New Scientist Podcasts
Anxiety Special: The science of anxiety and how to make it work for you
Aug 15, 2024
Anxiety affects everyone differently and understanding its roots can help you take control. Discover how evolutionary responses shape anxiety and what happens in the brain during those moments. The genetic influences can play a role too, impacting how we experience anxiety. Learn about surprising benefits of anxiety and practical lifestyle changes to manage it better. Plus, find out how embracing eco-anxiety can inspire positive actions for the planet!
28:47
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Quick takeaways
- Anxiety is an evolved survival mechanism that can trigger involuntary responses, sometimes leading to heightened sensitivity to internal bodily sensations.
- Implementing strategies like cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness can help individuals manage anxiety, reframing it as a beneficial aspect of personal and professional growth.
Deep dives
Understanding Anxiety Responses
Anxiety serves as an evolved survival mechanism, triggering the body's response to perceived threats, such as the tightness in muscles and racing heart when one feels threatened. This response originates in the amygdala, which processes fear and initiates emotional reactions, signaling the brain's prefrontal cortex to either amplify or dampen anxiety. The process can be involuntary, meaning that individuals may experience anxiety even when no real threat exists, simply due to internal physical sensations, like a racing heartbeat or difficulty breathing. Research highlights that people with anxiety disorders may have heightened sensitivity to these internal signals, leading to exaggerated anxiety responses without any immediate danger.
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