In 'The Anxious Generation', Jonathan Haidt examines the sudden decline in the mental health of adolescents starting in the early 2010s. He attributes this decline to the shift from a 'play-based childhood' to a 'phone-based childhood', highlighting mechanisms such as sleep deprivation, attention fragmentation, addiction, loneliness, social contagion, and perfectionism that interfere with children’s social and neurological development. Haidt proposes four simple rules to address this issue: no smartphones before high school, no social media before age 16, phone-free schools, and more opportunities for independence, free play, and responsibility. The book offers a clear call to action for parents, teachers, schools, tech companies, and governments to restore a more humane childhood and end the epidemic of mental illness among youth.
In this episode, neuroscientist and clinical researcher Dr. Justin Feinstein discusses the fascinating science and therapeutic potential of flotation therapy.
Often misunderstood and mislabeled as “sensory deprivation,” Dr. Feinstein explains why this is a misnomer and what’s truly happening inside the float tank. Instead of depriving the senses, floating creates an environment of deep physical and mental rest, allowing the nervous system to reset.
We explore Dr. Feinstein’s pioneering research on using float therapy to help individuals with PTSD and high anxiety sensitivity. He also shares insights into how flotation therapy could become a valuable tool in the public health system, especially for trauma survivors and people with severe anxiety.
Dr. Feinstein highlights compelling case studies, including patients with anorexia nervosa who experienced meaningful relief through floating, as well as its growing popularity among high-performing athletes looking to optimize recovery and mental performance.
Whether you’re new to flotation therapy or familiar with the practice, this conversation reveals its untapped potential and emerging role in both mental health and peak performance.
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Website: www.fitmind.org
Show Notes
0:00 | Intro to Justin Feinstein, PhD
2:55 | Floating & PTSD treatment
18:02 | More Stress, More Effective Floating
20:02 | Anxious People's Struggle With Meditation
31:58 | High Anxiety Sensitivity
43:41 | Peak Performance Through Flotation
47:12 | How Long Benefits of Floating Last
52:29 | Floating & Meditation
54:31 | Out-of-Body Experiences
58:03 | Anorexia Nervosa & Floating
1:01:40 | Effects on Nervous System
1:04:07 | Altered States & Brainwaves in the Tank
1:19:26 | Importance of Early Intervention
1:24:17 | Respiration
1:27:30 | Links: https://www.mauicalm.org/, https://www.clinicalfloat.org/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-feinstein/
The FitMind Podcast: Mental Fitness, Neuroscience & Psychology 