Book: Unwinding Anxiety by Judson Brewer, MD, PhD

Unwinding Anxiety: New Science Shows How to Break the Cycles of Worry and Fear to Heal Your Mind by Judson Brewer, MD, PhD

In Unwinding Anxiety, Judson Brewer, MD, PhD explores the intricate relationship between anxiety and habit formation, presenting a novel approach to breaking the cycles that perpetuate worry and fear. Drawing from decades of research in neuroscience and clinical practice, Brewer reveals how anxiety manifests as habit loops in the brain, leading to behaviors such as stress eating, procrastination, and excessive social media use. He introduces mindfulness and curiosity as powerful tools to disrupt these loops, offering practical strategies to retrain the mind and promote mental well-being. Through accessible explanations and real-life examples, Brewer empowers readers to understand and manage their anxiety by addressing its root causes.

Judson Brewer, MD, PhD, is an internationally recognized psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and expert in mindfulness training for addiction and anxiety. He serves as the Director of Research and Innovation at the Mindfulness Center and as an associate professor in Behavioral and Social Sciences at the Brown University School of Public Health. Dr. Brewer has developed and tested novel mindfulness programs for habit change, including app-based treatments for smoking cessation, emotional eating, and anxiety. His work has been featured in major media outlets, and his 2016 TED Talk, “A Simple Way to Break a Bad Habit,” has garnered widespread acclaim.

For workplace learning professionals, Unwinding Anxiety offers valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of anxiety and its impact on behavior. Understanding these principles can inform the development of training programs that address stress management and promote mental resilience among employees. By incorporating mindfulness techniques and fostering curiosity, trainers can help individuals break free from unproductive habits, enhance focus, and improve overall performance in professional settings.