Ep 89. Owning It with Caroline Foran

Nature of Anxiety

Caroline Foran, a bestselling author and podcast host, shares her insights into the nature of anxiety, emphasizing its physiological and emotional aspects. She explains how chronic stress can lead to elevated cortisol levels, disrupting sleep and creating a cycle of anxiety. Caroline highlights the importance of self-compassion and understanding in managing anxiety, stating, "You only have to be self-compassionate to yourself. You don't have to, and no one else has to technically do that for you." This approach encourages individuals to seek support and understanding from others, while also fostering personal resilience 1 2.

   

Societal Anxiety

In today's society, anxiety is increasingly prevalent, influenced by factors such as social media and cultural expectations. Caroline Foran discusses how our brains, evolved for survival in a primitive world, now face modern emotional threats, leading to heightened anxiety responses. She notes, "We're all walking around with a greater tendency towards anxiety today because we have an old brain for a very new world." This mismatch between our evolutionary wiring and contemporary stressors contributes to the pervasive anxiety experienced by many 3 4.