As we move into March, I’d love for us to connect live more intentionally. Community works best when we actually see and hear each other. I added a poll below to find a time that works for most of you. Please take a moment to vote. The next group of Joyful Metabolic Reset starts this week. I would love to offer special pricing to the community. Learn more about the program here: https://joyfulmedicinemethod.com/metabolic-reset And if you’d like to share — what’s one thing you’re focusing on this month? Looking forward to connecting. — Dr. Jenn

Fun Sunday challenge: how many joy snacks can you capture throughout the day? Share below if you like. Join me Tuesday to discuss all things heart health. It is important to do everything we can to protect our hearts. The sooner we start the better ❤️ This week we will start a mindfulness challenge. Mindfulness is restorative in so many ways. Almost every lifestyle medicine study with positive results has one hour of mindfulness daily 🤯 Don’t worry we aren’t starting with an hour 😅 Have an amazing Sunday. -Dr Jenn

Today’s Prompt Today, do something playful. Choose something that reminds your body of the freedom of childhood — moving, laughing, creating, or being silly without a goal. When you do it, pause. Let yourself fully experience it. Why Are We Doing This? Play is a natural stress reliever. When we engage in play, the nervous system shifts out of threat mode. Stress hormones decrease. Endorphins increase. Muscle tension releases. The body remembers what it feels like to move or create without pressure. For adults, play often disappears — replaced by responsibility, productivity, and self-monitoring. But the body still needs it. Research shows that playful activity can: - Lower cortisol - Improve mood and emotional regulation - Reduce physical tension - Support cardiovascular health by reducing chronic stress Play signals safety. And safety protects the heart. How to Practice the Joy of Play Today Choose Something Light Dancing in your kitchen. Drawing. Playing with a pet. Tossing a ball. Being goofy on purpose. Let Go of Outcome No tracking. No improvement. No “doing it right.” Stay With the Feeling Notice freedom, lightness, or ease — even briefly. Pause Afterward Notice your breath, your chest, your shoulders. Often the body feels more open without effort. Navigating Potential Challenges What if play feels awkward or childish? That discomfort is often conditioning. Go gently. Play does not need permission. What if I don’t know what feels playful anymore? Think about what you loved as a child — then simplify it. The Joy of Play Play reminds the body that not everything needs to be earned. Those moments of freedom reduce stress, support the nervous system, and give the heart a break from constant effort. Pause for play today.

Today’s Prompt Offer one small act of kindness today. Why Are We Doing This? Acts of kindness lower stress and increase connection. They stimulate oxytocin — a hormone that supports heart health and emotional well-being. Research shows generosity can: - Lower stress hormones - Improve mood - Support cardiovascular health How to Practice Giving Today - Offer encouragement. - Help briefly. - Express appreciation. Pause after giving. Notice warmth or ease. Navigating Potential Challenges What if I’m tired? Kindness doesn’t have to be big. The Joy of Giving Giving supports the giver, too.