The Science of Joy: How Your Brain Breaks Free From Stress #234
Have you ever noticed how stress can make your whole world feel smaller?
Your mind narrows in on the problem—what went wrong, what needs fixing, and what might happen next.
But joy can do something very different.
In this episode of *Breathe", Bonnie shares what happened after a difficult week of poor sleep and overthinking—and what helped her break free of stress mode and change the direction of her thoughts.
We’ll explore one fascinating aspect of joy, and the principle of "Come and See" from Jesus' invitation in John 1. How positive emotions can help our minds open back up after stress, allowing us to become more curious, connected, creative, and engaged with life again.
Joy isn’t only something we think about. Joy is something we experience together with Jesus.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why stress and fear can narrow your attention around a problem
- Science: How positive emotions like joy can help your mind open back up
- What psychologist's "broaden-and-build theory" tells us about joy
- Scripture: Jesus in John 1: Come and See invitation
- Practical action to stop stress mode and into joy mode
Scripture
Come and see.” — John 1:397
Breath Prayer
Inhale: Come and see.
Exhale: Come and see.
Resource Reference:
**The role of positive emotions in positive psychology: The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions**
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3122271/
**Positive emotions broaden the scope of attention and thought-action repertoires**
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3156609/
**The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions**
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1693418/
→ Read Whispers of Rest: 40 Days to Revitalize Your Soul with God's Love, by Bonnie:
https://amzn.to/3NpVYQd
→ Join Bonnie on Instagram @thebonniegray
→ Eucalyptus Shower Steamers for instant calm at Bonnie's Soul Care Store
Watch YouTube Devotionals:
https://youtube.com/thebonniegray
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