Life Kit Coping With Anxiety From Constant Headlines
Oct 27, 2020
Judson Brewer, a neuroscientist and mindfulness expert, shares insights on managing anxiety in our news-saturated world. He discusses how constant headlines can trigger anxiety and the importance of mindfulness in navigating these emotional responses. Brewer introduces practical strategies, including self-reflection and breathing exercises, to help listeners regain focus and calm. He emphasizes the impact of news on mental health and offers a two-step approach to managing emotions, encouraging connection over divisiveness for greater well-being.
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The Mechanics of Worry
- Worry is a maladaptive brain mechanism built on fear and the need for accurate information.
- Without accurate information, our brains spin out and worry, hindering our ability to think and plan effectively.
Working Memory Capacity
- The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, responsible for working memory, has limited capacity, similar to a computer's RAM.
- When this capacity is filled with worry, it becomes difficult to hold other information, leading to mental freezing.
Mapping Mental Processes and Evaluating Rewards
- Map out your mental processes by identifying triggers, behaviors, and results related to negative emotions.
- Evaluate the reward of checking out by reflecting on how it makes you feel and if it truly serves you.