Instructions for the Care of Joyful Humans
Hello everyone,
Can you believe it has already been a month since Deserving of Joy: Direct Primary Care opened its doors? I want to start with a heartfelt thank you. Thank you for trusting me with your care, your stories, and your health. This first month has been full of meaningful conversations, thoughtful visits, and the kind of medicine that reminds me exactly why I chose this work in the first place.
If you have not yet had a visit or reached out for anything, that is completely okay. I have reached out directly to anyone who has not yet used the service, simply to say hello and make sure you know the door is open. There is no pressure and no timer running. This practice exists for you when you need it.
Now for a new recurring section I am very excited about.
Welcome to “Instructions for the Care of Joyful Humans!”
Have you ever wished there was an instruction manual for taking care of yourself? One that did not involve guilt, perfection, or impossible standards? Welcome to Instructions for the Care of Joyful Humans. This is a space where we will highlight small, practical tips to help you feel healthier, more grounded, and yes, more joyful.
You might have expected me to talk about nutrition or exercise here, but no, we are going to start with something much more important for your mental health: creativity!
Joy is not only built through lab results and blood pressure readings. It also comes from creativity, curiosity, and moments that make time feel softer.
There is good scientific evidence that playful creative activity boosts mental health and resilience. Research shows that engaging in creative play supports stress reduction, improves mood, and strengthens the brain’s ability to adapt to challenges. This is not about being an artist or making something worthy of display. It is about the process of play itself rejuvenating your nervous system and your sense of self.
This month, I invite you to try one small creative act with no expectation of productivity or excellence. You are not starting a side hustle or an Etsy shop. Instead, I’d like you to choose something that sounds fun but that you are pretty sure you are bad at. Write a paragraph in a journal. Rearrange a room. Cook a new recipe. Buy flowers just because. Let yourself do something simply because it feels good to do it.
My family and I have been engaging in Sunday night arts and crafts time and last night I made candles out of oranges! It was messy (candle wax everywhere!), not at all productive and oh so fun! And today I have done my work by the light of orange candles!
If you find yourself thinking, I do not have time for that, consider that joy often sneaks in when we stop waiting for permission.
As always, I am so glad you are here. Thank you for being part of this community and for choosing a model of care built around connection, trust, and the belief that your health and your joy are deeply linked.
With gratitude,
Dr. Kristy Mount
Deserving of Joy Direct Primary Care