Dr. Wendy Suzuki, a professor of neural science and psychology at NYU and author of 'Good Anxiety,' shares her insights on transforming anxiety into a superpower. She discusses the evolutionary purpose of anxiety and how recognizing it as a gift can empower personal growth. Wendy explores practical coping techniques, the benefits of tea meditation for mindfulness, and the role of exercise in enhancing mental health. Plus, she delves into navigating anxiety through grief and the importance of connection and love in achieving emotional well-being.
Dr. Wendy Suzuki emphasizes the importance of reframing everyday anxiety as a common experience that fosters connection rather than viewing it as an illness.
She advocates for practical strategies like mindful breathing and physical activity to transform anxiety into a tool for proactive problem-solving and personal growth.
Deep dives
Understanding Everyday Anxiety
Everyday anxiety is a normal human emotion experienced by a significant portion of the population, with estimates suggesting that about 80 to 85% of people encounter it regularly. This type of anxiety is distinct from generalized anxiety disorders, which require medical attention and treatment. Neuroscientist Wendy Suzuki emphasizes that it is essential to recognize the difference and validate the existence of everyday anxiety, as it affects many individuals' daily lives. She aims to help people identify their anxiety as not an illness, but as a common experience that many share, contributing to an overall feeling of connection and understanding.
Reframing Anxiety as a Gift
Wendy Suzuki promotes a perspective shift, encouraging individuals to view everyday anxiety as a gift rather than a burden. She suggests that anxiety serves an evolutionary purpose, initially designed to protect us from threats, just as it might have helped a forager identify the dangers around them. This framing allows for a more empowering approach, as those experiencing anxiety can identify the aspects of their lives that matter to them, such as family, work, and personal goals. By recognizing what triggers their worries, individuals can develop action plans and move from a state of anxiety to proactive problem-solving.
Tools for Managing Anxiety
Suzuki presents several practical tools for managing anxiety, starting with mindful breathing. Deep, conscious breaths activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which can reduce feelings of anxiety and promote calmness. Additionally, incorporating regular physical activity, such as walking for just ten minutes, can significantly enhance mood and cognitive function by releasing beneficial neurochemicals. Suzuki also highlights the importance of social connections, suggesting that reaching out to friends or loved ones can provide support and reduce feelings of isolation associated with anxiety.
The Role of Self-Experimentation
Self-experimentation plays a crucial role in understanding how to cope with anxiety effectively. Wendy Suzuki encourages individuals to try different strategies to see what works best for them, whether through meditation, exercise, or social interactions. This trial-and-error approach enables people to determine personalized techniques that nurture both mental and physical well-being. By documenting their experiences, individuals can gain insights into their anxiety triggers and the effectiveness of various coping strategies, ultimately fostering personal growth and resilience.
Dr. Wendy Suzuki is a professor of neural science and psychology at New York University and the author of Good Anxiety: Harnessing the Power of the Most Misunderstood Emotion. In 2022, she was appointed Dean of NYU's College of Arts & Science.
On this week’s episode of Everyday Better, Wendy joins Leah to discuss strategies for turning our anxiety from a weakness into a superpower. She digs into the evolutionary purpose of anxiety and explains why the feelings of anxiousness we all experience don’t have to hold us back from achieving success.