The 3 WAYS To OVERCOME ANXIETY & Deal With STRESS | Judson Brewer & Lewis Howes

Mental Cleansing

Judson Brewer and Lewis Howes discuss the importance of mental cleansing to alleviate anxiety and stress. Lewis shares a personal anecdote about how consuming negative news led to physical symptoms of anxiety in his girlfriend, emphasizing the need to minimize exposure to negativity 1. Judson suggests practical steps like organizing one's physical and mental space and seeking reliable information sources to maintain a healthy mental state 2. He also highlights the contagious nature of social anxiety and the importance of positive mental hygiene 3.

   

Mapping Anxiety

Understanding and mapping anxiety loops is crucial for gaining control over them. Judson explains that the first step is to map out the anxiety loop without focusing on the triggers, as the 'why' is often less important 4. He describes how anxiety is learned through negative reinforcement, where worry thoughts provide a false sense of action 5. Judson also differentiates between panic attacks and panic disorder, noting that the fear of future panic attacks can exacerbate anxiety 6.

   

Building Resilience

Building mental resilience is essential for combating anxiety effectively. Judson advises grounding techniques, such as deep breathing and mindfulness, to calm the nervous system and bring the prefrontal cortex back online 7. He shares research showing significant reductions in anxiety through mindfulness practices and highlights the importance of understanding how our minds work to manage stress 8. Judson also discusses the concept of social contagion, where anxiety spreads through social interactions and media, emphasizing the need for mental resilience to withstand these influences 9.