It's Not About the Alcohol

EP218 Minisode: Reducing Anxiety is the Anti-Goal


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In today's episode, Colleen dismantles one of the most common mindset traps she see's in her clients: the belief that anxiety is something to get rid of. If you've ever said, "I'm just an anxious person," or used alcohol to calm your nerves before a flight, presentation, or party—you're not alone. But what if anxiety itself isn't the problem?

She'll walk you through a real client breakthrough where they shifted the focus away from "less anxiety" and toward something far more powerful: a regulated nervous system. You'll learn why trying to "not drink" or "not be anxious" backfires neurologically, and what to focus on instead.

🔑 Key Takeaways:
  • Anxiety is normal; our problem is thinking it's a problem.

  • Focusing on what you don't want wires your brain for more of it.

  • The brain can't solve a negative—it needs a clear, affirmative goal.

  • Regulating your nervous system is the secret to lasting change.

  • You don't need to "not drink." You need to do something else on purpose.

🛠️ Practice This:

Next time you feel anxious, ask yourself: What do I want to feel instead—and what would support that feeling right now? Make a plan for how you want to feel before the plane takes off, the event begins, or the trigger hits. Then Reflect.

If you are ready to get support from a community of women who are co-creating this change with intention and clarity— Click here to BOOK A DISCOVERY CALL.

Do you want help from Colleen with a situation you're struggling with? Click here to submit your question for Colleen's NEW Q& A episodes. Your name will not be mentioned on air!

Find me on

TikTok: @hangoverwhisperer

Instagram: @thehangoverwhisperer

X: @NotAboutTheAlc

Transcript

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It's Not About the AlcoholBy Colleen Freeland

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