Brené Brown’s work on wholeheartedness is a valuable resource for managing anxiety. In this blog post, I will discuss how her research can be applied to manage anxiety in practical ways.
What is Wholeheartedness?
Wholeheartedness is a term used by Brené Brown, a research professor at the University of Houston, to describe a way of living that involves embracing vulnerability and living with authenticity. According to Brown, wholeheartedness involves cultivating qualities such as courage, compassion, connection, and gratitude.
Brown’s research has shown that those who live wholeheartedly are more resilient and better equipped to deal with the challenges of life. They are more comfortable with vulnerability and are able to create meaningful connections with others.
How Wholeheartedness Helps Manage Anxiety
Anxiety is a common condition that can be managed with a wholehearted approach. Here are some ways that Brown’s research can be applied to manage anxiety:
- Cultivate Self-Compassion
Anxiety can be overwhelming and can leave us feeling powerless. One way to manage anxiety is to cultivate self-compassion. Self-compassion involves treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer a close friend.
Brown’s research has shown that self-compassion is an essential component of wholehearted living. By cultivating self-compassion, you can learn to be kinder to yourself, even in the midst of anxiety.
- Practice Gratitude
Gratitude is another essential component of wholehearted living. Practicing gratitude involves taking time each day to focus on the things in your life that you are grateful for. This can be as simple as taking a few minutes each morning to think about the people and things in your life that bring you joy.
Research has shown that practicing gratitude can reduce stress and anxiety. By focusing on the positive aspects of your life, you can train your brain to be more optimistic and less anxious.
- Embrace Vulnerability
Anxiety often arises from a fear of vulnerability. We may worry that if we reveal our true selves, we will be judged or rejected. However, Brown’s research has shown that vulnerability is essential for wholehearted living.
By embracing vulnerability, you can learn to be more authentic and connect more deeply with others. This can help to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can contribute to anxiety.
- Connect with Others
Connection is another essential component of wholehearted living. Humans are social creatures, and we thrive when we have meaningful connections with others.
Anxiety can make it difficult to connect with others, but by cultivating connection, you can reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. This can involve reaching out to friends and family, joining a support group, or volunteering in your community.
- Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a practice that involves being present in the moment and observing your thoughts and emotions without judgment. This can help to reduce anxiety by allowing you to observe your anxious thoughts without becoming overwhelmed by them. Check out my blog post, 7 Techniques for Practicing Mindfulness.
Brown’s research has shown that mindfulness is an essential component of wholehearted living. By practicing mindfulness, you can learn to be more present and grounded, even in the midst of anxiety.
Final Thoughts
Brené Brown’s research on wholeheartedness can be applied to manage anxiety in practical ways. By cultivating self-compassion, practicing gratitude, embracing vulnerability, connecting with others, and practicing mindfulness, you can learn to live more wholeheartedly and reduce the impact of anxiety on your life.
Contact Me
If you are struggling with anxiety, and need help, please contact me, Dr. Christine Dickson, clinical psychologist. My practice focuses on mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy, which is an evidence-based treatment for anxiety disorders. Please reach out to me today through my website.
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