Feeling stressed lately? Our stress responses are being activated by a lot of stressors floating around lately. Activation is generally fine (and can be good stress!), as long as it recedes in a reasonable amount of time. If that doesn't happen, we can really lock ourselves into a chronic state of stress. Here'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/

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 [email protected]. Visit NAMI for more. You can also call or text SAMHSA at 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.