When Dr. Charles Barr and I overcame our anxiety, it was largely due to the pioneering work of Faison Covington. She truly is one of the pioneers in the field and helped to change the way anxiety is diagnosed and treated, and has helped countless people to find their Life Free of Anxiety.

Faison's journey is truly inspirational. After 13 years suffering from severe anxiety, she discovered the secret to helping her mind and body heal. She then went on to spend over 4 decades (so far!) helping others do the same.

Along the way, she's been a guest on Oprah's show (twice), been interviewed by a skeptical Larry King and appeared on countless TV and radio programs, helping spread hope, encouragement and truth about overcoming anxiety.

Her message that anxiety is NOT a mental illness, that it IS curable, and that NO ONE needs to suffer is more important than ever in today's topsy-turvy world!

Important links from today's episode:

• Dr. Barr's FREE Relaxation Audio
• CHAANGE Program Signup

---
Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts? It REALLY helps new people find the show.

Simply click this link and scroll down, then hit 1 to 5 stars--it's really that easy!

(And don't forget to subscribe if you haven't already!)

Thank you in advance! Your kind reviews mean so much to us!

While you're at it, we hope you will share the show with someone who could benefit from it (or in your favorite anxiety Facebook group, hint hint!) and of course, join in the conversation on Facebook and Instagram!

---
Please know: We are here for you. We read and respond to every message we receive on Facebook and

To take our 3-minute FREE Anxiety Assessment and get your personalized anxiety profile, head to lifefreeofanxiety.com and look for the Discover Your Anxiety Profile button at the top!

Don't forget to check out CHAANGE in 16, our 16 week at-home anxiety reversal program backed by our 100% money back Get Better Guarantee!
(limited spots available, signups end soon!)

Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 3 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you found us? It REALLY helps new people find the show.

Simply click this link and scroll down and hit 5 stars--it's really that easy!

Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:

https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxiety
and
https://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxiety

And don't forget, you can find all episodes at podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.com

Here it is, Dr. Barr's much love Relaxation Exercise. I can honestly say that this relaxation exercise changed my life! I can't overstate how important it is to practice relaxation.

I know I used to try to pull out a relaxation exercise when I began to feel anxious, but the real secret is to practice relaxation when you're NOT feeling anxious. Get good at relaxing when you're unafraid, and you can go back to that state when fear creeps in!

Combined with the CHAANGE Program, I was able to overcome the anxiety that had plagued me for years. (And exciting news: we're bringing the CHAANGE Program back, sooner than planned!)

Important links from today's episode:

• Dr. Barr's FREE Relaxation Audio
• CHAANGE Program Signup

---
Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts? It REALLY helps new people find the show.

Simply click this link and scroll down, then hit 1 to 5 stars--it's really that easy!

(And don't forget to subscribe if you haven't already!)

Thank you in advance! Your kind reviews mean so much to us!

While you're at it, we hope you will share the show with someone who could benefit from it (or in your favorite anxiety Facebook group, hint hint!) and of course, join in the conversation on Facebook and Instagram!

---
Please know: We are here for you. We read and respond to every message we receive on Facebook and Instagram, or email me at: [email protected]

Don't forget to download your TOTALLY FREE Relaxation Audio MP3 at lifefreeofanxiety.com/RELAX

As a

To find out more about the new membership options for the CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program, head to lifefreeofanxiety.com!

Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts? It REALLY helps new people find the show.

Simply click this link and scroll down and hit 5 stars--it's really that easy!
---

Useful Links:

• FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today!
• CHAANGE.com <--Find out more about the 16 Week CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program!
• Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :)

Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:

https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxiety
and
https://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxiety

And don't forget, you can find all episodes at podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.com

Of all the topics we will ever discuss, this might be the one that was most important in overcoming my (Erica's) anxiety. It's why we wanted to make a short series on the topic, and hopefully encourage you to get started on your relaxation practice!

What are the three things you should consider when choosing a relaxation exercise?

And once you've found the perfect relaxation practice, how can you turn it into a useful tool that can benefit you for the rest of your (anxiety-free) life?

In part two of our series, we will discuss the three things Dr. Charles Barr, licensed clinical psychologist, thinks are most important in a relaxation practice:

• The Breathing Key
• Progressive Muscle Relaxation
• Guided Imagery

And we also touch on a variety of other relaxation methods, including: hypnosis, pressure points (acupressure), acupuncture, massage, meditation, yoga, Tai chi, Biofeedback, Music and Art therapy, and Aromatherapy.

This is an IMPORTANT EPISODE! Relaxation is the single greatest tool to your Life Free of Anxiety!

---
Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts? It REALLY helps new people find the show.

Simply click this link and scroll down, then hit 1 to 5 stars--it's really that easy!

(And don't forget to subscribe if you haven't already!)

Thank you in advance! Your kind reviews mean so much to us!

While you're at it, we hope you will share the show with someone who could benefit from it (or in your favorite anxiety Facebook group, hint hint!) and of course, join in the conversation on Facebook and Instagram!
---
Resources are mentioned in today's episode:

• Dr. Barr's FREE Relaxation Audio

---
Please know: We are here for you. We read and respond to every message we receive on

To find out more about the new membership options for the CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program, head to lifefreeofanxiety.com!

Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts? It REALLY helps new people find the show.

Simply click this link and scroll down and hit 5 stars--it's really that easy!
---

Useful Links:

• FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today!
• CHAANGE.com <--Find out more about the 16 Week CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program!
• Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :)

Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:

https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxiety
and
https://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxiety

And don't forget, you can find all episodes at podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.com

Reduced Frustration? Check…
More confidence in making decisions? Check...
Lowered blood pressure? Check!
A life free of anxiety? CHECK!!!

These are just some of the surprising benefits that can come with doing breathing relaxation exercises on a regular basis.

It’s why Dr. Barr and Erica encourage them on the show so much. We believe in the benefits of intentional relaxation so strongly, that Dr. Barr has made a digitial copy of his relaxation exercise available for free at LifeFreeOfAnxiety.com/RELAX. If you don't have a good relaxation audio, please, please, please get one.

In this episode they break down exactly what other benefits you can expect from practicing regular relaxation. We also share our personal accounts of how life changing this practice was in both of our lives.

---
Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts? It REALLY helps new people find the show.

Simply click this link and scroll down, then hit 1 to 5 stars--it's really that easy!

(And don't forget to subscribe if you haven't already!)

Thank you in advance! Your kind reviews mean so much to us!

While you're at it, we hope you will share the show with someone who could benefit from it (or in your favorite anxiety Facebook group, hint hint!) and of course, join in the conversation on Facebook and Instagram!
---
Resources are mentioned in today's episode:

• Dr. Barr's FREE Relaxation Audio

---
Please know: We are here for you. We read and respond to every message we receive on Facebook and Instagram, or email me at: [email protected]

Don't forget to download your

To find out more about the new membership options for the CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program, head to lifefreeofanxiety.com!

Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts? It REALLY helps new people find the show.

Simply click this link and scroll down and hit 5 stars--it's really that easy!
---

Useful Links:

• FreeFromFearsBook.com <--Get a FREE COPY of the book today!
• CHAANGE.com <--Find out more about the 16 Week CHAANGE Anxiety Treatment Program!
• Click this link to rate the podcast and make us happy! :)

Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:

https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxiety
and
https://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxiety

And don't forget, you can find all episodes at podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.com

A lot seemed to happen this week... Dr. Charles Barr and I had recorded a series on relaxation that we were going to publish this week, but the world seemed to turn a bit upside down over the past few days, so we're pushing it to next week, so that we could talk about the current pandemic.

I asked Kyle to come back on to talk about this topic with Dr. Barr because he's had to deal with the impact of it in his own work life.

Among the key topics suggested in this episode are:

• Having a plan in place and trusting in it
• Limiting media (and social media) news exposure
• Possibility vs Probability thinking
• Avoiding imagined realities
• And how to discuss coronavirus with your children WITHOUT causing a panic

Don't worry, we will be back early next week to begin that two part series on relaxation and how to get the maximum benefit out of it! So make sure to get a copy of Dr. Barr's relaxation audio!

---
Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts? It REALLY helps new people find the show.

Simply click this link and scroll down, then hit 1 to 5 stars--it's really that easy!

(And don't forget to subscribe if you haven't already!)

Thank you in advance! Your kind reviews mean so much to us!

While you're at it, we hope you will share the show with someone who could benefit from it (or in your favorite anxiety Facebook group, hint hint!) and of course, join in the conversation on Facebook and Instagram!
---
Resources are mentioned in today's episode:

• Dr. Barr's FREE Relaxation Audio

---
Please know: We are here for you. We read and respond to every message we receive on Facebook and Instagram, or email me at: [email protected]

Don't forget to download your TOTALLY FREE Relaxation Audio MP3 at lifefreeofanxiety.com/RELAX

As always, remember that...

You are NOT alone.
You are NOT broken.
You are on your way to a life FREE of anxiety!

<3

Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:

Facebook, Instagram or Email at: [email protected]

And don't forget, you can subscribe and find all episodes at http://podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.com

We discussed last episode that anxiety sufferers tend to be sensitive to stimuli, but what about sensitivity to comments and feedback or the feelings of others? We talk about it in this episode!

Then Erica and Dr. Barr answer a listener question: How do you cope with anxiety in the workplace? We'll be answering more questions like this in upcoming episodes, so keep 'em coming!

---
Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts? It REALLY helps new people find the show.

Simply click this link and scroll down, then hit 1 to 5 stars--it's really that easy!

(And don't forget to subscribe if you haven't already!)

Thank you in advance! Your kind reviews mean so much to us!

While you're at it, we hope you will share the show with someone who could benefit from it (or in your favorite anxiety Facebook group, hint hint!) and of course, join in the conversation on Facebook and Instagram!
---
Resources are mentioned in today's episode:

• Dr. Barr's FREE Relaxation Audio

---
Please know: We are here for you. We read and respond to every message we receive on Facebook and Instagram, or email me at: [email protected]

Don't forget to download your TOTALLY FREE Relaxation Audio MP3 at lifefreeofanxiety.com/RELAX

As always, remember that...

You are NOT alone.
You are NOT broken.
You are on your way to a life FREE of anxiety!

<3

Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:

To take our 3-minute FREE Anxiety Assessment and get your personalized anxiety profile, head to lifefreeofanxiety.com and look for the Discover Your Anxiety Profile button at the top!

Don't forget to check out CHAANGE in 16, our 16 week at-home anxiety reversal program backed by our 100% money back Get Better Guarantee!
(limited spots available, signups end soon!)

Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 3 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you found us? It REALLY helps new people find the show.

Simply click this link and scroll down and hit 5 stars--it's really that easy!

Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:

https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxiety
and
https://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxiety

And don't forget, you can find all episodes at podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.com

What if I told you that there were THREE reasons why YOU ended up with anxiety? In short, it's not your fault that you developed an anxiety condition--you were built that way!

In today's episode, Dr. Charles Barr, a licensed clinical psychologist and anxiety specialist, will talk about three things that most anxiety sufferers have in common, and help make sense of why you were susceptible to anxiety in the first place.

The three big things common in anxiety sufferers include:

• You are likely a highly intelligent person, with extremely high expectations of yourself 
• You do not understand or relate to your body as a machine--you tend to ignore stress and push yourself to the breaking point
• You are extremely sensitive and aware of those around you and their feelings, but also of stimuli (including bright lights, caffeine, medications, loud noises, etc.)

Each of these are part of what makes you incredibly unique, but after your first anxiety attack, they can spiral out of control. Don't worry, though, by learning about how you're built, you can begin to seize back control of your mind and body and live a life free of anxiety!

---
Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts? It REALLY helps new people find the show.

Simply click this link and scroll down, then hit 1 to 5 stars--it's really that easy!

(And don't forget to subscribe if you haven't already!)

Thank you in advance! Your kind reviews mean so much to us!

While you're at it, we hope you will share the show with someone who could benefit from it (or in your favorite anxiety Facebook group, hint hint!) and of course, join in the conversation on Facebook and Instagram!
---
Resources are mentioned in today's episode:

• Dr. Barr's FREE Relaxation Audio

---
Please

To take our 3-minute FREE Anxiety Assessment and get your personalized anxiety profile, head to lifefreeofanxiety.com and look for the Discover Your Anxiety Profile button at the top!

Don't forget to check out CHAANGE in 16, our 16 week at-home anxiety reversal program backed by our 100% money back Get Better Guarantee!
(limited spots available, signups end soon!)

Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 3 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or wherever you found us? It REALLY helps new people find the show.

Simply click this link and scroll down and hit 5 stars--it's really that easy!

Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:

https://www.facebook.com/lifefreeofanxiety
and
https://www.instagram.com/lifefreeofanxiety

And don't forget, you can find all episodes at podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.com

This is it... the last of my three part conversation with my husband Kyle. If you haven't listened to the previous two parts about when he realized I had anxiety and how it affected him, especially when I hit my lowest point, go back and listen to Episodes 12 and 13 first!
---
Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts? It REALLY helps new people find the show.

Simply click this link and scroll down, then hit 1 to 5 stars--it's really that easy!

(And don't forget to subscribe if you haven't already!)

Thank you in advance! Your kind reviews mean so much to us!

While you're at it, we hope you will share the show with someone who could benefit from it (or in your favorite anxiety Facebook group, hint hint!) and of course, join in the conversation on Facebook and Instagram!
---
Resources are mentioned in today's episode:

• Dr. Barr's FREE Relaxation Audio

---
Show Notes:
When discussing marriage, we generally don't think of divorce as a happily ever after type of ending... except for in this case!

"Divorcing" anxiety has been one of the best things that ever happened in our marriage!

In this episode Erica and Kyle discuss divorcing anxiety and how Erica was finally able to be free of her panic attacks...

Saying goodbye can be a great thing. Not to your spouse but to the fear that's holding you both back from living a life free of anxiety!

If you are in a relationship and find anxiety has become a third wheel, share this episode with your significant other! We want you to know that YES, it IS possible to fully overcome severe anxiety, and its much easier to so when you tackle it together as a team.

On the next episode, we will resume our regular episodes with Dr. Charles Barr and we’ve got some great topics coming up!

----
Please know: We are here for you. We read and respond to every message we receive on Facebook and Instagram, or email me at: [email protected]

Don't forget to download your TOTALLY FREE Relaxation Audio MP3 at lifefreeofanxiety.com/RELAX

As always, remember that...

You are NOT alone.
You are NOT broken.
You are on your way to a life FREE of anxiety!

<3

Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:

Facebook, Instagram or Email at: [email protected]

And don't forget, you can subscribe and find all episodes at http://podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.com

Enjoying the Life Free of Anxiety Podcast? Can you take 10 seconds to leave a rating (or better yet, a short review!) on Apple Podcasts? It REALLY helps new people find the show.

Simply click this link and scroll down, then hit 1 to 5 stars--it's really that easy!

(And don't forget to subscribe if you haven't already!)

Thank you in advance! Your kind reviews mean so much to us!

While you're at it, we hope you will share the show with someone who could benefit from it (or in your favorite anxiety Facebook group, hint hint!) and of course, join in the conversation on Facebook and Instagram!

Resources are mentioned in today's episode:

• Dr. Barr's FREE Relaxation Audio

Show Notes:
We’re back for PART TWO of my conversation with Kyle… my husband! In this episode, we’re continuing the discussion of what it’s like to live with someone suffering from anxiety, so if you missed PART ONE, make sure to check out Episode 12.

In this episode we touch on a few things… it may seem like we breeze past them, but it’s important to remember that at the time, these were MAJOR issues that we struggled with as a couple. I’m sure almost everyone listening, whether you are an anxiety sufferer or the loved one, can relate to these feelings.

• What was it like to feel the shame associated with anxiety?
• Did Kyle ever lose hope that I could heal?
• How did anxiety affect us financially and myself career wise?
• And when was the low point?
• ...and more!

In two days, we will return with the final part of this series and it’s all about my, or rather OUR, recovery. How did I get better and what has it meant for our life and our family?

Next week, we will return to our regular episodes with Dr. Charles Barr and we’ve got some great topics coming up!

----
Please know: We are here for you. We read and respond to every message we receive on Facebook and Instagram, or email me at: [email protected]

Don't forget to download your TOTALLY FREE Relaxation Audio MP3 at lifefreeofanxiety.com/RELAX

As always, remember that...

You are NOT alone.
You are NOT broken.
You are on your way to a life FREE of anxiety!

<3

Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:

Facebook, Instagram or Email at: [email protected]

And don't forget, you can subscribe and find all episodes at http://podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.com

Thank you to all of you who have messaged us--we're so glad that this show is providing some comfort and hope. It would mean the world to us if you could share the show with someone who could benefit from it (or in your favorite anxiety Facebook group, hint hint!) and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. And of course, join in the conversation on Facebook and Instagram!

Resources are mentioned in today's episode:

• Dr. Barr's FREE Relaxation Audio

Show Notes:
We've received a number of questions and comments from both people wondering how to support a loved one as they deal with anxiety and anxiety sufferers who worry about how their condition affects their loved ones. I wanted to take a quick break from my usual conversations with Dr. Charles Barr to address some of these issues.

Today, Erica is joined by her husband Kyle to talk about living with someone on an anxiety journey. Among topics discussed are:

• When did Kyle first realize Erica suffered from anxiety?
• How did anxiety manifest itself around their wedding?
• Did he ever get frustrated or angry due to her anxiety?
• What made him feel helpless and powerless?
• How did anxiety affect Erica's relationship with her husband's family?
• ...and more!

We hope this will help you and your loved ones--Kyle's perspective is unique because he not only saw the effects of anxiety at its worst, but has now been blessed to see Erica's life FREE of anxiety.

There is hope--anxiety does not need to be a permanent condition--for not only the anxiety sufferer, but all of the friends and family that are affected by it indirectly.

----
Please know: We are here for you. We read and respond to every message we receive on Facebook and Instagram, or email me at: [email protected]

Don't forget to download your TOTALLY FREE Relaxation Audio MP3 at lifefreeofanxiety.com/RELAX

As always, remember that...

You are NOT alone.
You are NOT broken.
You are on your way to a life FREE of anxiety!

<3

Have a question? Want to share how your anxiety journey is going? Need some encouragement or support? Come say hello at:

Facebook, Instagram or Email at: [email protected]

And don't forget, you can subscribe and find all episodes at http://podcast.lifefreeofanxiety.com