Life Kit Coronavirus Panic: How To Get Your Thinking Brain Back Online
Apr 16, 2020
Judson Brewer, a neuroscientist and psychiatrist focused on anxiety and habit change, shares invaluable insights on managing panic during uncertain times. He discusses how panic can spread just like a virus and highlights the importance of mindfulness over compulsive behaviors, such as panic buying. Brewer emphasizes building calming habits and reframing feelings of guilt associated with isolation. He also draws inspiration from poetry, suggesting that embracing emotions can aid in coping with anxiety through mindfulness techniques.
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Letter Walks
- A preschool teacher and her daughter went on "letter walks" to reduce screen time during the pandemic.
- They searched for specific letters on signs, making it a fun learning experience.
Deep Breaths and Grounding
- Combat anxiety with deep breaths; they calm your nervous system.
- Ground yourself by feeling your feet to regain control amidst uncertainty.
Contagious Panic
- The prefrontal cortex struggles with rapidly changing, uncertain information.
- Panic and fear are contagious, spreading through social interactions and media.