Ronald Reagan, the 40th US President who led the cold war era with great communication. What was his secret to calmness under daily international tensions? The answer was a colorful jar of jellybeans. 🍬
To quit his pipe smoking habit during his governor days, Reagan started eating jellybeans. Chewing jellybeans during meetings was not just eating snacks, but a brain control method to calm stress and guide negotiations.
Today, BuildSelf introduces Reagan’s jellybean chewing routine to control instant anxiety and bad habits in 3 steps.
Historical & Academic Evidence
This content is based on Reagan's Biography 'President Reagan: The Role of a Lifetime' & Mastication Stress Research.
1. Mastication and Sensory Substitution Stabilizing the Amygdala
The rhythmic movement of chewing activates trigeminal nerves, reducing the activity of the amygdala which controls fear and stress, lowering cortisol.
At the same time, when harmful cravings strike, inserting a safe substitute sensor (like chewing jellybeans) acts as Oral Sensory Substitution, satisfying dopamine reward circuits without damage.
2. 3-Step Practical Routine for Modern Professionals
Prepare a Chewing Tool
Before anxiety strikes or cravings happen, prepare a chewing tool like sugar-free gum, sugar-free jelly, or a pack of nuts in advance.
Chew with Sensory Awareness
At the peak of anxiety, put the food in your mouth and start chewing slowly, focusing on jaw muscle movements and saliva.
Relax and Tune Breathing for 2 Minutes
Keep chewing for 2 minutes while taking deep breaths. Relax your body so your brain can process the stimulus and restore calm.
3. Be mindful of sugar intake for dental health
Eating too many jellybeans can cause tooth decay or excess sugar intake. It is recommended to use sugar-free gum, sugar-free jelly, or nuts (almonds, walnuts) to safely get the mastication benefits.
📌 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long do I need to chew to feel the stress reduction effect? ▼
According to research, cortisol levels start to decrease and brain waves transition to alpha waves after 2-3 minutes of chewing. Thus, focusing on chewing for at least 2-3 minutes is key.
Is the claim that chewing suppresses smoking or binge eating scientifically true? ▼
Yes. The brain wants dopamine when cravings hit. Providing alternative oral stimuli satisfies reward circuits partially, helping control peak urges. In behavioral science, this is called 'Alternative Behavior Formation.'
