In today's episode, Gina discusses a book by Dr. Rick Hanson entitled Buddha's Brain regarding the brain, mindfulness and happiness. Topics include using self-kindness to help create the best future reality for yourself and the role of small changes in helping create the comfort and peace you seek in this lifetime. Listen in for some helpful wisdom and knowledge from a notable author in the field and start improving your life today!

Link to the book we reviewed in today's show
Buddha's Brain by Rick Hanson 
https://amzn.to/3AXgcYp


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What is anxiety?


Quote:


Relaxation drains away anxiety like pulling a plug from a bathtub.
-Rick Hanson
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763: Practical Neuroscience of Happiness

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!
We Bring you two episodes every week. There is no need to walk this path alone. Subscribe for a relaxing, informative, and inspiring time and start your journey into more peace and calm today.
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Health & Fitness

Mental Health

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!
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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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What is anxiety? 
Find even more peace and calm with our Supercast premium access membership:
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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
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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:
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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1020: Floating Part 1: Claire Weekes Philosophy Of Floating Through Anxiety

In today's episode, Gina discusses the often underestimated gift of laughter. Available freely to everyone, laughter is capable of releasing a cascade of highly beneficial hormones in our bodies that can help realign our minds to positive thinking. Listen in to learn the benefits of laughter and how to incorporate more laughter into you life 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:
Laughter is the brush that sweeps away the cobwebs of your heart.
- Mort Walker
Chapters
0:23 Introduction to Humor and Healing Anxiety
3:27 Norman Cousins and the Healing Power of Laughter
7:35 Science Behind Laughter's Impact on Well-being
10:15 Reclaiming Laughter as a Tool for Healing
13:12 Practicing Laughter for Self-care
14:20 Embracing Absurdity and Finding Humor in Life
Summary
In today's episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, I delve into the healing power of humor in dealing with anxiety. Throughout the episode, I share meaningful quotes about laughter and how it can positively impact our mental and physical well-being. Drawing inspiration from Norman Cousins' book "Anatomy of an Illness" which emphasized the significance of humor in healing, I explore how laughter can boost the body's capacity for healing and improve overall health.

Reflecting on the fast-paced, stressful nature of modern life, I discuss the importance of incorporating laughter into our daily routines to combat stress and anxiety effectively. By triggering a cascade of hormones and neurotransmitters, laughter can promote relaxation, improve cardiovascular health, and boost the immune system. I emphasize the profound impact of laughter on our outlook on life and stress levels, encouraging listeners to prioritize incorporating laughter into their lives intentionally.

Exploring techniques to embrace laughter, I suggest starting with intentional laughter exercises to shift perspectives and build up to genuine laughter. Seeking out sources of laughter such as funny videos, comedy movies, or stand-up shows can further enhance the healing benefits of laughter. Encouraging individuals to find humor in the mundane and connect with others through laughter, I highlight the transformative power of laughter in fostering resilience and connection.

I urge listeners to laugh freely and frequently, recognizing laughter as a valuable tool for self-care and healing. By infusing our days with laughter, we can nourish our minds and bodies while cultivating a sense of joy and resilience to navigate life's challenges. I invite listeners to share their funny stories and favorite sources of comedy, emphasizing the importance of incorporating laughter as a form of daily exercise for overall well-being. Join me in embracing laughter as a powerful tool for sweeping away the cobwebs of the heart and enhancing overall health and happiness.
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763: Practical Neuroscience of Happiness

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