Why Your Brain is Craving Quiet (And What to Do About It) (encore) [259]

About this episode

This episode explores the benefits of intentional alone time for mental wellness and joy.

We're in our new "month of renewal" format. We're essentially exploring this question throughout the month... what if growth required less effort? This is an encore episode that helps us answer this question. Reminder that we'll be back with new episodes May 1, 2026. Solitude and fun in the same sentence? Stick with us. In this episode, we'll explore how intentional alone time — free from devices, distractions, and the pressure to perform happiness — can actually be one of the most powerful tools for mental wellness and, yes, even joy. From the neuroscience of arousal states to Trappist monks in rural Iowa, this one is equal parts science and soul. About: The Joy Lab Podcast is an Ambie-nominated podcast that blends science and soul to help you cope better with stress, ease anxiety, and uplift mood. Join Dr. Henry Emmons and Dr. Aimee Prasek for practical, mindfulness-based tools and positive psychology strategies to build resilience and create lasting joy. Take the next leap in your wellbeing journey with the Joy Lab Program . If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts! And... if you want to spread some joy and keep this…

People in this episode

Hosts: Henry Emmons, MD, Aimee Prasek, PhD

Topics covered

• mental wellness
• solitude
• intentional alone time
• neuroscience
• joy
• self-improvement

Keywords

• mental wellness
• solitude
• joy
• neuroscience
• self-improvement
• intentional alone time

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Joy Lab Podcast

Places: Iowa

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• Free Joy Lab Program Access + Big Updates: New Elements, New Rhythm, New Experiments [261.1] · April 28, 2026 · 5 min
• Why You Feel Like You Never Have Enough Time (And What to Do About It) (encore) [261] · April 22, 2026 · 30 min
• Perfectionism Is Stealing Your Balance — Here's How to Take It Back (encore) [260] · April 15, 2026 · 23 min