How to Focus Under Pressure
Jeopardy! champion Amy Schneider tries a body scan meditation to sharpen her focus and calm her nerves as she prepares for the Tournament of Champions.
\n\nLink to episode transcript: https://tinyurl.com/yckfxnu5
\n\n\n\n
Episode summary:
\n\nAmy Schneider is the most successful woman to ever compete on Jeopardy!. Part of her winning strategy was to shut down all her mental chatter and completely focus on the competition. But when the cameras are off, she struggles to find the same calm. For today\u2019s show, Amy tries a body scan practice to connect with her body and quiet her busy mind. Later we hear from Jonathan Greenberg, a Harvard psychology professor. He explains how mindfulness can make us better problem solvers, and how that can benefit our emotional health, too.
\n\n\n\n
How to Do This Practice:
\n\n- \n
Find a quiet place where you feel safe and comfortable. You can be standing, sitting, or lying down.
\nClose your eyes, and take a few deep, long breaths.
\nMove your attention through your body slowly, part by part, starting with your feet. Focus on your feet, then your calves, knees, and so on, until you get to the top of your head. Without judgment, notice what sensations you can identify in each part of the body.
\nWhen your mind wanders, gently and with self-kindness, guide your attention back to the part of the body you\u2019re focusing on in the present moment.
\n
Find the full Body Scan Meditation practice at our Greater Good in Action website: https://ggia.berkeley.edu/practice/body_scan_meditation
\n\n\n\n
Today\u2019s guests:
\n\nAmy Schneider is the most successful woman to compete on the quiz show Jeopardy! and won 40 consecutive games.
\n\nFollow Amy on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jeopardamy
\n\nFollow Amy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeopardamy/
\n\nFollow Amy on Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/5b4dyezy
\n\nJonathan Greenberg is a psychology professor in Harvard University\u2019s Clinical and Translational Science Center. His research focuses on the role of mindfulness and relaxation.
\n\nLearn more about Jonathan\u2019s research: https://tinyurl.com/yn7j73au
\n\n\n\n
More resources from The Greater Good Science Center:
\n\n- \n
Try a body scan meditation guided by host Dacher Keltner, on Happiness Break: https://tinyurl.com/bd6x8ba5
\nWhere to Find Wisdom in the Body: https://tinyurl.com/yctxtkzt
\nCompassionate Mind, Healthy Body: https://tinyurl.com/5n79ary9
\nMoving Your Body Is Like a Tune-Up for Your Mind: https://tinyurl.com/2f64na8b
\nYour Anxiety Might Be Coming From Your Body: https://tinyurl.com/4j9ynwr9
\n
More resources on body scan meditation:
\n\n- \n
NPR - A Crash Course in Body Scan Meditation: https://tinyurl.com/mu24fx7p
\nHarvard Health - You can practice mindfulness in as little as 15 minutes a day: https://tinyurl.com/4aex7738
\n10% Happier - Change Your Posture, Change Your Mood: https://tinyurl.com/4crydjs6
\nTime - This Quick Meditation Helps You Let Go of Stress and Sleep: https://tinyurl.com/4mzpu2zr
\n
Tell us about how you feel after trying the body-scan meditation. Email us at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod.
\n\nHelp us share The Science of Happiness! Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or copy and share this link with someone who might like the show: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aap