Episode 109: Joy Is Not A Luxury

Joy shouldn’t sit at the end of your to-do list like a dessert you have to earn. We pull joy right into the centre of daily life and dig into why your body, brain and heart are wired to thrive on it. From the vagus nerve’s calming power to the way laughter lowers cortisol and boosts serotonin and dopamine, we map the science that explains why you can’t be stuck in fight or flight while you’re genuinely having fun.

We share the real-world ripple effects too: calmer guts and fewer IBS flares when stress eases, smarter metabolism when the adrenals quit shouting at your thyroid, and kinder blood pressure when you stop bracing your way through the day. Doomscrolling and fear leave a mark; nourishing moments undo it. That can look like belly laughs that crack a grump, but also quiet joy — a glassy evening sea, a warm dog asleep across your legs, music in the kitchen while dinner simmers. Joy isn’t pricey or rare; it’s a set of repeatable habits anyone can practise.

We also talk about vulnerability, grief and guilt — the places where smiling can feel wrong and fun feels frivolous. Joy doesn’t erase pain; it helps you carry it. You’ll hear simple, low-cost ideas for building a joy practice: scheduling play instead of chores, choosing connection over headphones, swapping news loops for a chapter by the fire, and reclaiming the hobbies you dropped when life got serious. Think choir nights as non-negotiable, puddle-splashing with the right boots, a post-swim glow, or a bike ride after decades that makes you throw your legs out like a kid.

If you’ve struggled to answer “When did I last really laugh?” this conversation is your nudge. Pick one thing that lights you up and do it this week, then tell us about it so your spark becomes someone else’s idea. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a lift, and leave a quick review — your support helps more people find their way back to everyday joy.

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Thank you for listening.

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For more information about Julie Clark Nutrition, click HERE
For more information about Catherine Chapman, click HERE

We look forward to you joining us on the next episode.