38: Joy As The Key To Healing (And My 2026 Word of the Year!)

Joy is a nervous system state - and it’s an essential ingredient in healing.

In this episode, I review the science of joy through the lens of neuroscience, nervous system regulation, and faith. You’ll learn why chronic stress suppresses joy, how joy supports healing at the biological level, and why joy isn’t a distraction from hard seasons - it is often what helps us survive them.

🎧 In This Episode, We Cover:

• Why joy is not the same as happiness (and how we can CHOOSE joy despite our circumstances)

• How joy functions as a regulated nervous system state

• The neurochemistry of joy, including:

  • Dopamine

  • Endorphins

  • Oxytocin

  • Parasympathetic (vagal) activation

• Why chronic stress and trauma suppress joy

• How joy improves:

  • Heart rate variability (HRV)

  • Stress recovery

  • Neuroplasticity

  • Inflammatory balance

• The role of play and pleasure in child development and adult healing

• Why adults often struggle to feel joy - and why that’s not a failure

• Common lab and physiologic patterns seen when joy is chronically absent

• Gentle, practical ways to invite joy without pressure

• Finding “glimmers” to support joy in day-to-day life

• How Scripture frames joy as strength and sustenance