The Anxiety Scientist: Feeling Overwhelmed? Rewire Your Brain With This Science-Backed Method

Feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or like your brain won’t slow down is incredibly common, especially when there’s pressure to be calmer, more productive, or more “together.” Many people blame themselves for this: for not being disciplined enough, resilient enough, or mentally strong enough. But what if anxiety isn’t a personal failure and what if your brain is actually doing exactly what it was designed to do? This is exactly why Tamsen sat down with Dr. Wendy Suzuki, a world-renowned neuroscientist, NYU professor, and expert on brain plasticity: the brain’s ability to change and adapt. Dr. Suzuki has spent decades studying how stress, anxiety, movement, sleep, and daily habits shape the brain. Her work shows that anxiety isn’t just a feeling, it’s a biological response that can hijack focus, memory, and emotional regulation when the brain is under pressure. In this episode, she breaks down what’s really happening inside your brain when anxiety shows up and explains why trying to “push through” or “calm down” often backfires. Most importantly, she shares the science-backed tools that actually help your nervous system reset and restore a sense of control. They discuss: - Why anxiety is a fight-or-flight response, not a mindset problem - What chronic stress does to focus, memory, and emotional regulation - Why anxiety can make you feel foggy, tense, or unlike yourself - The role movement, cardio, and sleep play in calming the brain - Simple tools you can use in real life to calm your nervous system today This conversation cuts through the shame and confusion around anxiety and replaces it with clarity, relief, and understanding. Instead of asking you to “fix yourself,” it shows you how to work with your brain. If anxiety has been running the show and leaving you feeling overwhelmed or out of control, this episode offers a grounded, science-backed way to understand what’s happening and what actually helps. Watch full video episodes ⁠HERE⁠ Get Tamsen’s new book, ⁠How To Menopause: Take Charge of Your Health, Reclaim Your Life and Feel Even Better Than Before⁠ Follow The Tamsen Show on ⁠Instagram⁠ Follow Tamsen on ⁠Instagram⁠ Follow Tamsen on ⁠TikTok⁠ Want more from Dr. Wendy? Follow her on ⁠Instagram⁠ Visit her ⁠website⁠ Read her book, ⁠Good Anxiety: Harnessing the Power of the Most Misunderstood Emotion⁠ This show is sponsored by Midi Health. Visit ⁠www.joinmidi.com/tamsen⁠ today to book your personalized, insurance-covered virtual visit. Midi. The Care Women Deserve. Use code TAMSEN at ⁠jonesroadbeauty.com⁠ to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! #JonesRoadBeauty #ad Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or treatment options. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Tamsen Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices