A origem da ansiedade e um exercício para reduzi-la | Italo Marsili

Summary

The speaker discusses the biological aspects of behavior formation, particularly focusing on anxiety and its impact on decision-making. They introduce the concept of two 'leaders' in the brain: the planning cortex and the emotional cortex. The talk delves into how anxiety can trigger the 'fight or flight' response, leading to a narrow focus and emotional decision-making. The speaker then suggests a grounding technique to manage anxiety by stimulating external senses, which can help switch back to rational thinking and prevent emotional eating and constant feelings of stress.

Takeaways

• 🧠 The brain has two 'leaders': the cortex responsible for planning and decision-making, and the emotional part that takes over in times of stress.
• 🐉 The 'fight or flight' response is a primitive brain reaction to perceived threats, like a lion's roar symbolizing danger.
• 🤔 The cortex of planning allows for a calm analysis of situations and the consideration of multiple variables, leading to better decision-making.
• 😣 When the emotional cortex is dominant, decision-making is singular and not comprehensive, as it focuses on immediate reactions to perceived threats.
• 🔄 Anxiety is likened to bringing future concerns into the present with emotional weight, creating a false sense of urgency.
• 🏃‍♂️ The constant state of anxiety or 'fight or flight' due to stress or complaints can lead to impulsive behaviors and poor planning.
• 🗣️ Complaining can trigger the 'fight or flight' response, even when there is no real threat, leading to unnecessary conflict or avoidance in social situations.
• 🍰 Being in a constant state of complaint can lead to overeating as the body seeks quick energy for perceived 'fight or flight' situations.
• 🧘‍♀️ The 'grounding' technique is introduced as a method to switch the brain back to a state of analysis from an emotional response, by focusing on external senses.
• 🌈 To practice grounding, one can focus on identifying five colors or five sounds in the environment to recenter and calm the mind.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the script?

The main topic discussed in the script is the biological aspect of behavior formation, particularly focusing on anxiety and its impact on decision-making and actions.

What is the 'aterramento' exercise mentioned in the script?

The 'aterramento' exercise is a technique to reduce anxiety by grounding oneself in the present moment through focusing on external sensory details, such as identifying five colors or five sounds around you.

How does the speaker describe the two 'leaders' in our brain?

The speaker describes two 'leaders' in our brain as the cortex responsible for planning and decision-making, and the emotional part that takes over in situations of perceived threat or anxiety.

What is the function of the 'cortex of planning' according to the script?

The 'cortex of planning' is responsible for analyzing situations, considering multiple variables, and making the best decisions without being emotionally overwhelmed.

What happens when the 'emotional cortex' takes over, as per the script?

When the 'emotional cortex' takes over, individuals tend to make decisions based on a single perception of threat, leading to a 'fight or flight' response without considering all variables.

How does the speaker relate anxiety to the 'fight or flight' response?

The speaker relates anxiety to the 'fight or flight' response by explaining that anxiety brings future concerns into the present with emotional weight, causing the emotional cortex to take over and prepare the body for immediate action without rational analysis.

What is the role of the 'emotional cortex' in decision-making during anxious states?

During anxious states, the 'emotional cortex' takes precedence in decision-making, leading to a narrow focus on perceived threats and a reduced ability to analyze the full scope of a situation.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of not complaining?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of not complaining because it triggers the 'fight or flight' response, leading to a constant state of anxiety and poor decision-making.

How does the speaker suggest using the 'aterramento' technique to manage anxiety?

The speaker suggests using the 'aterramento' technique by focusing on external sensory details, such as identifying five colors or five sounds, to bring oneself back to the present moment and re-engage the cortex of planning.

What is the connection between anxiety and overeating according to the script?

The script suggests that anxiety can lead to overeating because the 'fight or flight' response triggered by anxiety prompts the body to seek energy, which can be mistakenly met by consuming food.