How to Break Bad Habits and Overcome Anxiety | Dr. Jud Brewer (ep. 594)
Aug 17, 2023
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Dr. Jud Brewer, a New York Times bestselling author and expert in addiction with over two decades of research, dives into the science behind breaking bad habits. He highlights the importance of curiosity and kindness as tools to overcome anxiety and cravings. The conversation covers how stress impacts health, the role of mindfulness in managing worry, and practical strategies to reshape unhealthy behaviors, like eating and technology distractions. Dr. Brewer also emphasizes self-awareness in navigating habit loops for lasting change.
Dr. Jud Brewer emphasizes that understanding the psychological mechanisms behind habits is crucial for effectively breaking unwanted behaviors and anxiety cycles.
He advocates for mindfulness and curiosity as key strategies that help individuals recognize harmful habits and replace them with healthier alternatives.
The podcast outlines practical steps for overcoming unhealthy habits, highlighting the importance of awareness in identifying triggers and evaluating habitual behaviors.
Deep dives
The Introduction of Keely Green
Keely Companies is expanding its cultural values by introducing a seventh pillar, Keely Green, which emphasizes sustainability across all aspects of their operations. This initiative aims to set higher standards for designing, building, and living in ways that positively impact the environment. The holistic approach of Keely Green is framed as a commitment to creating a future that is sustainable for generations to come. Rusty Keighley emphasizes that this is just the beginning of their sustainability journey.
Dr. Judd Brewer’s Expertise on Habits
Dr. Judd Brewer, a specialist in addiction and anxiety, shares insights gained from over 20 years of research at Brown University. He discusses the complexities of modifying unhealthy behaviors and emphasizes his evidence-based methods for helping individuals manage unwanted habits. His collaborations with various high-performing groups, including Olympic athletes and corporate leaders, reinforce the applicability of his techniques across different contexts. Dr. Brewer's approach focuses on understanding brain function and the psychological mechanisms behind behavior.
The Cycle of Anxiety and Addictive Behaviors
The podcast details how anxiety can drive a cycle of worrying and fear, contributing to various addictive behaviors like social media overuse, overeating, and smoking. Dr. Brewer suggests that habits are often difficult to break because they become ingrained in our daily lives. He highlights the importance of recognizing the mental patterns that accompany these behaviors, as understanding their roots is essential for breaking free from them. Through mindfulness and a cultivation of curiosity, individuals can learn to manage their reactions to anxiety and cravings.
Mindfulness as a Tool for Change
Dr. Brewer advocates for mindfulness as a practical approach to breaking habit loops that contribute to anxiety and addiction. He explains that mindfulness involves being present and aware of thoughts and sensations without judgment, allowing individuals to recognize their habitual responses. By bringing curiosity to the forefront, people can begin to differentiate between helpful and harmful habits. This awareness creates the opportunity to transform negative patterns into healthier behaviors, ultimately improving overall well-being.
Practical Steps for Overcoming Habits
Practical steps for overcoming unhealthy habits include identifying triggers, behaviors, and outcomes within the habit loop framework. Dr. Brewer emphasizes that awareness is crucial for making behavioral changes, as it enables individuals to evaluate what they are gaining from their habits. By cultivating curiosity and compassion towards oneself, individuals can foster a better understanding of their urges and cravings. Utilizing these strategies can lead to significant improvements in managing anxiety and establishing positive lifestyle changes.
As the New York Times bestselling author of Unwinding Anxiety and The Craving Mind, Dr. Jud Brewer is an expert in addiction, anxiety and modifying unhealthy behaviors to establish new, positive habits. With more than 20 years of rigorous research at Brown University, Dr. Jud uses his proven, evidence-based guidance to those struggling with unwanted behaviors and “everyday addictions.”
Passionate about understanding how our brains work, Dr. Jud has collaborated with U.S. Olympic athletes and coaches, foreign government ministers and corporate leaders to help make deep, permanent change in their lives.
Today, Dr. Jud joins us to explain why our habits are hard to overcome and the clear, solution-oriented steps we can implement to conquer them. Using curiosity and kindness, Dr. Jud shares how to break the cycle of worry and fear that drives anxiety and addictive tendencies.
Whether you or someone you love is struggling with compulsively checking social media, binge eating, smoking, excessive drinking… or any other addictions, this conversation is for you.
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