73. Lonely in crowded places (this isn't a country music song)

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.

Links and Sources:

• Resilient Community Find lots of resources to support you and you'll join a crew of inspiring people who are building their resilience and joy while also helping to keep our Joy Lab podcast in existence!
• Joy Lab Program (step-by-step practices to help you build and maintain the elements of joy in your life)
• More pods on our element of "Fun"
• #19 The Power of Play: Clocks vs Clouds and Taming Your Wild Things 
• #70 Update and Special [Super fun!] Replay
• #71 Uncovering Your Playful Nature (guided meditation)
• #72 Blame-It, Overanalyze-It, Should-It, & Separate (BOSS Dominoes)
• Other podcasts referenced:
• #28 Common Humanity vs Isolation
• 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

Full transcript available at: https://www.naturalmentalhealth.com/podcasts/joy-lab-podcast/episodes/2148054388