(#101) Feeling Good is a Practice: How to Expand Your Nervous System’s Capacity for Joy & Positive Psychology Tools

Why does joy sometimes feel harder to hold than stress? In this episode, Rae explores the emotional complexities of joy and how our nervous systems can struggle to trust happiness, especially after trauma, chronic stress, or survival-mode living.You’ll learn how nervous system regulation, somatic tools, and the science of positive psychology can expand your capacity to feel joy fully and safely. Plus, Rae introduces the PERMA model of well-being and how you can use it to integrate joy, resilience, connection, and meaning into your healing journey.✨ In this episode, Rae explores:Why joy can feel unfamiliar, unsafe, or fleetingHow nervous system responses (fight, flight, freeze, fawn) affect your ability to feel goodThe surprising ways joy can bring up fear, guilt, or discomfortHow to retrain your body to feel safe with happiness and easeThe PERMA model from positive psychology (and how to embody it somatically)Practices like breathwork, glimmers, journaling, and mindful presence to build emotional resilienceWhether you’re navigating trauma healing, burnout recovery, or simply trying to feel more like yourself again, this episode will show you how to nurture joy as a practice, not a performance.💌 Sign up for the Somatic Healing Newsletter to access Rae’s free breathwork + meditation resource library and stay connected to her latest offerings.CONNECT Work With MeThe Somatic Healing NewsletterInstagramWebsiteSubscribe & Review Apple PodcastsFollow & Rate SpotifyDisclaimer: Please remember that the information shared on this podcast is intended to inspire, educate, and support you on your personal journey. It does not substitute for professional mental health advice. I am not a psychologist or medical professional. If you are experiencing distress, mental health challenges, or medical conditions, please seek help from a qualified professional.