The Anxiety Coaches Podcast

In today's episode, Gina describes how movement can help us in our anxiety recovery, and also how intense movement can work against it. A number of slower, gentler forms of movement and exercised are recommended for realizing the benefits of exercise without risking excessive cortisol release and increasing anxiety. Strenuous exercise does have a place, but it is recommended to be selective with using it, especially during anxiety recovery.

Stillpoint Fridays is my once-a-week Friday note — a slower, more personal reflection that’s different from what I share on the podcast.
If you’d like a quiet place to land as the week winds down, you can join here: http://eepurl.com/bR2F9P or on our website anxietycoachespodcast.com and sign up for the newsletter.

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Website https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com

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Learn more about anxiety What is anxiety?

Free Guided Meditation for Calming Your Anxious Mind 10-Minute Body-Scan Meditation for Anxiety

Quote:

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.
-Lao Tzu

Chapters
0:26 Introduction to Anxiety and Movement
4:45 The Impact of Intense Workouts
8:13 Movement: Achievement vs. Regulation
10:09 The Power of Walking
13:43 Balancing Intensity and Regulation
16:15 Experimenting with Movement
17:59 Working with Your Biology
19:01 Closing Thoughts and Reflection

Summary
In this episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, I delve into a thought-provoking concept: the idea that more exercise isn't always synonymous with better mental health, particularly when it comes to managing anxiety. While we've often leaned on the mantra that moving our bodies is a remedy for stress, today I invite you to reconsider the intensity of those workouts. Many people find themselves feeling wired and edgy after a high-intensity session rather than the calm they anticipated—this is not a personal failing. It’s essential to understand that when we push our already stressed nervous systems beyond their capacity, we may inadvertently exacerbate our feelings of anxiety.

We live in a culture that idolizes rigorous training and relentless commitment to fitness, often overlooking the unique needs of our bodies and minds. When the body is subjected to intense workouts while already managing elevated levels of cortisol, the experience can feel less like a beneficial challenge and more like an added threat. The physiological response triggers a cycle of heightened stress chemistry, leading to difficulties in sleeping, increased irritability, and an overall sense of being overwhelmed.

I emphasize the importance of recognizing movement not solely as an endeavor to achieve goals but as a signal to our nervous systems. Intense exercise may communicate urgency and threat, whereas gentler, rhythmic movements convey safety and calm. Activities like slow walking, gentle yoga, or even tasks like gardening, provide a stabilizing rhythm that can nurture the mind and body. This perspective shifts the narrative from one of intensity to one of attunement—listening to our bodies and responding to their needs.

#AnxietyRelief #NervousSystemRegulation #GinaRyan #AnxietyCoachesPodcast #CortisolControl #VagusNerveHealing #MindfulMovement #TiredButWired #GentleMovement #SomaticHealing #MentalHealthAwareness #WalkingForHealth #LowImpactFitness #BodyAttunement #StressManagement #VagalTone #BilateralStimulation #RestorativeFitness #HolisticHealing #ListenToYourBody #MorningAnxiety #BurnoutRecovery #MindBodyConnection #SelfCareDaily #MentalWellness #CalmMind #YogaForAnxiety #Overstimulation #SlowLiving #PeaceAndCalm #ACP
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In today's episode, Gina discusses some of the most important solutions for overcoming anxiety's interference with our sleep. From alcohol moderation or elimination, to caffeine elimination and late-night screen time and other blue light elimination, these tips will help you get back to a regular sleep pattern! Listen in and begin to reclaim your healthy sleep starting tonight!

Stillpoint Fridays is my once-a-week Friday note — a slower, more personal reflection that’s different from what I share on the podcast.
If you’d like a quiet place to land as the week winds down, you can join here: http://eepurl.com/bR2F9P or on our website anxietycoachespodcast.com and sign up for the newsletter.

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

Website https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com

Join our community Group Coaching Join our Group Coaching Full or Mini Membership Program

1:1 Coaching Learn more about our One-on-One Coaching

If you prefer to listen AD-FREE, try our Supercast premium access membership:

Learn more about anxiety What is anxiety?

Free Guided Meditation for Calming Your Anxious Mind 10-Minute Body-Scan Meditation for Anxiety

Quote:
Try not to resist the changes that come your way. Instead, let life live through you.
-Rumi

Chapters
0:26 Introduction to Rest and Safety
2:10 The Paradox of Anxiety
3:55 Everyday Stimulants and Sleep
6:22 Signals for Better Sleep
8:03 Closing Rituals for Rest
14:16 Embracing Sleep as Safety
15:57 Final Thoughts and Rumi's Wisdom

Summary
In this episode, I delve into the intricate relationship between anxiety, rest, and sleep. We often think of rest as the body’s response to fatigue, yet it’s crucial to understand that real rest and restorative sleep occur when our bodies feel safe—not merely when we force ourselves to wind down. I explore the all-too-common experience of feeling exhausted yet wired, where anxiety heightens our mental alertness, leaving our bodies unable to relax. This paradox can lead to self-blame, where we tell ourselves that we’re failing at sleep or lacking discipline. It’s essential to reframe this perspective; sleep isn’t a moral obligation but rather a state of the nervous system that reacts to our environment.

Anxiety tends to keep our nervous systems in a constant state of hyper-alertness, prompting feelings of exhaustion coupled with restlessness. Our bodies become conditioned to link stillness with vulnerability, resulting in an inability to let go of that constant readiness. When it comes time to sleep, our bodies fail to transition smoothly from a state of stress to calm because the hormonal responses—cortisol and adrenaline—function as if a threat is still present. I underline the irony of sleep pressure: the more we try to force sleep, the more anxious we become, activating rather than calming our nervous systems.

I emphasize that everyday stimulants like alcohol and caffeine can exacerbate these issues, disrupting an already fragile sleep quality. While alcohol may initially help with sleep onset, it often leads to fragmented slumber, particularly for those with anxious systems. Similarly, caffeine may not seem disruptive at first but can keep stress hormones elevated longer than one might realize. I encourage listeners to experiment with these substances without judgment, fostering a deeper understanding of how they affect sleep.

#AnxietyRelief #SleepHealth #NervousSystem #MentalHealthMatters #InsomniaSupport #Mindfulness #TiredButWired #SelfCompassion #StressManagement #SleepWell #AnxietyCoachesPodcast #WellnessJourney #RestIsProductive #HolisticHealing #CalmYourMind #SleepRituals #HealthyLiving #InnerPeace #MentalWellness #BedtimeRitual #SleepHygiene #StressRelief #VagusNerve #DeepSleep #CalmAndCollected #BurnoutRecovery #SleepSupport #MindBodyConnection #RelaxationMode #OvercomingAnxiety #HealingJourney #SleepBetter #NighttimeAnxiety #SelfCareDaily #HolisticWellness #NervousSystemRegulation #PeaceOfMind #EmotionalSafety #RestAndRecovery #CalmVibes #MindfulLiving #SleepMeditation #MentalHealthSupport #AnxietyRecovery #SleepTips #RechargeYourself #StressFree #InnerCalm #HealthyMindset #SleepHelp
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In today's episode, Gina discusses how periods of relaxation can actually lead to increased anxiety and consequently confusion and frustration. The distinction is made between quick-fixes for anxiety, including use of substances like alcohol and other more mundane distractions, and genuine, lasting recovery. Enriching practices like early bed time and meditation can be enacted over time to improve the anxiety recovery process. Listen in for more tips on improving your anxiety recovery process today!

Stillpoint Fridays is my once-a-week Friday note — a slower, more personal reflection that’s different from what I share on the podcast.
If you’d like a quiet place to land as the week winds down, you can join here: http://eepurl.com/bR2F9P or on our website anxietycoachespodcast.com and sign up for the newsletter.

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

Websitehttps://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com

Join our community Group Coaching Join our Group Coaching Full or Mini Membership Program

1:1 CoachingLearn more about our One-on-One Coaching

If you prefer to listen AD-FREE, try our Supercast premium access membership:

Learn more about anxiety What is anxiety?

Free Guided Meditation for Calming Your Anxious Mind 10-Minute Body-Scan Meditation for Anxiety

Quote:
Try not to resist the changes that come your way. Instead, let life live through you.
-Rumi

Chapters
0:26 Introduction to Anxiety and Relief
1:56 False Relief vs. True Recovery
6:37 The Importance of Self-Care
7:29 Why We Seek Quick Relief
10:05 What Does True Recovery Look Like?
11:35 The Fear of Stillness
12:39 The Over-Scheduling Trap
15:10 The Late-Night Illusion
16:01 Experimenting with Recovery
17:28 Understanding Nervous System Care

Summary
In this episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, I delve deeper into the intricate relationship between relaxation and anxiety, building on our previous discussion about alcohol and its impact on anxiety levels. It’s vital to recognize that reaching for various forms of relief when we feel overwhelmed is a common human experience. We naturally seek comfort, but we must differentiate between activities that provide short-lived relief and those that lead to genuine recovery.

I explore the concept that not all forms of relaxation foster true healing. While we often turn to quick fix solutions such as alcohol, late-night screen time, or the excitement of social engagements, these methods can lead to feelings of fragility and heightened anxiety the next day. It’s crucial to understand that the nervous system, especially for those living with anxiety, operates differently. Upon exhausting our resources for the day, it's not merely relaxation that we need, but rather a return to a state of balance and safety in our nervous system.

During our conversation, I emphasize the distinction between false relief, which may provide immediate distraction or numbing sensations, and genuine recovery—an experience that is slower-paced, steadier, and far more conducive to long-term well-being. This segment of our dialogue highlights how our common leisure activities might not genuinely allow the body to restore itself. For many, the hours spent binge-watching, planning social outings, or consuming substances like alcohol simply shift us into another state of activation rather than facilitating a true calming effect.

#AnxietyCoachesPodcast #GinaRyan #AnxietyRelief #MentalHealthMatters #NervousSystemRegulation #TrueRecovery #FalseRelief #PanicAttackRecovery #Mindfulness #SelfCare #WiredAndTired #BurnoutRecovery #StressManagement #CuesOfSafety #EmotionalWellbeing #HolisticHealing #InnerPeace #MentalHealthAwareness #OvercomingAnxiety #HighFunctioningAnxiety #RestorativeSleep #Stillness #BodyAwareness #NervousSystemHealth #CalmMind #SelfCompassion #AnxietySupport #HealingJourney #MentalHealthTips #PeaceAndCalm #ACP
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In today's episode, Gina discusses the immense benefits solitude can have for individuals suffering with anxiety. Included are a number of practical ways to easily increase and improve beneficial solitude in one's life. Listen in to better understand the benefits of getting some alone-time in!

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:

Solitude is the richness of self.
-May Sarton

Chapters
0:26 Introduction to Solitude
3:06 The Benefits of Alone Time
4:22 Distinguishing Loneliness from Solitude
5:40 Five Ways to Benefit from Solitude
8:09 Recovery and Rejuvenation
9:48 Reevaluating Relationships
13:02 Confronting Fears and Anxieties
15:27 Gaining Perspective Through Reflection
17:13 Celebrating Achievements
18:48 Finding Solitude in Everyday Life

Summary
In this episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, I explore the often misunderstood concept of solitude and its myriad benefits for those grappling with anxiety. Solitude is not a punishment; rather, it is an essential practice that allows us to tap into our true selves amidst the chaos of everyday life. I highlight the importance of carving out alone time, regardless of whether you're an introvert, extrovert, or ambivert, because life’s demands can easily overwhelm us, leaving little room for self-reflection.

Reflecting on my recent experiences, I discuss how the pressures of daily interactions and responsibilities can lead to feelings of being swamped and disconnected from the present moment. I share my realization that, with so much external noise, I found myself bouncing between past regrets and future anxieties instead of embracing the here and now. This made me yearn for solitude, which I realized is a personal choice I must prioritize.

I delve into the distinction between loneliness and solitude—where loneliness signifies a sense of disconnection, solitude allows for the opportunity to reconnect with oneself. By stepping away from the demands of our surroundings, we can better process our thoughts and gather clarity. I emphasize that retreats, whether they be for meditation or simply quiet time at home, serve as powerful catalysts for introspection.

#AnxietyCoachesPodcast, #AnxietyCoaches, #ACPSolitude, #AlohaSpiritMindset, #AnxietyCoachesCommunity, #TheRichnessOfSelf, #LetTheDustSettle, #RespondingNotReacting, #ClearTheSlate, #SubconsciousBubbling, #AnxietyRelief, #Solitude, #MentalHealthMatters, #SelfCare, #Mindfulness, #PersonalGrowth, #InnerPeace, #MentalClarity, #Recharge, #SelfReflection, #WellnessJourney, #IntrovertLife, #PresentMoment, #Journaling, #EmotionalWellbeing, #StressRelief, #Healing, #SpiritualGrowth, #HealthyBoundaries, #AnxietySupport, #MentalHealthAwareness, #PanicAttackRecovery, #CalmYourMind, #ACP, #GinaRyan
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 detrimental role alcohol can play in our anxiety formation and how taking a break from alcohol consumption can contribute to our anxiety recovery. During the initial phases of effects of alcohol consumption, anxiety can be relieved, but the after effects are quite the opposite. Over time, alcohol intake can make us less resilient to stress and more likely to make anxiety a chronic condition. Listen in to learn more about the effects of alcohol and how to take a break to see how you may benefit from less alcohol intake!

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 body always leads us home… if we are willing to listen.

-Thomas Hübl

Chapters
0:26 Introduction to Anxiety and Alcohol
3:19 Understanding Alcohol's Initial Calming Effects
6:27 The Rebound Effect of Alcohol
9:37 Changes in Sleep Patterns
11:16 Subtle Shifts After Alcohol Abstinence
12:25 Supporting the Nervous System
13:39 Reflective Journaling Prompts
15:12 Closing Thoughts and Aloha

Summary
In this episode, I delve into the intricate relationship between anxiety and alcohol consumption, particularly focusing on what occurs when one decides to reduce or suspend their drinking, even temporarily. Alcohol is often a topic that merits discussion in the realm of anxiety coaching, and rather than applying any moral judgment to its use, I approach it with curiosity and a desire to understand how it impacts our nervous systems. Life can be overwhelming, and understanding how alcohol intertwines with anxiety offers a chance for relief and healing.

I start by addressing a fundamental aspect: the sense of safety. While many anxiety triggers often stem from perceived dangers, I encourage listeners to acknowledge that if they are tuned in, they are likely safe. Establishing this baseline of safety allows us to explore the potential effects of alcohol on mental health without the cloud of past judgments or shame. The intent isn't about completely abstaining from alcohol forever or adhering to strict rules, but rather understanding the nuances of how alcohol can provide temporary relief but ultimately disrupt our nervous system balance.

What unfolds in our discussion is a deep dive into the neurochemical effects of alcohol. Initially, alcohol may appear to alleviate anxiety due to its qualities as a central nervous system depressant, which increases the calming neurotransmitter GABA while dampening glutamate signals that drive anxiety. This biological response can create a temporary reprieve from anxious thoughts and social discomfort. However, this calming effect is short-lived, and as the alcohol dissipates from the body, a compensatory rebound occurs, leading to heightened anxiety, increased stress hormones, and disrupted sleep patterns.

#AnxietyRelief #AnxietyCoachesPodcast #AlcoholAndAnxiety #NervousSystemRegulation #Hangxiety #SoberCurious #DryJanuary #MentalHealthMatters #NervousSystemHealing #CortisolControl #GABA #Glutamate #MorningAnxiety #StressManagement #HolisticHealth #MindBodyConnection #SelfCareJourney #EmotionalWellness #Sobriety #HealthyHabits #MentalClarity #SleepHygiene #AnxietySupport #HealingJourney #OvercomingAnxiety #BrainHealth #WellnessTips #InnerPeace #CalmDown #StressRelief #VagusNerve #SomaticExperiencing #Mindfulness #HealthAndWellness #AlcoholFree #BiohackingMentalHealth #SelfGrowth #MentalHealthAwareness
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