Learning to Love Well: Love Yourself First

In this episode of the Joy Lab Podcast, hosts Dr. Henry Emmons and Dr. Aimee Prasek talk about the cephalic phase of digestion and how mindful eating can promote better digestion. What's the cephalic phase of digestion? Glad you asked! The cephalic (head) phase of digestion is triggered by the sight and smell of food, continues on as you taste and savor your food, and here's the kicker: it can influence about 30 to 40% of the total digestive response. Mindful eating practices are perfect to support this phase of digestion. Tune in for some strategies to help you eat more mindfully and support this important aspect of digestion.

 

Key moments:

00:00 Introduction to Joy Lab Podcast
00:39 The Impact of Food on Mood
01:31 The Cephalic Phase of Digestion
03:02 The Importance of Mindful Eating
03:19 The Evolutionary Perspective on Savoring Food and Mindful Eating
06:56 The Role of Stress in Digestion
08:29 The Practice of Mindful Eating
12:01 The Benefits of Family Meals
14:36 Closing Thoughts and Tips for Mindful Eating
15:40 Outro and Medical Disclaimer

 

Joy Lab and Natural Mental Health are community-supported. When you buy through the links below, we may earn a commission. That support helps keeps the Joy Lab podcast free for all!  

Sources and Notes:

• Resilience Quiz and free Mini-Course: Based on decades of clinical experience, we've created a model of resilience that is both helpful and practical. True to our approach at Natural Mental Health, we start with strengths. You'll identify these strengths in your Resilience Type. Your Resilience Type highlights your unique strengths, what fuels your joy, what keeps you in balance, and the lifestyle practices that most nourish you. After you find your Resilience Type, sign up for your free mini-course to receive tailored lifestyle practices (e.g., foods to eat more of, ideal forms of exercise, supplements, and mindfulness activities) that can support your mood, resilience, and overall wellbeing.
• Resilient Community: Access lots of extra resilience-boosting resources (like our Sleeping Well Workshop) AND you'll join a group of inspiring folks who play an integral role in keeping this podcast going... which means powerful resources stay accessible to everyone.  
• Joy Lab Program: Take the next leap in your wellbeing journey with step-by-step practices to help you build and maintain the elements of joy in your life.
• Subscribe to our Newsletter: Join us over at NaturalMentalHealth.com for exclusive emails, updates, and additional strategies.
• Mindful eating practice. 
• Check out our favorite resilience-boosting reads: https://bookshop.org/shop/NMHreads
• Where to shop:
• Our partner store at Fullscript: This is where you can find high-quality supplements and wellness products. Except for our CBD Gummies, any product links mentioned in the show notes below will require an account. Sign up for your free Fullscript account here: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/nmh/store-start
• Resilient Remedies: This is where you can find our line of trusted, high-quality CBD gummies: https://www.resilientremedies.com/

 

Full transcript available at: https://www.naturalmentalhealth.com/podcasts/joy-lab-podcast/episodes/2148536759

 

Please remember that this content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice and is not a replacement for advice and treatment from a medical professional. Please consult your doctor or other qualified health professional before beginning any diet change, supplement, or lifestyle program.

Please see our terms for more information.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call the NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-6264 available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET. OR text "HelpLine" to 62640 or email NAMI at helpline@nami.org. Visit NAMI for more. You can also call or text SAMHSA at 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.

 

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 equanimity can come in. In this episode, we explore equanimity (we also like to call it inner calm), the science behind it, and how it has been sought after throughout human history. We share some learnings from those quests and five pathways to experiment with to help ease our stress responses and bring more equanimity back into our lives–even after just a single equanimity practice. 

 

IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Introduction to Joy Lab Podcast

00:43 Understanding the Concept of Equanimity

02:12 Historical Perspectives on Equanimity

03:50 Personal Experiences with Equanimity

10:12 The Neuroscience of Equanimity

13:38 The Science of Equanimity

19:21 Pathways to Inner Calm and Equanimity

27:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Equanimity is defined as an even-minded mental state where clear action can come from. It is not the same as indifference or apathy.
• Stress is not a bad thing, it is a normal and healthy reaction. But it is essential that we learn to respond to it in more healthy ways. 
• Individuals taught practices that helped them cultivate equanimity respond more calmly to a stressor and rebound more quickly compared to individuals who have not engaged in an equanimity practice.

 

Sources and Notes:

• Resilience Quiz and free Mini-Course: Based on decades of clinical experience, we've created a model of resilience that is both helpful and practical. True to our approach at Natural Mental Health, we start with strengths. You'll identify these strengths in your Resilience Type. Your Resilience Type highlights your unique strengths, what fuels your joy, what keeps you in balance, and the lifestyle practices that most nourish you. After you find your Resilience Type, sign up for your free mini-course to receive tailored lifestyle practices (e.g., foods to eat more of, ideal forms of exercise, supplements, and mindfulness activities) that can support your mood, resilience, and overall wellbeing.
• Resilient Community: Access lots of extra resilience-boosting resources (like our Sleeping Well Workshop) AND you'll join a group of inspiring folks who play an integral role in keeping this podcast going... which means powerful resources stay accessible to everyone.  
• Joy Lab Program: Take the next leap in your wellbeing journey with step-by-step practices to help you build and maintain the elements of joy in your life.
• Joan Halifax: https://gratefulness.org/resource/equanimity-the-fourth-abode/
• Pema Chodron: https://pemachodronfoundation.org/product/working-directly-with-the-mind-audio-download/
• Interoceptive Awareness Skills for Emotion Regulation- Theory and Approach of Mindful Awareness in Body-Oriented Therapy (MABT): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5985305/
• Mindfulness and Psychological Process: http://www.contemplativemind.org/enewsletter/2011_Spring/Mindfulness_and_Psychology-Mark_Williams.pdf
• Moving beyond Mindfulness- Defining Equanimity as an Outcome Measure in Meditation and Contemplative Research: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4350240/#R148
• Mind over Matter: Reappraising Arousal Improves Cardiovascular and Cognitive Responses to Stress: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3410434/
• Subscribe to our Newsletter: Join us over at NaturalMentalHealth.com for exclusive emails, updates, and additional strategies.
• Check out our favorite resilience-boosting reads: https://bookshop.org/shop/NMHreads
• Where to shop:
• Our partner store at Fullscript: This is where you can find high-quality supplements and wellness products. Except for our CBD Gummies, any product links mentioned in the show notes below will require an account. Sign up for your free Fullscript account here: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/nmh/store-start
• Resilient Remedies: This is where you can find our line of trusted, high-quality CBD gummies: https://www.resilientremedies.com/

 

Full transcript available at: https://www.naturalmentalhealth.com/podcasts/joy-lab-podcast/episodes/2148560136

 

Please remember that this content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice and is not a replacement for advice and treatment from a medical professional. Please consult your doctor or other qualified health professional before beginning any diet change, supplement, or lifestyle program.

Please see our terms for more information.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call the NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-6264 available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET. OR text "HelpLine" to 62640 or email NAMI at helpline@nami.org. Visit NAMI for more. You can also call or text SAMHSA at 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.

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 restore our system after clearing a virus (i.e., rest, hydration, a nutrient-rich diet, and supportive supplements).

 

KEY MOMENTS:

00:00 Introduction to Joy Lab Podcast

00:38 Understanding Viruses and Mental Health

01:32 Personal Experience with Viral Illness

02:10 The Science Behind Viral Illness and Mood

04:39 The Role of the Immune System in Mood Regulation

07:44 Understanding Postviral Fatigue and Syndrome

10:40 Strategies for Mood Support After Clearing a Virus

11:57 The Role of Nutrition and Supplements in Recovery

15:11 Closing Thoughts and Quote

15:57 Disclaimer and Conclusion

 

Joy Lab and Natural Mental Health are community-supported. When you buy through the links below, we may earn a commission. That support helps keeps the Joy Lab podcast free for all!  

Sources and Notes:

• Resilience Quiz and free Mini-Course: Based on decades of clinical experience, we've created a model of resilience that is both helpful and practical. True to our approach at Natural Mental Health, we start with strengths. You'll identify these strengths in your Resilience Type. Your Resilience Type highlights your unique strengths, what fuels your joy, what keeps you in balance, and the lifestyle practices that most nourish you. After you find your Resilience Type, sign up for your free mini-course to receive tailored lifestyle practices (e.g., foods to eat more of, ideal forms of exercise, supplements, and mindfulness activities) that can support your mood, resilience, and overall wellbeing.
• Resilient Community: Access lots of extra resilience-boosting resources (like our Sleeping Well Workshop) AND you'll join a group of inspiring folks who play an integral role in keeping this podcast going... which means powerful resources stay accessible to everyone.  
• Joy Lab Program: Take the next leap in your wellbeing journey with step-by-step practices to help you build and maintain the elements of joy in your life.
• Dantzer R. (2006). Cytokine, sickness behavior, and depression. Neurologic clinics, 24(3), 441–460. Access here.
• Dantzer, R., O'Connor, J. C., Freund, G. G., Johnson, R. W., & Kelley, K. W. (2008). From inflammation to sickness and depression: when the immune system subjugates the brain. Nature reviews. Neuroscience, 9(1), 46–56. Access here.
• Supplements noted (to shop, sign up for your free Fullscript account here: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/nmh/store-start):
• Immune Support Packets (comprehensive blend of many ingredients discussed in this episode)
• Vitamin C
• Ascorbic Acid capsules (Vitamin C)
• Omega 3's
• NeuroMood Pure Pack (Comprehensive daily packet providing vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, amino acids, and curcumin)
• OmegAvail Hi-Po (provides a potent 1600 mg of EPA/DHA per serving)
• Omega 3 DHA Vegan (this formulation originates from the microalga Schizochytrium sp., offering a high-quality alternative to animal-based food sources)
• Zinc
• UltraZin Zinc (enhanced absorption zinc)
• Mushroom and immune support blends
• Immunitone Plus (botanicals + mushroom extracts)
• M/R/S Mushroom Formula (combination of maitake, reishi and shiitake mushroom)
• Where to shop:
• Our partner store at Fullscript: This is where you can find high-quality supplements and wellness products. Except for our CBD Gummies, any product links mentioned in the show notes below will require an account. Sign up for your free Fullscript account here: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/nmh/store-start
• Resilient Remedies: This is where you can find our line of trusted, high-quality CBD gummies: https://www.resilientremedies.com/
• Subscribe to our Newsletter: Join us over at NaturalMentalHealth.com for exclusive emails, updates, and additional strategies.
• Check out our favorite resilience-boosting reads: https://bookshop.org/shop/NMHreads

 

Full transcript available at: https://www.naturalmentalhealth.com/podcasts/joy-lab-podcast/episodes/2148560676

 

Please remember that this content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice and is not a replacement for advice and treatment from a medical professional. Please consult your doctor or other qualified health professional before beginning any diet change, supplement, or lifestyle program.

Please see our terms for more information.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call the NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-6264 available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET. OR text "HelpLine" to 62640 or email NAMI at helpline@nami.org. Visit NAMI for more. You can also call or text SAMHSA at 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.

  

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 from other's experiences. We'll talk about how this approach can help us shift our personal story-telling in such a way that actually boosts our mood. 

 

Key moments:

00:00 Introduction to Joy Lab Podcast
00:39 The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
02:41 Understanding Social Comparison and Social Savoring
06:56 The Role of Social Media in Social Comparisons
10:39 The Power of Changing Our Social Media Narratives
16:50 The Role of the Prefrontal Cortex in Managing Emotions
19:26 Closing Thoughts and Wisdom from Thich Nhat Hanh
19:54 Outro and Disclaimer

 

Joy Lab and Natural Mental Health are community-supported. When you buy through the links below, we may earn a commission. That support helps keeps the Joy Lab podcast free for all!  

Sources and Notes:

• Resilience Quiz and free Mini-Course: Based on decades of clinical experience, we've created a model of resilience that is both helpful and practical. True to our approach at Natural Mental Health, we start with strengths. You'll identify these strengths in your Resilience Type. Your Resilience Type highlights your unique strengths, what fuels your joy, what keeps you in balance, and the lifestyle practices that most nourish you. After you find your Resilience Type, sign up for your free mini-course to receive tailored lifestyle practices (e.g., foods to eat more of, ideal forms of exercise, supplements, and mindfulness activities) that can support your mood, resilience, and overall wellbeing.
• Resilient Community: Access lots of extra resilience-boosting resources (like our Sleeping Well Workshop) AND you'll join a group of inspiring folks who play an integral role in keeping this podcast going... which means powerful resources stay accessible to everyone.  
• Joy Lab Program: Take the next leap in your wellbeing journey with step-by-step practices to help you build and maintain the elements of joy in your life.
• Subscribe to our Newsletter: Join us over at NaturalMentalHealth.com for exclusive emails, updates, and additional strategies.
• Fardouly J., Pinkus R., & Vartanian L. (2017). The impact of appearance comparisons made through social media, traditional media, and in-person in women's everyday lives. Access here.
• Corning, A., Krumm A., & Smitham, L. (2006). Differential social comparison processes in women with and without eating disorder symptoms. Access here.
• Pinkasavage E., Arigo D., & Schumacher L. (2015). Social comparison, negative body image, and disordered eating behavior: the moderating role of coping style. Access here. 
• Myers, T. & Crowther, J. (2009). Social comparison as a predictor of body dissatisfaction: a meta-analytic review. Access here.
• Seabrook, E., Kern, M., & Rickard, N. (2016). Social networking sites, depression, and anxiety: a systematic review. Access here. 
• Check out our favorite resilience-boosting reads: https://bookshop.org/shop/NMHreads
• Where to shop:
  • Our partner store at Fullscript: This is where you can find high-quality supplements and wellness products. Except for our CBD Gummies, any product links mentioned in the show notes below will require an account. Sign up for your free Fullscript account here: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/nmh/store-start
  • Resilient Remedies: This is where you can find our line of trusted, high-quality CBD gummies: https://www.resilientremedies.com/

 

Please remember that this content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice and is not a replacement for advice and treatment from a medical professional. Please consult your doctor or other qualified health professional before beginning any diet change, supplement, or lifestyle program.

Please see our terms for more information.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call the NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-6264 available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET. OR text "HelpLine" to 62640 or email NAMI at helpline@nami.org. Visit NAMI for more. You can also call or text SAMHSA at 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.

 

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 and wait-it-out, light adjustment, focusing on sleep, physical movement, dietary changes, and certain supplements. Remember, this is a natural transition and, at the same time, it's always a good idea to work with a medical professional if symptoms persist.

 

Key moments:

00:00 Introduction to the Joy Lab Podcast
00:38 Understanding Seasonal Mood Changes
04:04 Strategies for Managing Seasonal Mood Shifts
11:40 Natural Therapies for Seasonal Mood Shifts
13:45 Closing Thoughts and Whitman Quote
14:23 Outro and Disclaimer

 

Joy Lab and Natural Mental Health are community-supported. When you buy through the links below, we may earn a commission. That support helps keeps the Joy Lab podcast free for all!  

 

Sources and Notes:

• Resilience Quiz and free Mini-Course: Based on decades of clinical experience, we've created a model of resilience that is both helpful and practical. True to our approach at Natural Mental Health, we start with strengths. You'll identify these strengths in your Resilience Type. Your Resilience Type highlights your unique strengths, what fuels your joy, what keeps you in balance, and the lifestyle practices that most nourish you. After you find your Resilience Type, sign up for your free mini-course to receive tailored lifestyle practices (e.g., foods to eat more of, ideal forms of exercise, supplements, and mindfulness activities) that can support your mood, resilience, and overall wellbeing.
• Soothing Diet: Focus on the Resilient Diet and consider the food list from your Resilience Type mini-course
• Supplements Discussed and Where to Shop: 
• Our partner store at Fullscript: This is where you can find high-quality supplements and wellness products. Except for our CBD Gummies, any product links mentioned in the show notes below will require an account. Sign up for your free Fullscript account here: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/nmh/store-start
• Magnesium L-threonate
• L-Theanine
• Neurocalm
• Best Rest Formula
• Resilient Remedies: This is where you can find our line of trusted, high-quality CBD gummies: https://www.resilientremedies.com/
• CBD Calm
• CBD Sleep
• Resilient Community: Access lots of extra resilience-boosting resources (like our Sleeping Well Workshop) AND you'll join a group of inspiring folks who play an integral role in keeping this podcast going... which means powerful resources stay accessible to everyone.  
• Joy Lab Program: Take the next leap in your wellbeing journey with step-by-step practices to help you build and maintain the elements of joy in your life.
• Subscribe to our Newsletter: Join us over at NaturalMentalHealth.com for exclusive emails, updates, and additional strategies.
• Check out our favorite resilience-boosting reads: https://bookshop.org/shop/NMHreads

 

Full transcript available at: https://www.naturalmentalhealth.com/podcasts/joy-lab-podcast/episodes/2148464779

 

Please remember that this content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice and is not a replacement for advice and treatment from a medical professional. Please consult your doctor or other qualified health professional before beginning any diet change, supplement, or lifestyle program.

Please see our terms for more information.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call the NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-6264 available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET. OR text "HelpLine" to 62640 or email NAMI at helpline@nami.org. Visit NAMI for more. You can also call or text SAMHSA at 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.

 

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 positive information. This can be an obstacle to self-acceptance and it's important to call out. This chat also ends with a guided practice led by Dr. Henry Emmons, focusing on self-acceptance and the practice of letting go of self-judgement.

 

Key moments:

 00:00 Introduction to the Joy Lab Podcast
00:32 Understanding Resilience
02:33 Key Aspects of Resilience: Self Acceptance and Connection
03:35 The Role of Self Acceptance in Resilience
04:13 The Power of Connection in Building Resilience
04:20 Overcoming Obstacles to Self Acceptance
05:18 Understanding the Positive Negative Asymmetry Effect
07:36 Practical Exercise for Self Acceptance
22:08 Closing Remarks and Appreciation
23:21 Important Disclaimers and Terms

 

Joy Lab and Natural Mental Health are community-supported. When you buy through the links below, we may earn a commission. That support helps keeps the Joy Lab podcast free for all!  

 

Sources and Notes:

• Resilience Quiz and free Mini-Course: Based on decades of clinical experience, we've created a model of resilience that is both helpful and practical. True to our approach at Natural Mental Health, we start with strengths. You'll identify these strengths in your Resilience Type. Your Resilience Type highlights your unique strengths, what fuels your joy, what keeps you in balance, and the lifestyle practices that most nourish you. After you find your Resilience Type, sign up for your free mini-course to receive tailored lifestyle practices (e.g., foods to eat more of, ideal forms of exercise, supplements, and mindfulness activities) that can support your mood, resilience, and overall wellbeing.
• Resilient Community: Access lots of extra resilience-boosting resources (like our Sleeping Well Workshop) AND you'll join a group of inspiring folks who play an integral role in keeping this podcast going... which means powerful resources stay accessible to everyone.  
• Joy Lab Program: Take the next leap in your wellbeing journey with step-by-step practices to help you build and maintain the elements of joy in your life.
• Subscribe to our Newsletter: Join us over at NaturalMentalHealth.com for exclusive emails, updates, and additional strategies.
• Check out our favorite resilience-boosting reads: https://bookshop.org/shop/NMHreads
• Where to shop:
• Our partner store at Fullscript: This is where you can find high-quality supplements and wellness products. Except for our CBD Gummies, any product links mentioned in the show notes below will require an account. Sign up for your free Fullscript account here: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/nmh/store-start
• Resilient Remedies: This is where you can find our line of trusted, high-quality CBD gummies: https://www.resilientremedies.com/

 

Full transcript available at: https://www.naturalmentalhealth.com/podcasts/joy-lab-podcast/episodes/2148541330

 

Please remember that this content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice and is not a replacement for advice and treatment from a medical professional. Please consult your doctor or other qualified health professional before beginning any diet change, supplement, or lifestyle program.

Please see our terms for more information.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call the NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-6264 available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET. OR text "HelpLine" to 62640 or email NAMI at helpline@nami.org. Visit NAMI for more. You can also call or text SAMHSA at 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.

 

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 up for your free mini-course for ideas of foods to add. 

 

Key moments:

00:00 Introduction to Joy Lab Podcast
00:42 The Importance of Nourishing Food
01:25 The Problem with Restrictive Diets
02:03 Personal Journey and Philosophy on Nutrition
03:28 The Impact of Modern Food Choices
04:17 The Importance of Variety in Diet
06:02 The Psychology of Eating and Dieting
08:41 The Power of Positive Eating Habits
11:27 The Role of Diet in Mental Health
15:40 Key Factors in a Mood-Boosting Diet
17:35 Closing Thoughts and Future Topics
18:20 Podcast Wrap-up and Disclaimer

 

Joy Lab and Natural Mental Health are community-supported. When you buy through the links below, we may earn a commission. That support helps keeps the Joy Lab podcast free for all! 

 

Sources and Notes:

• Polivy, J., & Herman, C. P. (2020). Overeating in Restrained and Unrestrained Eaters. Frontiers in nutrition, 7, 30. Access here. 
• Crum, A. J., Corbin, W. R., Brownell, K. D., & Salovey, P. (2011). Mind over milkshakes: mindsets, not just nutrients, determine ghrelin response. Health psychology : official journal of the Division of Health Psychology, American Psychological Association, 30(4), 424–431. Access here.
• Related Joy Lab podcast episode: Your Unique Diet for Mental Health (Depression and Anxiety Coping Skills Podcourse)
• Resilience Quiz and free Mini-Course: Based on decades of clinical experience, we've created a model of resilience that is both helpful and practical. True to our approach at Natural Mental Health, we start with strengths. You'll identify these strengths in your Resilience Type. Your Resilience Type highlights your unique strengths, what fuels your joy, what keeps you in balance, and the lifestyle practices that most nourish you. After you find your Resilience Type, sign up for your free mini-course to receive tailored lifestyle practices (e.g., foods to eat more of, ideal forms of exercise, supplements, and mindfulness activities) that can support your mood, resilience, and overall wellbeing.
• Resilient Community: Access lots of extra resilience-boosting resources (like our Sleeping Well Workshop) AND you'll join a group of inspiring folks who play an integral role in keeping this podcast going... which means powerful resources stay accessible to everyone.  
• Joy Lab Program: Take the next leap in your wellbeing journey with step-by-step practices to help you build and maintain the elements of joy in your life.
• Subscribe to our Newsletter: Join us over at NaturalMentalHealth.com for exclusive emails, updates, and additional strategies.
• Check out our favorite resilience-boosting reads: https://bookshop.org/shop/NMHreads
• Where to shop:
• Our partner store at Fullscript: This is where you can find high-quality supplements and wellness products. Except for our CBD Gummies, any product links mentioned in the show notes below will require an account. Sign up for your free Fullscript account here: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/nmh/store-start
• Resilient Remedies: This is where you can find our line of trusted, high-quality CBD gummies: https://www.resilientremedies.com/

 

Full transcript available at: https://www.naturalmentalhealth.com/podcasts/joy-lab-podcast/episodes/2148464775

 

Please remember that this content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice and is not a replacement for advice and treatment from a medical professional. Please consult your doctor or other qualified health professional before beginning any diet change, supplement, or lifestyle program.

 

Please see our terms for more information.

 

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call the NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-6264 available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET. OR text "HelpLine" to 62640 or email NAMI at helpline@nami.org. Visit NAMI for more. You can also call or text SAMHSA at 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.

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 Introduction to Joy Lab Podcast
00:38 Exploring the Element of Savoring
01:22 The Joy of Certainty...Really?!
02:00 The Role of Uncertainty in Joy
02:32 The Surprising Strategy to Boost Savoring
05:38 The Impact of Uncertainty on Savoring: A Study
08:17 Understanding the Human Response to Uncertainty
10:00 The Power of Savoring in the Face of Uncertainty
13:33 The Role of Awareness in Embracing Uncertainty
14:54 Closing Thoughts and Wisdom from Pierre de Ronsard
15:09 Outro and Disclaimer

 

Joy Lab and Natural Mental Health are community-supported. When you buy through the links below, we may earn a commission. That support helps keeps the Joy Lab podcast free for all!

  

Sources and Notes:

• Resilience Quiz and free Mini-Course: Based on decades of clinical experience, we've created a model of resilience that is both helpful and practical. True to our approach at Natural Mental Health, we start with strengths. You'll identify these strengths in your Resilience Type. Your Resilience Type highlights your unique strengths, what fuels your joy, what keeps you in balance, and the lifestyle practices that most nourish you. After you find your Resilience Type, sign up for your free mini-course to receive tailored lifestyle practices (e.g., foods to eat more of, ideal forms of exercise, supplements, and mindfulness activities) that can support your mood, resilience, and overall wellbeing.
• Resilient Community: Access lots of extra resilience-boosting resources (like our Sleeping Well Workshop) AND you'll join a group of inspiring folks who play an integral role in keeping this podcast going... which means powerful resources stay accessible to everyone.  
• Joy Lab Program: Take the next leap in your wellbeing journey with step-by-step practices to help you build and maintain the elements of joy in your life.
• Gregory, A. L., Quoidbach, J., Haase, C. M., & Piff, P. K. (2023). Be here now: Perceptions of uncertainty enhance savoring. Emotion, 23(1), 30–40. Access here.
• Dr. Lucy Hone's website, "Coping with Loss"
• Subscribe to our Newsletter: Join us over at NaturalMentalHealth.com for exclusive emails, updates, and additional strategies.
• Check out our favorite resilience-boosting reads: https://bookshop.org/shop/NMHreads
• Where to shop:
• Our partner store at Fullscript: This is where you can find high-quality supplements and wellness products. Except for our CBD Gummies, any product links mentioned in the show notes below will require an account. Sign up for your free Fullscript account here: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/nmh/store-start
• Resilient Remedies: This is where you can find our line of trusted, high-quality CBD gummies: https://www.resilientremedies.com/

 

Full transcript available at: https://www.naturalmentalhealth.com/podcasts/joy-lab-podcast/episodes/2148464617

 

Please remember that this content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice and is not a replacement for advice and treatment from a medical professional. Please consult your doctor or other qualified health professional before beginning any diet change, supplement, or lifestyle program.

Please see our terms for more information.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call the NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-6264 available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET. OR text "HelpLine" to 62640 or email NAMI at helpline@nami.org. Visit NAMI for more. You can also call or text SAMHSA at 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.

 

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:

00:00 Introduction to Joy Lab Podcast

00:38 The Importance of Movement vs Exercise

04:02 Personal Experiences and Insights on Movement

06:10 The Science Behind Movement and Exercise

08:47 The Role of Exercise in Stress Management

12:45 Practical Strategies for Incorporating More Movement

16:55 Closing Thoughts and Resources

18:10 Disclaimer and Conclusion

 

Joy Lab and Natural Mental Health are community-supported. When you buy through the links below, we may earn a commission. That support helps keeps the Joy Lab podcast free for all!  

 

Sources and Notes:

• Resilience Quiz and free Mini-Course: Based on decades of clinical experience, we've created a model of resilience that is both helpful and practical. True to our approach at Natural Mental Health, we start with strengths. You'll identify these strengths in your Resilience Type. Your Resilience Type highlights your unique strengths, what fuels your joy, what keeps you in balance, and the lifestyle practices that most nourish you. After you find your Resilience Type, sign up for your free mini-course to receive tailored lifestyle practices (e.g., foods to eat more of, ideal forms of exercise, supplements, and mindfulness activities) that can support your mood, resilience, and overall wellbeing.
• Resilient Community: Access lots of extra resilience-boosting resources (like our Sleeping Well Workshop) AND you'll join a group of inspiring folks who play an integral role in keeping this podcast going... which means powerful resources stay accessible to everyone.  
• Joy Lab Program: Take the next leap in your wellbeing journey with step-by-step practices to help you build and maintain the elements of joy in your life.
• Subscribe to our Newsletter: Join us over at NaturalMentalHealth.com for exclusive emails, updates, and additional strategies.
• Check out our favorite resilience-boosting reads: https://bookshop.org/shop/NMHreads
• Where to shop:
• Our partner store at Fullscript: This is where you can find high-quality supplements and wellness products. Except for our CBD Gummies, any product links mentioned in the show notes below will require an account. Sign up for your free Fullscript account here: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/nmh/store-start
• Resilient Remedies: This is where you can find our line of trusted, high-quality CBD gummies: https://www.resilientremedies.com/

 

Transcript available at: https://www.naturalmentalhealth.com/podcasts/joy-lab-podcast/episodes/2148464616

 

Please remember that this content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice and is not a replacement for advice and treatment from a medical professional. Please consult your doctor or other qualified health professional before beginning any diet change, supplement, or lifestyle program.

 

Please see our terms for more information.

 

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call the NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-6264 available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET. OR text "HelpLine" to 62640 or email NAMI at helpline@nami.org. Visit NAMI for more. You can also call or text SAMHSA at 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.

 

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 the Element of Savoring

01:28 The Science Behind Savoring

02:24 The Power of Savoring in Daily Life

07:26 Savoring and the Dopamine System

15:14 The Role of Savoring in Emotional Regulation

20:45 Personal Experiences with Savoring

25:08 The Many Ways to Savor

25:50 Closing Thoughts and Invitation to the Joy Lab Program

 

Joy Lab and Natural Mental Health are community-supported. When you buy through the links below, we may earn a commission. That support helps keeps the Joy Lab podcast free for all! 

 

Sources and Notes:

• Resilience Quiz and free Mini-Course: Based on decades of clinical experience, we've created a model of resilience that is both helpful and practical. True to our approach at Natural Mental Health, we start with strengths. You'll identify these strengths in your Resilience Type. Your Resilience Type highlights your unique strengths, what fuels your joy, what keeps you in balance, and the lifestyle practices that most nourish you. After you find your Resilience Type, sign up for your free mini-course to receive tailored lifestyle practices (e.g., foods to eat more of, ideal forms of exercise, supplements, and mindfulness activities) that can support your mood, resilience, and overall wellbeing.
• Resilient Community: Access lots of extra resilience-boosting resources (like our Sleeping Well Workshop) AND you'll join a group of inspiring folks who play an integral role in keeping this podcast going... which means powerful resources stay accessible to everyone.  
• Joy Lab Program: Take the next leap in your wellbeing journey with step-by-step practices to help you build and maintain the elements of joy in your life.
• Bryant, F. B. (2021). Current Progress and Future Directions for Theory and Research on Savoring. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.771698.
• Parker-Pope, T. (January 3, 2022). Diets Make You Feel Bad. Try Training Your Brain Instead. The New York Times.
• Wilson, K. A., & MacNamara, A. (2021). Savor the moment: Willful increase in positive emotion and the persistence of this effect across time. Psychophysiology, 58. doi: 10.1111/psyp.13754
• Subscribe to our Newsletter: Join us over at NaturalMentalHealth.com for exclusive emails, updates, and additional strategies.
• Check out our favorite resilience-boosting reads: https://bookshop.org/shop/NMHreads
• Where to shop:
• Our partner store at Fullscript: This is where you can find high-quality supplements and wellness products. Except for our CBD Gummies, any product links mentioned in the show notes below will require an account. Sign up for your free Fullscript account here: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/nmh/store-start
• Resilient Remedies: This is where you can find our line of trusted, high-quality CBD gummies: https://www.resilientremedies.com/

 

Full transcript available at: https://www.naturalmentalhealth.com/podcasts/joy-lab-podcast/episodes/2148464615

 

Please remember that this content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice and is not a replacement for advice and treatment from a medical professional. Please consult your doctor or other qualified health professional before beginning any diet change, supplement, or lifestyle program.

Please see our terms for more information.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call the NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-6264 available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET. OR text "HelpLine" to 62640 or email NAMI at helpline@nami.org. Visit NAMI for more. You can also call or text SAMHSA at 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.