Harvard sociologist’s secret to overcoming anxiety

Anxiety is often seen as an enemy worth fighting. But for Martha Beck, a sociologist interviewed Guardian The key lies in acceptance and change.

By adopting a caring approach and cultivating curiosity, she found her way to a more peaceful life.

deal with concerns with kindness

Instead of fighting her anxiety, Martha Beck learned to control it. She compares the process to caring for a frightened animal: gentleness, patience, and lack of judgment. By taking this time for herself, she found herself slowly calming down.

This approach is based on the idea that anxiety is a natural, but broken mechanism. Responding to it with compassion rather than conflict helps break the cycle of fear.

replace fear with creativity

Martha Beck also discovered the transformative power of creativity. Painting, crafting, or cooking: any form of expression can distract the mind from anxious thoughts. It is not the artistic purpose that matters, but the act of creation, which stimulates curiosity and restores vitality.

According to Martha Beck, this practice activates different brain circuits, allowing fear to be replaced with positive and creative energy.

Curiosity as the first step

Curiosity is an essential key to overcoming anxiety. No need for big ambitions: Starting by exploring small desires, like watching a documentary or trying a new activity, can be enough to rejuvenate the mind.

For Martha Beck, curiosity is the breeding ground of passion. But most of all, you need rest to recover from exhaustion and reconnect with your desires.