BITESIZE | Why Your Brain Wants You To Be Anxious (And What You Can Do About It) | Dr Anders Hansen #579

Compared to most of our evolutionary history we have never been richer, safer, or lived longer lives. Yet, despite that, more of us are struggling with our health than ever before. What’s going on? Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests. Today’s clip is from episode 381 of the podcast with Swedish psychiatrist, globally renowned speaker, and best-selling author Dr Anders Hansen. Anders believes we can start to understand the struggles of modern life by looking to the brain, where our emotions are created. In this clip, he offers a powerful reframe for understanding anxiety, and some simple, practical tools to help. Anders is someone who really wants all of us to learn how exactly our brains are wired –  so we can more easily understand ourselves and our daily behaviours. He is passionate, knowledgeable and a brilliant communicator. Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠https://www.drinkag1.com/livemore⁠⁠ Show notes and the full podcast are available at drchatterjee.com/381 Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts ⁠⁠https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore⁠⁠ For other podcast platforms go to ⁠⁠https://fblm.supercast.com. DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

As we get older, have you ever wondered why the exercise advice we’ve been given doesn’t seem to work as well as it once did? As we move into our 40s and beyond, our physiology changes in ways that can often feel confusing and frustrating. But what if we could harness those changes to feel stronger, healthier and more resilient than ever before? My guest this week is exercise physiologist and nutritional scientist, Dr Stacy Sims. Stacy is dedicated to helping active women – and the people who support them – take back control of their bodies, health and lives through science-based knowledge and practical tools. She is the author of two books, including ‘ROAR: How to Match Your Food and Fitness to Your Unique Female Physiology for Optimum Performance, Great Health, and a Strong, Lean Body for Life’ and the creator of her signature course, Women Are Not Small Men, after recognising the lack of research specifically done on women in exercise, nutrition and medicine. In this conversation, we discuss: Why conventional fitness advice often fails women in midlife, and how we can move beyond outdated recommendations How hormonal changes during perimenopause affect everything from metabolism and muscle strength to mood and sleep The crucial role of resistance training in maintaining bone density, muscle mass and cognitive function as we get older Why high-intensity interval training can boost our metabolism, balance blood sugar and reduce harmful belly fat How the language around “muscle toning” can be unhelpful, and why lifting heavier weights is so important for building real strength and protecting our long-term health Practical ways to start strength training safely, even if you don’t enjoy the gym, and simple strategies for fitting effective movement into a busy week with minimal time How building strength now supports our independence, resilience and vitality, helping us stay active, prevent injuries and feel confident as we age This conversation is an invitation for all of us to rethink what’s possible as we grow older. Stacy’s insights remind us that with the right information and support, we can build strength, confidence and better health at any stage of life. And if you find this episode helpful, why not share it with the women in your life – friends, family or colleagues – so they can feel empowered and informed about their bodies, too. I hope you enjoy listening.   Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.   Thanks to our sponsors: https://drinkag1.com/livemore https://boncharge.com/livemore   Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/578   DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

In a world seemingly obsessed with financial success, what does it truly mean to be wealthy? And what if the path to a more meaningful life has less to do with what we earn and more to do with how we live? Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests. Today’s clip is from episode 517 of the podcast with successful entrepreneur, online creator, and author of the book ‘The Five Types of Wealth: A Transformative Guide to Design Your Dream Life’, Sahil Bloom. In this clip, he shares some of the powerful life lessons that inspired his book and we explore small daily actions and practical tools that could help you build a happier, healthier, more fulfilled life. Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠https://www.drinkag1.com/livemore⁠⁠ Show notes and the full podcast are available at https://drchatterjee.com/517 Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts ⁠⁠https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore⁠⁠ For other podcast platforms go to ⁠⁠https://fblm.supercast.com. DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

When we think about improving our health, we often think about changing our diet, increasing how much we move, improving the quality of our sleep and lowering stress, but how many of us think about ‘working’ on our vision? Every day, many of us experience symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, headaches or poor concentration - and never realise that our eyes might be playing a central role . This week, I’m delighted to welcome Dr Bryce Appelbaum, a pioneering neuro-optometrist who believes that vision is our most overlooked and underutilised tool for improving how we feel, think and function. Bryce is a board-certified Fellow of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development and founder of MyVisionFirst , where he and his team combine vision therapy with principles from occupational therapy, physical therapy and holistic wellness. Bryce’s expertise includes reorganising the visual brain after concussion, correcting developmental visual delays that interfere with reading and learning and enhancing visual skills to elevate athletic performance. In this incredible conversation, we discuss: Why eyesight and vision are not the same, and why most eye tests are missing a vital part of the picture How visual processing affects everything from focus and mood to movement, memory and resilience The hidden visual problems that are often left undiagnosed in both children and adults, and how these can impact learning, behaviour and emotional regulation The neurological impact of concussion and trauma on the visual system, and how it can be rehabilitated Why our screen habits are damaging not just our eyes but our brains - and how to reverse the effects The power of “vision therapy” to rewire the brain and transform quality of life Practical strategies to reduce digital eye strain and support visual health, even if you only have a few minutes a day Many of us don’t realise just how much our vision influences how we think, perform. In a screen-heavy world, Bryce’s insights show that with the right tools, we can train our eyes and brain to support better health, learning and quality of life at any age. Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.   Thanks to our sponsors: http://www.vivobarefoot.com/livemore https://thriva.co   Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/576   DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Twenty years ago, very few scientists even knew about something called the gut microbiome. Now, with over 70,000 research papers published on the subject, this complex ecosystem, home to trillions of microorganisms, is recognised as a key factor in our physical and mental wellbeing. Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests. Today’s clip is from episode 508 of the podcast with microbiome scientist and researcher at King’s College London, Dr Emily Leeming. We now know that our gut health plays a crucial role in everything from our immune system and our ability to respond to stress, to our skin and even our mental wellbeing. In this clip, Emily shares some of the latest science along with some simple, practical tips for building more gut-friendly foods into your diet. Emily is someone who is highly knowledgeable and passionate about helping us all improve the health of our guts. Her message is clear: nurturing our gut microbiome is not about following rigid rules – it’s about understanding this remarkable ecosystem and working with it, not against it. Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠https://www.drinkag1.com/livemore⁠⁠ Show notes and the full podcast are available at https://drchatterjee.com/508 Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts ⁠⁠https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore⁠⁠ For other podcast platforms go to ⁠⁠https://fblm.supercast.com. DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

We live in a culture that often celebrates the ‘perfect’ relationship but does little to prepare us for the reality of long-term commitment. Modern life is filled with idealised images of love and marriage – but the truth, as this week’s returning guest suggests, is far more human, messy and ultimately hopeful.   I’m delighted to welcome Alain de Botton back to the podcast. Alain is an author, internationally acclaimed philosopher and founder of The School of Life, a hugely popular education and wellness organisation that provides guidance on how to achieve happiness and fulfilment.  His latest book, ‘From Trauma to Healing: How to Locate, Process and Recover From Psychological Wounds’ helps us understand what trauma is, how it affects us and what we can do about it. During this incredible conversation, we discuss: Why the idea that we will “marry the right person” sets us up for disappointment How our childhood experiences shape who we’re drawn to as adults The hidden cost of perfectionism in relationships The cultural myths about soulmates, instant understanding and effortless romance, and how these ideas can undermine lasting love How unprocessed trauma can resurface in our closest relationships, and why learning to communicate our needs is an essential skill The surprising role that distance, independence and time apart can play in sustaining desire and intimacy   There’s something deeply reassuring in knowing that love doesn’t have to look like the stories we grew up with. And by letting go of these cultural myths and by embracing each other’s flaws, we improve not only our relationships, but also how happy and contented we feel.  I hope you enjoy listening. Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.   Thanks to our sponsors: https://drinkag1.com/livemore https://calm.com/livemore https://join.whoop.com/livemore http://www.vivobarefoot.com/livemore Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/574   DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Did you know that your daily habits directly affect the speed at which your brain is ageing and your risk of getting Alzheimer’s disease in the future?   This week, I'm delighted to welcome Dr Darshan Shah to the podcast. Darshan is a medical doctor, a board-certified surgeon, an expert in preventive health and the founder of Next Health, the first health optimisation and longevity centre to offer life-extending and enhancing technology and treatments.   Whilst working as a surgeon, Darshan became seriously ill with type diabetes, hypertension, an autoimmune condition, and he was told he had a 50% chance of dying in the next 25 years. This wake-up call came just as his first son was born. Rather than accepting a life dependent on medications, he immersed himself in functional medicine and completely reversed his conditions in just eight months.    During our conversation, you'll discover:  The 5 things you could start doing today that would actually increase your chances of getting Alzheimer’s The 80/20 principle for health and how focusing on just 20% of interventions can deliver 80% of the results Why sitting for more than four hours increases your risk of death by 15% Why becoming the "boss of your own biology" through tracking key biomarkers could be life-saving How inflammation from your gut and mouth can directly impact your brain health decades later Darshan’s top supplement recommendations for longevity This conversation challenges the notion that we can simply live intuitively in today's environment and expect to stay healthy. Darshan argues that in our current toxic world, taking an active role in monitoring and optimising our health isn't just beneficial, it's essential.  Whether you're interested in detailed health tracking or just want to learn the basics of staying well, this conversation is packed with practical advice that could transform how you think about your health. I hope you enjoy listening. Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.   Thanks to our sponsors: https://join.whoop.com/livemore https://boncharge.com/livemore https://timeline.com/livemore https://thriva.co   Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/573   DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Today’s guest shares a simple but powerful tool that can help you lower your stress levels, increase your energy and feel more in control of life. Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests. Today’s clip is from episode 525 of the podcast with best-selling author and expert in life improvement, mindset, and behaviour change, Mel Robbins. Studies show we spend up to 70% of our mental energy focusing on things we can’t control, which affects our relationships, stress levels and health.  In this clip, she shares two simple words that could help us start to break free. Mel has amassed an incredible 25 million followers online because of her unique ability to connect with others.  She is passionate, articulate and very relatable – and this episode is full of practical tools. Mel's book - ⁠The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can’t Stop Talking About⁠. Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠https://www.drinkag1.com/livemore⁠⁠ Show notes and the full podcast are available at https://drchatterjee.com/525 Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts ⁠⁠https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore⁠⁠ For other podcast platforms go to ⁠⁠https://fblm.supercast.com. DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Most of us spend our lives in conversation - yet very few of us are ever taught how to communicate well. Whether it’s with our partners, colleagues, family or friends, we often assume that being heard is the same as being understood. But true communication isn’t just about the words we use - it’s about the tone, timing and energy behind them. This week’s guest believes that better communication can transform not only our relationships, but our health and happiness as well.  Jefferson Fisher is a trial lawyer, a sought after public speaker and the author of the brand new book, The Next Conversation: Argue Less, Talk More. In this conversation, we explore: Why good communication is about more than just words The three essential principles to better communication How to shift from reaction to reflection by making your first word your breath What it means to “control the moment” How to use the “I can tell…” framework to defuse tension  Why silence can be a superpower, when used correctly How ego, fear and unspoken emotion are often the real reason for arguments This isn’t just an episode about talking. It’s about how to listen better, show up with more intention, and move from conflict to connection – one breath, one moment, one conversation at a time. I hope you enjoy listening. Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.   Thanks to our sponsors: https://drinkag1.com/livemore https://timeline.com/livemore https://join.whoop.com/livemore http://www.vivobarefoot.com/livemore   Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/571   DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

The summer months have a different flavour and feel to the other months of the year; there’s something different about our energy, motivation and willpower. And, if we can harness those differences, we have a golden opportunity to make meaningful changes in our life. Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I’ll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests. Today’s clip is from episode 468 of the podcast which was a solo episode from myself all about the summer months and how we can embrace the qualities of this particular season to help us make meaningful change. In this clip, I share five simple but powerful ideas you can consider introducing into your life that could help you make the most of the season ahead.  Thanks to our sponsor ⁠⁠⁠https://www.drinkag1.com/livemore⁠⁠ Show notes and the full podcast are available at https://drchatterjee.com/468 Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts ⁠⁠https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore⁠⁠ For other podcast platforms go to ⁠⁠https://fblm.supercast.com. DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.