Overthinking & Anxiety Is Ruining You—Here's How to Stop Part 2
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “Overthinking & Anxiety Is Ruining You—Here's How to Stop Part 2” inside PodZeus.
In this second part of a two-part series on anxiety, Dr. Daniel Amen and Tana discuss practical, science-backed strategies to manage and overcome anxiety by addressing its root causes in the brain, body, and mind. They emphasize that anxiety is not just a mental state but a physiological response driven by negative thought patterns, trauma, inflammation, and poor lifestyle habits. The hosts highlight the power of cognitive restructuring using Byron Katie’s 'The Work' method, which involves questioning anxious thoughts, turning them around, and releasing their emotional grip. They also advocate for daily practices like breathwork, meditation, journaling (especially 'rage journaling' to release repressed emotions), and trauma-focused therapies like EMDR and martial arts as tools for reclaiming control and identity. Nutritional support through supplements like L-theanine, GABA, magnesium, and ashwagandha is presented as a crucial component, alongside anti-inflammatory diets and gut health. The episode concludes with a strong message: anxiety is manageable, not inevitable, and with consistent, intentional daily habits, anyone can rewire their brain for peace and resilience.
Anxiety is often fueled by automatic negative thoughts (‘ants’) that stack and attack; question and reframe them using Byron Katie’s 'The Work'.
Breathing techniques—especially 15-second breaths with a 4-1-8 ratio—can rapidly calm the nervous system.
Trauma and past experiences (like assault or childhood abuse) can trigger anxiety; EMDR and martial arts help reprocess and overcome these triggers.
Nutrition and gut health are foundational: an inflammatory diet worsens anxiety, while supplements like magnesium, L-theanine, and ashwagandha support brain calm.
Daily practices like meditation, journaling, and physical training are not optional—they are essential for long-term mental resilience.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Anxiety as a Signal, Not a Problem
“If you see it as a signal rather than a problem, you can go, so why is my brain predicting the worst?”
The Power of Breath and Body Control
“You can control your physiology if you control your breath.”
Cognitive Restructuring with Byron Katie’s 'The Work'
“I actually, in a sense, made my worst fear happen a thousand times in my head because I just kept living it.”
Trauma, Identity, and Healing Through Action
The hosts discuss how past trauma—such as childhood abuse and assault—can manifest as anxiety in adulthood. They share how martial arts and EMDR therapy helped Tana shift from a victim identity to a powerful, grounded one. These practices are presented as transformative tools for healing.
Nutrition, Supplements, and the Gut-Brain Connection
Dr. Amen emphasizes that inflammation is the cornerstone of mental illness. He discusses how poor diet worsens anxiety and how supplements like L-theanine, GABA, magnesium, and ashwagandha support brain calm. He warns against benzodiazepines due to addiction and dementia risks.
“I actually, in a sense, made my worst fear happen a thousand times in my head because I just kept living it.”
“Don't block your thoughts. Don't drink your thoughts away. Go into them and question them.”
“The thoughts are killing you. Not your chronological age.”
Hosts
Tana
person
Dr. Daniel Amen
person
BrainMD
brand
Chloe
person
GABA
product
L-theanine
product
Magnesium
product
Martial Arts
other
The Work
other
Byron Katie
person
Breast Implant Illness with Danica Patrick
Change Your Brain Every Day • 11m • 4/3/2026
The Trauma You Can't Think Away (Because It Lives in Your Body) with Brittany Snow
Change Your Brain Every Day • 55m • 4/6/2026
Stop Believing Every Thought You Have: Healing Your Anxious Mind Part 1
Change Your Brain Every Day • 41m • 4/13/2026
This Is Your Brain on Food with Dr. Uma Naidoo
Change Your Brain Every Day • 38m • 4/17/2026
The Amen Clinics Method with Dr. Daniel Amen
Change Your Brain Every Day • 12m • 4/24/2026
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “Overthinking & Anxiety Is Ruining You—Here's How to Stop Part 2” inside PodZeus.
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime