resilience and joy. Our website and podcast exist for that goal. If you use any of those tools, then we want to know what's working, what you want to see more of, and what we can do better. This survey should take less than 3 minutes to complete. Here it is: https://www.naturalmentalhealth.com/assessments/2148238359 Mo…
…
continue reading
1
Stuck In Judgment Or Self-Criticism? Here's How to Break Free [ep. 164]
15:38
15:38
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
15:38
Does your mind feel like a constant sea of judgment? Do thoughts popcorn day and night about how you're flawed or how someone else has it all wrong? You're not alone. Those kind of thoughts are common, but they can also be pretty destructive. There's clear evidence that the more we sit in judgment, the higher our risk for depression and anxiety. We…
…
continue reading
1
Are You a Short Sleeper? [ep. 163]
11:50
11:50
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
11:50
Are four hours of sleep enough to function well? How about six? In this episode of the Joy Lab podcast, we'll dig into how much sleep most folks need, and the importance of sleep with a focus on 'short sleepers.' We'll laser in on the detrimental effects of sleep deprivation on mental health, particularly in late teens and twenties, and explore som…
…
continue reading
1
Getting Comfy w/ Not Knowing [ep. 162]
18:15
18:15
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
18:15
"I don't know." Do those three words make you feel a bit uncomfortable? Yeah, you're not alone. In this episode of the Joy Lab podcast, we highlight the concepts of awe and intellectual humility and how they can help us embrace more curiosity, avoid rigid thinking, and help us to stay more connected to the world around us (yes, even amidst politica…
…
continue reading
1
Magnesium for Anxiety & Depression [ep. 161]
15:02
15:02
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
15:02
In this episode of the Joy Lab podcast, we talk about the use of magnesium for anxiety and depression. There's good evidence to support its use, but it can be confusing. We get into the overall power of magnesium (its importance for nerve and muscle function, gut health, and neurotransmitter production) and why it's vital for mental health, particu…
…
continue reading
1
No Need to Hurry, No Need to Sparkle, No Need to Be Anybody But Yourself [ep. 160]
10:54
10:54
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
10:54
In this episode of the Joy Lab podcast, we explore a powerful quote by Virginia Woolf: "No need to hurry. No need to sparkle. No need to be anybody but one’s self." It's radically simple wisdom that can be hard in practice. We'll talk about the societal pressures of striving for greatness and the importance of embracing one's authentic self while a…
…
continue reading
1
It's OK to Check Out (as long as you check back in) [ep. 159]
17:25
17:25
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
17:25
In this episode of the Joy Lab podcast, we explore the phenomenon of dissociation or what is sometimes called "going offline." We want to highlight that this can be a very natural survival mechanism in response to stress and trauma. It's not all bad. We'll talk about the pros and cons of going offline; share some personal experiences of how dissoci…
…
continue reading
1
See Your Inner Light With Awe (encore) [ep. 158]
25:10
25:10
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
25:10
Awe is a powerful element of joy and a powerful contributor to good mental health. And it isn't just something to experience when magical, mysterious, or rare events surprise us. Awe is something we can practice daily. But... how?! We'll talk about some cognitive barriers that may hinder it, such as overgeneralization and filtering. We'll also offe…
…
continue reading
1
Mental Health & The Male Hubris, Female Humility Effect [ep. 157]
15:49
15:49
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
15:49
There's something called the "male hubris, female humility effect." And it's really a thing. It means that men tend to rate themselves higher on self-reported intelligence compared to women. How does this impact mental health? There's a lot to consider here. We'll talk about this effect and its relationship to intellectual humility and imposter syn…
…
continue reading
1
How Do I Know If I'm Thriving? (special community talk share + short practice) [ep. 156]
25:40
25:40
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
25:40
How do you know if you're thriving? That's a question we received from one of our NMH Community members. We'll talk about this concept of thriving through the lens of positive psychology, leaning on Dr. Martin Seligman's PERMA model which includes Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment. Most of all, we'll focus on …
…
continue reading
1
Sad Music... For A Mood Boost? [ep. 155]
12:11
12:11
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
12:11
Does sad music make you feel a little better? You're not alone. In this episode, we're exploring the intriguing topic of how sad music can influence mood and foster resilience. A recent study revealed some reason why we are drawn to sad music and the diverse emotions it evokes, including nostalgia, peacefulness, and empathy. The study also found fo…
…
continue reading
1
Flow & The Art of Non-Doing [ep. 154]
13:58
13:58
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
13:58
We're talking about the concept of 'flow' and how to tap into that state of deep absorption in our activities. Interestingly, flow usually requires a bit of prep work. We have to feel comfortable with the challenge and have some confidence in our abilities before the art of letting go can occur. Tune in for some tips on how to shake overthinking so…
…
continue reading
1
To All The Dads With Depression And Anxiety... [ep. 153]
17:23
17:23
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
17:23
Read this carefully: children of fathers with mild depressive symptoms or anxiety tend to have fewer behavioral difficulties and higher IQs. Yup. We'll talk a bit about the research here, but we want to emphasize the huge benefits of acknowledging and sharing mental health struggles with those close to us. Yes, that means emotional openness is a pa…
…
continue reading
1
Getting Unstuck With Curiosity (encore) [ep. 152]
21:29
21:29
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
21:29
In this episode, we explore the element of curiosity and how it can work to reshape our brains. We become what we think, and by changing the way we think we can reframe how we see things. Curiosity can help us see things in different, positive ways that help us reprogram our neural pathways. Tune in to this episode to explore the element of curiosi…
…
continue reading
1
The Shocking Correlation Between Dandruff & Depression [ep. 151]
11:37
11:37
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
11:37
What do dandruff and depression have in common? Well, they are two of the most over-diagnosed/pathologized experiences of our human journey. They also shine a light on how judgment and stigma can hinder self-care. We'll talk about how we can look beyond the surface and address the real issues impacting mood and wellbeing, amidst the understanding t…
…
continue reading
1
Accept Yourself Just As You Are & Then You Can Change [ep. 150]
21:56
21:56
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
21:56
In this episode, we explore Carl Rogers' 'Curious Paradox'—the concept that true change comes from self-acceptance. We'll talk about the historical context of Rogers' humanistic psychology and his focus on unconditional positive regard and person-centered therapy. The big takeaway is the profound impact self-acceptance and self-compassion have on b…
…
continue reading
1
Antidepressant Withdrawal & Coming Off Antidepressants With Less Side Effects [ep. 149]
21:06
21:06
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
21:06
In this episode, we talk about the experience of coming off antidepressants. It's important to note that there is a serious lack of attention and research on antidepressant withdrawal compared to starting these medications. We'll talk about the challenges of withdrawal symptoms, the importance of patient voices in healthcare research, and best prac…
…
continue reading
1
Which Do You Usually Grab - The Handle of Hope or the Handle of Fear? (special replay) [ep. 148]
24:35
24:35
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
24:35
We wanted to share this replay from several years ago, because it covers the concept of hope and its relationship with mental health really well. In this episode, we'll share how hope work with the help of traditional wisdom, neuroscience, and personal experiences. We'll also highlight what we call the "enemies of joy." These include brain imbalanc…
…
continue reading
1
5-Hydroxytryptophan Side Effects & Benefits [ep. 147]
20:05
20:05
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
20:05
In this episode of the Joy Lab podcast, we're diving into the science and soul of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), a supplement known for supporting mood through its role in serotonin production. We'll cover the basics of 5-HTP and its role in depression and anxiety along with the complex nature of depression and how 5-HTP might play a role in supporti…
…
continue reading
1
Feel Hopeless? Hope's Out There (and in you too) [ep. 146]
20:19
20:19
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
20:19
In this episode of the Joy Lab podcast we explore the concept of hope as a crucial element of joy. We're offering an 'outside in' approach to hope in this episode, suggesting that by fostering hope for the world around us, we can boost our own hope, resilience, and personal growth. There are lots of nuggets to take away from this episode as we dig …
…
continue reading
1
How to Change: External vs Internal Motivators [ep. 145]
17:45
17:45
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
17:45
It can be hard to make healthy changes. And there's no shortage of advice on what to change and how to change. In this episode, we dig into why change can be hard and how to make the process a bit easier. We'll talk about the nuances of external and internal motivators in behavior change, distinguishing between external (extrinsic) motivators, whic…
…
continue reading
1
You Are Not Alone: Building Your Awareness of Unity & Belonging (encore) [ep. 144]
18:59
18:59
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
18:59
In this episode, we're working on our element Hope... and resilience as well! We're still adventuring through The Roots of Resilience (laid out in one of Dr. Emmons book, The Chemistry of Calm). We're talking about the seventh and final root, "Creating Deep Connections" and how those connections are essential for our resilience and hope. And fear n…
…
continue reading
1
Building Resilience And An Open Heart With Your Heart-Brain (encore) [ep. 143]
22:42
22:42
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
22:42
In this episode, we're working on our element Hope… and resilience as well! We're still adventuring through The Roots of Resilience (laid out in one of Dr. Emmons books, The Chemistry of Calm). We're talking about the sixth root, "Cultivating a Good Heart." What does this have to do with mental health?! A lot actually. We're not just a brain wander…
…
continue reading
1
Working Through Uncomfortable Feelings & Building Your Emotional Immune System (encore) [ep. 142]
20:58
20:58
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
20:58
In this episode, we're working on our element Hope... and resilience as well! We're still adventuring through The Roots of Resilience (laid out in one of Dr. Emmons book, The Chemistry of Calm). We're talking about the fifth root, "Turning Toward the Feeling." Specifically, those uncomfortable ones that we may want to run from or push down. Instead…
…
continue reading
1
The Truth Behind Your Thoughts And How to Calm Your Mind (encore) [ep. 141]
19:53
19:53
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
19:53
As you may know, we're still adventuring through The Roots of Resilience (laid out in one of Dr. Emmons book, The Chemistry of Calm). In this episode, we're working on our fourth root, "Calming the Mind." We'll hit on some key insights and strategies that include: Realizing we're thinking and that many of our thoughts are false, embracing the skill…
…
continue reading
1
Resilience, Hope, and Mental Health (encore) [ep. 140]
15:42
15:42
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
15:42
In this episode, we're working on our element Hope... and resilience as well! As you may know, we're still adventuring through The Roots of Resilience (laid out in one of Dr. Emmons book, The Chemistry of Calm). We’re adding this element of Hope because working on our resilience skills is something that can actually feed hope, which then boosts our…
…
continue reading
1
Align With Nature & Your Rhythms (ultradian, circadian, & infradian) [encore] [ep. 139]
27:54
27:54
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
27:54
In this episode, we're working on our element of Resilience and exploring the third "Root of Resilience" known as aligning with nature. The Roots of Resilience were laid out in one of Dr. Emmons book, "The Chemistry of Calm." This root builds on our last one ("managing energy") by embracing the cycles and rhythms that are part of a much bigger syst…
…
continue reading
1
Overcoming the Energy Thieves and Managing Energy to Feel More Refreshed, Engaged, & Connected (encore) | Joy Lab Podcast [ep. 138]
26:11
26:11
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
26:11
In this episode, we're working on our element of Resilience and exploring the second Root of Resilience known as managing energy. The Roots of Resilience were laid out in one of Dr. Emmons book, "The Chemistry of Calm." We'll work through this foundational aspect of resilience, focusing on how we can keep our resilience tank more full by returning …
…
continue reading
1
A Balanced Approach to Medications, Supplements, and Nutrition to Support Mood (encore) [ep. 137]
27:49
27:49
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
27:49
In this episode of the Joy Lab podcast, we're exploring a more balanced approach to supporting brain chemistry. Understanding brain chemistry for mental health is really important... it's not everything, but it's important (we'll get into those other important areas later in this series). In this episode, we'll touch on dietary strategies, suppleme…
…
continue reading
1
Refilling Your Resilience Tank (encore) [ep. 136]
19:55
19:55
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
19:55
In this episode, we're working on our element of Resilience. And even if you feel the opposite of resilient right now, we'll discuss more about how each of us is wired for resilience. We are naturally resilient and can uncover and build up this element--no matter what. This is also the first part of our "Roots of Resilience" series. The Roots of Re…
…
continue reading
In this episode of the Joy Lab podcast, we (Dr. Henry Emmons and Dr. Aimee Prasek) reintroduce our Roots of Resilience series, focusing on building resilience and uncovering joy by blending scientific and soulful approaches. And big news! Our Resilience Training program will be added to our NMH community this summer. In this series (and more so in …
…
continue reading
1
You're Wired for Resilience (special replay) [ep. 134]
32:17
32:17
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
32:17
We recorded this early in our Joy Lab journey, but it's as true as it was then. Truth is, we’re all wired for resilience. It’s built into all living systems, from a single cell to dynamic global systems. And none of us would be here if we didn't have it. But, have you wondered why we all have different levels of resilience and how it can be boosted…
…
continue reading
1
Lack of Sleep, Anxiety, and Panic Attacks [ep. 133]
12:24
12:24
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
12:24
In this episode of the Joy Lab podcast, hosts Dr. Henry Emmons and Dr. Aimee Prasek talk about the intricate relationships between sleep, stress, anxiety, and panic attacks, emphasizing the distinction between panic attacks and anxiety. They discuss the various factors contributing to panic attacks, including genetics, brain chemistry, and stress, …
…
continue reading
1
Discovering Your Resilience Type (+ Our Updated Resilience Quiz) [ep. 132]
15:47
15:47
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
15:47
In this episode of the Joy Lab podcast, we talk about our updated resilience quiz and the power of identifying your Resilience Type. The new quiz is more focused on innate strengths and is intended to provide insightful and relevant paths to consider as we foster more resilience and live more joyful lives. We'll also highlight the fluid nature ofRe…
…
continue reading
1
New Mail Bag & When To Turn Off the SAD Light [ep. 131]
11:52
11:52
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
11:52
In this episode of the Joy Lab podcast, hosts Dr. Henry Emmons and Dr. Aimee Prasek announce the new NMH Mailbag and address a listener's question about the appropriate use of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) lights, discussing optimal usage periods and considerations for adjusting use based on personal response. The discussion also touches on vit…
…
continue reading
1
drumroll, please... Meet our Updated Joy Lab Program! [ep. 130]
24:56
24:56
Toista myöhemmin
Toista myöhemmin
Listat
Tykkää
Tykätty
24:56
The Joy Lab podcast, hosted by Dr. Henry Emmons and Dr. Aimee Prasek, aims to help listeners build resilience and discover joy by blending scientific methods with soulful practices. In this episode, we re-introduce the Joy Lab program, now part of the Natural Mental Health (NMH) community. We discuss the program's foundation on the four pillars of …
…
continue reading