Dr. Jud Brewer, a leading expert in stress and anxiety, discusses the landscape of anxiety in society and the effectiveness of common approaches to tackling anxiety. He shares insights from his work in neuroscience and offers practical ways to break the habit of anxiety. The podcast also explores the relationship between anxiety and success, the importance of cultivating positive qualities, and provides tips on how to start approaching anxiety differently.
Worrying reinforces anxiety as a habit, even though it doesn't provide more control or reduce uncertainty.
Traditional cognitive techniques may not be accessible during anxious moments due to the prefrontal cortex going offline.
Integrating mindfulness and awareness disrupts the habit loop of anxiety, providing a greater sense of control and understanding of its unrewarding nature.
Deep dives
Anxiety is a Habit Loop Reinforced by Worrying
Anxiety triggers the mental behavior of worrying, which creates a feeling of control or distraction in the present moment. However, worrying doesn't actually provide more control or reduce uncertainty. The habit of worrying is reinforced by the belief that it helps, leading to anxiety becoming a habit. Recognizing this mechanism can be helpful in treating anxiety.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) May Not Be Effective for Anxiety
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a commonly used approach for anxiety treatment, focuses on identifying and changing cognitive distortions. However, CBT may not be reliable for anxiety because the prefrontal cortex, where cognitive control resides, tends to go offline during periods of stress or anxiety. This suggests that traditional cognitive techniques might not be accessible during anxious moments.
Mindfully Being Present with Anxiety Provides Lasting Change
Integrating mindfulness and awareness into anxiety treatment can be highly effective. By being present with anxiety and observing the thoughts and sensations it produces, individuals can disrupt the habit loop that reinforces anxiety. Through this process, they can gain a better understanding of anxiety's unrewarding nature and develop a greater sense of control over their anxiety responses.
Anxiety Does Not Enhance Performance
Contrary to a common belief, anxiety does not lead to improved performance. Research shows that anxiety actually impairs cognitive functioning and decreases performance. It is important to distinguish arousal levels from anxiety levels, as anxiety tends to have a negative impact on performance. Expanding states of curiosity, joy, and flow are more conducive to optimal performance.
Mapping Habits and Cultivating Curiosity are Key Steps
To begin changing anxious habits, individuals can start by mapping out their habit loops, including the triggers, behaviors, and rewards associated with their anxiety. Recognizing the patterns and understanding what is being acquired through the habit can empower individuals to develop curiosity and explore alternative behaviors that are more rewarding and beneficial for their well-being.
Today's episode is the first in a new stress and anxiety series we're doing on the podcast.
Over the coming weeks we'll share deep, informative, and practical conversations with some of the leading experts in these arenas.
Each episode will offer insight into how to work with these very common (and often challenging) aspects of our lives more effectively and in ways that lead to greater calm, balance, and wellbeing.
And today I am thrilled, because Dr. Jud Brewer is back on the show to kick things off.
Jud is an addiction psychiatrist and a leader in fields of habit change, mindfulness, and anxiety.
In today's powerful three-part conversation we’ll dive into Jud's work and highlights from his groundbreaking book: Unwinding Anxiety.
In part one, Jud will paint a picture of the landscape of anxiety in our culture and will tease out what it is, and what it’s not.
In part two we’ll discuss why some of the common approaches to alleviating anxiety may not be so effective - specifically when it comes to lasting change.
And in part three, Jud will share illuminating insights from his work in neuroscience that shed light on what works for unwinding anxiety in lasting ways.
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Find this episode inspiring? Here are past conversations with Jud we think you’ll love:
Dr. Jud Brewer is a NYT best-selling author and thought leader in the field of habit change, who blends over 20 years of experience with mindfulness training and a career in scientific research. He is passionate about understanding how our brains work, and how to use that knowledge to help people make deep, permanent change in their lives — with the goal of reducing suffering in the world at large. He is the director of research and innovation at Brown University’s Mindfulness Center. Additionally, he is the executive medical director of behavioral health at Sharecare. Dr. Jud has developed and tested novel mindfulness programs for habit change for anxiety, emotional eating, and smoking (Unwinding Anxiety, Eat Right Now and Craving to Quit). For more, visit: drjud.com
Announcing the 5-Day Transforming Stress Challenge!
In addition to the Stress and Anxiety Series on the podcast I am launching a new 5-day challenge in November: Transforming Stress for greater calm, balance, and wellbeing.
From November 13th-17th I will share bite-sized recorded practices that include some of the most effective teachings, mindset tools, and meditations I’ve come across for working with stress and anxiety over my career.
And to conclude the challenge I will host a Stress Masterclass where we will have the opportunity to practice together live.