July 27, 2021

Weighted Blankets, Actor Anxiety & the Science of Sobbing

Kevin Sussman (actor, writer, comedian, The Big Bang Theory) discusses his anxiety surrounding performing and reveals his process for tricking his brain into redirecting anxious thoughts. Mayim and Kevin reminisce about their shared experiences on the set of The Big Bang Theory and examine the differences between Kevin and his character, "Stuart Bloom." Kevin shares the advice George Clooney and Gary Shandling gave to him about combating anxiety and the body mechanics of the Alexander Technique he uses to manage habitual physical tension. Mayim breaks down the physiological symptoms and evolutionary advantages of anxiety, the science and cultural aspects of crying, and ways to avoid the trap of rumination. They discuss the benefits and side effects of anxiety medication and natural coping methods, and Mayim ends the episode with advice for managing anxiety when trying to fall asleep in the latest installment of Ask Mayim Anything.

Weighted Blankets, Actor Anxiety & the Science of Sobbing

https://youtu.be/pAaofz8bOeo

July 27, 2021

Weighted Blankets, Actor Anxiety & the Science of Sobbing

Kevin Sussman (actor, writer, comedian, The Big Bang Theory) discusses his anxiety surrounding performing and reveals his process for tricking his brain into redirecting anxious thoughts. Mayim and Kevin reminisce about their shared experiences on the set of The Big Bang Theory and examine the differences between Kevin and his character, "Stuart Bloom." Kevin shares the advice George Clooney and Gary Shandling gave to him about combating anxiety and the body mechanics of the Alexander Technique he uses to manage habitual physical tension. Mayim breaks down the physiological symptoms and evolutionary advantages of anxiety, the science and cultural aspects of crying, and ways to avoid the trap of rumination. They discuss the benefits and side effects of anxiety medication and natural coping methods, and Mayim ends the episode with advice for managing anxiety when trying to fall asleep in the latest installment of Ask Mayim Anything.

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Articles Referenced

Have No Fear, Shed A Tear: the Evolutionary Significance of Crying

Crying, in the traditional sense, is a uniquely human phenomena. Humans are the only animals to shed tears in...

Ganging Up on Disease: What We Can Learn From the Basal Ganglia

What do OCD, Parkinson’s Disease, Tourrette’s Syndrome, and Substance Use Disorder all have in common?

How Anxiety Attacks & Panic Attacks are Different

Mayim breaks down the differences between these two commonly confused conditions.

Holding Onto Anxiety: A Real Pain In the Neck

A nagging neck pain, upset stomach, aching shoulders -- at first glance each one of these symptoms may seem like the result of some bodily insult. Do I have a cold? The Flu? Maybe an infection?! You may be surprised to know that many bodily pathologies originate in the mind.

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