Why anxiety is a superpower

In this episode of Life Kit, host Marielle Segarra interviews psychotherapist Britt Frank, author of "The Science of Stuck," about understanding and managing anxiety. Frank explains that anxiety is a signal, like a check engine light, indicating deeper issues. She introduces a three-step method for managing anxiety in the moment: acknowledge that your brain is reacting, identify three small actions or resources that bring a sense of safety, and then choose one to implement. They discuss practical techniques, such as using your senses to ground yourself, practicing "anxiety fire drills" to prepare for anxious moments, and exploring the underlying causes of anxiety by identifying stressors and unacknowledged feelings. The goal is to reduce the intensity of anxiety and to understand what it's trying to communicate, ultimately seeing anxiety not as an enemy, but as a signal.