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  • Know Yourself: The Humility Practice That Quiets Rumination and Builds Emotional Resilience [269]

    Know Yourself: The Humility Practice That Quiets Rumination and Builds Emotional Resilience [269]
    2026/06/03
    Humility is a powerful (and mostly misunderstood) mental health skill that's grounded by self-knowledge and self-compassion. Humility is also a powerful antidote to rumination and harsh self-criticism and a tool to support mood and emotional resilience. We'll build up humility through this series by taking a positive psychology approach along with Dr. Daryl Van Tongeren's framework to build humility (know yourself, check yourself, go beyond yourself.) This episode is all about Step 1 (know yourself) and it turns out it's both the most uncomfortable and the most freeing place to start. 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 Program. 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). Like and follow Joy Lab on Socials: Instagram Linkedin Watch this episode on YouTube Sources and Notes for our Element of Humility: 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. Episodes in this Humility series: Humility Can Be Stressful... But Worth it for Mental Health [ep. 268] Book: Humble by Daryl Van Tongeren, PhDFind more about Neff's work on Self-compassion at Self-Compassion.orgMore on C.S. Lewis from the C.S. Lewis Foundation. Hagá & Olson. 'If I only had a little humility, I would be perfect': Children's and adults' perceptions of intellectually arrogant, humble, and diffident people. Access here.Nielsen & Marrone. Humility: Our current understanding of the construct and its role in organizations. Access here.Porter et al. Predictors and consequences of intellectual humility. Access here.Van Tongeren et al. Humility. Access here. Weidman et al. The psychological structure of humility. Access here.Wright et al. The psychological significance of humility. Access here.Wendell Berry's book Standing by Words Key moments: [00:00] Why self-knowledge comes first in the humility framework — and why skipping it makes the rest of the work harder. [02:00] The humility paradox: who scores highest on self-reported humility? People with narcissistic traits. What this reveals about why self-knowledge matters. [04:30] Reflection vs. rumination: same self-focused action, completely different energy — and very different effects on anxiety and depression. [07:30] Clark Griswold on the roundabout: Aimee's perfect visual for rumination, plus Van Tongeren's concept of "right-sizing yourself." [09:30] Obstacle #1: The idealized self. When the gap between who you are and who you think you should be stops motivating and starts deflating. [12:00] Obstacle #2: The better-than-average effect. Most of us rank ourselves above average — and that's statistically impossible. How this positivity bias quietly inflates us. [14:30] Obstacle #3: The harsh inner critic disguised as self-awareness. Why beating yourself up isn't humility — it's ego turned inward. [17:00] Dr. Kristin Neff's insight: self-compassion is the foundation of honest self-awareness. You can look clearly when you're not afraid of what you'll find. [19:30] Rumination as an internal courtroom — and Aimee's personal story about chronic lateness, hard feedback from a friend, and what it took to actually receive it. [23:30] Henry's simple journaling practice: notice what you observed about yourself this week. No analysis, no judgment — just patterns, held gently. [25:30] Preview of next week's "Check Yourself" episode, and a closing note from Aristotle. Full transcript here 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.
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    27 分
  • Humility Can Be Stressful... And Worth it for Mental Health [268]

    Humility Can Be Stressful... And Worth it for Mental Health [268]
    2026/06/01
    Humility is not a weakness or a sign you're a pushover, instead it's a mental health tool that just might be exactly what our loneliness epidemic and anxiety culture are desperately craving. Humility is an accurate, grounded sense of who you are. And that grounded sense of self is a foundation for confidence, deeper connection, and holistic mental health. Here's what we'll explore this episode: There are four research-backed types of humility to focus on: Relational humility — how you hold yourself in relation to others; not above, not belowIntellectual humility — holding beliefs with openness; curiosity over certaintyCultural humility — recognizing the limits of your own cultural lens and genuinely welcoming differencesExistential humility — making peace with uncertainty, impermanence, and the big unanswerable questions of human life You might be doing great in one area and struggling in another (that's normal). These types aren't perfectly clean categories, but they offer areas for self-reflection and focus as you work to boost your humility and emotional wellbeing throughout the month. With these areas in mind, we'll use researcher Dr. Daryl Van Tongeren's framework to build humility through three core ingredients: Know Yourself — honest self-awareness of strengths and limits, without self-preoccupationCheck Yourself — reducing defensiveness and the need to protect your egoGo Beyond Yourself — cultivating empathy and humility as a deep relational practice These three ingredients aren't just a nice framework for self improvement, they're a pathway to reducing loneliness, increasing connection, and building the kind of holistic healing and joy that Joy Lab is all about. If you're in the Joy Lab Program, your first Experiment will help you locate yourself within these four types and start the work. 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 Program. 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). Like and follow Joy Lab on Socials: Instagram Linkedin Watch on YouTube Sources and Notes for our Element of Humility: 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. More on C.S. Lewis from the C.S. Lewis Foundation. Book: Humble by Daryl Van Tongeren, PhDHagá & Olson. 'If I only had a little humility, I would be perfect': Children's and adults' perceptions of intellectually arrogant, humble, and diffident people. Access here.Nielsen & Marrone. Humility: Our current understanding of the construct and its role in organizations. Access here.Porter et al. Predictors and consequences of intellectual humility. Access here.Van Tongeren et al. Humility. Access here. Weidman et al. The psychological structure of humility. Access here.Wright et al. The psychological significance of humility. Access here.Wendell Berry's book Standing by Words Key moments: [00:00:00] Welcome + intro to Joy Lab's Element of Humility — solo episode with Dr. Aimee Prasek [00:00:30] Clearing up the bad takes: what humility is not — not weakness, not martyrdom, not dismissing your talents [00:01:00] The social science of humility: why we're drawn to humble people from mid-adolescence on, and why it primes us for connection [00:02:00] Humility as antidote to certainty culture and self-destructive perfectionism; the formal definition unpacked [00:02:45] C.S. Lewis on humility as self-forgetfulness — and the powerful paradox it reveals about hyper self-focus [00:03:30] The reframed Lewis quote: "Humility is not thinking less of yourself — it's thinking of yourself less often" [00:04:15] Introducing the four research-backed types of humility: relational, intellectual, cultural, and existential [00:05:00] Deep dive into intellectual, cultural, and existential humility — leaning into curiosity over certainty [00:06:00] Why humility is harder than other Elements — and why it's worth it anyway [00:07:00] The obstacles: certainty culture, fear of being wrong, pressure to perform vs. just be [00:08:00] Ego protection, the stress response, and why humility can feel like a physical threat to the nervous system [00:08:45] Dr. Daryl Van Tongeren's three ingredients for building humility: Know Yourself → Check Yourself → Go Beyond Yourself [00:09:45] Humility as medicine for the loneliness epidemic, anxiety, and depression — why culture is craving this right now [00:10:30] What's coming next: knowing ourselves, plus your first Joy Lab Program Experiment [00:11:00] Closing poem: The Real Work by...
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    12 分
  • You Can't Do Life Alone: Deep Connection is a Key to True Resilience [267]

    You Can't Do Life Alone: Deep Connection is a Key to True Resilience [267]
    2026/05/27
    Spoiler: you were never meant to do this alone. In the final episode of Joy Lab's Resilience series, Dr. Aimee Prasek and Dr. Henry Emmons explore the most powerful — and most underrated — ingredient in lasting resilience: deep, meaningful connection. They unpack the neuroscience of belonging, the illusion of separation that quietly wrecks our wellbeing, and two surprisingly accessible practices: shared-joy and moral elevation. These practices can open us to greater connection right now, no personality overhaul required. The takeaway from this episode is that deep connection isn't a bonus feature of a resilient life. It's the foundation. And the good news? You're already wired for it. Try It Free 🎉 The Joy Lab Program is free for 30 days — offer ends May 31st. Head to JoyLab.coach/program to sign up. About: The Joy Lab Podcast is an Ambie-nominated podcast that blends science and soul to help you cope better with stress, ease anxiety, and uplift mood. Join Dr. Henry Emmons and Dr. Aimee Prasek for practical, mindfulness-based tools and positive psychology strategies to build resilience and create lasting joy. Take the next leap in your wellbeing journey with the Joy Lab Program. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! And... if you want to spread some joy and keep this podcast ad-free, then please join our mission by donating (Joy Lab is powered by the nonprofit Pathways North and your donations are tax-deductible). Like and follow Joy Lab on Socials: Instagram Linkedin Watch this episode on YouTube Full transcript here Sources and Notes for our Element of Resilience: 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.Joy Lab Episodes referenced: Our latest Resilience episodes: Cultivating a Good Heart: The Resilience Shortcut That Beats The Latest 'Morning Routine' TikTok (ep. 266) The Art & Science (+ Shoveling) of Letting Emotions Move Through You (ep. 265) How to Calm the Mind & Not Feed the ANTs (Automatic Negative Thoughts) (ep. 264) From Surviving to Thriving: The Science and Soul of Resilience (ep. 263) Our Grief series starts here: The Grief Series: The Wholeness of Being Human Chemistry of Calm (Dr. Emmons' book referenced in this series)The Neuroscience of Human Relationships by Louis Cozolino, PhD Dr. Cozolino's website A General Theory of Love by Dr. Thomas LewisJohn O'Donohue's legacy site Dr. Catherine Panter-Brick- Yale faculty pageResilience definitions, theory, and challenges: interdisciplinary perspectivesAnnual Research Review: Positive adjustment to adversity -Trajectories of minimal-impact resilience and emergent resilienceAdaptive growth of tree root systems in response to wind action and site conditions. Brain meta-state transitions demarcate thoughts across task contexts exposing the mental noise of trait neuroticism. Effects of a 12-week endurance training program on the physiological response to psychosocial stress in men: a randomized controlled trial No man is an island: social resources, stress and mental health at mid-life How does the brain deal with cumulative stress? A review with focus on developmental stress, HPA axis function and hippocampal structure in humans Just think: The challenges of the disengaged mind (this is the study of people shocking themselves out of boredom)Emotion Suppression and Mortality Risk Over a 12-Year Follow-up Cumulative Stress and Health Ordinary Magic, Resilience in Development Summary of the Project Competence Longitudinal Study The Times of Our Lives: Interaction Among Different Biological Periodicities Key moments: [0:00] Welcome & Episode Framing Henry and Aimee open the final episode of the Resilience series: creating deep connections. Quote from neuroscientist Dr. Louis Cozolino on why relationships are our "natural habitat" — and why isolation isn't just lonely, it's physiologically dangerous. [1:00] We Are Not Built for Solo Resilience Aimee challenges the "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" myth, calling it as toxic as toxic positivity. [2:00] Henry's Three Pillars of Mental Wellbeing Henry shares his framework: sleep, self-acceptance, and connection — with deep, meaningful connection as arguably the most powerful of the three for sustaining both resilience and joy. [3:00] Connection in the Broadest Sense Henry expands what "connection" means beyond just relationships — encompassing meaning and purpose, connecting with your own inner self, and a sense of the transcendent. All of these require staying open, even when it's hard. [5:00] John O'Donohue Quote + Introducing the Illusion of Separation Quote from John O'Donohue: "Our bodies know they belong; it is our minds that make our lives so homeless." This illusion is framed as one of the greatest enemies of joy. [6:00] Henry Unpacks ...
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    20 分
  • The Resilience Shortcut That Beats Any Morning TikTok Routine [266]

    The Resilience Shortcut That Beats Any Morning TikTok Routine [266]
    2026/05/20
    We're in our Element of Resilience and we're going somewhere most mental health conversations completely skip: the heart. Dr. Henry Emmons and Dr. Aimee Prasek unpack why mental health has been so brain-centric for so long, what the field of neurocardiology is revealing about the heart's role in how we feel, think, and connect, and why ancient healing traditions were frankly ahead of the curve on all of this. Then they walk through three practical, research-backed heart-centered practices to support your mental health: self-acceptance, loving-kindness, and compassion. Henry also shares a simple, portable exercise called The Three Kindnesses that you can do anywhere, anytime. Whether you've been with us throughout this series or this is your first episode, this one is a great entry point into what Joy Lab is really about. Try It Free 🎉 The Joy Lab Program is free for 30 days — offer ends May 31st. Head to JoyLab.coach/program to sign up. About: The Joy Lab Podcast is an Ambie-nominated podcast that blends science and soul to help you cope better with stress, ease anxiety, and uplift mood. Join Dr. Henry Emmons and Dr. Aimee Prasek for practical, mindfulness-based tools and positive psychology strategies to build resilience and create lasting joy. Take the next leap in your wellbeing journey with the Joy Lab Program. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! And... if you want to spread some joy and keep this podcast ad-free, then please join our mission by donating (Joy Lab is powered by the nonprofit Pathways North and your donations are tax-deductible). Like and follow Joy Lab on Socials: Instagram Linkedin Watch this episode on YouTube Sources and Notes for our Element of Resilience: 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.Joy Lab Episodes referenced: Last episode: From Surviving to Thriving: The Science and Soul of Resilience (ep. 263) Chemistry of Calm (Dr. Emmons' book referenced in this series)Dr. Catherine Panter-Brick- Yale faculty pageResilience definitions, theory, and challenges: interdisciplinary perspectivesAnnual Research Review: Positive adjustment to adversity -Trajectories of minimal-impact resilience and emergent resilienceAdaptive growth of tree root systems in response to wind action and site conditions. Brain meta-state transitions demarcate thoughts across task contexts exposing the mental noise of trait neuroticism. Effects of a 12-week endurance training program on the physiological response to psychosocial stress in men: a randomized controlled trial No man is an island: social resources, stress and mental health at mid-life How does the brain deal with cumulative stress? A review with focus on developmental stress, HPA axis function and hippocampal structure in humans Just think: The challenges of the disengaged mind (this is the study of people shocking themselves out of boredom)Emotion Suppression and Mortality Risk Over a 12-Year Follow-up Cumulative Stress and Health Ordinary Magic, Resilience in Development Summary of the Project Competence Longitudinal Study The Times of Our Lives: Interaction Among Different Biological Periodicities Full transcript here Key moments: [00:00:00] — Welcome back; introducing the focus: cultivating a good heart as part of resilience training [00:01:00] — Why mental health gets stuck in the brain and why that's a problem; the science is pointing somewhere bigger [00:02:00] — Henry's early inspiration from Jon Kabat-Zinn; the "larger container" and "water cooler" metaphors for resilience. Keeping your resilience reservoir full; why self-care alone isn't always enough. [00:05:00] — "Easy and natural" — what cultivating a good heart actually looks like in practice [00:06:00] — Aimee's viral morning routine breakdown: biohacking, ice baths, and 14-step routines vs. what actually moves the needle [00:08:00] — The heart-first theory of sensory processing; introducing the science of neurocardiology. The heart's complex neural network (the "heart-brain"); the heart produces hormones AND neurotransmitters including oxytocin [00:10:00] — Vagal nerves and the parasympathetic nervous system: the heart tells the brain what to do in this case, more than the other way around [00:12:00] — The mind-heart-gut connection; what creates blockages (grief, trauma, isolation) — and how to release them. Why we can't think our way out of depression or anxiety; working with the whole system. [00:14:00] — Introducing three heart-centered practices from Henry's work: self-acceptance, loving-kindness, and compassion [00:15:00] — Deep dive on self-acceptance: a continuous, all-day practice for releasing self-judgment. Loving-Kindness meditation: why this might be the single most powerful self-care ...
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    27 分
  • Not a Fan Of Three Hour Morning Routines? Why Joy Lab Is Different (And Free This May) [265.1]

    Not a Fan Of Three Hour Morning Routines? Why Joy Lab Is Different (And Free This May) [265.1]
    2026/05/16
    This is your final invitation! The Joy Lab Program's free 30-day offer ends May 31st — and we want to make sure you know what you're actually being invited into before the door closes. It's not a slick two-and-a-half-hour morning routine. It's not cold plunges or weird concoctions. It's deep, real inner work that often looks a little messy, requires genuine courage and self-compassion, and is worth every bit of the effort. And one of its quieter, underrated gifts: you are not doing it alone. Inside the Joy Lab Program, you're part of a community working on the same experiments, sitting with the same questions, and doing the same hard, worthwhile work together. That matters more than any choreographed wellness performance. Try It Free 🎉 The Joy Lab Program is free for 30 days — offer ends May 31st. Head to JoyLab.coach/program to sign up. Not interested in joining? Consider supporting Joy Lab Joy Lab is a nonprofit committed to keeping mental health tools accessible to everyone — ad-free, no paywalls. If these tools have made a difference for you, consider supporting the work at joylab.coach/donate. Even $5 makes a real difference. Can't give financially? Share this episode with someone who needs it. That's its own kind of giving. About the Joy Lab Podcast: The Joy Lab Podcast is an Ambie-nominated podcast that blends science and soul to help you cope better with stress, ease anxiety, and uplift mood. Join Dr. Henry Emmons and Dr. Aimee Prasek for practical, mindfulness-based tools and positive psychology strategies to build resilience and create lasting joy. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! And... if you want to spread some joy and keep this podcast ad-free, then please join our mission by donating (Joy Lab is powered by the nonprofit Pathways North and your donations are tax-deductible). Like and follow Joy Lab on Socials: Instagram Linkedin Watch this episode on YouTube Key Moments: [00:00] — Final reminder: 30 days free in the Joy Lab Program, ends May 31st — and yes, that's an invitation, not a threat [00:20] — The quieter gift of Joy Lab: you are not doing this alone [00:35] — What Joy Lab is not: no wellness performance, no curated TikTok morning routines [00:50] — What Joy Lab actually is: deep inner work that takes courage, diligence, and self-compassion [01:10] — Why doing this alongside others matters — shared Experiments, shared struggles, shared effort [01:25] — Messy inner work is real inner work; that's a good sign, not a bad one [01:40] — How to join: try an Experiment, notice what happens, cancel anytime — no cold plunges required [02:00] — Head to JoyLab.coach to sign up Full transcript here 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.
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    3 分
  • The Art & Science (+ Shoveling) of Letting Emotions Move Through You [265]

    The Art & Science (+ Shoveling) of Letting Emotions Move Through You [265]
    2026/05/13
    In this episode of the Joy Lab Podcast, Dr. Aimee Prasek and Dr. Henry Emmons dig into one of the most counterintuitive resilience skills we can build: turning toward negative emotions instead of running from them. This isn't about wallowing. It's about befriending the feelings that are already there so they can actually move through you, instead of getting lodged and piling up. We're talking fear (the emotion at the core of so many others), the science of emotions vs. feelings, why your emotional immune system needs exposure to develop, and three grounded steps (embody, observe, yield) to help you navigate the next emotional flurry before it becomes a blizzard. This one pairs beautifully with our Grief Series (starting at Episode 248) and our last episode on the observer self. Whether you're new to this work or deep in it, there's something here for you. Try It Free 🎉 The Joy Lab Program is free for 30 days — offer ends May 31st. Head to JoyLab.coach/program to sign up. About: The Joy Lab Podcast is an Ambie-nominated podcast that blends science and soul to help you cope better with stress, ease anxiety, and uplift mood. Join Dr. Henry Emmons and Dr. Aimee Prasek for practical, mindfulness-based tools and positive psychology strategies to build resilience and create lasting joy. Take the next leap in your wellbeing journey with the Joy Lab Program. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! And... if you want to spread some joy and keep this podcast ad-free, then please join our mission by donating (Joy Lab is powered by the nonprofit Pathways North and your donations are tax-deductible). Like and follow Joy Lab on Socials: Instagram Linkedin Watch on YouTube Full transcript here Sources and Notes for our Element of Resilience: 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.Joy Lab Episodes referenced: How to Calm the Mind & Not Feed the ANTs (Automatic Negative Thoughts) (ep. 264) From Surviving to Thriving: The Science and Soul of Resilience (ep. 263)Start of our Grief Series: The Wholeness of Being Human (ep. 248) Know Your Obstacles to Joy... Two Small Ones And A Really Big One (ep. 38) Chemistry of Calm (Dr. Emmons' book referenced in this series)Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers by Dr. Robert ZapolskyWaking the Tiger by Dr. Peter LevineDamasio et al. (2013). The nature of feelings: evolutionary and neurobiological origins. Nature reviews. Access hereDr. Catherine Panter-Brick- Yale faculty pageResilience definitions, theory, and challenges: interdisciplinary perspectivesAnnual Research Review: Positive adjustment to adversity -Trajectories of minimal-impact resilience and emergent resilienceAdaptive growth of tree root systems in response to wind action and site conditions. Brain meta-state transitions demarcate thoughts across task contexts exposing the mental noise of trait neuroticism. Effects of a 12-week endurance training program on the physiological response to psychosocial stress in men: a randomized controlled trial No man is an island: social resources, stress and mental health at mid-life How does the brain deal with cumulative stress? A review with focus on developmental stress, HPA axis function and hippocampal structure in humans Just think: The challenges of the disengaged mind (this is the study of people shocking themselves out of boredom)Emotion Suppression and Mortality Risk Over a 12-Year Follow-up Cumulative Stress and Health Ordinary Magic, Resilience in Development Summary of the Project Competence Longitudinal Study The Times of Our Lives: Interaction Among Different Biological Periodicities Key moments: [00:00:00] — We're in the Element of Resilience, and today is about turning toward feelings — specifically the ones that feel a lot like fear [00:01:00] — C.S. Lewis on grief and fear; Edward Hallowell's insight that fear is the central emotion of human experience; why negative emotions make us want to run [00:02:00] — Henry on negative emotions as a navigational skill, not something to fix or solve; the role of equanimity; animals vs. humans and fear [00:04:00] — Henry's framework: negative emotions as "thoughts embodied" — thoughts that take up residence in the body and can get stuck [00:05:00] — Why we don't want to be emotionless; the value of unpleasant emotions; the problem with "too strong" or "too stuck" emotions [00:07:30] — Reading from Henry's book The Chemistry of Calm: turning awareness toward emotion allows it to flow naturally and effortlessly [00:08:30] — Henry on emotional growth as a lifelong process; how small daily emotional workouts prepare us for the big waves. The emotional immune system metaphor: why we need exposure to small emotional challenges to build capacity for larger ones [00:10:00] — ...
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    30 分
  • You Are Wired for Resilience: Join the Joy Lab Program Free This Mental Health Awareness Month [264.1]

    You Are Wired for Resilience: Join the Joy Lab Program Free This Mental Health Awareness Month [264.1]
    2026/05/09

    Dr. Aimee Prasek drops in with a quick Mental Health Awareness Month reminder and Joy Lab's 30-day free offer. Joy Lab has just launched into the Element of Resilience, and there's no better time to join the Program and start doing this work together.

    Try It Free

    🎉 The Joy Lab Program is free for 30 days — offer ends May 31st. Head to JoyLab.coach/program to sign up.

    Not interested in joining? Consider supporting Joy Lab

    Joy Lab is a nonprofit committed to keeping mental health tools accessible to everyone — ad-free, no paywalls. If these tools have made a difference for you, consider supporting the work at joylab.coach/donate. Even $5 makes a real difference. Can't give financially? Share this episode with someone who needs it. That's its own kind of giving.

    About the Joy Lab Podcast: The Joy Lab Podcast is an Ambie-nominated podcast that blends science and soul to help you cope better with stress, ease anxiety, and uplift mood. Join Dr. Henry Emmons and Dr. Aimee Prasek for practical, mindfulness-based tools and positive psychology strategies to build resilience and create lasting joy.

    If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts!

    And... if you want to spread some joy and keep this podcast ad-free, then please join our mission by donating (Joy Lab is powered by the nonprofit Pathways North and your donations are tax-deductible).

    Like and follow Joy Lab on Socials:

    Instagram

    Linkedin

    Watch YouTube

    Key Moments:

    • [00:00] — The Mental Health Awareness Month gift: 30 days free in the Joy Lab Program (ends May 31st)
    • [00:20] — Joy Lab just launched into the Element of Resilience — now is the time to join
    • [00:35] — The real message: you are wired for resilience and joy — it is part of who you are and why you're here

    Full transcript here.

    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.
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    1 分
  • How to Calm the Mind & Not Feed the ANTs (Automatic Negative Thoughts) [264]

    How to Calm the Mind & Not Feed the ANTs (Automatic Negative Thoughts) [264]
    2026/05/06
    Calming the mind sounds simple, right? And yet most of us would rather do almost anything other than sitting quietly with our thoughts. In this episode, Dr. Aimee Prasek and Dr. Henry Emmons dig into the science of Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs), the surprising research on just how much we think, and the powerful practice of the observer self: the part of your mind that can step back, see what's happening, and choose differently. This episode makes the case that our relationship with our own minds might be the most important resilience work we do. Try It Free 🎉 The Joy Lab Program is free for 30 days — offer ends May 31st. Head to JoyLab.coach/program to sign up. About: The Joy Lab Podcast is an Ambie-nominated podcast that blends science and soul to help you cope better with stress, ease anxiety, and uplift mood. Join Dr. Henry Emmons and Dr. Aimee Prasek for practical, mindfulness-based tools and positive psychology strategies to build resilience and create lasting joy. Take the next leap in your wellbeing journey with the Joy Lab Program. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! And... if you want to spread some joy and keep this podcast ad-free, then please join our mission by donating (Joy Lab is powered by the nonprofit Pathways North and your donations are tax-deductible). Like and follow Joy Lab on Socials: Instagram Linkedin Watch on YouTube Full transcript here Sources and Notes for our Element of Resilience: 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.Joy Lab Episodes referenced: Last episode: From Surviving to Thriving: The Science and Soul of Resilience (ep. 263) Chemistry of Calm (Dr. Emmons' book referenced in this series) Dr. Catherine Panter-Brick- Yale faculty page Resilience definitions, theory, and challenges: interdisciplinary perspectivesAnnual Research Review: Positive adjustment to adversity -Trajectories of minimal-impact resilience and emergent resilienceAdaptive growth of tree root systems in response to wind action and site conditions. Brain meta-state transitions demarcate thoughts across task contexts exposing the mental noise of trait neuroticism. Effects of a 12-week endurance training program on the physiological response to psychosocial stress in men: a randomized controlled trial No man is an island: social resources, stress and mental health at mid-life How does the brain deal with cumulative stress? A review with focus on developmental stress, HPA axis function and hippocampal structure in humans Just think: The challenges of the disengaged mind (this is the study of people shocking themselves out of boredom) Emotion Suppression and Mortality Risk Over a 12-Year Follow-up Cumulative Stress and Health Ordinary Magic, Resilience in Development Summary of the Project Competence Longitudinal Study The Times of Our Lives: Interaction Among Different Biological Periodicities Key moments: [00:00:00] — Welcome Back to Joy Lab & Resilience This month's focus is Resilience, and today we're tackling one of the most deceptively simple things — calming the mind. [00:00:20] — The 4-Year-Old and the Balloon: How Convincing (and Wrong) Our Thoughts Can Be Aimee opens with a story about her daughter, who came to her in tears over a thought that she'd float away in a balloon. When asked if it was true, her daughter said yes — because her brain was thinking it. With her feet planted firmly on the floor and not a balloon in sight. [00:01:45] — Introducing ANTs: Automatic Negative Thoughts Building on last episode's tree metaphor, Aimee introduces ANTs — Automatic Negative Thoughts. These are recurring, often unconscious negative thoughts, so deeply patterned through repetition that they arise automatically. They show up about ourselves, our futures, and the world around us — and they're strongly linked to anxiety and depression. The good news: everyone has them, and we can learn to navigate them. [00:02:20] — Categories of Cognitive Distortions Aimee connects ANTs to the broader framework of cognitive distortions familiar to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) practitioners. Common types include black-and-white thinking, overgeneralization, and emotional reasoning (feeling like an imposter, therefore being one). Essentially: seeing scary balloons that aren't there, grabbing onto them, and letting them carry us deeper into worry and rumination. [00:02:55] — The Numbers: How Many Thoughts Do We Actually Have? Aimee shares the research: approximately 7 thought-changes per minute — meaning a completely different thought roughly every 9-10 seconds. Accounting for sleep, that's around 6,200 thoughts per day. Henry wonders how many of them are the same thought. (Spoiler: a lot of them.) The real problem isn't just the volume — it's that...
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