Tracy Dennis-Tiwary

Join Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary, a neuroscience professor and clinical psychologist, as she reshapes our understanding of anxiety. She reveals anxiety as a crucial part of human evolution that enhances creativity and productivity. The conversation shifts from viewing anxiety as a disorder to embracing it as a natural growth driver. Dr. Dennis-Tiwary discusses how serving others can alleviate personal anxiety and emphasizes community support in emotional wellness. Tune in for insights on turning anxiety into excitement and fostering resilience in the face of uncertainty.

In this enlightening discussion, Tracy Dennis-Tiwary, a renowned emotion scientist and clinical psychologist, dives into the unexpected benefits of anxiety. She challenges common misconceptions, revealing how embracing anxiety can lead to personal growth and resilience. Tracy emphasizes the importance of emotional agility and offers practical strategies to navigate stress. Exploring the synergy between anxiety and creativity, she advocates for a culture that supports mental wellness and highlights the necessity of reframing anxiety as a catalyst for positive change.

Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary, a professor of psychology and neuroscience, discusses the evolution of anxiety as a vital survival emotion. She explores how modern society and technology affect our mental health while reframing anxiety as a catalyst for creativity and personal growth. Tracy emphasizes that anxiety isn't just a disorder but a signal for motivation and connection. The conversation also tackles the dangers of numbing emotions in music culture and offers strategies for managing anxiety, urging a shift towards embracing its potential.

Comedian Aparna Nancherla has always struggled with anxiety — can a new technique help her cope? Link to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/33y2hta5 Episode summary: Comedian Aparna Nancherla has always struggled with anxiety. Starting a new task at work, writing her book, talking to a baby — you name it, she worries about it. And while she’s built a career in stand-up comedy making light of her struggles, she still suffers. Aparna joins us to share what it’s like to try a new technique to cope with her anxiety. She tries to see her anxiety through a new lens, and actually lean into it. We also hear from psychologist and anxiety expert Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary about this radical new approach to understanding anxiety and coping with it by understanding it not just as a crucial part of being human, but as a strength unto itself. Practice: Ask yourself: what am I feeling anxious about? What do I want to happen? Take a few minutes to write out your answer. Next, ask yourself: Is there something I can do right now to get closer to the outcome I described in question 1? If the answer is yes, go to part A. If the answer is no, go to part B. A. Remind yourself: My body is preparing me to do what I need to do. I will be better at what I need to do because of these feelings. Then, do whatever it is you identified in question 2. If you still feel anxious and there’s nothing more you can do right now, go to part B. B. Sometimes there are circumstances in our life that make us feel nervous or scared, and there’s nothing we can do in the moment to change our situation. When that’s the case for you, try a mindfulness practice to ground yourself in the present moment. Here are a few you can try: Noticing Nature Walking Meditation Mindful Breathing Body Scan Meditation Savoring Walk Today’s guests: Aparna Nancherla is a comedian, writer, and actress in New York City whose stand-up often focuses on her experience living with depression and anxiety. Check out more videos from Aparna: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KR_pr8Pdh84 Follow Aparna on Twitter: https://twitter.com/aparnapkin Follow Aparna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aparnapkin/ Tracy Dennis-Tiwary is an anxiety researcher and psychology professor at Hunter College. She just published a new book, Future Tense: Why Anxiety is Good For You. Learn more about Tracy and her book: https://www.drtracyphd.com/future-tense Follow Tracy on Twitter: https://twitter.com/tracyadennis Follow Tracy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.tracyphd/ Resources for Surfing Anxiety TED - How to Cope with Anxiety: https://tinyurl.com/copeanxiety Harvard Health - Anxiety: What it is, What to do: https://tinyurl.com/anxietyhowto  10% Happier - How a Buddhist Monk Deals with Anxiety: https://tinyurl.com/2wpa9pz2 More resources from The Greater Good Science Center: How to Turn Bad Anxiety into Good Anxiety: https://tinyurl.com/goodanxiety Can We Help Young Brains Fight Off Anxiety: https://tinyurl.com/HelpBrains Tell us about your experiences with anxiety by emailing us at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or using the hashtag #happinesspod. Help us share The Science of Happiness! Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or copy and share this link with someone who might like the show: pod.link/1340505607

Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary, a scientist and psychologist, explores the heavy toll of achievement culture on modern parenting. She discusses the struggle between supporting children's emotional growth while managing societal pressures. The conversation dives into the importance of resilience, allowing failure as a learning experience, and fostering intrinsic motivation over external validation. Tracy emphasizes the need for open dialogues about mental health and prioritizing meaningful relationships, urging parents to trust their instincts amidst overwhelming advice.