AMA #5: Intrusive Thoughts, CGMs, Behavioral Change, Naps & NSDR

About this video

In this Ask Me Anything episode, Huberman answers questions spanning intrusive thoughts, continuous glucose monitors, behavioural change, naps and non-sleep deep rest, with the longest excerpt devoted to intrusive thoughts. He carefully distinguishes true obsessive-compulsive disorder from being merely particular or fastidious, explaining that in true OCD compulsive behaviour does not durably reduce obsessions and can make anxiety worse. For repetitive thoughts that are not themselves disturbing, Huberman says the data point toward anchoring attention to an external stimulus and getting into action. He also discusses brief mindful meditation focused on the breath or the region behind the forehead, citing work from Dr. Wendy Suzuki’s laboratory on focus and memory, while noting that troubling, trauma-linked thoughts call for a different approach.

Key takeaways

• Huberman distinguishes true OCD from simply being particular, because compulsions do not durably relieve true OCD.
• Huberman recommends anchoring attention to external activity for repetitive but non-disturbing thoughts.
• Huberman describes brief mindful meditation as a focus practice studied in Dr. Wendy Suzuki’s laboratory.
• Huberman argues troubling intrusive thoughts require a different approach from merely looping thoughts.
• Huberman frames the episode around intrusive thoughts, glucose monitors, behaviour change, naps and NSDR.

Episode details: published March 24, 2023 · 194.9K views · 23:27 long. Summary written by Self Growth Videos from the episode itself. The science and protocols described are Andrew Huberman’s, presented for education — not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional before changing your own health practices.

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