
We're Wired to Give, But Are You Giving Too Much? [237]
Get every episode summarized
Each time Joy Lab Podcast publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
About this episode
'Tis the season of giving! Or maybe the season of giving too much? In this episode, we'll talk about the positive effects of giving, such as the release of dopamine and endorphins, which create a 'helper's high.' And then... we'll talk about the importance of recognizing and respecting our limits so we don't give too much (and venture into that space sometimes called 'pathological altruism'). We'll cover some strategies to navigate healthy giving, including the reminder that giving and receiving must come together.
About: The Joy Lab Podcast is an Ambie-nominated podcast that blends science and soul to help you cope better with stress, anxiety, and depression. It's hosted by integrative psychiatrist Dr. Henry Emmons and holistic mental health researcher Dr. Aimee Prasek.
The podcast is best paired with the Joy Lab App.
Bonus: spread some joy and keep this podcast ad-free by donating (Joy Lab is powered by the nonprofit Pathways North and your donations are tax-deductible).
Listen & follow the Joy Lab Podcast on your favorite listening app:
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review us wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts!
Like and follow Joy Lab on Socials:
Sources and Notes:
- Joy Lab: Take the next leap in your wellbeing journey with step-by-step practices to help you build and maintain the elements of joy in your life.
- Joy Lab Podcast Episodes:
- Gratitude: Beyond the Hashtags and Eye Rolls [ep. 234]
- Reducing Negative Self-Talk With Illeism (it's a thing!) [ep. 235]
- The Power of Good Enough Parenting & Calling Out Our Moms [ep. 236]
- Worrier? You're Not Alone. Here's Why We Worry... [ep. 213]
- Fast-Acting Strategies to Combat Worry and Anxiety [ep. 214]
- Rumination: What It Is And How To Break Free From It [ep. 205]
- Learning to Love Well: Be More Permeable [ep. 23]
Please remember that this content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice and is not a replacement for advice and treatment from a medical professional. Please consult your doctor or other qualified health professional before beginning any diet change, supplement, or lifestyle program.
Please see our terms for more information.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call the NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-6264 available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m., ET. OR text "HelpLine" to 62640 or email NAMI at [email protected].
You can also call or text SAMHSA at 988 or chat 988lifeline.org
Get every episode summarized
Each time Joy Lab Podcast publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Joy Lab Podcast

Who Are You Trying to Be Enough For? The Psychology of Being Enough & Building S...
Joy Lab Podcast

It's OK to Be Wrong: Releasing Perfectionism & Building the Skill of Knowing Eno...
Joy Lab Podcast

Why Doing Enough Is Enough + Why Perfectionism Predicts Burnout, Depression, & A...
Joy Lab Podcast

Having Enough: Why Acquiring More Will Never Fill the Hole in Your Self-Worth [2...
Joy Lab Podcast