#311: Rewiring the Brain to Find Joy Using Emotional Brain Training with Dr. Laurel Mellin
“Joy, even a tiny bit throughout the day, little bits of it turn off what is the HPA Axis or in other words, the stress response. Not a calm mood, not relaxation, that spark of joy. So all you want is that spark of joy.” — Dr. Laurel Mellin
In this episode of I AM HUMAN, we learn about an innovative technique called Emotional Brain Training (EBT) that can help shut off the stress cascade that leads us to mental and physical health. We also learn about the greater benefits of using EBT to connect with our joy so that we may live more purposeful and spiritual lives. This is a fascinating episode that I hope you will love!
Dr. Laurel Mellin reveals how EBT can transform lives by rewiring neural pathways and fostering resilience. Together, we examine the role of survival circuits in emotional regulation and how EBT can dramatically improve relationships, emotional eating and addiction recovery methods - offering a path to joy and fulfillment. The discussion takes us into EBT's unique ability to navigate through high-stress situations and return to a state of connection, a crucial complement to medical and psychotherapeutic interventions. We explore the importance of adversity in the quest for joy, how personal growth is intertwined with our capacity to face life's challenges, and the pivotal role EBT can play in nurturing self-compassion and resilience.
Discussion points:
(00:00) Stress overload, where it comes from, how humans react
Five brain states and how each functions
EBT offers tools to switch off stress and improve relationships, well-being, and purpose by rewiring our brains
(15:00) Rewiring Survival Circuits for Emotional Regulation
(22:18) Emotional Brain Training for Healing - harnessing the power of emotions
(29:08) Comprehensive Care for Addiction Recovery - EBT complements traditional addiction treatment, using a brain map to identify neural circuits and emphasizing the need for comprehensive care
(32:21) Developing Self-Compassion and Joy through adversity - comfort does not equate to joy
(36:05) Spiral Up App for Stress Relief - helps manage stress with quick solutions and deeper exercises for long-term resilience and improved relationships
(42:29) Emotional Brain Training and Personal Growth – EBT transforms self-concept and resilience by managing emotions and stress, fostering purpose and authenticity
Final questions - success, goals, dreams, what we wish people knew
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Dr. Laurel Mellin
Founder of emotional brain training
(EBT)
Dr. Laurel Mellin is a New York Times Bestselling author, health psychologist and founder of emotional brain training (EBT), a new paradigm in healthcare directed at public health enemy #1 the stress hormone cortisol which is the root cause of mental and physical health problems. Drugs, therapy, and mindfulness do not shut off the cortisol cascade but she developed EBT during her 40 years as a professor in the School of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco that uses simple emotional techniques to go to the root cause of health problems. Her new book, 1-2-3 JOY: Easy, Natural Weight Loss that is Scientific, Proven, Drug-free & Fun shows readers how to use EBT as a healthy substitute for weight loss drugs by switching off stress chemicals. It is available now on Amazon. Dr. Mellin trains health professionals in EBT and has an active EBT practice.
The information on this blog, website and podcast is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to replace careful evaluation and treatment. If you have concerns about your or your child’s eating, nutrition or growth, consult a doctor.