The Anxiety Coaches Podcast

In today's episode, Gina discusses why anxiety can be resistant when trying to address it directly. Through acceptance and curiosity, we can come to better understand our anxiety without causing it to flare up and become worse. Listen in for strategies on how to attend to your anxiety gently, with an open heart, and without undue force.

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Thank you for supporting The Anxiety Coaches Podcast.

FREE MUST-HAVE RESOURCE FOR Calming Your Anxious Mind
10-Minute Body-Scan Meditation for Anxiety

Anxiety Coaches Podcast Group Coaching link
ACPGroupCoaching.com

To learn more, go to:
Website https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com
Join our Group Coaching Full or Mini Membership Program
Learn more about our One-on-One Coaching
What is anxiety?

Find even more peace and calm with our Supercast premium access membership:

For $5 a month, all episodes are ad-free! https://anxietycoaches.supercast.com/

Here's what's included for $5/month:
❤ New Ad-Free episodes every Sunday and Wednesday
❤ Access to the entire Ad-free back-catalog with over 600 episodes
❤ Premium meditations recorded with you in mind
❤ And more fun surprises along the way!
All this in your favorite podcast app!

Chapters

0:26 Welcome to the Anxiety Coaches Podcast

2:59 The Trap of Fixing Mode

7:20 Understanding Anxiety's Persistence

9:50 Changing Your Relationship with Anxiety

13:49 Practical Strategies for Relief

15:25 Healing Through Compassion and Patience

Summary

In this insightful episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, I delve into the often misunderstood relationship between anxiety and our efforts to manage it. I explore the counterproductive nature of trying to "fix" anxiety and how this can inadvertently reinforce its presence in our lives. Instead of viewing anxiety as an adversary to conquer, I encourage listeners to reconsider their approach and shift to a mindset of coexistence and understanding.

Drawing on the themes from our recent discussions, I highlight that anxiety, while challenging, is a natural human experience. It’s important to differentiate between healthy stress that comes and goes and anxiety that lingers, causing distress. Many of us fall into the trap of fixing mode, believing that we must eliminate anxiety entirely before we can lead fulfilling lives. This perspective can lead to constant self-monitoring, excessive reassurance-seeking, and avoidance behaviors that ultimately entrench our anxiety rather than alleviate it.

The episode emphasizes the paradox that comes with the insistence to fix anxiety. Every time we obsessively monitor our feelings or seek validation from others, we signal to our nervous system that something is amiss, thus heightening our anxiety rather than softening it. I propose a radical shift in our mindset—inviting listeners to treat anxiety not as a problem, but as a companion on the journey of life. By putting anxiety in the backseat, we can focus on meaningful experiences and activities, regardless of its presence.

#Anxiety #Stress #MentalHealth #AnxietyCoachesPodcast #GinaRyan #AnxietyRecovery #NervousSystem #Safety #Mindfulness #Healing #SelfCare #InnerPeace #Calm #Psychology #Wellness #Acceptance #CarlJung #OvercomingAnxiety #PanicAttack #MentalWellbeing #HolisticHealth #AnxietyTips #MentalHealthMatters #HealthAnxiety #MindBody #RecoveryJourney #EndResistance #Allowing #Compassion #EmotionalIntelligence #Neuroscience #SelfHealing #AnxietySupport #MindfulLiving #StressRelief #VagusNerve #MentalHealth2026 #BreakTheLoop #ACP

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In today's episode, Gina discusses an important consideration for anxiety recovery: that anxiety recovery does not imply a consistently calm nervous system. Your nervous system is here to do a job: keep you alive. Sometimes, you need to get excitement and activation to enable you to make corrections for yourself or your environment. Listen in to reframe your anxiety recovery expectations and prepare for authentic, full-on living!

Please visit our Sponsor Page to find all the links and codes for our awesome sponsors!
https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com/sponsors/

Thank you for supporting The Anxiety Coaches Podcast.

FREE MUST-HAVE RESOURCE FOR Calming Your Anxious Mind
10-Minute Body-Scan Meditation for Anxiety

Anxiety Coaches Podcast Group Coaching link
ACPGroupCoaching.com

To learn more, go to:
Website https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com
Join our Group Coaching Full or Mini Membership Program
Learn more about our One-on-One Coaching
What is anxiety?

Find even more peace and calm with our Supercast premium access membership:

For $5 a month, all episodes are ad-free! https://anxietycoaches.supercast.com/

Here's what's included for $5/month:
❤ New Ad-Free episodes every Sunday and Wednesday
❤ Access to the entire Ad-free back-catalog with over 600 episodes
❤ Premium meditations recorded with you in mind
❤ And more fun surprises along the way!
All this in your favorite podcast app!

Chapters
0:26 Welcome to the Anxiety Coaches Podcast
1:55 Rethinking Anxiety and Healing
4:03 The Myth of Constant Calm
6:12 Understanding Nervous System Flexibility
8:59 Embracing Our Emotions
11:23 The Dangers of Chasing Calm
14:28 Trusting Our Body's Signals
17:26 Building Resilience Through Activation
19:48 Capacity Over Calm
20:52 Closing Thoughts and Acknowledgments

Summary
In this episode, I delve into the misconception that a healed or regulated nervous system equates to feeling calm all the time. It is crucial to challenge this notion, as the idea that healing consists of constant tranquility can actually hinder our progress on our healing journeys. I explore the reality that experiencing anxiety does not negate the healing work we've done; rather, it’s a normal part of being human. Many people grapple with feelings of inadequacy when they compare their internal experiences to how others appear on the surface, which often leads to unnecessary self-doubt.

Throughout our discussion, I aim to unpack the myth that constant calmness is synonymous with a healthy nervous system. It's vital to realize that life will invariably activate us, and our approach should not be to avoid these feelings but to learn to move through them. Embracing our experiences—be they anxious thoughts or bodily sensations—without fear allows us to build resilience. This shifts our focus from striving for a state of perpetual calm to recognizing that our nervous system is designed to respond and recover from activation.

I quote psychiatrist Mark Epstein to drive home the point: "Healing is not about eliminating pain, but about changing our relationship to it." Our society often promotes calmness as the ultimate goal, suggesting that peace is a reachable destination. While calmness is valuable, it can also become a performance metric that distorts our perception of healing. I've observed that many people mistakenly believe a healthy nervous system is one that remains completely undisturbed, when in reality, it is all about flexibility—having a system that can engage and settle in response to life’s demands.

#AnxietyCoachesPodcast #GinaRyan #CalmIsNotTheGoal #BefriendYourNervousSystem #CapacityOverCalm #RespondNotReact #FullCatastropheLiving #TheWormhole #HealingIsAJourney #AnxietyWarrior #BeGentleWithYourself #ACP

#NervousSystemRegulation #PolyvagalTheory #VagusNerve #HeartRateVariability #SomaticHealing #NervousSystemHealth #WindowOfTolerance #SomaticAwareness #Neuroplasticity #BodyMindSoul

#PsychologicalFlexibility #EmotionalResilience #ResilienceBuilding #SelfCompassion #MindfulnessPractice #MentalStrength #EmotionalIntelligence #InnerPeace #TrustYourBody #HealingFromWithin

#AnxietyRelief #MentalHealthMatters #StressManagement #PanicAttackRecovery #MentalWellness #WellnessJourney #OvercomingAnxiety #HealingIsPossible #MindfulnessMeditation #SelfHealing

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In today's episode, Gina discusses why anxiety can become stronger in January and how to cope with it. A review of how the holidays can upset our lives and nervous systems is shared. The biological consequences of winter, including shorter days, are covered. Listen in for strategies on how to navigate the stronger turbulence of anxiety in January.

Please visit our Sponsor Page to find all the links and codes for our awesome sponsors!
https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com/sponsors/

Thank you for supporting The Anxiety Coaches Podcast.

FREE MUST-HAVE RESOURCE FOR Calming Your Anxious Mind
10-Minute Body-Scan Meditation for Anxiety

Anxiety Coaches Podcast Group Coaching link
ACPGroupCoaching.com

To learn more, go to:
Website https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com
Join our Group Coaching Full or Mini Membership Program
Learn more about our One-on-One Coaching
What is anxiety?

Find even more peace and calm with our Supercast premium access membership:

For $5 a month, all episodes are ad-free! https://anxietycoaches.supercast.com/

Here's what's included for $5/month:
❤ New Ad-Free episodes every Sunday and Wednesday
❤ Access to the entire Ad-free back-catalog with over 600 episodes
❤ Premium meditations recorded with you in mind
❤ And more fun surprises along the way!
All this in your favorite podcast app!

Quote:

In winter, we must protect our energy, conserving it for the spring.

-Eknath Easwaran

Chapters
0:26 Introduction to January Anxiety
4:17 Understanding Post-Holiday Anxiety
9:06 The Biological Impact of January
11:01 Emotional Whiplash in January
14:36 Reframing January's Expectations
16:48 Gentle Supports for January Anxiety
18:42 Closing Thoughts on January Healing

Summary
In this episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, I delve into the often-overlooked reasons why anxiety can intensify during January. As we transition from the whirlwind of the holidays into the stillness of a new year, many individuals may find themselves feeling an unexpected heaviness or discomfort. I want to emphasize that if your anxiety feels more pronounced right now, please know that you're not alone and there's nothing wrong with you. This experience is more common than you might think, and I aim to provide insight and understanding into these feelings.

I begin by addressing the post-holiday letdown, which is a feeling that many people struggle to articulate. The holidays often come with significant social stimulation, changes in routine, and increased sensory input. While this can bring moments of joy and connection, it also places our nervous systems under pressure. Once January arrives, the contrast of a quieter, less stimulating environment can lead to feelings of anxiety resurfacing. It’s crucial to recognize that this doesn’t mean we’re regressing in our healing journey; rather, it reflects our nervous system's way of processing accumulated stressors.

I highlight the biological impacts of January, where factors such as shorter days and reduced sunlight can profoundly affect our mood and energy levels. The winter season inherently asks us to slow down, yet our modern lives often conflict with this natural rhythm. This friction may manifest as heightened anxiety, which is not a sign of personal failure but rather a response to the seasonal demands on our bodies.

#anxiety #januaryanxiety #mentalhealth #anxietyrecovery #nervoussystem #selfcare #ginaryan #anxietycoachespodcast #mentalhealthmatters #winterwellness #healingjourney #postholidayblues #stressrelief #mindfulness #selfcompassion #nervoussystemhealth #restismedicine #wellness #mentalhealthawareness #anxietysupport #seasonalaffective #calm #innerpeace #recovery #holistichealth #breathe #mentalwellness #healing #stressmanagement #healthandwellness #ACP
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today's episode, Gina discusses the brain and contemporary thought concerning the plastic and changeable nature of the brain. The ability of individuals to exploit the brain's adaptability with their own minds and guidance is highlighted. Specific steps to change your brain and reduce your anxiety are included.

Please visit our Sponsor Page to find all the links and codes for our awesome sponsors!
https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com/sponsors/

Thank you for supporting The Anxiety Coaches Podcast.

FREE MUST-HAVE RESOURCE FOR Calming Your Anxious Mind
10-Minute Body-Scan Meditation for Anxiety

Anxiety Coaches Podcast Group Coaching link
ACPGroupCoaching.com

To learn more, go to:
Website https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com
Join our Group Coaching Full or Mini Membership Program
Learn more about our One-on-One Coaching
What is anxiety?

Find even more peace and calm with our Supercast premium access membership:

For $5 a month, all episodes are ad-free! https://anxietycoaches.supercast.com/

Here's what's included for $5/month:
❤ New Ad-Free episodes every Sunday and Wednesday
❤ Access to the entire Ad-free back-catalog with over 600 episodes
❤ Premium meditations recorded with you in mind
❤ And more fun surprises along the way!
All this in your favorite podcast app!

Chapters
0:26 Embracing the Changeable Brain
3:38 The Power of Mindfulness
6:20 Understanding Anxiety and Hope
8:11 The Role of Repetition in Change
9:45 Practical Steps for Transformation
12:57 Taking Responsibility for Change

Summary
In this episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, I dive into the fascinating concept of the changeable brain, exploring the implications of neuroplasticity and its profound effects on our mental health. Traditionally, many of us were led to believe that our brains reach a fixed state in adulthood, but recent scientific breakthroughs reveal an exciting reality: our brains are not hardwired and, instead, possess remarkable adaptability and the capacity to change throughout our lives. This understanding offers a sense of hope, empowering us to take charge of our mental wellness.

I emphasize the importance of retraining our brains to navigate away from anxiety. To break free from the anxiety cycle, we must forge new neuropathways while simultaneously dismantling the old ones that tether us to fear. This process is not merely an academic exercise; it happens organically as our brains utilize the remnants of old pathways to build new connections. Thus, whether we consciously train our brains or not, change is inevitable, making it essential for us to guide that change purposefully.

Mindfulness emerges as a cornerstone in this journey, enabling us to cultivate awareness and intentionality in our daily lives. I discuss the impactful role that mindfulness plays in breaking free from automatic responses, compelling us to engage more fully with our thoughts and experiences. By becoming vigilant about our mental habits, we create space for healthier, more peaceful thoughts to flourish. I draw an analogy of a rider managing a horse; just as the rider must train the horse to move in the desired direction, we must learn to direct our thoughts consciously to foster the change we seek.

#anxiety, #neuroplasticity, #mentalhealth, #mindfulness, #anxietyrecovery, #brainhealth, #stressrelief, #wellness, #selfcare, #personalgrowth, #healing, #mindset, #calm, #podcast, #mentalwellness, #ginaryan, #anxietycoachespodcast, #brainplasticity, #overcominganxiety, #meditation, #intentionality, #selfhealing, #neuroscience, #mentalhealthmatters, #innerpeace, #journaling, #anxietysupport, #healthyliving, #positivity, #growthmindset
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today's episode, Gina shares her thoughts and feelings about the cold winter snow, and how harmonizing with the seasons can help us support our nervous system health. The episode will help you turn into the wisdom of the earth, ground yourself in the present moment, and find more space to breathe. Listen in and turn the cold winter day into the perfect setting for rest, healing and reflection.

Please visit our Sponsor Page to find all the links and codes for our awesome sponsors!
https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com/sponsors/

Thank you for supporting The Anxiety Coaches Podcast.

FREE MUST-HAVE RESOURCE FOR Calming Your Anxious Mind
10-Minute Body-Scan Meditation for Anxiety

Anxiety Coaches Podcast Group Coaching link
ACPGroupCoaching.com

To learn more, go to:
Website https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com
Join our Group Coaching Full or Mini Membership Program
Learn more about our One-on-One Coaching
What is anxiety?

Find even more peace and calm with our Supercast premium access membership:

For $5 a month, all episodes are ad-free! https://anxietycoaches.supercast.com/

Here's what's included for $5/month:
❤ New Ad-Free episodes every Sunday and Wednesday
❤ Access to the entire Ad-free back-catalog with over 600 episodes
❤ Premium meditations recorded with you in mind
❤ And more fun surprises along the way!
All this in your favorite podcast app!

Chapters
0:26 Embracing Winter's Lessons
2:23 Winter's Impact on the Nervous System
5:29 The Gift of Patience
6:49 Rest as Restoration
7:44 Physical Benefits of Cold
9:45 The Calming Power of Snow
10:59 Community in the Cold
12:01 Self-Trust and Wisdom
13:19 Winter as a Teacher
15:14 Reflecting on Winter's Gifts

Summary
In this episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, we delve into an unexpected topic: how winter can serve as a powerful ally in managing anxiety. I'm Gina Ryan, and I reflect on my personal journey as I navigate my first winter in Central New York after spending over two decades in the perpetual warmth of Hawaii. Moving from the lush, vibrant landscapes of Hawaii to the cold and snowy winters of New York has been a challenging yet transformative experience for me, sparking insights on the health benefits that winter can offer our nervous systems and mental health.

I begin by discussing how the cold weather presents a mild, steady stressor that can unintentionally bolster our nervous systems. Each encounter with the cold, from the first sharp breath of freezing air to the challenges of navigating snow-covered pathways, acts as a form of natural exposure therapy. Instead of succumbing to panic, we are encouraged to build resilience and presence, fostering a sense of calm amid discomfort. This winter, rather than viewing the season as something to endure, I invite listeners to consider how it can teach us tolerance and mental strength, emphasizing compassion for ourselves as we adapt to environmental challenges.

Moreover, winter grants us permission to embrace rest and reflection. I observe how nature instinctively slows down during this season, from the hibernation of wildlife to the way the trees withdraw. This natural pause offers us the rare opportunity to step back from our relentless productivity and find restoration in stillness. I share my own experience of improved sleep rhythms and a deeper emotional processing that arises when life becomes less hectic. In a world that often glorifies busyness, winter stands as a testament to the power of slowness and presence.
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