Episode #234: ​​Using Neuroplasticity to Manage Anxiety in Kids & Adults

The Better Behavior Show with Dr. Nicole Beurkens

My guest this week is Dr. Wendy Suzuki.

​​In this episode Dr. Wendy and I discuss anxiety through perhaps a different lens. It’s no surprise most kids and adults are experiencing higher than typical levels of anxiety in recent years. We've talked about anxiety in various ways on the show previously. But today, I want to take a bit of a different approach and help normalize the experience of anxiety and the full realm of associated uncomfortable feelings that happen in our lives and in our kids’ lives. Believe it or not, anxiety is important for us to experience, and what we do with our anxiety and what we teach our kids to do can make all the difference between progressing and thriving, or getting stuck and feeling helpless. Let’s dive in to discuss the importance of neuroplasticity and why anxiety can be healthy. Could anxiety be a clue to what we need more or less of to be our healthiest, best selves?

Dr. Wendy Suzuki is the award-winning Dean of the School of Arts and  Sciences at New York University where she studied as a professor,  the effects of physical activity and meditation on the brain.  She is also a TED speaker and best-selling author of the book, Healthy Brain Happy Life that was recently made into a PBS special. Her second book, Good Anxiety: Harnessing the Power of the Most Misunderstood Emotion was published in September of 2021, with the paperback edition published in September of 2022.  

Connect with Dr. Wendy:

• Insta: @wendy.suzuki
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WendyASuzuki/
• Website: https://www.wendysuzuki.com/
• Twitter: @wasuzuki

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Episode Takeaways

Episode Intro … 00:00:30

Introduction to Dr. Wendy Suzuki & Anxiety Research … 00:01:45

Neuroplasticity … 00:06:08

Why Anxiety Seems to be a Defining Emotion Currently? … 00:08:20

Thoughts on the New Screening Recommendations for Anxiety … 00:13:00

More Tools to Manage Anxiety … 00:19:00

Better First-Line Recommendations for Support … 00:26:00

Connection of Sleep & Anxiety … 00:29:40

Neuroplasticity & the Brain’s Ability to Change … 00:34:40

Resources, #1 Tip, & Episode Wrap Up … 00:41:00

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