I believe Science has finally turned from medication to dealing with anxiety. This gets to the root of the problem, and we need a cure!

As someone who has anxiety, I’ve suffered and dealt with the illness in many ways. The bad side: It sucks, plain and simple, the good side: I am stronger and I know how to cope, thus, I can teach others.

Those of us who suffer from mental illnesses, which includes dealing with anxiety disorders, are not just victims, we are survivors. What’s more, psychologists are finally utilizing alternative approaches to medication! YAY!

Havard Psychologists reveal an approach to dealing with anxiety that is backed by science! The best part, as I said previously, is that it doesn’t concern treating the issue with prescription drugs!

As for me, I think with medication, you’re simply covering the issue, failing to get to the root of the problem. So, check this out!

Harvard Psychologist shows us how to deal with performance stress!

So, there’s this big job interview in the near future, or you have a speech that looms over your head, I know, it makes your blood curdle if you suffer from anxiety, right?

Here’s what Harvard psychologists have discovered. The trick is, before the stressful event, remind yourself of your goals and values.

In her book, “Presence”, Amy Cuddy, Harvard psychologist, offers a simple technique to get over-anxious jitters.

“It’s “Power Posing”, take a few moments to write about what’s important to you, for example, your spouse, your children or your creativity, and when these things are important to you.”

Although this system may seem a little displaced at times, it helps you remember your importance and what you could bring to the table, say, for the job or subject matter of your speech. It’s adding personality and pride to your work, which lessens the anxious feelings. Remarkable!

As with any other theory, it has to be tested!

Researchers at the University of California in Los Angeles, and in Santa Barbara, during an affirmation study, asked 85 undergrads to give a speech about why they should get a job at the university. Sounds pretty simple, right? Wrong.

Before the speech, the participants were asked to list their most important values. They were divided into two groups. One group was asked questions about their most important of the list, while the others were asked about their least important values. Then the speeches were prepared.

After the speech was given, the participants were asked to count backward from 2,083 in just 13 seconds. They were yelled to, “Go faster!”, adding stress to the already stressful situation.

Results showed that the group which discussed their most important values, before writing their speech, fared better during the stressful counting scenario. Their cortisol levels showed no increase and they seem much calmer than the group which discussed their least important values.

So it seems…talking about your values lessens stressful situations!

So, we use these facts when dealing with anxiety. Self-affirmation, it seems, can help us put the best “us” forward when dealing with any given stressful situation. It’s much better than medication and tends to leave behind no side effects!

As someone dealing with anxiety, I can attest to this process. It works so much better when we think the best of ourselves. Seeing as feelings of anxiety revolve around worry and self-esteem issues.

I believe, if we just stop and think about our best qualities and our most important personal values, we can stand taller and face whatever opposition is before us!

I believe in myself, and therefore, I will prevail!

Watch the full version of the TED talk given by Amy Cuddy:

Featured image: TED


Copyright © 2012-2024 Learning Mind. All rights reserved. For permission to reprint, contact us.

power of misfits book banner desktop

Like what you are reading? Subscribe to our newsletter to make sure you don’t miss new thought-provoking articles!

This Post Has 2 Comments

  1. Christine Williams

    Huge fan of Amy Cuddy! I found her and her book when I was spending time oversea in Thailand.

    Being able to habitually practice power posing can be really helpful. It’s amazing how much the body-mind is intertwined. Physically changing the way you stand or walk or sit can really tweak your physiology and ultimately your thought process.

    I was doubtful at first. But the power posing OVER TIME is what works. Couple this with meditation, a positive framework for daily self-reflection (i.e., what did you do well and what can you do better) = changing anxiety to something useful.

  2. Tawan

    Im glad i found this website, this article and Amy Cuddy. Im just starting my healing journey and it really helped.

Leave a Reply