103. Sympathetic Joy & Emotional Contagion (Bonus Replay for Our Depression and Anxiety Coping Skills Podcourse)
In this episode of the Joy Lab podcast, hosts Dr. Henry Emmons and Dr. Aimee Prasek delve into the concept of sympathetic joy, a concept that encourages joy in others' well-being. That alone is a powerful tool to help combat feelings of isolation and build a more interconnected, joyful life. Aimee will also explain some of the science of emotional contagion, exploring how our emotions and physiological states are unconsciously influenced by those around us. And of course, Henry and Aimee will talk about the obstacles to sympathetic joy, like the fallacy of fairness and scarcity. With some science, personal anecdotes, and even some poetry, this episode will help you gain an understanding of the transformative potential of sympathetic joy.
About Joy Lab: Cope with stress, anxiety, and depression better with the Joy Lab Podcast. Learn evidence-based mental health practices and mindfulness skills to boost happiness, resilience, and emotional wellbeing.
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts!
Like and follow Joy Lab on Socials:
Sources and Notes:
-
This episode is part of our Podcourse! To get the most of the course, you may want to follow along in order, beginning with episode #78 and you can visit the Podcourse Page to find all the episodes. However, these episodes can be listened to in any order and you can take action with any strategy that you feel connected to.
-
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
Key Moments:
00:28 Revisiting the Concept of Sympathetic Joy
01:06 Understanding the Elements of Joy
01:25 Exploring the Buddhist Concept of Sympathetic Joy
01:52 The Role of Sympathetic Joy in Buddhist Psychology
04:14 The Connection Between Sympathetic Joy and Gratitude
04:48 Obstacles to Sympathetic Joy
07:10 The Power of Emotional Contagion
07:55 Understanding Emotional Contagion through Research
10:53 The Impact of Emotional Contagion on Our Lives
11:40 The Difficulty of Practicing Sympathetic Joy
15:09 Cognitive Roadblocks to Sympathetic Joy
19:38 The Shared World: A Vision of Sympathetic Joy
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.
