343: Dr. John Delony—A Beer, Some Nachos, and a Barstool
Sep 5, 2023
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Dr. John Delony, a mental health expert and bestselling author, discusses living in a post-expert world, the dangers of certainty, choices for a non-anxious life, and the power of sharing beer and nachos with friends. They also explore the importance of seeking wisdom, meaningful connections, and finding reliable information in a world of information overload.
Confronting anxiety head-on and taking action instead of avoiding it can help effectively deal with anxiety.
To avoid unnecessary anxiety, it is important to recognize the biases and limitations of mainstream news and seek information from reliable sources and experts.
Building relationships with trusted individuals who have relevant expertise and personal experience can provide valuable insights and guidance for addressing challenges.
Deep dives
Anxiety as a Symptom and the Importance of Facing It
Anxiety is a symptom that our body produces to signal a potential threat or danger. Avoiding anxiety-provoking situations reinforces the anxiety response, making it stronger. To effectively deal with anxiety, we need to confront it head-on and take action instead of avoiding it.
The Issues with Mainstream News and Dealing with Information Overload
Mainstream news channels are driven by profit and prioritize grabbing attention over providing accurate information. They often focus on sensationalism and creating narratives rather than presenting facts. To avoid unnecessary anxiety, it is important to recognize the biases and limitations of mainstream news and seek information from reliable sources and experts.
Seeking Guidance from Trusted Individuals and Experts
Being cautious of cookie-cutter advice and generic solutions is essential. Instead, seek guidance from trusted individuals who have relevant expertise and personal experience. Building relationships with experts, professionals, and people who have faced similar challenges can provide valuable insights and guidance based on their knowledge and practical experience.
Opting Out and Prioritizing Relationships
Choosing to opt out of certain activities or situations that contribute to anxiety can be a powerful decision. Prioritizing meaningful relationships, connecting with others, and investing in community can provide a sense of belonging, support, and purpose, ultimately enhancing overall well-being.
Choosing Bravery and Finding Meaning in Grief
Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the act of doing something brave despite being afraid. When faced with grief, it is important to understand that feeling low and shutting down temporarily is a natural response. It is not a sign of dysfunction or brokenness. Stoicism teaches us that finding meaning in mundane tasks, like the story of Sisyphus, can bring joy and satisfaction to our lives. The key is to embrace the ordinary and find dignity in our everyday activities, rather than constantly seeking a different life. By taking ownership of our choices, embracing reality, prioritizing health and healing, cultivating meaningful connections, choosing freedom, practicing mindfulness, and adopting a belief in something larger than ourselves, we can lead a non-anxious life.
The Importance of Community and Prioritizing Relationships
Amidst the convenience and ease of modern technology, we must be cautious of losing genuine human connection. Building relationships with our neighbors and communities is essential for our overall well-being. Research shows that strong relationships with neighbors are vital for community resilience and individual happiness. The pandemic offered an opportunity for many to connect with their neighbors on a deeper level, creating a sense of belonging and support. By choosing vulnerability and investing time and effort into building connections, we can experience a non-anxious life. This includes prioritizing time spent with loved ones, engaging in activities together, and serving one another. By choosing empathy, embracing vulnerability, and actively participating in our communities, we can find greater fulfillment and contribute to a healthier society.
343: A Beer, Some Nachos, and a Barstool with Dr. John Delony The bestselling author, mental health expert, and host of the Dr. John Delony Show chats about the crisis of confidence that comes from living in a post-expert world, the dangers of certainty, the choices we can make to live a non-anxious life, and how sharing nachos and beer with good friends can help. John’s book is Building a Non-Anxious Life
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