In this 29-minute video, we start to dig deeper into how anxiety works, how thoughts create our feelings and how (unknowingly) we may be exhausting our biology through thinking and worrying too much.
I will prove to you that our body responds to our thoughts (regardless of their truth) and show you the basics of ERP (Exposure & Response Prevention) fear desensitising techniques.
Goal of video
We are starting to dig deeper into how anxiety works, how thoughts create our feelings and how, unknowingly, we may have exhausted our biology through thinking and worrying too much.
We explore the fact that tonality and speed of thinking/talking/worrying affect our body far more than what we actually say.
Then, how to start calming ourselves down when anxiety strikes.
Key messages
After long periods of anxiety, peoples emotions become uncalibrated and numb.
When emotions aren’t working well, decision-making becomes impaired as we tend to make decisions unconsciously with our emotions.
Anxiety overwhelms us, depression underwhelms us, and stress is the difference between what is happening and what your mind wants to happen.
Vices are hard to stop when our emotions are not working well.
Just because your conscious mind knows something does not mean your unconscious mind knows it, too.
The unconscious mind is easily trickable, as is our body.
Our body responds to tonality and speed of thinking more than the actual words we think or say.
When anxious, talk softly and slowly and sag your body.
Why Does Our Body Treat Thoughts as Truth and React Automatically?
Our bodies are wired to interpret our thoughts as facts, which can sometimes lead to automatic responses, even if the thoughts aren’t accurate. This connection between the mind and body is deeply rooted in how we process emotions and perceive reality.
1. The Thought-Emotion Connection
When we think something, our brain often triggers an emotional response that we physically feel in our bodies. For example, a thought like “I’m in danger” can cause your heart to race or your muscles to tense, even if there’s no actual threat. This physical reaction reinforces the belief that the thought is real, creating a loop where the body and mind amplify each other.
2. Subconscious Thought Patterns
Most of our thoughts happen subconsciously, influenced by past experiences, cultural norms, and ingrained beliefs. Without taking time to critically evaluate these thoughts, the brain accepts them as truths. This can lead to automatic physical responses, like stress or anxiety, even when the situation doesn’t warrant them.
3. Survival Instincts at Work
Our brains are wired for survival, which means they often react to perceived dangers, even if they’re not real. For instance, thinking “I might fail” can activate your body’s stress response, flooding it with hormones like cortisol. This response was designed to protect us from physical threats, but in modern life, it often reacts to mental or emotional fears.
4. Cognitive Biases in Action
Cognitive biases, such as catastrophising or overgeneralising, can make negative or irrational thoughts seem true. When these thoughts go unchecked, the body responds accordingly—triggering behaviours like avoidance, defensiveness, or panic.
5. The Role of Habits
Repetitive thoughts create neural pathways that make certain reactions automatic. For example, if you frequently think, “I’m not good enough,” your body might subconsciously react by slouching, avoiding eye contact, or withdrawing socially, reinforcing the thought in a self-fulfilling cycle.
How to Break the Cycle and Regain Control
Understanding that thoughts aren’t always true is the first step toward breaking this automatic response pattern. Here’s how you can start:
Practice Mindfulness: Learn to observe your thoughts without judgment. This helps you separate them from reality and reduces automatic responses.
Challenge Your Thoughts: Use techniques like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to identify distorted thinking patterns and replace them with balanced, rational perspectives.
Calm Your Body: Incorporate grounding techniques, such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation, to interrupt the feedback loop between your thoughts and physical responses.
Reframe Negative Beliefs: Actively work on changing limiting beliefs by focusing on positive affirmations and evidence that contradicts your negative thoughts.
Develop New Habits: Build healthier thought patterns through repetition and conscious effort, rewiring your brain over time.
Final Thoughts
By understanding why our bodies treat thoughts as truths, we can take proactive steps to question our thinking, calm our physical responses, and create healthier patterns. Remember, not every thought deserves your trust, and learning to challenge them is a powerful way to regain control of your mental and emotional well-being.
I can teach you to optimise your mental health by recognising the connection between your thoughts and physical reactions—and empowering yourself to break free from automatic responses that no longer serve you.