Anxiety is like that uninvited guest that sneaks into our lives, convincing us that we're the only ones wrestling with it. But the truth is, anxiety is far more common than we often realise, affecting even those who seem to have it all together.

Many individuals with anxiety are high-functioning, expertly managing their jobs, social lives, and daily routines. It might seem like they have it all together, but on the inside, they are grappling with anxiety. Anxiety doesn't always mean intrusive or negative thoughts; it can manifest in physical symptoms like muscle tension, racing heart, digestive issues, or sleep disturbances. Irritability and impatience can also be subtle signs.

A powerful metaphor for anxiety is to see it as a smoke alarm. When the alarm sounds, it's a signal that something is burning underneath, usually an uncomfortable emotion like anger, fear, or shame. Instead of dreading anxiety, what if we became curious about it, seeking to understand what's troubling us?

In this episode, I explain why anxiety isn't a thinking problem but a nervous system issue. I talk about the science behind our stress responses and the way our brains operate when we perceive a threat and share some simple yet powerful tools to help you calm your nervous system and combat anxiety. 

Toward the end of the episode, I guide you through a sensory awareness activation. Engaging all your senses is a powerful way to divert your attention away from anxious thoughts and create a sense of safety. 

I also guide you through an incredibly effective breathwork technique to help activate your relaxation response. This technique is one that you can repeat throughout the day to help calm your nervous system. 

Remember, there is no quick fix for anxiety, but consistent practice of these nervous system techniques can make a significant difference in your life. Don't let anxiety hold you back; explore these tools and discover a calmer, more centred you.

Learn more at my upcoming workshop on 28 October - Practical Anxiety Relief

LINKS:

Website: https://cultivatecalmyoga.com.au/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultivatecalmyogabrisbane/

Welcome to the Cultivate Calm podcast. I'm your host, Monica Rotman, and the founder of Cultivate Calm Yoga. This podcast will weave together ancient wisdom with modern science to share the best tools and techniques to cultivate calm in your life. 

Armed with a degree in behavioural science and a decade of running a thriving yoga studio, I'm here to share my wealth of knowledge on the science of stress, the art of relaxation, yoga philosophy, breathing, and meditation, all with a hint of personal development. 

Yoga transformed my life from being a stressed out IT professional to a calm and relaxed yoga teacher and throughout this podcast, I’ll be sharing my own journey and stories of my yoga clients. 

My philosophy is that busyness is overrated, stress makes us stupid, and anxious living is a recipe for burnout. In this podcast, we won't just scratch the surface of relaxation techniques; we'll dive deep into the impact of stress on our minds and bodies and how to think better, feel better and live better. I'll explain why nervous system health is at the heart of our yoga classes and our overall well-being.

If you’re in need of some inspiration and motivation to help you take back control of your life and find calm in the chaos, look no further. I’m so excited to share this journey with you. 

LINKS:

Website:https://cultivatecalmyoga.com.au/

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/cultivatecalmyogabrisbane/