Joy Lab | strengthen your mental health with the science of joy

In this episode, we're introducing our podcourse! Expect to learn key coping skills for depression, anxiety, and chronic stress. However, "coping skills" aren't where we'll stop. We'll blend science with soul and dive into the key practices to not only cope with depression, chronic stress, and anxiety but to rise above them and embrace a life of flourishing.

Key bits from this episode:

• There are many holistic coping skills that can help you get back to baseline. We'll cover tailored diet and nutrition strategies, mood-boosting exercise tips, simple ways to support sleep, supplements to consider, and information about medication that you can discuss with your doctor if needed.
• But that's not all! We're taking you on a journey that explores the mind and heart too. Dive deep into practices that will calm your mind, boost your resilience, and create a bigger container for life's challenges.
• Aimee shares a bit of her path from struggling with depression to discovering the power of integrative modalities.

About: The Joy Lab Podcast is an Ambie-nominated podcast that blends science and soul to help you cope better with stress, anxiety, and depression. It's hosted by integrative psychiatrist Dr. Henry Emmons and holistic mental health researcher Dr. Aimee Prasek.

The podcast is best paired with the Joy Lab App.

Bonus: spread some joy and keep this podcast ad-free by donating (Joy Lab is powered by the nonprofit Pathways North and your donations are tax-deductible).

Listen & follow the Joy Lab Podcast on your favorite listening app:

Spotify | Apple | YouTube

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

What the heck is Joy Lab? And what is joy? Good questions! We talked about these things a LONG time ago and thought it timely to share this episode again. This episode is a reminder of why we do what we do here at Joy Lab and, most of all, why it works.

Key bits from this episode:

• Joy is not the opposite of depression. It is different from happiness and runs deeper than any feeling.
• Joy can be accessed anytime and anywhere.
• Joy is not just an emotion. It is a peaceful and natural state of being that is woven into our nature.

About: The Joy Lab Podcast is an Ambie-nominated podcast that blends science and soul to help you cope better with stress, anxiety, and depression. It's hosted by integrative psychiatrist Dr. Henry Emmons and holistic mental health researcher Dr. Aimee Prasek.

The podcast is best paired with the Joy Lab App.

Bonus: spread some joy and keep this podcast ad-free by donating (Joy Lab is powered by the nonprofit Pathways North and your donations are tax-deductible).

Listen & follow the Joy Lab Podcast on your favorite listening app:

Spotify | Apple | YouTube

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

The theme of this episode is Love. Not the rom-com version of love, but the genuine deep connection that we all long for. And even though love is all around, it's easy to close our hearts to love, in fear of becoming vulnerable and getting hurt. So how do we open ourselves again, and how do we keep our hearts open? Tune into this episode to learn the five lessons on loving well and how we can keep our hearts and minds open to love.

Key bits from this episode:

• Love is always there. We just need to keep our hearts open so we can let it in.
• When learning how to love and let the love in, we need to learn how to love ourselves first.
• Many of us still believe that if we want to be happy, we need to weed out all the flaws, which is a never-ending quest. Instead, we need to find the balance between self-improvement and self-acceptance.
• Everyone is doing the best they can, at any given moment. See that innocence in yourself and others.

About: The Joy Lab Podcast is an Ambie-nominated podcast that blends science and soul to help you cope better with stress, anxiety, and depression. It's hosted by integrative psychiatrist Dr. Henry Emmons and holistic mental health researcher Dr. Aimee Prasek.

The podcast is best paired with the Joy Lab App.

Bonus: spread some joy and keep this podcast ad-free by donating (Joy Lab is powered by the nonprofit Pathways North and your donations are tax-deductible).

Listen & follow the Joy Lab Podcast on your favorite listening app:

Spotify | Apple | YouTube

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

Are you feeling the weight of loneliness or disconnection and their impact on your mental health? Join in as Henry guides you through a powerful meditation that starts within – creating a blueprint for meaningful connections and a sense of belonging. Drawing inspiration from the wisdom of the soul, you'll tap into your creative imagination and your existing connectivity to build your "House of Belonging."

Key bits: - The connection between loneliness and depression - How to hold the belief that you can create a loving community - Embracing the truth of your interconnectedness - Learn the easy-to-practice heart-opening meditation to cultivate gratitude for your relationships - Practical steps to continue building your web of connection

About: The Joy Lab Podcast is an Ambie-nominated podcast that blends science and soul to help you cope better with stress, anxiety, and depression. It's hosted by integrative psychiatrist Dr. Henry Emmons and holistic mental health researcher Dr. Aimee Prasek.

The podcast is best paired with the Joy Lab App.

Bonus: spread some joy and keep this podcast ad-free by donating (Joy Lab is powered by the nonprofit Pathways North and your donations are tax-deductible).

Listen & follow the Joy Lab Podcast on your favorite listening app:

Spotify | Apple | YouTube

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

In our previous episode, we explored the darker sides of isolation and loneliness, but this time, we're shedding light on the positive power of being alone with yourself. Imagine a space where you can recharge your energy, find your creative spark, and tap into what truly matters to you, all through the simple practice of solitude.

Key bits from this episode:

• The profound difference between solitude, loneliness, and isolation.
• How solitude can serve as a calming force for your nervous system and enhance your well-being.
• Stories and insights from our own experiences with intentional solitude and the impact it's had on our lives.
• The science behind arousal states and how solitude helps you strike the perfect balance between high-energy engagement and restorative quiet moments.

Whether you're a solitude enthusiast or you're just beginning to explore its potential, this episode will offer you practical tips, heartwarming anecdotes, and valuable insights that will change how you view spending time with yourself.

About: The Joy Lab Podcast is an Ambie-nominated podcast that blends science and soul to help you cope better with stress, anxiety, and depression. It's hosted by integrative psychiatrist Dr. Henry Emmons and holistic mental health researcher Dr. Aimee Prasek.

The podcast is best paired with the Joy Lab App.

Bonus: spread some joy and keep this podcast ad-free by donating (Joy Lab is powered by the nonprofit Pathways North and your donations are tax-deductible).

Listen & follow the Joy Lab Podcast on your favorite listening app:

Spotify | Apple | YouTube

• Brain systems underlying the affective and social monitoring of actions: An integrative review
• National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2020. Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: Opportunities for the Health Care System. https://doi.org/10.17226/25663
• Loneliness and Social Isolation Linked to Serious Health Conditions
• Brain systems underlying the affective and social monitoring of actions: An integrative review
• How BIS/BAS and psycho-behavioral variables distinguish between social withdrawal subtypes during emerging adulthood
• Solitude as an Approach to Affective Self-Regulation
• What Time Alone Offers: Narratives of Solitude From Adolescence to Older Adulthood
• The Handbook of Solitude: Psychological Perspectives on Social Isolation, Social Withdrawal, and Being Alone, Second Edition
• Descartes' Meditations
• Maya Angelou's website

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

In this episode, we're diving into a crucial topic that affects so many of us: loneliness and isolation. We're here to guide you through the science, emotions, and strategies to break free from these barriers. You'll tap into the heart of human connection and come away with some tips on how to embrace the joy of meaningful interactions and relationships.

Key bits from this episode include:

• Loneliness and isolation might feel like opposites of joy, but they can teach us a lot about ourselves and the connections we crave.
• Learn a simple, yet powerful practice to tune into your body and foster openness even in the face of pain. It's all about recognizing those physical sensations and gently shifting them towards a more open space.
• Understand your needs when it comes to both longing for connection and finding peace in solitude.

About: The Joy Lab Podcast is an Ambie-nominated podcast that blends science and soul to help you cope better with stress, anxiety, and depression. It's hosted by integrative psychiatrist Dr. Henry Emmons and holistic mental health researcher Dr. Aimee Prasek.

The podcast is best paired with the Joy Lab App.

Bonus: spread some joy and keep this podcast ad-free by donating (Joy Lab is powered by the nonprofit Pathways North and your donations are tax-deductible).

Listen & follow the Joy Lab Podcast on your favorite listening app:

Spotify | Apple | YouTube

Links and Sources:

• Brain systems underlying the affective and social monitoring of actions: An integrative review
• National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2020. Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: Opportunities for the Health Care System. https://doi.org/10.17226/25663
• Loneliness and Social Isolation Linked to Serious Health Conditions
• Brain systems underlying the affective and social monitoring of actions: An integrative review
• How BIS/BAS and psycho-behavioral variables distinguish between social withdrawal subtypes during emerging adulthood

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

Do you find yourself frequently stuck blaiming yourself, overanalyzing your moves, getting stuck in what you "should" have said/done, and then separating yourself as either survival or punishment? Aimee Prasek, PhD, will dig into this common pathway that can take us into a sense of loneliness, disconnection, or separation. Putting a light on this pathway can help us realize what can often go unseen, unconsciously for so long. And once we see it, we can do something about it.

About: The Joy Lab Podcast is an Ambie-nominated podcast that blends science and soul to help you cope better with stress, anxiety, and depression. It's hosted by integrative psychiatrist Dr. Henry Emmons and holistic mental health researcher Dr. Aimee Prasek.

The podcast is best paired with the Joy Lab App.

Bonus: spread some joy and keep this podcast ad-free by donating (Joy Lab is powered by the nonprofit Pathways North and your donations are tax-deductible).

Listen & follow the Joy Lab Podcast on your favorite listening app:

Spotify | Apple | YouTube

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

Are you feeling like the playful YOU that once existed has fallen away? Or maybe you've watched other people move through their day with a fun spirit that you wish you could tap into? You're not alone. When adult-ing gets tough, fun usually takes a back seat (like way in the back). Problem is, squashing that playful or fun aspect of yourself can also squash the creative, inspired, energetic, and curious elements of you as well. The truth is, your playful self is a surprisingly powerful element of your mental health. This guided meditation with music will help you tap into that aspect of yourself so that you can bring it back into your daily life.

About: The Joy Lab Podcast is an Ambie-nominated podcast that blends science and soul to help you cope better with stress, anxiety, and depression. It's hosted by integrative psychiatrist Dr. Henry Emmons and holistic mental health researcher Dr. Aimee Prasek.

The podcast is best paired with the Joy Lab App.

Bonus: spread some joy and keep this podcast ad-free by donating (Joy Lab is powered by the nonprofit Pathways North and your donations are tax-deductible).

Listen & follow the Joy Lab Podcast on your favorite listening app:

Spotify | Apple | YouTube

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

Fun rarely gets attention when it comes to mental health. And that's a huge oversight, because fun (or play) is a really powerful concept when it comes to good mental health. And, when we're dealing with something like depression, infusing more fun or play into our day can be a really potent support to help us feel a bit better. Of course, there are obstacles that can block our fun. In this episode, we're unearthing episode #5 for a bit of a primer on fun. We discuss what fun is, how fun can take shape, how mindset can shift us immediately into fun, and some common obstacles. And next episode, you'll find a play meditation so you can take what we talk about here in this episode and start practicing more fun.

About: The Joy Lab Podcast is an Ambie-nominated podcast that blends science and soul to help you cope better with stress, anxiety, and depression. It's hosted by integrative psychiatrist Dr. Henry Emmons and holistic mental health researcher Dr. Aimee Prasek.

The podcast is best paired with the Joy Lab App.

Bonus: spread some joy and keep this podcast ad-free by donating (Joy Lab is powered by the nonprofit Pathways North and your donations are tax-deductible).

Listen & follow the Joy Lab Podcast on your favorite listening app:

Spotify | Apple | YouTube

Links and Sources:

• Counterclockwise: Mindful Health and the Power of Possibility (Dr. Langer's book highlighting the counterclockwise research)
• About Portia Nelson (Autobiography in Five Short Chapters)

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

In this episode, we're exploring our seventh and final aspect of deep listening which is "silence." Ironically, silence is a powerful practice to help open up more deep conversation. It's a surprising tool that can uncover wisdom and healing. It's a powerful aspect of deep listening that you can practice and use more skillfully in conversation with others and yourself.

About: The Joy Lab Podcast is an Ambie-nominated podcast that blends science and soul to help you cope better with stress, anxiety, and depression. It's hosted by integrative psychiatrist Dr. Henry Emmons and holistic mental health researcher Dr. Aimee Prasek.

The podcast is best paired with the Joy Lab App.

Bonus: spread some joy and keep this podcast ad-free by donating (Joy Lab is powered by the nonprofit Pathways North and your donations are tax-deductible).

Listen & follow the Joy Lab Podcast on your favorite listening app:

Spotify | Apple | YouTube

Links and Sources:

• Chemistry of Calm (Dr. Emmons' book referenced in this series)
• About W. R. Espy (NYT obit)
• The Silences of Science: Gaps and Pauses in the Communication of Science (textbook)
• John Cage's "4'33" performed by William Marx (video)
• Brennan Manning's website

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