Science of Perception Box How Curiosity Quiets Anxiety with Dr. Judson Brewer
Jan 16, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Judson Brewer, a mindfulness expert and Associate Professor at Brown University, dives deep into the habit loops that fuel anxiety. He explores how curiosity can act as a powerful antidote, transforming our relationship with anxious thoughts. Brewer shares insights on breaking harmful patterns through mindfulness techniques, emphasizing the evolutionary benefits of anxiety. Personal anecdotes illuminate how awareness can lead to healthier choices, making complex neuroscience accessible and relatable.
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Anxiety's Origins
- Anxiety arises from the combination of fear and planning, leading to fear of the future.
- This "fear of the future" hinders present moment awareness and impairs the prefrontal cortex, making planning harder.
Worry as a Habit Loop
- Worrying is a mental behavior driven by negative reinforcement.
- It provides a temporary illusion of control, distracting from anxiety's unpleasantness, thus reinforcing the worry habit loop.
Beyond Willpower
- Avoid relying on willpower to combat anxiety; it's ineffective.
- Instead, understand the brain's reward system and how it reinforces habits.
