In today's episode, Gina discusses using mind-body practices to reduce stress and anxiety and find more peace and calm. Drawing on a number of examples from a book by Suzie Amendola, mind-body practices such as yoga, breathing exercises and dietary changes are highlighted as effective tools for reducing stress and improving wellness. A centering practice is provided in the episode and such practices are recommended to be incorporated into daily life. Listen in and find more peace and calm today! 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: When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves. -Victor Frankl Chapters 0:23 Introduction to Mind-Body Practices 2:31 The Centered Heart and Cardiac Health 4:00 Personal Struggles with Anxiety 7:25 Seeking Healing for Anxiety 9:50 Managing Stress for Health 12:15 Connecting to Inner Calm 13:52 Chapter Three: Relaxation 15:24 Centering Moment Practice 17:24 Long-Term Stress Management Solutions Summary In this episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, Gina Ryan delves into the topic of anxiety and mind-body practices to find peace and calm. She shares insights from Susie Amendola's book, "The Centered Heart," which focuses on evidence-based mind-body practices to reduce stress and enhance cardiac health. Drawing from Susie's personal experiences with anxiety and depression, Gina highlights the impact of external factors like drug use on mental health and the importance of seeking alternative healing methods. Through Susie's journey of overcoming anxiety and depression, Gina emphasizes the need for self-compassion and exploring holistic approaches to wellness. She underscores the significance of stress management practices in regaining control and inner calm, advocating for a combination of therapies that address the body and mind. By prioritizing relaxation and self-care, individuals can navigate the continuum of ease and dis-ease, steering towards improved health outcomes and emotional well-being. Gina encourages listeners to embrace practices such as yoga, breathing exercises, and dietary changes to foster relaxation and alleviate tension in the body. She echoes Susie's sentiments on the transformative power of deep relaxation and the impact of mindful breathing on reducing stress levels. By incorporating centering moments into daily routines, individuals can cultivate a sense of peace and inner harmony, akin to hitting the reset button for the mind and body. Reflecting on Viktor Frankl's quote about adapting to challenges by changing ourselves, Gina underscores the importance of finding solace in practices that promote self-transformation amidst adversity. As the episode draws to a close, she leaves listeners with a parting quote and reminder to prioritize self-care, resilience, and embracing change for personal growth. Through sharing insights from "The Centered Heart," Gina empowers her audience to explore holistic approaches to managing anxiety and fostering well-being. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Gina answers a listener question about the impact of prescriptions drugs on anxiety. Specifically, this listener has been struggling with some waves in the ocean of anxiety relating to changes in these drugs prescribed by her physician (in this case benzodiazepines and SSRIs). Listen in to hear Gina's commentary and suggestions on how to navigate the difficulties that can arise anxiety medications. 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: The only way out is through. -Robert Frost Chapters 0:23 Introduction to Finding Serenity Amidst the Storm 5:19 Seeking Guidance on Medication and Therapy 12:14 Importance of Communicating with Healthcare Providers 15:48 Empowering Self-Healing Workshop 16:44 You Are Not Alone 17:52 Closing Thoughts and Quote Summary In this episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, a listener shares a detailed account of their struggles with anxiety, panic attacks, and medication use. The host, Gina Ryan, delves into the complexities of benzodiazepine medications, highlighting the potential withdrawal symptoms and effects on mental health. She stresses the importance of communicating with a prescribing physician about any issues related to medication, especially when considering tapering off or discontinuation. Gina provides insights into the listener's situation, emphasizing the need for a short-term use of benzodiazepines and collaborative care between therapists and physicians. She suggests journaling as a tool for self-reflection and decision-making, encouraging listeners to pay attention to their intuition and internal cues when navigating mental health challenges. Throughout the episode, Gina offers empathy and support to the listener, acknowledging the difficulties they face while providing guidance on finding healing and peace amidst the storm. She closes the episode with a message of hope, reminding listeners that they are not alone in their struggles and that patience and self-care are crucial aspects of the healing journey. The episode ends with a quote from Robert Frost, "The only way out is through," leaving listeners with a sense of determination and resilience as they navigate their mental health challenges. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Gina discusses a frequently mentioned problem among listeners of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast: relaxation induced anxiety. Key points for understanding relaxation induced anxiety are outlined as are steps for helping manage your relaxation induced anxiety. Don't let your moments of relaxation turn into anxiety-panic, listen in today! 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: It's not stress that kills us, it is our reaction to it. -Hans Selye Chapters 0:23 Introduction to Relaxation-Induced Anxiety 4:08 Recognizing Obstacles to Relaxation 6:49 Managing Relaxation-Induced Anxiety 9:39 Embracing Mindfulness in Relaxation 11:05 Using Body to Relax the Mind 11:54 Being Honest with Yourself 12:59 Choosing Meaningful Rewards 14:12 Finding Peace through Helping Others Summary In this episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, we delve into the common question of why some individuals experience anxiety when they try to relax. The host, Gina Ryan, explores the phenomenon of relaxation-induced anxiety, a state where individuals feel uptight or nervous once they attempt to unwind. Research indicates that approximately 15% of the population is prone to experiencing anxiety as they begin to relax, leading to a significant number of individuals struggling with this issue. The discussion focuses on identifying the obstacles to relaxation-induced anxiety, such as monitoring one's thoughts and body sensations that may interfere with moments of quiet. Suggestions are offered on recognizing physical signs of anxiety, such as increased heart rate, shallow breathing, stiff muscles, and clenched jaw, as indicators of the body's response to underlying thoughts or emotions. To manage relaxation-induced anxiety, the importance of accepting one's feelings with compassion and acknowledging life's challenges is emphasized. Listeners are encouraged to gradually incorporate relaxation techniques into their routine without imposing high expectations that could lead to additional stress. Strategies like increasing mindfulness, being specific in guiding the mind and body towards relaxation, and giving oneself meaningful rewards are recommended to ease into a relaxed state without triggering anxiety. The episode underscores the significance of honesty with oneself, facing important tasks, and choosing meaningful rewards to reinforce positive habits. Serving others is highlighted as a powerful tool to diminish minor worries and distractions, offering a pathway to peace and relaxation. Ultimately, the host stresses the importance of developing personalized strategies to address individual anxiety triggers gradually and become comfortable with the process of unwinding. The episode concludes with a poignant quote emphasizing the impact of our reactions to stress on our well-being. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Gina again discusses Claire Weekes' third step in her core anxiety clearing protocol: floating. A number of floating exercises are shared and a number of key Claire Weekes' principles and techniques are also covered, including acceptance allowing and non-resistance. Listen in and improve your clearing journey through a better understanding of Claire Weekes' important "floating" step. 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: Your aim is to float through your anxiety rather than fight it, or try to think your way out of it. -Claire Weekes Chapters 0:23 Welcome to the Anxiety Coaches Podcast 7:06 The Organic Process of Letting Go 10:39 Principles and Techniques for Floating Through Anxiety 13:14 Observing Anxiety with Curiosity 15:20 Kindness and Self-Compassion in the Journey 15:37 Desensitization and Gradual Exposure to Anxiety Summary In today's episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, the focus is on floating through anxiety using the Claire Weeks method. The host emphasizes the importance of letting go and relaxing in order to navigate through anxious states. Drawing parallels between floating in water and dealing with anxiety, she guides listeners on how to release tension, both physically and mentally. The key is to practice relaxing and not overthinking, allowing the natural ability to float – whether in water or through anxiety – to unfold. She encourages listeners to cultivate a sense of acceptance, allow anxious thoughts to pass, and observe sensations with detached curiosity. Patience, self-compassion, and desensitization are key components in overcoming anxiety gradually. By educating oneself about anxiety, practicing mindfulness techniques, and letting time pass, individuals can learn to float through anxiety rather than fight against it. The episode wraps up with a quote from Claire Weeks and a reminder to face, accept, float, and let time pass in the journey to managing anxiety. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Gina discusses the third step in Claire Weekes' core anxiety treatment regime: floating. The key to this step is to not fight the feelings and sensations of anxiety-panic but (following acceptance) to float with them as you proceed through your day. Mastery over this step provides substantial benefit to anxiety sufferers in their anxiety clearing journey. Listen in to learn more details about what floating is had how to do it today! 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: Treat fear gently, kindly, patiently, but firmly. Try to float gently over the feeling, never fighting it, never trying to crowd it out of your mind. -Claire Weekes Chapters 0:23 Introduction 5:58 Understanding Floating Through Anxiety 10:46 Benefits of Practicing Floating 14:38 Desensitization through Floating 16:43 Avoiding Adding Fuel to the Fire 18:01 Closing Thoughts Summary In this episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, Gina Ryan delves into Claire Weeks' philosophy of floating through anxiety, emphasizing the importance of being aware but unafraid. Weeks believed that anxiety and panic attacks stemmed from a fear of the symptoms and sensations themselves, rather than any external threat, which she termed as "second fear." By practicing floating through anxiety, individuals are encouraged to accept and embrace anxious sensations without resistance, allowing them to gradually desensitize themselves to the experience of anxiety. Ryan explains that floating involves moving through anxious sensations without tense resistance, akin to floating on undulating water. By adopting a stance of non-resistance and observing anxious feelings without judgment, individuals can signal to their mind and body that there is nothing to fear, laying the foundation for peace and calm as a new default response. Floating teaches individuals to separate themselves from anxious thoughts, preventing them from adding more stress to the situation and ultimately contributing to desensitization. The benefits of practicing floating extend beyond navigating individual anxious experiences with less struggle, as each instance sends a message to the mind and body that it is safe to relax in such situations. By letting go of the need to control or analyze anxious feelings, individuals can cultivate a sense of safety and security within themselves. Ryan stresses the importance of gradually and repetitively practicing floating to rewire the mind and body's response to anxiety, ultimately teaching individuals that they are okay and do not need to engage in fight or flight responses to imagined threats. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Gina discusses the often underestimated gift of laughter. Available freely to everyone, laughter is capable of releasing a cascade of highly beneficial hormones in our bodies that can help realign our minds to positive thinking. Listen in to learn the benefits of laughter and how to incorporate more laughter into you life today! 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: Laughter is the brush that sweeps away the cobwebs of your heart. - Mort Walker Chapters 0:23 Introduction to Humor and Healing Anxiety 3:27 Norman Cousins and the Healing Power of Laughter 7:35 Science Behind Laughter's Impact on Well-being 10:15 Reclaiming Laughter as a Tool for Healing 13:12 Practicing Laughter for Self-care 14:20 Embracing Absurdity and Finding Humor in Life Summary In today's episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, I delve into the healing power of humor in dealing with anxiety. Throughout the episode, I share meaningful quotes about laughter and how it can positively impact our mental and physical well-being. Drawing inspiration from Norman Cousins' book "Anatomy of an Illness" which emphasized the significance of humor in healing, I explore how laughter can boost the body's capacity for healing and improve overall health. Reflecting on the fast-paced, stressful nature of modern life, I discuss the importance of incorporating laughter into our daily routines to combat stress and anxiety effectively. By triggering a cascade of hormones and neurotransmitters, laughter can promote relaxation, improve cardiovascular health, and boost the immune system. I emphasize the profound impact of laughter on our outlook on life and stress levels, encouraging listeners to prioritize incorporating laughter into their lives intentionally. Exploring techniques to embrace laughter, I suggest starting with intentional laughter exercises to shift perspectives and build up to genuine laughter. Seeking out sources of laughter such as funny videos, comedy movies, or stand-up shows can further enhance the healing benefits of laughter. Encouraging individuals to find humor in the mundane and connect with others through laughter, I highlight the transformative power of laughter in fostering resilience and connection. I urge listeners to laugh freely and frequently, recognizing laughter as a valuable tool for self-care and healing. By infusing our days with laughter, we can nourish our minds and bodies while cultivating a sense of joy and resilience to navigate life's challenges. I invite listeners to share their funny stories and favorite sources of comedy, emphasizing the importance of incorporating laughter as a form of daily exercise for overall well-being. Join me in embracing laughter as a powerful tool for sweeping away the cobwebs of the heart and enhancing overall health and happiness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Gina discusses a listener question about anxiety and stomach issues. Stress can have a major impact on our bodies and the functioning of the stomach in particular. Listen in to better understand why your stomach related symptoms occur and how to heal from these distressing effects of anxiety. 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: The nervous system controls and coordinates all organs and structures of the human body. -Gray's Anatomy Chapters 0:23 Introduction 7:52 The Gut-Brain Connection 11:23 Short-Term Recovery 13:08 Long-Term Healing Considerations 17:20 Continuous Self-Care and Stress Management Summary In this episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, we delve into the fascinating topic of the gut-brain connection and how stress impacts our stomach. Stress triggers the body's fight or flight response, releasing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can affect digestion by reducing blood flow, increasing stomach acid production, altering gut motility, and disrupting the gut microbiome. The body diverts blood flow away from the stomach during stress to prioritize essential functions for survival. The gut-brain axis plays a crucial role in connecting the central nervous system with the gut's enteric nervous system, influencing gut function through pathways like the vagus nerve and neurotransmitter release. Emotion-induced responses such as anxiety and stress can affect gut function, highlighting the intricate connection between mental health and digestion. The enteric nervous system acts as a second brain within the digestive system, controlling gastrointestinal functions and interacting with the central nervous system for overall health and wellbeing. When it comes to healing after psychological stress, factors like stress duration, intensity, individual resilience, and coping mechanisms play a significant role. Short-term recovery can occur rapidly once the stressor is managed, while long-term healing from chronic stress may require engaging in stress-reducing activities, seeking therapy or counseling, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and practicing self-care consistently. Healing timelines vary from person to person, emphasizing the importance of individual variability and continuous self-care even after immediate stress effects have subsided. By making healthy lifestyle changes, practicing stress management techniques, and prioritizing self-care, individuals can navigate through chronic stress and promote long-lasting well-being. It's essential to be proactive in maintaining a supportive environment for the mind and body to relax and heal. Remember, healing takes time, so be patient with yourself and embrace the journey towards a calmer, healthier state of being. Join me in exploring more topics in upcoming episodes, and feel free to share your questions or thoughts with me via email. Until next time, take care and aloha. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Gina discusses finding renewal through the changing of the seasons, especially with the arrival of Spring. A number of affirmations are shared to help you find hope and renewal whatever season it may be where you are. The affirmations play along with a gentle music track and may function as a guided meditation. Listen in and breathe deeply with these hopeful guided affirmations and experience a lasting peace of mind. 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: To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon the verdant green hills is the most perfect refreshment. -Jane Austen Chapters 0:23 Introduction to Finding Renewal and Healing through Seasons 7:40 Reflecting on Strength and Growth through Changing Seasons 10:30 Embracing Nature's Refreshing Influence for Renewal 12:14 Finding Tranquility and Renewal in Evening Reflections 12:55 Drawing Inspiration from Outdoor Beauty for Renewal 14:28 Deepening Connections and Self-Reflection through Questions Summary In this episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, we delve into the theme of finding renewal and healing through the changing seasons. As spring brings about a sense of hope and fresh starts, it serves as a perfect trigger for focusing on our own renewal and healing. The host encourages listeners to consider the significance of the changing seasons and how they can inspire us to pay attention to our own growth and well-being. Reflecting on the beauty and transformative power of nature, the host shares affirmations aimed at instilling hope and promoting inner renewal. The discussion emphasizes the importance of acknowledging our personal evolution and resilience, even in the face of challenges like anxiety and stress. By drawing parallels between the seasons and our own inner healing processes, listeners are encouraged to embrace change, find inner strength, and trust in their ability to navigate difficult circumstances. The episode also encourages engaging with nature as a form of therapy and introspection, highlighting the restorative power of spending time outdoors and connecting with the natural world. Journal prompts are provided to help listeners deepen their reflection on personal growth, relationships, and self-care practices. By inviting listeners to explore their thoughts and emotions through writing, the host promotes a holistic approach to self-discovery and mindfulness. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to embrace the season of renewal, whether it be spring or any other time of transition, as an opportunity to reconnect with themselves, find solace in nature, and cultivate a sense of inner peace. The host closes with a quote from Jane Austen, underscoring the restorative and rejuvenating effects of immersing oneself in the beauty of the world around us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Gina discusses the value of disconnecting ourselves from our media technology, even if for just brief periods of time. Our media technology and the social media it delivers to us can cause us substantial psychological harm over time. The benefits of media fasting can be many, including enhanced mental clarity, emotional balance and improved relationships. Listen in to learn how to implement a media fast in your life and progress in your anxiety recovery journey! 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: Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you. -Anne Lamott Chapters 0:23 Introduction 1:39 Consciously Quieting the Noise 2:42 The Benefits of Taking a Media Fast 3:49 Media's Impact on Our Lives 9:50 Improved Relationships Through Disconnection 12:05 Steps for a Media Detox 18:15 Reclaiming Time and Self through Disconnection Summary In this episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, we delve into the topic of quieting the noise and reducing anxiety by intentionally disconnecting from media. The host begins by sharing a quote by William Penn on the importance of true silence for the mind and spirit, drawing parallels between seeking silence and seeking good sleep as essential forms of nourishment. The host reflects on the overwhelming nature of constant digital noise and the necessity of consciously quieting the mind to alleviate the burden on the nervous system. The discussion delves into the pervasive role of media in daily life, highlighting the potential stress, anxiety, and decreased productivity stemming from excessive media exposure. The host emphasizes the importance of being mindful of the media consumed, drawing parallels between monitoring media consumption for mental well-being and controlling dietary intake for physical health. Through a media fast, individuals can experience mental clarity, emotional balance, improved relationships, enhanced creativity, and inner peace by disconnecting from digital distractions. Practical steps for implementing a media detox are outlined, including setting clear intentions, defining parameters, informing others, gradually unplugging, engaging in alternative activities, practicing mindfulness, and reflecting on the experience. The host encourages listeners to reflect on their media detox journey, noting shifts in mood, productivity, and overall well-being as a guide for adjusting the approach. By embracing a media fast, individuals can reclaim their time, attention, and sense of self, rediscover the beauty of silence, and cultivate deeper connections, leading to self-discovery and renewal. Ultimately, the episode concludes with a call to unplug, even if in small measures, to benefit overall well-being and invites listeners to share their experiences with the host. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, Gina discusses Positive Psychology, a view of psychology that embraces our existence in life and leads away from fear. The ladder of life is presented, which identifies a spectrum of state of being from hopeless and depressed to blossoming and thriving. Positive Psychology suggests happiness is a talent we can work at and not an inborn trait we cannot change. Listen in for exposure to this positive way of looking at our lives and learn how it can help you reduce anxiety and increase your peace and calm today! The book mentioned in today’s episode You Only Die Once: How to Make It to the End with No Regrets by Jodi Wellman 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: Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because the world needs people who have come alive. -Howard Thurman Chapters 0:23 Welcome and Cultivating Happiness 1:39 Navigating Negative Bias 3:28 Positive Psychology Introduction 6:58 The Role of Positive Psychology 8:44 Evaluating Your Ladder of Life 13:04 Working on Happiness 14:49 Striving for Living with a Capital L Summary In this episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, the host explores the idea of moving beyond survival and cultivating happiness in anxious minds. The discussion delves into the tendency to focus on the negative due to our innate negative bias, which stems from a desire to protect ourselves and our loved ones. The host explains how our brain, particularly the amygdala, can get stuck in a reactive or survival mode, leading to anxiety and fear-driven responses. However, with the evolved human brain, we have the capacity to differentiate between real danger and perceived threats, allowing us to live more peacefully and productively. Positive psychology is introduced as a scientific study focusing on what makes life fulfilling and worth living. The host references Dr. Martin Seligman, the father of positive psychology, who aimed to steer psychology towards the light and away from darkness. The idea of consciously choosing calm and positive perspectives over fear-driven reactions is emphasized throughout the episode. The concept of a "ladder of life" is introduced as a tool to evaluate one's current emotional state and envision future emotional well-being. . The podcast encourages listeners to work on their happiness as a talent that can be nurtured and developed through intentional actions. The discussion highlights the importance of taking small steps towards positivity and well-being, leading to significant changes over time. The episode emphasizes that while genetics may influence predispositions, our environment and intentional actions play a crucial role in shaping our emotional well-being. Overall, the episode aims to guide listeners in moving towards a more peaceful, fulfilling, and happy life by incorporating principles of positive psychology into their daily practices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices