In today's episode, Gina discusses the topic of high functioning anxiety and how many people living with anxiety also live busy, impactful lives. There are both positive and negative features to this form of anxiety. Find out what the characteristics of this category of anxiety are and whether or not it applies to you. Listen in today!

References:
The Characteristics of High Functioning Anxiety (verywellmind.com)


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What is anxiety?


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- John Steinbeck
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731: Do You Have High Functioning Anxiety

The Anxiety Coaches Podcast brings you a relaxing and inspiring show sharing lifestyle changes to calm your nervous system and help you heal Anxiety, Panic, Stress, and PTSD for life!
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Health & Fitness

Mental Health

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!
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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 
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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.
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1024: Anxiety and Mind-Body Practices To Let Go

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
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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.
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1023: Finding Serenity Amidst the Storm Listener Q and A

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.
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1022: Classic ACP Why Do I Get Anxious When I Relax

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.
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1021: Floating Part 2: How to Float Through Anxiety The Claire Weekes Way

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.
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731: Do You Have High Functioning Anxiety

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