Anxiety, often perceived as a stumbling block, has a place in our evolutionary journey, asserts Wendy Suzuki, a distinguished neuroscientist and the author of “Good Anxiety.” In her enlightening perspective, anxiety is not a flaw, but a trait that can be harnessed for our advantage. Suzuki introduces the concept of six anxiety-driven “superpowers” that, when channeled, can transform discomfort into favorable outcomes.
Suzuki delves into the neurological roots of anxiety, highlighting the automatic activation of the amygdala when fear and stress loom. The paradox deepens with the prefrontal cortex, the brain’s center for rational thought and decision-making, shutting down during crucial moments of anxiety.
Yet, the narrative doesn’t end in powerlessness. Techniques, such as cognitive flexibility, emerge as tools to steer anxiety’s energy to our benefit.
WENDY SUZUKI: Brain plasticity, the brain’s remarkable capacity to adapt and rewire in response to external stimuli, offers a pathway to address daunting challenges like heightened anxiety. While the term “anxiety” often conjures a sense of affliction and struggle, my focus has been on shifting this paradigm. Anxiety is a fundamental human emotion, universally experienced. Rather than eradicating it, we must learn to perceive anxiety differently. By integrating neuroscience and psychological methods, we can unlock anxiety’s hidden virtues and capitalize on the unique strengths it brings.
Anxiety, characterized by apprehension and worry in uncertain situations, traces its origins to evolution. The amygdala, a key brain structure, responds instinctively to triggers that provoke anxiety. Counterintuitively, the prefrontal cortex, responsible for executive function, diminishes in high-stress situations, exacerbating the challenge.
An inherent cognitive bias, known as the ‘negativity bias,’ inclines us to emphasize negatives over positives. In times of fatigue or stress, this bias intensifies, engendering pessimistic outlooks. Cognitive flexibility emerges as a remedy, allowing us to approach situations from various angles. While humans are creatures of habit, cognitive flexibility empowers us to recognize alternatives, offering fresh perspectives.
My pursuit led me to unveil the latent gifts within different forms of anxiety, culminating in six superpowers. Here are my top three:
1. The Superpower of Productivity: Anxiety often generates a “what if?” list, focusing on situations close to our hearts. This is an opportunity for transformation. Evolutionarily, anxiety prompted action—fighting danger or fleeing it. By converting this list into a to-do list, we activate its energy. Each entry becomes an actionable step, propelling us forward.
2. The Superpower of Flow: Flow is a state of engaged focus, typically disrupted by anxiety. Even amidst anxiety, there exists ‘micro flow.’ Recognizing and nurturing these fleeting moments can enhance our overall flow experience.
3. The Empathy Superpower: Identifying a prevalent form of anxiety we’ve experienced can be a gateway to empathy. By recognizing others’ similar struggles and extending kindness, we contribute to a more compassionate world.
An Activist Mindset: This adaptable mindset can shift our perspective from negativity to curiosity. Through daily practice, this mindset evolves into a powerful tool.
A poignant example from my own life underlines these principles. After the painful loss of family members, I embraced an activist mindset, channeling grief into love. This same approach can be applied to anxiety. We can extract superpowers from our own struggles, seizing opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
Suzuki’s wisdom urges us to reframe our understanding of anxiety, revealing its potential for growth, empathy, and positive transformation. As we embark on a journey toward a more empowered existence, anxiety becomes a guiding force rather than a hinderance.