Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson Unwinding Anxiety and Addiction with Dr. Jud Brewer
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Oct 4, 2021 
Dr. Jud Brewer, a psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and author focused on mindfulness for addiction and anxiety, dives into the fascinating link between habits and anxiety. He explains how anxiety can become a reinforced habit, presents innovative mindfulness techniques for healing, and discusses the neurobiological basis of cravings. Listeners will learn about the cycle of worry, the impact of anxiety on performance, and practical practices to alleviate anxiety—all while drawing insights from the brains of seasoned meditators.
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Jud's Meditation Journey
- Dr. Jud Brewer started meditating before medical school due to stress.
- Initially, he fell asleep during meditations but later found it helpful during boring lectures.
Habit Structure
- Habits consist of a trigger, behavior, and reward, rooted in survival mechanisms.
- These elements create context-dependent memory, crucial for learning and efficiency.
Observe the Reward
- Pay close attention to the actual experience of the behavior, like smoking or overeating, to see its true reward value.
- This awareness can lead to disenchantment and weaken the habit loop.
