Worry

Are you addicted to worry?

Stacey Brake — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 22:03:25 +0000

Are you addicted to worry? Stacey Brake Thu, 11/30/2023 - 17:03

There are a lot of addictions that we are warned about in our lifetime. Cigarettes, gambling, etc… But does anyone ever talk to you about the addiction to worry?

The addiction to worry works in a similar way that gambling addiction works. Think about why slot machines are so addictive. Part of the draw with slot machines is that you just never know when you’re going to hit that big jackpot. The tension and excitement builds as you put in another coin, and another. Each time, you feel a sense that next time will be the one. If you play long enough, eventually, you WILL hit a jackpot. Nevermind that you spent $100 to win $50. It feels AMAZING to win. To be right. You get a big dopamine rush.

To understand what makes slot machines (and worry) so addictive, we have to look below the surface. We need to understand some classic behavioral psychology.

B.F.Skinner is famous in the world of psychology for his behavioral experiments on rats. He created something still referred to as the “Skinner Box”. It’s also still used in many experiments. The Skinner box basically allows the researcher to control the environment the rat lives in. For example, when the rat will get food.

Skinner is the one who introduced us to a concept called Intermittent Behavioral Reinforcement. In the Skinner box, it looked like this. There are levers in the Skinner box that can give the rat food if they press it. The rat discovers it usually by accident but then learns that he’ll get food if he presses the lever. But, as many experiments go, there’s a trick. In some groups of rats, the lever worked EVERY TIME but in other groups, the food only came out RANDOMLY. Which rat do you think pushed the lever the most?

The rats who were only rewarded (received food) randomly pressed the lever the most. Not only that, those rats became kind of obsessed with the lever.

Even though we are very different from rats (well, I like to think I am), we do have this behavioral characteristic in common. The reason people can become addicted to slot machines is that the rewards are given out randomly. It’s called Intermittent Behavioral Reinforcement. You could also call it, “Sometimes you win”.

Worry is like the slot machine. If we worry long enough about enough different topics, eventually, we’ll be right. We will get the dopamine hit in our brains because dopamine is related to survival. Whenever we do things that help us survive like eat, drink, compete for survival, or reproduce, we get a release of dopamine. Being “right” when we worry about something does the same. It’s our brain’s way of saying, “keep doing that”. The problem with worry is that sometimes we are right but many times we worry and everything works out. It’s Intermittent Behavioral Reinforcement…”sometimes you win”. That’s why it can be so addictive. That’s why we can become obsessed with our worried thoughts.

I have some good news. One very important thing that makes us different from rats is our ability to think about our thoughts. We can reflect. We can choose again. We can choose to retrain our own minds and thoughts. Yes, it takes practice. Yes, you probably need some tools. But, it’s totally possible.

If you haven’t downloaded my free guide yet, check it out below. There are practical tips you can use including a journal and symptom tracker. www.staceybrake.com/4-steps-to-freedom

If you have questions or want to share a story, send me a direct message!

You deserve the joy and peace you desire! I’m cheering you on!

Are you addicted to worry?

Stacey Brake — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 22:03:25 +0000

Are you addicted to worry? Stacey Brake Thu, 11/30/2023 - 17:03

There are a lot of addictions that we are warned about in our lifetime. Cigarettes, gambling, etc… But does anyone ever talk to you about the addiction to worry?

To understand what makes slot machines (and worry) so addictive, we have to look below the surface. We need to understand some classic behavioral psychology.

The rats who were only rewarded (received food) randomly pressed the lever the most. Not only that, those rats became kind of obsessed with the lever.

If you haven’t downloaded my free guide yet, check it out below. There are practical tips you can use including a journal and symptom tracker. www.staceybrake.com/4-steps-to-freedom

If you have questions or want to share a story, send me a direct message!

You deserve the joy and peace you desire! I’m cheering you on!

Looking for a book that can help with your Anxiety?

Rx 4 Wholeness — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 21:08:26 +0000

Looking for a book that can help with your Anxiety? Rx 4 Wholeness Thu, 01/12/2023 - 16:08

By Stacey Brake

Several of my friends have been posting their book finds on social media. Some have set goals for a number of books they want to read this year.

I don't do that. If anything, I should pull pack on the number of books I buy. I don't read that many fiction books. I can't stop reading books on personal growth, self improvement, spiritual insights, the latest research in psychology and of course, books about healing anxiety.

Maybe you like to read too! So, I put together a list of books that you might like to read if you want to read something that might offer some insight into your anxiety and potential solutions.

The Body Keeps the Score
Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk is a leading researcher and clinician in the field of trauma. His work has changed the way many practitioners view anxiety and trauma
treatment. WARNING: this book does talk about trauma and describes traumatic experiences that some of this clients went through. It can be really heavy to read (and enlightening). Take breaks, go for a walk, or do something else to lighten your mood after reading.

The Worried Child
As a parent, it can be excruciating to see your child struggle with worry or anxiety. This book offers some beautiful insights into how a parent (or teacher, coach, etc) can help a child.

Anxiety Rx
Anxiety Rx is the book I'm reading right now. Since I haven't finished it, I can't quite give you the full review. BUT, early on I noticed that he offers some really great ways to think about anxiety. It's become more commonly known that there are worried thoughts and anxious feelings (mind and body). This is one of the unique things about anxiety. If you just focus on treating the worried thoughts, you may be missing a big piece of the puzzle. He describes this in a way that I believe is very beneficial. He is also an MD who suffered with anxiety his whole life and finally has been able to get a grip on his anxiety and he shares that in this book.

Have you read any of these? Do you have another book you'd recommend? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Have a beautiful week filled with all of the things that brings you joy!