Anxiety- The ONLY Way It Ever Protects You.

Summary

In this video, Jurgen Rasmmanson debunks the myth that anxiety protects us or alerts us to danger. He explains that anxiety, unlike concrete fears, has no protective value and is merely a byproduct of excessive thinking. Using relatable examples, he emphasizes that good information, common sense, and being present in the moment are what truly protect us. Anxiety, according to Rasmmanson, functions only as a thinking barometer, signaling when we're overthinking. He encourages viewers to view anxiety as an invitation to step back and reassess their thoughts, rather than taking them too seriously.

Takeaways

• 😀 Anxiety is not a protective response; it has no useful or protective value in daily life.
• 😀 Some concrete fears, like fear of wild animals, can serve a protective function by increasing alertness and focus.
• 😀 True protection comes from good information, common sense, and the ability to assess real-world situations.
• 😀 Anxiety is often based on imagined future scenarios, not present dangers, and doesn't help in actual emergencies.
• 😀 In situations of real danger, people tend to experience hyper-focus and awareness, not anxiety.
• 😀 Anxiety often arises from overthinking, not from direct threats or life-threatening situations.
• 😀 Fear in the past may have been adaptive for biological survival, but today's fears are mostly based on thought and imagination.
• 😀 There is little correlation between actual causes of death and the things people commonly fear.
• 😀 Anxiety functions like a speedometer, indicating how much you are overthinking and how seriously you’re taking your thoughts.
• 😀 If you view anxiety as a signal to adjust your thinking, it can be useful for course-correcting and regaining focus.

Q & A

What is the common myth about anxiety discussed in the video?

The common myth is that anxiety somehow protects us by alerting us to danger or helps us avoid risk, making it useful in certain situations.

Does anxiety actually protect us according to Jurgen Rasmmanson?

No, anxiety does not protect us. It has no protective value and does not serve to keep us safe in real danger.

What is the only protective function of anxiety, as explained in the video?

The only protective function of anxiety is that it serves as a 'thinking barometer'—an indicator that we are overthinking and taking our thoughts too seriously.

How does Rasmmanson differentiate between anxiety and real fear?

Anxiety is a response to imagined scenarios or future possibilities, while real fear is a reaction to immediate, concrete danger, such as encountering a wild animal.

Can anxiety help us make better decisions in situations of risk, like driving?

No, anxiety can hinder decision-making. In stressful situations, anxiety reduces focus and makes it harder to respond effectively. Good decision-making relies on calm, focused attention, not anxiety.

How does Rasmmanson explain the role of anxiety in life-threatening situations?

In life-threatening situations, anxiety doesn't play a role. Instead, people often experience heightened focus and presence without anxiety, which helps them respond to immediate dangers.

What examples does Rasmmanson use to illustrate the point that anxiety is not necessary for protection?

Rasmmanson uses the example of not touching a hot stove because of common sense, and crossing a street with children without needing anxiety to guide his actions.

What is the relationship between anxiety and common sense in Rasmmanson’s examples?

Common sense, not anxiety, guides us in situations like avoiding danger (e.g., not touching a hot stove or crossing a busy street). Anxiety is unnecessary because we rely on practical knowledge and awareness.

What analogy does Rasmmanson use to explain the function of anxiety?

Rasmmanson compares anxiety to a speedometer. It doesn't tell us about the actual situation, but rather how much we are overthinking and how fast our thoughts are moving.

How does Rasmmanson suggest we view anxiety to use it constructively?

Rasmmanson suggests viewing anxiety as a signal that we are overthinking and taking our thoughts too seriously. It’s a reminder to 'wake up' and focus on the present, rather than getting caught in worry-based thinking.