Episode Overview: In this Q&A episode, Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale & Cali Werner tackle listener-submitted questions about navigating anxiety in everyday life. They discuss practical strategies for managing negativity, overcoming imposter syndrome, finding balance between productivity & rest, coping with current events, & understanding the difference between OCD & preferences. Plus, they offer insights into how parents’ anxiety can impact children & how to foster a healthier relationship with discomfort.

Key Insights:

• Balancing Self-Compassion, Grace, & Behavior Change: It's crucial to find the right mix of self-compassion, grace, & behavior change when addressing negativity. Excessive self-compassion can lead to stagnation, while focusing solely on behavior change without self-acceptance can be counterproductive.
• Reframing Productivity: Relaxation & connection are productive activities. It’s essential to evaluate which activities truly drain your energy versus those that fill your tank.
• Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Moving through imposter syndrome is key. Acknowledge feelings of inadequacy, but don't let them paralyze you. Embrace new challenges as learning opportunities.
• Setting Boundaries with Current Events: Limit exposure to news & social media to manage anxiety related to current events. It’s okay to set boundaries in conversations with friends & family.
• OCD is Not a Positive Performance Enhancer: OCD is disruptive & dysfunctional. It doesn’t improve performance; it hinders it by consuming mental energy.
• Anxiety in Parenting: Children are perceptive + sense their parents’ anxieties. Open communication + modeling healthy coping mechanisms are vital.

Notable Moments & Timestamps:

• [01:10] Cali shares her anxious moment about adopting two new puppies.
• [03:20] Elizabeth discusses her anxious moment about negativity during pregnancy.
• [05:25] Q&A begins with a discussion on managing negative self-perception.
• [07:51] Addressing guilt + productivity, + the importance of rest.
• [13:02] Strategies for managing imposter syndrome.
• [20:17] Exposures for anxiety about something bad happening.
• [23:19] Managing the need to be hyper-productive.
• [26:10] Coping with terror related to current events.
• [29:01] Debunking the myth that OCD enhances performance.
• [35:19] How parents’ anxiety affects children.
• [43:16] Increasing willingness to tolerate discomfort + start treatment.

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