Sara Bareilles y los expertos comparten consejos prácticos contra la ansiedad

Sara Bareilles, a renowned singer and Broadway star, has recently faced a challenging period of acute anxiety. Although she had previously managed her anxiety well enough to discontinue her Lexapro medication, the death of a close friend led her to experience a downward spiral. During a panel discussion at the New York Times Well Festival in Brooklyn, Bareilles described her struggle, saying, “The bottom dropped out and I couldn’t find the surface again.”

Joined by Dacher Keltner, a psychology professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and moderated by Dan Harris, host of the ‘10% Happier’ podcast, the panelists shared their personal experiences with anxiety and offered actionable strategies for coping.

**Focus on Action** Harris emphasized the importance of taking action rather than dwelling on anxiety. He noted that while society has become more open about discussing anxiety, many people often get caught up in their suffering, particularly on social media. He encouraged individuals to explore various strategies to manage their anxiety. “Action absorbs anxiety,” he said. Bareilles echoed this sentiment, acknowledging that it’s easy for individuals with anxiety to let the diagnosis define them.

**Experiment with Coping Mechanisms** The panelists discussed how different coping strategies work for different people. Bareilles mentioned her reliance on therapy, medication, meditation, exercise, and strong social connections. She shared a cautionary tale about an unsuccessful attempt to self-medicate using MDMA, which she described as a disaster. Keltner, who experienced his first panic attack at age 30, finds comfort in music, meditation, playing basketball, and spending time outdoors. He highlighted the benefits of nature, stating, “Clouds, sky, and the sound of water can calm your nervous system.”

Harris, who has been in talk therapy for years, employs exposure therapy to confront his panic attacks, particularly when using elevators or flying. He shares that he and his therapist seek out some of New York City’s smallest elevators to ride together. “I believe people should do what works for them,” he said.

**Cultivate Mindfulness** Mindfulness and meditation were central themes in the panel discussion. Harris suggested starting small with mindfulness practices, even just a few minutes at a time. Despite his role as a meditation advocate, he acknowledged that meditation doesn’t resonate with everyone and can sometimes feel like an added stressor. Instead, he recommended finding activities that foster a sense of calm. Keltner highlighted the power of music and art in achieving mindfulness, sharing his experience with a New York Times focus challenge where he spent time observing van Gogh’s “Starry Night.” He found it profoundly moving, stating, “There are many ways to meditate.”

Overall, the panel highlighted that coping with anxiety is a personal journey with varying strategies. By focusing on action, being open to different approaches, and cultivating mindfulness, individuals can find their own path to managing anxiety more effectively.