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The Mel Robbins Podcast cover image

6 Magic Words That Stop Anxiety & Overwhelm

The Mel Robbins Podcast

NOTE

Understanding the Two Arrows and the Pain We Cause Ourselves

Life often fires two arrows at us: the first arrow is an external event that causes immediate pain, while the second arrow is our own reaction to the event, such as worrying, anxiety, or catastrophizing, which leads to prolonged suffering. Research shows that anticipatory worry triggers pain pathways in the brain. Psychologically, we experience primary and secondary emotional responses to events, where the secondary emotion lingers. While we can't control the primary emotion, we have the power to shorten the duration of the secondary emotion. By stopping ourselves from firing the second arrow at ourselves through negative thinking, assuming the worst, and catastrophizing, we can improve our health, mindset, nervous system, attitude, and ability to experience joy and fulfillment in life.

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