172. Making Space for Flow and Fun (special encore)
Too often mental health conversations get stuck in a focus of dysfunction, uncomfortable symptoms, and focusing on "fixing" what feels off. But, mental health is not simply about trying to rid ourselves of things like negative thoughts. So much of mental health has to do with the day-to-day infusion of positive practices. Which leads us into the importance of fun, pleasure, play, and flow as essential elements of mental health and a joyful life. We'll talk about some simple ways to embrace your fun nature and tap into more flowing states that nourish your body and mind.
About Joy Lab: The Joy Lab Podcast 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.
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Key moments:
00:00 Welcome to the Joy Lab Podcast
00:44 The Importance of Fun and Play
02:02 Overcoming Barriers to Fun
08:29 The Concept of Flow
15:42 The Counterclockwise Study
20:57 Neurogenesis and Connection
24:05 Authenticity and Fun
25:45 Conclusion and Invitation to Joy Lab
Sources and Notes:
- 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 Joylab.coach for exclusive emails, updates, and additional strategies.
- Check out our favorite resilience-boosting reads: Bookshop.org
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.
Find more mental health resources here.
On Jan 1st, 2025, the Joy Lab Podcast and Program moved from Natural Mental Health to the nonprofit Pathways North.
You can find the Resilience Quiz and Resilience tools over at naturalmentalhealth.com.
