Fixable How to calm your anxiety, from a neuroscientist | from TED Health
Aug 4, 2025
Wendy Suzuki, a neuroscientist passionate about mental health, shares groundbreaking insights on anxiety. She reveals that anxiety can be transformed into a powerful ally rather than an obstacle. Wendy introduces effective strategies like mindful breathing and movement, highlighting their impact on promoting calmness and creativity. She emphasizes the importance of body awareness and the role of empathy in managing anxiety. Discover how these simple techniques can help you thrive in everyday challenges and even harness anxiety for improved performance.
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Anxiety's Evolutionary Role
- Anxiety evolved as a protective tool for survival to warn us of danger.
- However, the volume of anxiety today is too high, making it feel harmful rather than protective.
Calm Anxiety with Breath Work
- Use deep, slow breathing to quickly activate your parasympathetic nervous system and calm anxiety.
- Try boxed breathing: inhale for 4, hold 4, exhale 4, hold 4 during anxiety-provoking moments.
Use Movement to Boost Mood
- Move your body to release dopamine, serotonin, noradrenaline, and endorphins that boost mood.
- Even 10 minutes of walking or creative movement can reduce anxiety fast.