
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


Apply for Coaching:
https://fiveyearyou.com
Feeling anxious and need it to stop… fast?
In this solo episode, Andrew breaks down exactly what’s happening in your body during anxiety — and gives you simple, practical tools to calm it down in real time.
No overcomplicated strategies.
No “just think positive” advice.
Just real, science-backed ways to regulate your nervous system and feel better quickly.
If you’ve ever:
• Felt tightness in your chest, throat, or stomach
• Experienced racing thoughts you can’t shut off
• Needed immediate relief from anxiety
• Tried to “think your way out” and it didn’t work
This episode will give you a step-by-step reset you can use anytime.
WHAT WE COVER:
• Why anxiety feels so intense and urgent
• The fight-or-flight response explained simply
• Why you can’t think your way out of anxiety
• The difference between real danger and perceived threat
• How your nervous system creates anxiety loops
• Why awareness is the first step to calming down
HOW TO CALM ANXIETY FAST OPTIONS:
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
You don’t calm anxiety by thinking your way out.
You calm it by regulating your body first.
Anxiety is not a sign something is wrong with you.
It’s your body trying to protect you.
The goal isn’t to eliminate anxiety —
It’s to learn how to move through it faster.
TRY THIS:
Create your own “Anxiety Reset Routine”:
• Breathe
• Move
• Ground
• Reframe
Practice it when you’re calm so it’s easier to use when you’re not.
NEXT EPISODE:
How to Set Boundaries (Without Triggering Anxiety)
Because growth and boundaries often go hand in hand.
Connect With Us:
Website & Coaching:
https://fiveyearyou.com
Instagram:
https://instagram.com/fiveyearyou
Email:
If this episode helped you, share it with someone who needs a reset today.
You’re not broken.
You’re human.
And you can bring yourself back to calm. 💛
We’ve all been there.
You say something awkward…
You replay a conversation over and over…
You start imagining worst-case scenarios…
And before you know it, your brain is running a full disaster movie.
In this episode, we’re talking about what spiraling really is, why your brain does it, and how to stop it before it takes over your entire day. how-to-stop-spiraling
If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in anxiety loops, catastrophizing about small moments, or doubting yourself after an interaction, this episode will give you practical tools to break the cycle.
In This EpisodeWe discuss:
• What “spiraling” actually is and why it happens
• How your nervous system searches for threats when you feel unsafe
• The connection between triggers and anxiety loops
• Why growth and personal development can make spiraling more likely
• How spiraling can pull you back into old habits and behaviors
• Practical ways to calm your nervous system when a spiral starts
• Questions to ask yourself to separate fear from reality
What Causes SpiralingSpiraling usually starts with a triggering moment.
Something small happens—an awkward interaction, criticism, or uncertainty—and your brain begins trying to predict every possible threat.
Your nervous system enters hyper-arousal, and suddenly you may experience:
• Racing thoughts
• Catastrophizing
• Self-doubt
• Emotional replays of past events
• Fear of rejection or losing belonging
Your brain isn’t broken.
It’s trying to protect you.
Signs You’re SpiralingYou might notice yourself:
• Replaying conversations repeatedly
• Assuming the worst-case scenario
• Questioning your identity or decisions
• Over-analyzing someone else’s reaction
• Feeling tense or physically activated
• Doubting your progress or growth
Spiraling often happens when you’re trying something new or growing, because new behavior creates vulnerability.
How to Stop a SpiralAndrew shares three immediate ways to interrupt a spiral.
1. Interrupt the Loop PhysicallyChange your environment or body state.
Try:
• Standing up and moving rooms
• Walking outside
• Splashing cold water on your wrists
• Cooling the back of your neck
Your body needs to calm before your mind can.
2. Slow Your BreathingSpiraling causes shallow breathing.
Reset your nervous system with slower breaths.
Try:
• Box breathing
• A deep inhale through the nose
• A small “sip” inhale
• A long, slow exhale
Longer exhales signal safety to your nervous system.
3. Name the SpiralSimply say:
“I’m spiraling right now.”
Labeling the experience reduces emotional intensity and helps your brain step out of the loop.
Separate Fear From FactsOnce your body is calmer, ask yourself:
• What is actually happening?
• What am I assuming?
• What evidence do I have?
• What story am I telling myself?
Most spirals are built on assumptions, not facts.
Anti-Spiral HabitsTo prevent spirals long-term:
• Pause before reacting
• Give your brain 7 seconds to process
• Talk to a trusted person for a reality check
• Journal your thoughts instead of replaying them
• Protect your boundaries during personal growth
Remember: every thought you have is not the truth.
Key TakeawaySpiraling doesn’t mean you’re failing.
It usually means you’re stretching into something new.
Growth creates vulnerability.
Vulnerability can trigger anxiety.
But awareness helps you break the loop.
You don’t need to eliminate spiraling completely.
You just need tools to recognize it and move through it faster.
Glimmers of the WeekAt the end of every episode, we share something bringing us joy.
Cat’s Glimmer:
Getting unexpected one-on-one time with her daughter during a week off from swimming.
Andrew’s Glimmer:
Going to a Winnipeg Jets game with his dad and son.
Small moments of joy matter.
Next EpisodeNext we’re talking about:
The Boundaries That Protect Your Growth
Because becoming your future self often requires protecting your energy and your progress.
You decided to grow.
You set goals.
You changed habits.
You started becoming the next version of yourself.
And then… the people around you got uncomfortable.
In this episode, Andrew and Cat talk about what happens when the people closest to you don’t support your growth — and why this is one of the hardest (and most normal) parts of personal development.
If you’ve ever felt misunderstood, judged, teased, or quietly pressured to “go back to who you were,” this episode will help you navigate that tension with clarity, compassion, and strength.
Why Growth Disrupts RelationshipsGrowth doesn’t just change you — it changes your dynamics.
Relationships are built on patterns. When you shift your behavior, identity, or boundaries, the pattern breaks. And breaking patterns requires adjustment from everyone involved.
Common reasons people resist your growth:
It’s rarely about malice.
It’s usually about discomfort.
What Happens Inside YouWhen others resist your growth, you may:
You might notice it physically:
That awareness is growth.
What NOT to Do❌ Don’t Over-ExplainYou don’t owe anyone a PowerPoint presentation on your life choices.
❌ Don’t Argue or DebateYour growth doesn’t need to win a courtroom case.
❌ Don’t Shrink to Make Others ComfortableDimming your light to keep peace eventually builds resentment.
❌ Don’t Force Others to Join YouYou can’t drag someone onto a growth journey. You can only lead by example.
What TO Do Instead✅ Stay ConsistentConsistency builds quiet confidence.
✅ Let Your Actions SpeakEmbodiment is more powerful than announcements.
✅ Expect DiscomfortGrowth without friction isn’t growth.
✅ Use DiscernmentNot all pushback is insecurity. Some feedback is care expressed imperfectly.
✅ Grieve What ChangesIf relationships shift, it’s okay to feel sad about it.
Growth sometimes requires release.
Feedback vs. ResistanceNot all resistance is negativity.
Sometimes:
Discernment matters.
Ask:
Your growth may cost you:
But it gives you:
Rejection can be protection.
Reflection QuestionsYou don’t need everyone to understand you.
You just need to understand yourself.
Thrift Find of the WeekA thrift haul that unexpectedly exploded on Instagram — reminding Andrew and Cat that doing what makes you genuinely happy tends to resonate the most.
Glimmers of the WeekNext episode:
How to Stop Spiraling
Because when people don’t support your growth, it’s easy to get in your head. We’ll talk about how to ground yourself and stop the mental spiral before it takes over.
Connect With Five Year YouWebsite & Coaching: https://fiveyearyou.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/fiveyearyou
Email: [email protected]
DisclaimerThis podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice.
You started strong.
You were motivated.
You were clear on who you wanted to become.
And then… it got uncomfortable.
In this episode, Andrew and Cat walk through what actually happens after the excitement of change fades — when reality hits, resistance shows up, and consistency feels harder than you expected.
This is the messy middle.
If you’re building your Five Year You and feel like quitting, this episode will normalize the discomfort, explain what’s happening neurologically, and give you practical strategies to stay the course.
Why Change Feels So HardWhen you try to change your habits, you’re not just changing behavior — you’re challenging your identity.
Your nervous system prefers familiar patterns. Even if your old patterns weren’t ideal, they were predictable. And your brain is wired for safety, not growth.
So when you:
Your brain sounds the alarm.
Discomfort doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.
It means you’re doing something new.
The 4 Types of DiscomfortAll of this is normal.
Why Most People QuitConsistency doesn’t fall apart because you lack discipline.
It usually happens when:
The identity dip is the space between who you were and who you’re becoming.
The beginning is exciting.
The end is rewarding.
The middle is messy.
That messy middle is where growth actually happens.
The Real Key to ConsistencyIt’s not intensity.
It’s not perfection.
It’s not even discipline.
It’s emotional tolerance.
Can you tolerate:
The people who stay consistent aren’t perfect — they just return faster.
How to Stay the Course1. Drop the Perfection StandardAsk yourself:
What would 5% consistency look like instead of 100% perfection?2. Increase Your Return SpeedMissing is normal.
What matters is:
Miss one.
Try not to miss two.
Always return.
3. Expect ResistanceAnticipate it.
Prepare for it.
When resistance shows up, you’ll recognize it instead of panicking.
4. Anchor to Your WhyWrite it down.
Revisit it daily.
Visualize your Five Year You.
The clearer the vision, the easier the consistency.
5. Celebrate the “Boring Wins”Consistency feels unexciting because it’s repetitive.
But your future self is built in quiet, repeated actions — not dramatic breakthroughs.
Celebrate:
Every swing at the rock matters.
Powerful Reminders From This EpisodeA $3 Janessa Leoné hat valued around $500 — found in 10 minutes between swim practice and workouts. (Because dopamine doesn’t have to be expensive.)
Glimmers of the WeekNext episode:
What to Do When Other People Don’t Support the New You
Because change doesn’t just challenge you — it challenges the people around you.
Connect With Five Year YouWebsite & Coaching: https://fiveyearyou.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/fiveyearyou
Email: [email protected]
DisclaimerThis podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice.
Most people think they need more discipline to build better habits — but in this episode, Andrew and Cat explain why habits actually work best when they’re aligned with identity, not willpower.
This conversation breaks habits into five simple, powerful categories that support your nervous system, protect your energy, build self-trust, and reinforce who you’re becoming. Instead of overwhelming routines or perfection-driven checklists, this episode offers a framework for habits that feel sustainable, human, and realistic.
If you’re building your Five Year You, this episode gives you the structure to do it without burnout or shame.
the-5-habit-categories-that-ali…
The 5 Habit Categories Explained1. Self-Trust HabitsThese habits rebuild your relationship with yourself.
Self-trust is the foundation of every other habit.
2. Regulation HabitsThese habits stabilize your nervous system so habits can actually stick.
You can’t build your future self from a constantly dysregulated body.
3. Identity-Confirming HabitsThese habits reinforce who you are becoming.
Even tiny actions count. Every repetition sends your brain the message: This is who I am.
4. Boundary HabitsThese habits protect your time, energy, and peace.
Boundaries are often the hardest habits — and the most transformative.
5. Reflection HabitsThese habits turn experience into wisdom.
Reflection keeps you conscious instead of reactive.
Key TakeawaysCat: Walking more, thrifting wins, and seeing their son experience the joy of reselling his first item.
Andrew: Finding rare thrift treasures — including Brioni and Hermès ties — and the thrill of small, unexpected wins.
What’s Coming NextIn the next episode, Andrew and Cat talk about how to stay consistent when change feels uncomfortable — and why most people stop right before things start working.
Connect with Five Year YouWebsite & Coaching: https://fiveyearyou.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/fiveyearyou
Email: [email protected]
DisclaimerThis podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. Some links mentioned may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases (Store ID: amp09-20, Tracking ID: 5yy-20).
In this episode, Andrew and Cat explore why habits aren’t really about discipline, motivation, or willpower — they’re about identity.
Instead of white-knuckling routines or beating yourself up when habits don’t stick, this conversation reframes habits as small, daily votes for the person you’re becoming. If you’ve ever wondered why you keep falling off routines you want to maintain, this episode offers a gentler, more sustainable way forward.
Rather than asking “Why can’t I stick to habits?”, Andrew and Cat invite you to ask a different question:
“Who am I becoming?”
the-daily-habits-that-align-you…
What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHabits Follow Identity
You don’t become someone after you do the habits — you become someone by doing them.
Motivation Comes After Action
You don’t wait to feel motivated. You act first, and motivation follows.
Small Habits Build Self-Trust
Every tiny habit you keep is a vote for the future version of you.
Future You Is Cheering — Not Judging
Habits stick when your future self feels like a guide, not a taskmaster.
Aha Moments & Quotes“You can’t change behavior without changing identity.”“Every habit is a vote for the person you’re becoming.”“Your future self isn’t built on your best days — it’s built on your normal ones.”“Do the habits that feel honest, not the ones that feel impressive.”“Small habits don’t look powerful — until they are.”Practical TakeawaysCat:
A cozy heated blanket on a cold Chicago day — comfort, warmth, and slowing down.
Andrew:
Seeing The Offspring live with his son — connection, nostalgia, and joy through shared experiences.
What’s Coming NextIn the next episode, Andrew and Cat break down the five core habit categories that align with your future self — offering a clear framework for choosing habits that actually stick.
Connect With Five Year YouThis podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, mental health, or financial advice. Some episodes may reference tools, books, or resources that include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases (Store ID: amp09-20, Tracking ID: 5yy-20).
In this episode, Andrew and Catherine dive into one of the most common (and confusing) questions people face during personal growth: Who am I actually becoming?
If you feel like something needs to change but you can’t quite name what, you’re not broken — you’re lacking clarity, not motivation. This conversation walks through how to identify the quiet clues your future self is already giving you, how to separate who you are from who you were taught to be, and how to decide who you are without pressure, panic, or blowing your life up.
Key Topics CoveredCatherine: A surprise thrifting connection that turned into an unexpected, generous wardrobe handoff and a reminder of how aligned energy attracts aligned experiences.
Andrew: Relief from long-term jaw pain after a breakthrough physical therapy session — and the gratitude that comes with living without constant pain.
What’s NextIn the next episode of the Five Year You series, Andrew and Catherine explore how to build habits that align with the person you’re becoming — without forcing discipline or burning out.
Connect with UsWebsite: https://fiveyearyou.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/fiveyearyou
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@fiveyearyou
Email: [email protected]
DisclaimerThis podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. Some links may be affiliate links.
Hosts: Andrew Dewar & Catherine Collins
Episode OverviewReinvention doesn’t have to mean blowing up your life, burning bridges, or starting from zero. In this episode, Andrew and Catherine talk about how real, sustainable change actually happens — slowly, intentionally, and with respect for the life you’ve already built.
If you’ve ever felt called to become a new version of yourself but feared what it would cost your relationships, career, or sense of safety, this episode is for you. You’ll learn how to release old identities gently, navigate fear without letting it run the show, and grow in a way that feels stable instead of chaotic.
Key Topics CoveredCatherine: Snow days, quiet cocoon time, and permission to stay in without guilt.
Andrew: A solo day, thrifting, and embracing personal growth without rushing it.
What’s NextIn the next episode of the Five Year You series, Andrew and Catherine dive into how to get clear on the person you’re becoming — and how to stop guessing your way through change.
Connect with UsWebsite: https://fiveyearyou.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/fiveyearyou
TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@fiveyearyou
Email: [email protected]
DisclaimerThis podcast is for educational and inspirational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. Some links may be affiliate links.
Absolutely — here are podcast-formatted show notes for
“Why Starting Over Feels So Scary”, using your classic Five Year You podcast format (clean headings, readable sections, perfect for Apple Podcasts / Spotify / website).
Five Year You Podcast
Episode Title: Why Starting Over Feels So Scary
Hosts: Andrew Dewar & Cat Collins
EPISODE OVERVIEWStarting over sounds inspiring… until you actually think about doing it.
In this episode, Andrew and Cat unpack why the idea of starting over triggers so much fear — even when you knowsomething in your life needs to change. They explore the psychology behind fear, identity attachment, sunk cost, and why staying stuck often feels safer than stepping into the unknown.
If you’ve ever felt called to a new version of yourself but found yourself frozen, overthinking, or staying where you are out of fear — this episode will help you understand what’s really happening beneath the surface.
WHAT WE TALK ABOUT• Why fear shows up right before growth
• How fear is designed to keep you safe — not fulfilled
• The difference between familiar pain and unfamiliar possibility
• The sunk cost fallacy and why it keeps people stuck
• Fear of losing your identity when you change
• Why being a beginner again feels threatening
• Fear of judgment and disappointing others
• Why staying stuck has a cost — even if it feels “safe”
• How time will pass whether you change or not
• Why curiosity is a more powerful guide than certainty
• How to explore change without burning your life down
KEY INSIGHTS• Fear doesn’t mean you’re on the wrong path — it means you’re at the edge of growth
• You don’t need clarity to start; clarity comes after movement
• Nothing you’ve done is wasted — every version of you counts
• Familiar discomfort often feels safer than unfamiliar freedom
• You’re allowed to evolve without having all the answers
PRACTICAL REFRAMES• Fear is information, not a stop sign
• You don’t have to commit to change — you can simply get curious
• Starting over doesn’t mean erasing your past
• Small steps are safer for your nervous system than drastic moves
GLIMMERS OF THE WEEKCat: Enjoying small moments of self-expression and self-care, including makeup and nails that felt playful and grounding.
Andrew: Finding a pair of Air Jordans while thrifting — a reminder that joy and healing can come from unexpected places.
WHAT’S NEXTIn the next episode, Andrew and Cat explore:
“How to Let Go of Who You Used to Be Without Burning Your Life Down”
Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss it.
WORK WITH USLearn more about coaching and upcoming programs:
https://fiveyearyou.com/coaching
CONNECT WITH USWebsite: https://fiveyearyou.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/fiveyearyou
Email: [email protected]
If this episode resonated, share it with someone who’s quietly considering a new beginning.
Fear doesn’t mean stop — it means something new is trying to emerge.
Have you ever felt an internal pull toward something more—even though your life looks “fine” on the outside?
In this episode, Andrew and Cat explore the quiet but powerful feeling many people experience when they’re ready for growth: the sense that the current version of yourself no longer fits. This conversation unpacks why this feeling shows up, what it actually means, and how to listen to it without burning your life down.
This episode is about identity shifts, alignment, and understanding that wanting more doesn’t mean you’re ungrateful—it means you’re evolving.
Key Topics CoveredAndrew reflects on recognizing subtle internal shifts before big changes.
Cat shares the relief that comes from realizing growth doesn’t have to be dramatic or destructive.
Continue the JourneyThis episode begins the Five Year You series.
Next Episode:
Why Starting Over Feels So Scary (And What Staying Stuck Is Really Costing You)
Work With UsCoaching and resources available at:
https://fiveyearyou.com/coaching
Connect With Five Year YouWebsite: https://fiveyearyou.com
Instagram & TikTok: @fiveyearyou
Email: [email protected]
Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical, mental health, or legal advice. Some links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
From the publisher's feed

27,992 Listeners