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Peer Review

How to Calm Your Anxiety, From a Neuroscientist | The Way We Work, a TED series

Reviewed:

Dec 18, 2025 by Health Sciences
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Ratings

Overall Rating: 5.0 stars
Content Quality: 4.8 stars
Effectiveness: 5.0 stars
Ease of Use: 5.0 stars
Overview:

In this video, neuroscientist Wendy Suzuki explains how to manage anxiety by using two evidence-based methods: deep breathing and physical movement. These practices help calm the nervous system, improve mood, and enhance creativity and empathy, turning anxiety into a constructive force in daily life.

Type of Material:

  • TED Talks Video on YouTube 
Recommended Uses:

  • This video could be used in class, as homework, at a wellness workshop, or for the individual who may struggle with anxiety.
Technical Requirements:

  • Internet access
  • Web browser
  • Speakers
Identify Major Learning Goals:

After reviewing this video, the learner will be able to:

  • Describe the evolution of anxiety
  • Describe why anxiety feels overwhelming
  • Explain how deep breathing reduces anxiety
  • Explain how physician exercise reduces anxiety
  • Provide an example of how these principles are effective
Target Student Population:

  • College General Ed, College Lower Division, College Upper Division, Graduate School
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:

  • Basic technology use of a device

Content Quality

Rating:
Strengths:

 

  • The material presents accurate, neuroscience-based explanations of anxiety and its physiological role.

  • Offers clear, evidence-supported strategies (e.g., breathing techniques, movement, cognitive reframing) that viewers can readily apply to manage anxiety.

  • Uses plain, relatable language and analogies that make complex neuroscience concepts understandable for a wide audience.

  • The visual style and concise presentation maintain attention and enhance comprehension.

  • Suitable for diverse educational settings—classroom, self-study, or wellness training.

 

Concerns:

  • As a short video, it introduces key ideas without extensive explanation of underlying neurobiological mechanisms or references to primary research.

  • While research-based, it does not provide explicit citations or sources within the video for further reading.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:
Strengths:

  • The purpose of the video—to help viewers understand the nature of anxiety and learn practical, neuroscience-based methods for managing it—is clearly conveyed.

  • The concise, relatable storytelling and science-informed content keep learners engaged and encourage active reflection and self-application.

  • Effectively connects theory (brain and body mechanisms of anxiety) with practice (breathing, movement, and mindset techniques), reinforcing understanding through real-life examples.

  • The video can be integrated into various educational and wellness contexts, including classroom instruction, self-directed learning, counseling sessions, or staff well-being programs.

  • The presenter’s tone promotes reassurance and empowerment, enhancing the learner’s confidence in applying the content.

 

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:
Strengths:

  • As hosted on YouTube, the video benefits from a familiar, user-friendly platform that requires no special technical skills.
  • Design elements are attractive.
  • The video maintains consistent formatting, with clean visuals and clear narration that enhance understanding without distraction.
  • Closed captions are available, improving accessibility for viewers.
  • Playback controls (pause, rewind, speed control) enable flexible learning at the user’s own pace.
  • The video loads quickly, plays smoothly, and maintains high audiovisual quality throughout.

 

Other Issues and Comments:

  • The video does not include reflection prompts, quizzes, or follow-up materials to assess or reinforce learning outcomes. Instructors could adapt something specific to the learning outcomes.

  • Learning effectiveness could be enhanced through accompanying worksheets or guided practice.

  • The video’s scientific and psychological integrity is strong. Instructors could add links to referenced research or further reading to enhance the evidence base and credibility.

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