Business

Soul Joy: Ditch Burnout and Fall in Love with Life

Do you want to ditch Burnout?
You ready to fall back in love with life?
Then you will want to join Dr. Julie on Mondays!
Learn techniques and strategies to make the changes you long for.
She is a Therapist/Professor turned Author, Pod Caster, and Motivational Speaker.
She is all about Wellness: Body * Mind * Soul
Passionately making a difference!

Latest Episodes:

Self-Respect Oct 28, 2024

Send us your thoughts!

What if embracing self-respect could be the missing piece to a fulfilling and balanced life? Through heartfelt personal stories, including my family's recent journey through cancer, we explore how self-respect is a vital component of holistic self-care. Join me as we uncover actionable strategies for fostering this essential quality, like mastering the art of setting boundaries, taking control of your schedule, and the liberating power of saying no to activities that drain your energy. We'll challenge societal norms that often push self-respect to the sidelines and advocate for a shift towards prioritizing your own needs and desires. Discover how daily rituals, from dressing up to planning little monthly adventures, can boost your self-confidence and nurture true joy.
In our quest for well-being and balance, we delve into practices like body scans, superpower models, and yoga sessions designed to open the root chakra. These tools are not just exercises—they are pathways to positioning yourself as the superstar of your own life. I encourage you to revisit previous episodes where we provide guided sessions that further enhance these practices, offering a deeper exploration of your inner strength and balance. As we wrap up, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your presence in this journey and invite you to join our thriving community through your feedback and reviews. Let’s embrace a path of self-respect and holistic self-care, paving the way for a life filled with soul joy and harmony.

Consider Your Needs Oct 21, 2024

Send us your thoughts!

Could acknowledging your own needs be the key to unlocking a more vibrant and fulfilled life? Join me, Dr. Julie Merriman, as we embark on a journey to prioritize self-care in our latest SoulJoy episode. Together, we'll explore the differences in how people approach self-care, from the confident self-advocates to those who may feel hesitant due to upbringing or beliefs. By holding space for ourselves without shame, we can cultivate a stronger presence that not only benefits us but also enhances the care we provide to others. This episode offers insights from my book, "In Pursuit of Soul Joy," alongside practical tools to combat burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma.
Packed with personal anecdotes and professional insights, this conversation is tailor-made for those dedicated to helping others. I invite you to reflect on your own position on the self-care spectrum and consider the transformation that comes with knowing and advocating for your needs. Discover how embracing self-care practices can enhance your comfort within your own skin and make you sparkle just a little brighter every day. It's time to focus on you, ensuring that your well-being is prioritized in the same way you prioritize the needs of your clients and loved ones.

Making Friends with Your Weaknesses Oct 14, 2024

Send us your thoughts!

Ever faced burnout, compassion fatigue, or vicarious trauma? Imagine if embracing your weaknesses could actually boost your self-confidence and help you manifest your true desires. In this episode of SoulJoy, I'm Dr. Julie Merriman, and we’re diving deep into making peace with our imperfections. I share personal anecdotes, including my own struggles with math, to illustrate how owning our weaknesses can liberate us from the shackles of shame.
Tune in as we explore the transformative power of inner child work and the detrimental impact of outdated schema on our growth. This episode is a heartfelt invitation to become a curious observer of your shortcomings, learn from them, and let go of self-loathing. Discover how accepting what you’re not good at can lead to a more authentic and joyful life. Join us and find out why no one needs to be good at everything and how making friends with your weaknesses can help you find your life's true niche.

From Stuck Energy to Practicing Abundance Oct 07, 2024

Send us your thoughts!

After years of overworking and living in fear, I found myself on a transformative journey that completely redefined my outlook on life. In this episode of SoulJoy, I'm excited to share how embracing an abundance mindset revolutionized my approach to holistic wellness. You'll hear about my shift from a scarcity-driven mindset to one where recognizing my inherent worth and setting healthy boundaries became paramount. This discussion is particularly crucial for professional helpers who often grapple with burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma. My story serves as a beacon, illustrating that believing there's enough for everyone can lead to a healthier, more fulfilling existence.
Moreover, we'll dive into the concept of an abundance mindset and ways to cultivate your unique version of it. I'll guide you through the process of defining and visualizing abundance, even suggesting the creation of a mandala as a practical tool. This week, I invite you to explore and define your own abundance mindset and unique message to share with the world, reinforcing that your distinct brand holds incredible value. Don't forget to subscribe to my email list for a helpful PDF and to support the podcast by leaving reviews. Thank you for tuning in, and take care!

Be Nice to You Sep 30, 2024

Send us your thoughts!

Can changing the way you talk to yourself actually rewire your brain for greater well-being? Join me, Dr. Julie Merriman, on this enlightening episode of SoulJoy as we uncover the transformative power of self-compassion. You’ll learn how the language you use about yourself affects your brain's amygdala and discover practical strategies to reframe negative thoughts. We also explore how understanding your personal money story can help you make better financial decisions free of fear. Cultivating a supportive network is another vital element, helping you practice self-kindness and avoid burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma, especially if you're a professional helper.
In our continued journey towards holistic wellness, we revisit the superpower model introduced earlier in the series. This episode provides you with a hands-on exercise to combat self-doubt using this model. Share your completed exercise with a trusted individual like a therapist or friend to build a compassionate and supportive environment around you. Don’t miss out on the detailed PDF of the exercise available through my email list. By embracing self-kindness and reframing your inner dialogue, you’ll foster a compassionate mindset that enhances your overall well-being. Remember to subscribe and leave a review to support our shared journey toward soul-enriching wellness.

Self-Sabotage vs Sense of Self Sep 23, 2024

Send us your thoughts!

How often do you find yourself teetering on the edge of burnout, unsure of who you’ve become? Today, Dr. Julie Merriman shares her raw and honest journey through the maze of self-sabotage, burnout, and rediscovering a resilient sense of self. This episode of SoulJoy is a deep dive into the essential elements of creating a holistic, sustainable self-care plan that fortifies your mental wellness. We recount the real-life events that tested the Merriman household, from demanding home renovations to life-altering personal challenges, showing how even the strongest among us can falter without proper self-care.
Drawing from her professional expertise and personal battles, Dr. Merriman opens up about the occupational hazards faced by professional helpers. She examines the pressures of burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma that can erode one's mental fitness. Through candid anecdotes and practical advice, this episode offers a heartfelt guide to maintaining a strong sense of self, ensuring you’re mentally equipped to face life's adversities head-on. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just beginning your self-care journey, tune in for invaluable insights and strategies to keep yourself grounded and resilient.

Achieving Soul Joy: Holistic Self-Care for Professional Helpers Sep 16, 2024

Send us your thoughts!

Ever wondered how to truly achieve "soul joy" through holistic self-care? Join me, Dr. Julie Merriman, as I share a heartwarming personal story about my horse, Rex, and the immense joy that our fur babies can bring into our lives. Together, we'll explore how professional helpers can combat burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma by incorporating evidence-based holistic practices. Say goodbye to those frazzled, confusing moments and embrace a life filled with wellness, purpose, and a refreshed sense of self. Remember, the journey to well-being requires consistent effort and a structured self-care plan.
Stay connected and motivated by subscribing to my email list for weekly updates, including new podcast episodes and an exclusive PDF of related activities. Take the first step towards a better you by joining my seven-day self-care challenge on www.juliemerrimanphd.com. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform and leave a review to help us grow our community. Your feedback is invaluable, and I'm excited to engage with each of you on this transformative journey.

The Neuroscience of Exhaustion Sep 09, 2024

Send us your thoughts!

What does it really mean to experience exhaustion in the helping professions? Join me, Dr. Julie Merriman, as I uncover the neuroscience behind this pressing issue, sharing deeply personal stories from my own life, including my husband's courageous battle with brain cancer and a recent heart-pounding escapade with some unruly calves. We will dissect the hidden dangers of burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma faced by caregivers and healthcare workers, revealing how these stressors can lead to severe mental and physical health problems if left unmanaged.
In the latter part of our discussion, I'll underscore the critical need for integrating self-care into our daily lives. Don't miss the chance to access exclusive weekly PDFs and a free seven-day self-care activity by joining my email list at juliemerrimanphd.com. Plus, learn why subscribing and leaving reviews on the podcast platform of your choice is crucial for expanding our community. Let’s navigate the challenges of helping others together, and ensure we support ourselves in the process.

Wellness is a State of Mind Sep 02, 2024

Send us your thoughts!

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the pressures of your career, wondering if there's a way to maintain your passion without burning out? Join me, Dr. Julie Merriman, as I share my own struggle with burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma, and how these experiences led me to write "In Pursuit of Soul Joy." Together, we'll uncover the vital importance of integrating self-care into every facet of our lives, especially for those in helping professions. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of how a wellness mindset can be the key to sustainable, holistic self-care.
Have you ever thought about what it means to embrace wellness truly? In this episode, I challenge you to redefine your limits by sharing my personal journey with pickleball—a surprising yet powerful avenue for growth. Listen in as we explore how pushing our boundaries can be a profound act of self-care, and why it's essential to see wellness as an ongoing effort rather than a quick fix. As we wrap up, don't forget to subscribe and leave a review—your feedback helps us build a community committed to continual growth and self-care. Take care, and keep striving for your own path to wellness.

Understanding Boundaries: A Path to Holistic Health Jul 23, 2024

Send us your thoughts!

Ever wished you could strike the perfect balance between being helpful and maintaining your own well-being? Join Dr. Julie Merriman as she unpacks the crucial topic of setting boundaries, particularly for professional helpers who often face the risk of burnout. Discover why establishing clear limits is essential for sustainable, holistic wellness and learn practical strategies to protect your mental and emotional health without sacrificing your genuine desire to assist others.
In this enlightening episode of SoulJoy, Dr. Merriman delves into the psychological reasons behind our struggle to set boundaries, from the desire to be perceived as nice to the discomfort of being seen otherwise. Reflect on how early experiences shape our need for approval and impact both our professional and personal lives. Through engaging insights and relatable anecdotes, explore how to redefine your perceptions, set healthy boundaries, and ensure they truly serve you in your journey towards holistic wellness. Tune in and transform how you approach your role as a helper, so you can continue to care for others while caring for yourself.

From Burnout to Boundless Energy Jul 15, 2024

Send us your thoughts!

Can you imagine writing a book at 60 or bringing home a new puppy to add joy to your life? Join me, Dr. Julie Merriman, as I share personal stories about our new blue heeler puppy, Louis, and how simple pleasures like these can combat burnout. Discover how my recent bedroom makeover has brought fresh energy into my life and learn why it’s never too late to dream and set new goals. I’ll be discussing the importance of shifting from a mindset of limitations to one of endless possibilities, encouraging you to pursue your passions and create a fulfilling life at any age.
Visualize yourself as the hero of your own story and learn how vivid details can make your dreams feel real and achievable. Whether you’re considering writing a book, starting a podcast, or even running for a presidential delegate, this episode is filled with inspiration and practical tips to help you care for yourself and prevent burnout. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and suggest future topics to continue this journey of holistic self-care and endless possibilities. Let's embrace the power of dreaming and making those dreams come true, no matter where you are in life.

From Unease to Ease: A Healing Journey Jul 08, 2024

Send us your thoughts!

What happens when life throws you a curveball and everything feels less than okay? Join me, Dr. Julie Merriman, on this transformative episode of SoulJoy as we explore the vital importance of acknowledging and embracing these "not okay" moments. Reflecting on a deeply personal story, I share how my family celebrated a quiet Fourth of July amid my husband's and my ongoing cancer battles. Despite the hardships, we find solace and joy in simple, grounding activities like spending time with our goats. Hear practical advice on creating your own "not okay plan" to nurture your soul and steer clear of unhealthy coping mechanisms like excessive shopping or drinking.
The conversation takes a profound turn as we unpack the Superpower Model for Healing, a tool designed to identify and address discomfort within our chakras by uncovering the thoughts that fuel our unease. While these thoughts can be elusive, the SPM helps us change them and, consequently, our reactions. Embracing the idea that life is 60% good and 40% not okay, we stress the value of finding comfort in this imbalance to truly appreciate life's beauty. Tune in to discover how the Superpower Model can serve as a catalyst for your personal growth journey and feel free to reach out with any questions.

Dr. Merriman's Mind Management Secrets Jul 01, 2024

Send us your thoughts!

What if you could reshape your entire approach to self-care and mental wellness? In this episode, Dr. Julie Merriman opens up about her personal journey, sharing the emotional highs and lows of her husband's victorious battle with cancer and her own ongoing struggle with breast cancer. These deeply personal stories lay the groundwork for understanding the need for a sustainable self-care "tool belt." Dr. Merriman will explain how cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been a linchpin in her mind management strategy, and how she has evolved it into her unique "capeworthy superpower model." Learn the four transformative steps: identifying facts without drama, understanding the thoughts that arise, and transforming those thoughts to craft a life you truly love. This episode is packed with practical strategies to build a sustainable self-care lifestyle, enhancing your mental and emotional well-being.
Your engagement is essential in shaping future episodes! Discover how subscribing to the podcast and leaving reviews can help us reach a broader audience, offering support to even more people. Dr. Merriman particularly values your feedback and topic suggestions, especially on critical themes like compassion, fatigue, burnout, and the unique pressures faced by professional helpers. Contribute to a growing conversation on sustainable self-care and become a part of our supportive community. Tune in to gain invaluable tools for mind management and holistic wellness, and help us continue this important dialogue.

Tools to Ditch Burnout: Checking Out Your Energy Jun 24, 2024

Send us your thoughts!

In today’s episode we’re gonna continue talking about chakras and how unbalanced energy impacts your wellness, also known as holistic, sustainable self-care. Y’all, there’s a lot of meat in this episode. I encourage you to grab a journal and pen to take notes. I’ve built holistic, sustainable self-care, aka wellness, on chakra energies. There will be much to remember.

Why is this important? Balancing your energy is a key tool for building a sustainable, holistic self-care life style.

Wellness Journey: Chakra Primer 1 Jun 17, 2024

Send us your thoughts!

In today’s episode we’re talking about chakras and unbalanced energies impacting your wellness, also known as holistic, sustainable self-care.
Y’all, there’s a lot of meat in this episode. I encourage you to take notes. There will be much to remember.

Occupational Hazards of Professional Helpers Jun 10, 2024

Send us your thoughts!

In today’s episode we’re gonna explore the occupational hazards of professional helpers and look at some proven strategies to combat these.

I wanna help you ditch these and fall in love with life.

Soul Joy Trailer Jun 06, 2024

Send us your thoughts!

Dr. Julie Merriman has spent the last 25 years as a professor and counselor helping professional helpers ditch burnout and fall in love this life. In the Soul Joy Podcast, Dr. M shares evidenced-based tools and techniques to make the changes you long for. She has built her career on passionately helping other feel inspired, enthusiastic, and empowered to fall back in love with life. Starting this summer, June 10th. Dr. J is here for you with nurturing nuggets every Monday.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Soul Joy: Ditch Burnout and Fall in Love with Life

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected