Book Notes - This Is Your Brain On Joy by Dr. Earl Henslin

Today's forecast for St. Peters, MO: Mostly sunny, high 55 degrees. "Let there be light!"

Today's sunny weather reminds me of something I recently read in a book about the effect of sunshine on our moods and behavior. The book is Dr. Earl Henslin's, THIS IS YOUR BRAIN ON JOY: A Revolutionary Program for Balancing Mood, Restoring Brain Health, and Nurturing Spiritual Growth.

According to Dr. Henslin, "More than 25 percent of Americans suffer from a special sensitivity to the natural decrease in sunlight during fall and winter in a condition called SAD (seasonal affective disorder)." That might explain why I get cranky on cloudy days and the kiddos get antsy when stormy, snowy, or rainy weather prevents them from playing outside.

After seeing the colorful cover and reading an excerpt, I requested Henslin's book as part of the Thomas Nelson Publishing reader/reviewer program. And I'm glad I did. In his thought-provoking and enlightening book, Henslin combines scientific studies with observations from his clinical practice to suggest specific remedies to nourish our minds and embrace joy.

Henslin's book is divided into sections on: Healthy Brain, Happy Life; Raising Your Joy Quota in the 5 Mood Centers; and Joy Everlasting. Another unique and attractive factor of the book is that Henslin folds in faith and quotes Scripture. He also suggests traditional and medical ways to elevate your mood and increase your joy, as well as some other ways, including: visualization, nutrition, exercise, meditation, prayer, music, aromatherapy, soothing Scriptures, bibliotherapy (reading books--Yay!), and cinematherapy (going to the movies).

You don't have to be a physician or have a degree in psychology to comprehend what's inside this book. It's very readable and full of practical advice. It's definitely one book I will keep on my reference shelf. Maybe I'll take it outside to re-read it on a sunny day--like today!