“The primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation but your thoughts about it.”
― Eckhart Tolle
On this episode, I answer your questions! I talk about that SELF-DOUBT that creeps in when you think you are progressing or overcame the fear. I recommend some of my favourite BOOKS on anxiety. Then, I talk about SUGAR addiction and the beginning steps to breaking this habit. Lastly, I go into NIGHT ANXIETY and the best ways to tackle it.
M Manesh: Hi Brad. Can you talk about how to overcome the doubt of the sensation and whether or not it is an illness? I have kind of overcame the fear. But still my mind likes to doubt.
- The voice that is doubting it, challenge it with that inner rational voice. Since the doubting voice is causing emotional responses that make you uncomfortable, why not replace them with empowering ones? Remember that the more attention you place upon that limiting thought, the more significant it becomes. Use rational self-talk to calm down that doubting voice. “What if I do not have this illness. Im taking great care of myself because…”
- When the thought presents itself, be aware and tell yourself “so what.” Like a mantra, repeat it until the self doubt lessens its strength and scurries away.
- Keep challenging the fear of having that illness. Maybe you are not doing as much as you could be. Add more healthy routines and adjust your current ones. I know that the more I stack healthy habits into my life like: gym, healthy whole foods, and breathing exercises, the better I feel physically and emotionally.
- Visit the doctor and get a final answer. This can help GREATLY to get that closure. That could release the emotional significance you have over the sensation.
Almost Zen: What books do you suggest or read that helps with anxiety? I like reading ancient stories and texts like Musashi or Seneca as they are relaxing books set in a different era back when life moves slower. Thanks for doing the q&a.
- Rewire Your Anxiety Brain by Pittman and Karle
- A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle
- Mindset by Carol Dweck
- The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
Milica: Please Brad, give us some tips for quitting sugar for good. I gave up smoking, then drinking, but this one seems almost impossible for me.
- Perhaps there isn’t enough justification to why you should quit sugar. The more PAIN you attach to sugar the more you will move away from it. You may already know this from overcoming smoking and alcohol. How is sugar negatively impacting your health? Learn why. For me, it was the brain fog, the 2pm crash, the tooth decay, and the fact that cancer feeds off sugar. I wanted more than anything to feel energized constantly throughout the day. So make it clear to yourself why letting go of sugar is of benefit to you.
- Follow Dr. Ken Berry on YouTube. He promotes a ketogenic diet full of whole foods thats absent of sugar. I recommend you slowly move into this way of eating for optimal health and performance. The first steps: eliminate all sugar, grains, and vegetable oils. Then, add whole foods like meat, eggs, fish, chicken, and healthy fats into your diet. You can also eat keto cookies, cakes, and pizza crusts to transition into the diet. They contain sugar substitutes which can help wean yourself away from the real demon.
- Books I highly recommend: The Dieticians Dilemma by Michelle Hurn and The Big Fat Surprise by Nina Teicholz
Bonus question: How have you overcome night anxiety? *Listen to the full episode below!*