Joy Lab | navigate depression, anxiety, & stress with the science of joy

Feeling stressed lately? Our stress responses are being activated by a lot of stressors floating around lately. That's why we wanted to replay this episode that digs more into stress and reclaiming balance. As we'll get into, stress is generally fine as long as it recedes in a reasonable amount of time. If that doesn't happen, we can lock ourselves into a chronic state of stress. That's where equa...

In this episode, we're talking about the relationship between viruses and depression. We'll cover how viral illnesses can negatively impact mood, how this process is completely natural, and how it can go awry. We'll hit on the role of inflammation, and how mood-regulating chemicals in the brain such as serotonin and dopamine can get disrupted. And of course, we'll cover some strategies to help res...

In this episode, we discuss the impact of social media on mental health, focusing on the concepts of social comparison and social savoring. One route that social media can take to tank our mood has to do with social comparison, where we evaluate our own worth based on others. However, the negative impacts of this can be reduced through the practice of social savoring, which aims at deriving joy fr...

In this episode, we discuss the variations of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and mood shifts that surface in different seasons... particularly the less-talked-about shift that can happen between mid-February and April. This is a time when individuals might feel more agitated and overactive compared to typical winter depression. We'll talk about some key strategies to consider such as awareness...

In this episode, we're replaying a special LIVE chat from our Natural Mental Health Resilient Community. In this chat, we briefly talk about what resilience is and how self-acceptance and connection are critical factors in building resilience. We also highlight a very common obstacle known as the 'positive-negative asymmetry effect' or our human tendency to dwell on negative information more than...

Fad diets generally focus on foods to ban from your plate. It's an approach that can lead to an effect we get into in this episode called the "what the hell effect." And it's spot-on. So, how can that effect be avoided? We'll highlight an approach that focuses not just on foods to add, but paying attention to how those foods add to your mental health. Be sure to take our Resilience Quiz and sign u...

In this episode, we're talking about the relationship of joy and uncertainty. Uncertainty usually gets a bad rap, but we're wired to navigate uncertainty far more elegantly than we might believe. We'll highlight how initially, uncertainty can lead to discomfort. However, the next step in this process is often a draw to be present, savor something, and connect with others.     Key moments: 00:00 In...

In this episode, we explore the power of movement and how it differs from exercise. Why distinguish between the two? Because movement can offer unique benefits for mental health and overall wellbeing. Drawing from personal experiences as well as relevant research, we'll highlight ways to embrace simple, daily movements that can support mood, memory, sleep, and overall wellbeing.     Key moments: 0...

n this episode, we dive deep into the concept of 'savoring,' an often-dismissed element of joy, packed with transformative potentsial. We'll highlight how savoring is an essential aspect of emotional regulation, a skill we can improve with practice, and a powerful tool to tap into and even recalibrate our dopamine system.     Key moments: 00:00 Introduction to the Joy Lab Podcast 00:36 Exploring t...

In this episode, we discuss the importance of sleep for good mental health. We'll dig into the psychobiological model of sleep to help identify some tailored strategies you can use to improve your sleep. The factors we focus on are cognitive de-arousal (calm your mind), physiological de-arousal (calm your body), daytime facilitation of nighttime sleep (calm an over-active stress response), and sle...

In this episode, we're revisiting an older episode on the power of inspiration. Inspiration is a powerful aspect of personal growth and mental health and there are ways we can nurture the inner-aspects of this element so it's more likely to show up in our lives. Inspiration is also a key factor in achieving goals and resolutions... as are the fallow periods when inspiration seems to b running dry....

In this episode, we explore some downsides of self-care. This knowledge is key because self-care is often marketed as a luxury, while distracting from our most basic needs. We'll talk more about the problems of hyper-focusing on ourselves, the external factors that defeat self-care, and the essential factor of community when it comes to self-care (ironic, but true!).     Key moments: 00:00 Introdu...

In this episode, we discuss how to use your resilience type to achieve your goals and resolutions more successfully. We'll offer in-depth strategies for our six different resilience types which include the creative and enthusiastic types, the passionate and determined types, and the grounded and mindful types. Be sure to take our Resilience Quiz to find your Type!     Key moments: 00:00 Introducti...

In this episode, we'll talk about two terms that are often used interchangeably: anxiety attacks and panic attacks. We'll distinguish between the two and talk about the nature of stress-related anxiety (and surges of anxiety) and seemingly un-triggered panic attacks. The good news is that understanding and distinguishing between these experiences can help lead to effective care and treatment for t...

Resolutions can often feel a bit too... heavy. Let's take a fresh perspective on resolutions and goal-setting. In this episode, we'll talk about leveraging the 'Fresh Start Effect' with a more empowering and effective frame for establishing new habits.          Key moments: 00:00 Introduction to Joy Lab Podcast 00:40 The Science and Soul of Resolutions 04:04 The Fresh Start Effect and Temporal Mil...

Joy Lab is back with an exciting new schedule that includes Wednesday Joy Lab episodes and Saturday Resilience Lab episodes! The latter will focus on common mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, offering tools and knowledge to help in overcoming these challenges. Looking forward to being with you all more often!     Sources and Notes: Resilience Quiz and free Mini-Course : Based on...

In this episode of Joy Lab Podcast, Dr. Henry Emmons guides us through a powerful guided meditation and journaling practice that we like to call: Dialogue With Your soul.      Sources and Notes: This episode is part of our Podcourse! To get the most of the course, you may want to follow along in order, beginning with episode #78 and you can visit the Podcourse Page to find all the episodes. Howeve...

In this episode of JoyLab Podcast, Dr. Henry Emmons touches on the exploration of depression as a sacred experience that can serve as a vehicle for growth.       Sources and Notes: This episode is part of our Podcourse! To get the most of the course, you may want to follow along in order, beginning with episode #78 and you can visit the Podcourse Page to find all the episodes. However , these epis...

In this quick bonus episode, Dr. Henry Emmons will describe the simple way to practice sympathetic joy in daily life. Sources and Notes: This episode is part of our Podcourse! To get the most of the course, you may want to follow along in order, beginning with episode #78 and you can visit the Podcourse Page to find all the episodes. However , these episodes can be listened to in any order and you...

Get comfortable and settle in for this heart opening meditation with Dr. Henry Emmons. Remember to simply observe, accepting whatever state your heart is in without judgement.      Sources and Notes: This episode is part of our Podcourse! To get the most of the course, you may want to follow along in order, beginning with episode #78 and you can visit the Podcourse Page to find all the episodes. H...

In this episode of the Joy Lab podcast, Dr. Henry Emmons highlights the concept of the 'illusion of separation,' explaining that we are not isolated beings but deeply connected to each other and the world around us. In the context of easing depression and anxiety, this concept emphasizes the critical role of human connection, kindness, love, and self-compassion.      Sources and Notes: This episod...

In this episode of the Joy Lab podcast, hosts Dr. Henry Emmons and Dr. Aimee Prasek delve into the concept of sympathetic joy, a concept that encourages joy in others' well-being. That alone is a powerful tool to help combat feelings of isolation and build a more interconnected, joyful life. Aimee will also explain some of the science of emotional contagion, exploring how our emotions and physiolo...

This is a simple, yet powerful compassion meditation that you can do at any time. This practice can help create greater self-compassion and enhance your ability to be present with others in times of need.       Sources and Notes: This episode is part of our Podcourse! To get the most of the course, you may want to follow along in order, beginning with episode #78 and you can visit the Podcourse Pa...

In this episode, Dr. Henry Emmons explores how we can cultivate a good heart and its profound impact on our wellbeing, especially in overcoming challenges like depression and anxiety. Be sure to listen in for the story about a wise sage and a young seeker. It illustrates the importance of nurturing our capacity for compassion and understanding suffering. And just like the sage's lesson with the bi...

Last episode, Dr. Emmons talked about emotional storms. This is a meditation to help practice with those storms. This meditation is something that's really best done after it's happened, after you've settled down a little bit, and the emotion's not so strong. The power of this practice is in its ability to offer wisdom from those storms. To rework the event. To imagine yourself doing it in a diffe...