Ep 270: ANXIETY! Psychologist Wendy Dignan on taking control of our thoughts for creativity’s sake

The world is heavy. It always was. But today, we're slammed by a constant wall of white noise, and the vast majority of what we're told is negative. Anxiety is heightened perhaps more than ever before as a by-product of our hyper-connected digital way of life. Too many people spend their days exhausted and locked in a state of fear. It's damaging our ability to create, to feel hopeful, optimistic, and curious. Every one of us lives with anxiety. It is an evolutionary alarm system to help keep us safe. We are also able to manage our thoughts to stay in control of our anxiety. UK leading psychologist Wendy Dignan, founder of Fearless Female joins me as we openly discuss our own experiences with anxiety, what it is, why many people are struggling to cope with theirs, and how we can better do that. We discuss: Why anxiety belongs to all of us, and how it behaves Why people suffer from it more than others The physiology of anxiety Wendy and Ben's own struggles Anxiety misconceptions Techniques to turn anxiety into something meaningful, and how to quieten thoughts As ever, The Creative Condition podcast is supported by Illustration X https://illustrationx.com Work with me through the 'PIT STOP' one-stop creativity foundational coaching session or my 'The Creative Condition' workshop now at https://thecreativecondition.com/coach Access creativity resources, including books, a reading list, and 300+ podcasts at https://thecreativecondition.com Help the Ukrainian Institute's brave creative community during a horrific time of war at https://ui.org.ua