This Is Your Brain on Joy: A Revolutionary Program for Balancing Mood, Restoring Brain Health, and Nurturing Spiritual Growth

by Earl Henslin, Daniel G. Amen (Forward)

A break-through guide to help people experience lasting joy by restoring brain health. What does the latest research in brain science and brain imaging say about our ability (or inability) to experience joy and happiness? Is our lack of joy a sin problem or a brain problem? In this life-altering book, Dr. Earl Henslin reveals that to enjoy our lives to the fullest, to become more loving, more Christ-like, we need to become more capable of healing and nourishing our brains. Many problems, long thought of as spiritual in nature--anger, depression, mood swings, anxiety, addictions--are often the result of a "sick" brain that cannot comprehend a good and loving God. "This Is Your Brain on Joy" shares exciting new findings in neuroscience that are spiritually sound, showing us how to care for our brains so we not only more effectively use them to glorify God but also experience His love.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology, Self Help, Health, Science, Brain, Christian

258 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Sarah Bowling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was dreading reading this book to fit the reading challenge category "a book by a neuroscientist" as that is not ever something I would choose to read on my own. It took me awhile to finish it as I had to give it back to the library and wait for it again in the middle, but it really was a fascinating read and once I got it back the second time I read it pretty quickly. I do not like non-fiction, but I found this book utterly fascinating. I really appreciated the balanced take on brain health from a Christian perspective and will be attempting to integrate some of what I learned into my family's habits going forward!

[Kristi Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book on understanding how the various parts our brains can affect, enhance or limit our thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Dr. Heslin, a Christian therapist, addresses PTSD, ADD, depression, anxiety and other brain injuries and imbalances and recommends “pleasure prescriptions”. He gives specific lifestyle options, changes and additions that can help improve brain health leading to the experience of greater joy. “Rejoice in the Lord. Again, I say, rejoice.”
(Philippians 4:4)

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Your Brain on Joy by Dr. Earl Henslin is a fascinating book about the brain, its chemistry and makeup and how that affects our lives and our moods. One of the interesting side effects the book had on me was imparting a sense of empathy for those in my life that have probably suffered from unhealthy brains. Instead of assigning guilt or blame, I'm better able to understand why they've acted the way they have. (And that has helped me in the forgiveness journey.)

It's also helped me analyze myself, seeing some of my own brain-related issues.

But more than even those secondary benefits, I learned the power of being proactive in pursuing proper brain health--and I laughed when Dr. Henslin suggests creating a song list of happy songs to alter mood. I already do this!

Written in quirky, conversational tone, this book will help you understand the components of joy, how to pursue putting those into place, and how to finally move forward beyond past circumstances.

Of particular help to me was the appendix on PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) and the use of EMDR therapy, which is something I'll need to explore in the future. (It's a therapy my counselor friend uses when she works with trauma victims in Africa). For anyone suffering from severe trauma with nightmares, sudden fear, unexplained emotional responses, this appendix alone may be the beginning of a journey of healing.

[Jeffrey Kahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very encouraging and practical book, using the insights obtained from brain imaging to better understand the neurological aspects of human joy. Gives great advice on what anyone can do to improve their joy...not just medication but everyday changes in lifestyle. Written from a biblical perspective, but anyone seeking to increase the joy in his or her life will find this a profound but readable resource.

[Rosalie · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 is my rating. I was disappointed in this book that had so much potential! I didn't realized Dr. Henslin would be plugging the scans and products sold by Dr. Amen. The "folksy" tone of the writing made me feel talked down to and made the author sound a bit unprofessional, which made me then not take him too seriously, even though it sounds like he has helped loads of people. I wasn't a fan of the cutesy terms he uses for parts of the brain, and would have liked more in depth information of what each part is responsible for and how the parts work together. Also, a lot of his recommendations were a bit odd, like listing movies to watch, or common knowledge, like, yes, we should exercise. So, the only take-away, which is actually a big one, is that all of our brains fire in different ways for different reasons, and we need to respect each other's different brains, look after our own brain health, and I got some small insight into what may be going on in my own brain. Having said that, the self-diagnosis aspect of this book seems sketchy because with the brain is our most complicated organ that seems like too much of a reach. The stories he told about some of his patients were interesting, definitely, and I did appreciate coming at mental health from a respectful Christian perspective. During my quick read of this book (I skipped over a lot of stuff), I was constantly wondering what other brain health professionals would think of this book, whether there would be much eye-rolling and gnashing of teeth or not.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a warm and cozy, yet vastly informative, read! Would recommend for everyone, from psychology students interested in neuroscience to Christ-followers searching for ways to help themselves (or loved ones) truly live the abundant, joy-filled life that Christ offers us. I'll definitely be returning to this book for future reference!

[Glenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just starting this book and already I know I highly recommend it as a MUST READ!!

[AnnieLaurie Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed the way I think about moods and emotions. A must read for everyone. We should all be required to understand the science of the brain.

[Rachel John-Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic practical guide for the layman on brain health--advice on supplements as well as meds, and lifestyle. Can be a life-changer.

[Haley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not what I was expecting. Learning about the different parts of the brain, what they control and how they can translate into our mental health and the ways we interact with others and the world was very interesting. He made it easy to understand for the common reader.

However, this book was far more secular than spiritual. There were more movie and pop culture references than references to scripture. There was very little biblical insight until the very end.

I felt that this book pointed to modern medicine as the answer way more than it pointed to Christ. Solutions to mental health problems were basically “get a brain scan, eat right, take supplements, take the RIGHT medicine and meditate on scripture.” I didn’t think these ideas were revolutionary or life changing beyond the results of a brain scan in an extreme case.

I feel like this book plays into the culture of mental health. While many people do truly have struggles with mental health I don’t believe EVERYONE does. This book felt like it was suggesting to find something wrong with your brain and self diagnose yourself with something then start treatment.

A lot of scenarios of his clients who were going through what I would call “trials” wound up being medically diagnosed. For example, if someone loses a beloved spouse, of course they’re going to be in mourning and feel depressive thoughts. I don’t think it ALWAYS means they’re clinically depressed.

This is also portrayed as a book about joy and after finishing the book, I didn’t feel like it talked much about joy at all.

Overall, there were things I liked and didn’t like about the book. But I would not call this a spiritual view of mental health at all nor would I say it went into depth on the topic of joy. Mostly, various mental health diagnoses and what part of the brain it affects with a few ideas on how to treat them that you’ve probably heard before.

[PollyAnna Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

As one who has suffered greatly and is working hard to come out on the other side with God's great Joy, I am truly thankful for Dr. Earl Henslin's (and others') studies on the brain. As I read through THIS IS YOUR BRAIN ON JOY, I found myself wishing that I'd had a brain scan two years ago and another now to compare. Two years ago, I was in true crisis. It was bad enough that I lost my job, friends, reputation, and should have lost my family, as well. Anxiety was my constant companion. I was severely depressed and angry enough that I think my doctors should have hospitalized me.

But God, my friends.

I have been seeking joy to such a degree that I am working on memorizing as many verses on joy as I can. I have written my own book on joy, JOY ACTIONS. And I have been reading voraciously everything I can get my hands on. Dr. Henslin's book THIS US YOUR BRAIN ON JOY has been an incredible addition to my joy study.

I begin to wonder if maybe I should go back to school and get doctorate in Joy....

[Jooyun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Appreciate the author writing this book to help people who suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental illness. It is good to have symptoms pinpointed out instead of mere "sin problems." It could be combinations of all and I tend to focus on spiritual healing. Probably spiritual healing should be the first step but God provided other ways to overcome / to run the life long race of battle. Book is full of helpful information, hopes (of healing) and people: people who want to help and people who go through similar illness. enjoyed it very much and will certainly go back to try out the author's suggestions.

[Rudy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A surprisingly balanced portrait of the mind and its abilities under trauma and joy, This is Your Brain on Joy is a challenging and essential book for those who want to move beyond the daily drudgery or who simply want a better understanding of how the brain works. Through practical language and experiential stories, Dr. Henslin breaks down complex theories into simple methods so that the average person can easily grasp multiple medical breakthroughs. I've never felt so validated on a mental level, and I feel more encouraged to understand those around me. I absolutely love this book!

[Abbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not the kind of book I naturally pick up, but I found it really fascinating. It's certainly over-simplified to the point of being irritating at times, but it still gets 4 stars from me for readability. I appreciated the variety of usable at-home suggestions if you aren't able or interested in a brain scan or an out-of-state therapist. The Christian perspective was a nice bonus.

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[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to admit I didn’t love it. It wasn’t what I expected. It is from a Christian author and he does quote some scripture, but little things he said were off putting and didn’t seem to line up with a purely biblical worldview. And it felt a lot like an infomercial for a particular doctor and service.

[Darla Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never has neuropsychology and brain science been made more easily understood and readily applied to one's repertoire of personal care.
The author promotes empowered living and one can expect to develop knowledgeable compassion for the various and diverse challenges of the human brain. I cannot think of anyone who would not benefit from this easy to understand presentation of "brainy" matter.

[Elissa Forbes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!

Amazing book with tons of helpful tips to better your mental health. I also love that the author does not separate spiritual health from mental health. They clearly overlap and affect each other.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some helpful ideas in this book. It helps to know about brain functions and how they impact daily life. I found the book especially useful for understanding how people think and how to support without judgment.

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lost me at "balanced brains tend to believe in God"

[Kelly Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a how to feel joy book. This is the science of the brain not experiencing joy and how to correct it so the brain experiences joy the way God intended.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well balanced explanations for brain function and health. A wealth of information given in layman's language.

[Stephen Escalera · Rating 2 out of 5]

Everyone wants to be joyful, to be happy. What if there was a way to "rewire" your brain to experience all the joy you could possibly handle? What if you learned doctors could, by taking a picture of your brain, tell you exactly what was wrong and how to fix it? Sounds like something you might find in Star Trek, doesn't it?

According to Dr. Earl Henslin, this is not science fiction, but a medical reality. In his book, This Is Your Brain on Joy, Dr. Henslin discusses the diagnoses that are made possible through a brain imaging technique called SPECT imaging as introduced to him by his friend, Dr. Daniel Amen. Dr. Henslin gives a brief overview of the five main areas of the brain ("Mood Centers") that control a person's emotions. With the help of SPECT imaging, he also shows what each area looks like both in a well-balanced brain and in a brain that is not so well-balanced. He provides helpful tips in recognizing problematic symptoms of each Mood Center and gives a list of aids to assist in regaining the proper balance. These aids include eating a proper diet, getting lots of exercise, reading books, listening to music and even watching movies.

On a medical level, this book is rather fascinating in its descriptions of the varying "Mood Centers" of the brain. Using simple terms and nicknames for the more complex medical names, Dr. Henslin describes how each area controls certain moods. He also shows what the brain and subsequent mood would be if each area were damaged or out of balance. The aids at the end of each chapter are very helpful in learning to control or adjust each of the mood centers. Beyond the medical aspects, I found the book lacking in depth. Much of the book comes across as an infomercial for Dr. Amen's products such as his research, his SPECT scanning technology or the medicinal supplements available through Dr. Amen's web site and clinic.

For a book supposedly written from a Christian perspective, there seemed very little solid Biblical application in the underlying overall philosophy. One of the points that jumped out at me was found in the following statement: "Only God knows, see, and can judge how many of our errors are due to our free wills and how many are due to our faulty hardwiring. Let me repeat this: only God knows how much of our wrongdoing is the result of pure rebellion or evil intent and how much is cause by brain imbalances" (p.8). The author seems to be suggesting that some of our wrongdoing is simply not our fault, but rather the fault of a scientific imbalance. In other words, it's out of our control. If we can figure out how to "re-wire" our brains, we will naturally choose good things instead of evil. This theme of using self-medicating remedies to fix our sorrow is repeated throughout the book.

A second concern, and perhaps the most important, is that the pursuit of happiness is seen as the ultimate end, that is, pursuit of happiness for the sake of happiness itself. For instance, on p. 45, Dr. Henslin, in noting that happiness is most often gained in a community setting, quips "It really does take a village to make us happy....It's no wonder that many consider AA [Alcoholics Anonymous] the world's largest church. More real church is probably happening in many of these meetings of honest people in rented office spaces than in some of our greatest and most beautiful cathedrals." If we define "church" as a gathering of people to have a good time and feel happy about ourselves for happiness' sake or even for community's sake, than perhaps this might be true. But if church is defined as the visible gathering of the invisible church to worship God and to feed our spiritual bodies with the meat of God's Word while at the same time fellowshipping with one another, then AA couldn't be further from any resemblance of real church.

In the last chapter, Henslin attempts to bring Scripture back into the picture, but once again misses the mark. Henslin says, "Toward the end of this heartfelt thank-you [Paul's epistle to the Philippians], the aging apostle wrote, `I have learned the secret...' The secret to what? Inquiring minds want to know. `The secret,' Paul writes, `of being content' (4:12)." From this point, Henslin launches into his arguments for why being content helps us to be happier and he almost gets it right. Unfortunately, he takes Paul's letter and almost completely ignores the gospel presented there, focusing only on how we can make ourselves be happier. Instead of the gospel being the foundation for our joy, it is viewed simply as a tool to help us along in achieving personal joy.

This is Your Brain on Joy is a good book for discovering a small part of the medical side of the brain's operations and how we can influence our own moods. But aside from this and the suggestions for improving your mood (which, quite honestly, can probably be found in almost any self-help book of every sort), the book misses the mark of where our true and lasting joy can be found - in the person and work of Jesus Christ for the sake of the glory of God.

[Bryon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book title: This is Your Brain on Joy
Author: Dr. Earl Henslin
Nashville, Thomas Nelson, 2008
Number of pages: 236

"After the Fall, everything in creation took a hit, including the hardwiring of our brains. In other words, all brains today are not equal." That is a concept I've never considered. Look around and it seems pretty obvious, but for some reason, I've never attached oblongata inequality to the Fall. I guess I just thought God gives us the same deck of cards. We just play it differently. But I'll admit, I never put any real thought into it. But the world makes more sense when you realize that we're all dealing with the residual effects of original sin. Hmmmm.

ADD, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, GAD, and any other acronym that afflicts you can all be treated. Your brain can be brought back into balance. The brain is plastic posits Henslin. We can train and retrain the mushy gray matter. It can be coaxed in off the ledge with nutrition, therapies, and when necessary, drug protocols. Balance your brain and issues like anger, phobias, eating disorders, and addiction can be managed and brought under control.

Henslin introduces SPECT (single photon emission computerized topography) image technology in this book. He praises the contributions of Dr. Daniel Amen to brain science and imaging. Henslin uses layman's terms to explain the study of the brain and how it effects our lives.

The main point is if we have a happy brain, we can live a healthy, Christian life. A Christian with an "unhappy" brain tries unsuccessfully to live an impulsively religious life. "Before" pictures of brain scans show overly active regions of the brain sparking unproductive chemical activity. "After" pictures show us what a healthy brain scan looks like. Henslin includes surveys and self-test to help the reader evaluate whether her brain may need a little help. And there are charts aplenty to match up mood malfunction with a remedy.

Henslin's argument is compelling. He gives strong support for his thesis, but better yet, he offers solutions that are within reach through, in many cases, just a few environmental adjustments.

Henslin writes about "Joy Boosters" in one chapter. This is the most informative and practical chapter in this very informative and practical book. Every way you can adjust and impact your environment internally, externally, emotionally, spiritually and physically are covered in this chapter. Making changes in what you eat, read, watch, or smell can boost the joy in your life.

This book is for the curious. If you want to know how the brain works, or better yet, how to manage your brain, give this book a read. It'll take you about three or four hours to get through the book, but I promise you'll spend much more time later referencing and rereading it. Stamp your name in it because once you start discussing it with friends, they'll want to borrow it.

http://mondokblog.blogspot.com/2009/0...

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Is Your Brain On Joy
A Revolutionary Program for Balancing Mood,
Restoring Brain Health, and Nurturing Spiritual Growth
By Dr. Earl Henslin
Published By Thomas Nelson

I was not an overly health conscious person. I didn’t really watch my weight or worry about what I eat. I wouldn’t take vitamins. In fact, it would takes a lot for me to take a medication of any kind.

After reading This Is Your Brain On Joy by Dr. Earl Henslin all those statements have changed. I now take four vitamins daily and have modified my diet to eat foods that better equip my body for joy and mental health.

This book is an amazingly readable look into how our brains function and what strategies we can apply in our daily living to help us to reach our maximum potential.

Dr. Earl Henslin is passionate about brain science and the benefits of SPECT imaging. SPECT imaging (Single photon emission computerized tomography) has proved to be effective with his patients to diagnose brain complications like ADD, OCD, and varies forms of depression. SPECT is used by tracking the blood flow in the brain to help recognize areas of decreased function.

Don’t I sound smart?

The truth is, I have never felt so respected by a person with the title Dr. before. He modifies his speech to be reader friendly and makes his descriptions of brain function very basic and easy to grasp without belittling or talking down to the reader. He truly wants the reader to understand and he works very hard to meet that goal.

In This Is Your Brain On Joy you will mark a checklist (like taking a quiz) of your weaknesses and strengths in the five mood centers of the brain. From that quiz you will discover possible areas of overactive or under active brain functioning. Each chapter then addresses each of these areas of the brain. Vitamin supplements and possible medication solutions are listed as well as nutritional advice, quotes for positive thinking, scriptures to meditate on, music therapy, exercise recommendations, and cinamatherapy.

This Is Your Brain On Joy is packed full of useful information to help you be the best you that you can be. With these tools you can be well on your way to better understanding and empathy for others as well as attaining optimal joy for yourself.

If you want to know more about how your brain works and develop a strategy for obtaining deeper joy and a healthier you, pick this book up today.

[Justin Dela Cruz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Recently read This Is Your Brain On Joy: A Revolutionary Program for Balancing Mood, Restoring Brain Health, and Nurturing Spiritual Growth, by Dr. Earl Henslin. The book can be broken down into 3 main sections. Henslin begins by giving an overview of the brain and why knowing about it is important to understanding the effects it can have in your attitudes and actions. Secondly, he goes through the 5 mood centers in greater detail, describing how each specifically affects you and some things to consider applying for recovery and health. The third section takes a look at the Apostle Paul and his letter to the Philippians. He outlines insights that he gleaned from the Bible calling them Secrets of Joy.

The beginning and the end of the book were my favorite parts. Included in the first section is survey with 101 statements to rate yourself on. After this, you can find out which mood center you most commonly have problems with. Then as you read through the information about the mood centers, you can pay extra attention to the one that deals with you the most. I liked this because it personalized the information, which otherwise may have been too overwhelming and distant.
Overall, Henslin seems to have done his research and knows what he is talking about. It is great to see a follower of Jesus that studies the brain and can combine scientific knowledge and faith in way that betters everyone. Almost like they are naturally supposed to go together…

[Tabitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

After seeing a segment of a television program about how to brain effects your joy I was really interested in reading This Is Your Brain on Joy, by Dr. Earl Henslin, and learning more. This book is great read for anyone that has a brain!
Henslin takes the reader through each level of the brain, comparing each part to a level of a house which makes it incredibly easy to remember what type of problems over activity in each brain area causes. Then there is a self-test that you can take to figure out what part or parts of your own brain can use some work. Following the test is a chapter on each one. You can read from cover to cover, or read the beginning and skip right to the chapters that will aid in your own health.
Henslin provides information on how to maintain and reach a healthy state of brain. He offers great tips on nutrition from medicine and supplements, to food. He also offers great resources for the reader to easily find a professional in their area and get help. I personally know I’ll be using the great reasons why naps are good for brain health!

This book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson

[Donna Shepherd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought a book about the brain might be dry and technical. Wrong. Dr. Earl Henslin writes This Is Your Brain on Joy with a splendid sense of humor. He poses a question in Chapter One for people of faith. Why should anyone want what we believe if it doesn't make us deeply, joyful people? It took ten years of research before the good doctor felt ready to share his findings. In this book, he offers specific therapies for specific problems. Dr. Henslin's treatment plans include recommendations for supplements, medications, foods, music, exercise, and even cinematherapy. To round out the program, he includes scriptures and prayers to nurture spiritual growth.

Dr. Henslin explains the treatment plans and how the brain works in everyday language. Photos, diagrams, and charts are helpful and using alliteration and clever names for complex scientific terms helped me better understand the process. The entire program is designed so that you can begin today to change your brain into a happier, more peaceful one – a brain on joy.

[John Barbour · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book on the role of joy in brain science for the layman. He ties in ancient wisdom regarding the same subject from the Apostle Paul at the end of the book. He sees Paul as an example of a person who has trained his brain ( with the help of God, the Holy Spirit) and has become mature and content.

He divides the book into sections of what he calls the brain house and gives each "room" which he calls mood centers clever names that describe their function. There are 5 of them. They are all found in Section 2 of the book and are as follows:

1. The Pre-Frontal Cortex which he calls The Presidential Control Center.
2.The Cingulate Gyrus which he calls The Circular Gerbil Wheel
3. The Basal Ganglia which he calls The Basement of Giant Fears
4. The Deep Limbic System which he calls The Depressed Low-Mood Space
5.The Temporal Lobes which he calls The Temper Lofts

It is very entertaining and informative. After you read the book, I think you will have a much better idea of what goes on between your ears.

[Del Zimmerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I like about this book is the premise that all brains are not created equally. It's important to note that the practice of psychiatry is typically the only medical practice that does not perform diagnostic tests on the organ being treated. Through SPECT scanning, Dr. Earl Henslin and his colleagues change this paradigm. Not only that, Dr. Henslin delves into a variety of psychological issues with a mix of curatives, ranging from medication, supplements, nutrition, exercise and other healing modalities. What Dr. Henslin fails to address in this work, however, is the difference between sheer personality and serious medical issues. I'm left confused about recommendations for when someone should seek help. Otherwise a good read that will make you think...

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating! I just finished reading, "This Is Your Brain On Joy"
by Dr. Earl Henslin. What a great read!

The book is filled with practical information. Dr. Henslin explains how thinking and behavior changes a person's brain. Dr. Henslin explains about the brain in a humorous and simple way. He tells about tips and techniques for impacting each part of the brain (music, movies, suppliments, medications, relaxation, breathing, exercise etc.)

What I enjoyed most was his listing of steps and advice to improve brain health.
He details in length various mental disorders and brain problems,gives ways to turn a negative into a positive attribute. He suggests scriptures to read, prayers to pray, music to listen to and so much more......