In this episode of the Relationship Anxiety Podcast, your host McKell dives into why our views on the purpose of a relationship can lead to questioning and doubting the relationship. Intentionally defining the purpose can help develop growth and deeper connection.

Here’s more of what you can expect in this episode: 

✨ How the novelty of a relationship wears off and what that means for your connection
✨ The historical perspective on relationships as economic partnerships
✨ The modern-day expectations of relationships to provide happiness and self-worth
✨ The challenges of seeing a relationship as a checkbox to complete
✨ The danger of viewing a relationship as a means to get approval from others
✨ Exploring the idea of relationships as a mirror for self-reflection and growth
✨ The concept of relationships as a spiritual and emotional training ground
✨ How a relationship can teach you to give love rather than just receive it
✨ The role of relationships in connecting us more deeply with ourselves, others, and even God

Don't miss out on this chance to re-evaluate what you believe about relationships. Listen now and discover a new perspective that could transform how you approach love and connection.

In this episode of the Relationship Anxiety Podcast, your host McKell delves into how relationship anxiety can be a symptom of struggling to receive love, and how to open your heart more. 

Here’s more of what you can expect in this episode: 

✨ Understanding the connection between relationship anxiety and receiving love
✨ Personal anecdotes on the journey to healing and receiving love
✨ How past experiences can create barriers to receiving love
✨ The importance of healing shame and unworthiness to improve your capacity to receive love
✨ The role of vulnerability in opening up to love
✨ Practical advice on how to shift from overthinking to feeling more of your emotions
✨ The significance of believing in your inherent lovability and worthiness
✨ How to let down your walls and genuinely receive love from your partner
✨ Tips on fostering self-compassion and grace in your relationship

In this episode of the Relationship Anxiety Podcast, your host McKell offers tips and tricks for managing morning anxiety. She provides insights and practical tips for better managing anxiety during these specific times of the day.

Here’s more of what you can expect in this episode: 

✨ The habit of scanning your relationship for problems when anxiety arises
✨ Why asking “why” isn’t always helpful
✨ Understanding the biological reasons for morning anxiety
✨ The role of cortisol and the sympathetic nervous system in your morning routine
✨ How transitions, even small ones, can trigger anxiety
✨ Tips for setting your future self up for a smoother morning
✨ The importance of a mindful morning routine
✨ How physical activity can help release excess energy
✨ The power of brain dumping to release anxious thoughts
✨ How carrying anxiety like a "purse" can actually help you soften into it

Listen now and discover how to start your day with more peace and calm.

In this episode of the Relationship Anxiety Podcast, your host McKell Kristen dives into the experience of imposter syndrome within relationships, the role of anxiety and OCD in fueling self-doubt, and the importance of recognizing the nuance in our thoughts and feelings, providing valuable insights and practical tips for embracing authenticity and reducing anxiety. Here’s more of what you can expect in this episode: ✨ The connection between OCD and self-doubting voice ✨ How the mind’s desire for certainty can create feelings of dishonesty ✨ The difference between facts and interpretations in relationships ✨ The power of recognizing that thoughts are not absolute truths ✨ The importance of embracing both positive and negative stories in your mind ✨ Strategies for allowing yourself to exist in the gray, rather than black-and-white thinking ✨ How to hold space for conflicting thoughts and find inner peace ✨ The significance of accepting your partner’s and your own humanness ✨ Encouragement to let go of the need to prove or justify your feelings Listen now and start embracing the authenticity that comes from accepting the full range of your human experience in a relationship!

In this episode of the Relationship Anxiety Podcast, your host McKell Kristen takes you on a journey to understanding how to confidently make decisions in your life. Overthinking decisions is a common struggle, and today we’re diving into how this can affect not only relationships but every aspect of your life. McKell talks through practical strategies to make quicker, more confident decisions, providing valuable insights and practical tips for making decisions with ease and reducing anxiety. Here’s more of what you can expect in this episode:

✨ Personal stories about overthinking and its impact on decision-making ✨ Introduction to the concepts of maximizers and satisficers from "The Paradox of Choice"

✨ The importance of embracing a "B-minus" choice instead of striving for perfection

✨ The power of focusing on speed over perfection in decision-making

✨ Techniques to minimize the options you consider to make quicker decisions

✨ The importance of lowering the stakes of your decisions to reduce anxiety

✨ How to trust yourself and your future self to handle the outcomes of your decisions

✨ A discussion on how all of this ties back to relationships and choosing a partner

✨ The significance of building a kind and supportive relationship with yourself

✨ An empowering quote to inspire you to trust in your ability to navigate life’s challenges

In this episode of the Relationship Anxiety Podcast, your host McKell Kristen takes you on a journey to explore how to cope when your partner is away. Being apart from a loved one can stir up anxiety, especially for those with an anxious attachment style. McKell delves into this common issue and offers reassuring guidance on how to navigate the emotional turbulence that may arise when a partner is out of town.

 Here’s more of what you can expect in this episode:

✨ How the brain creates anxiety-inducing "movies" when partners are away
✨ The protective nature of our thoughts
✨ Understanding the difference between imagination and reality
✨ Techniques for staying grounded in the present moment
✨ Self-soothing strategies to calm anxiety
✨ The importance of redirecting energy back to yourself
✨ Visualizing your younger self and offering support
✨ Finding joy in solo activities
✨ Building connections outside of your romantic relationship
✨ Embracing self-love and worthiness

Don't miss out on this chance to learn how to foster independence and emotional resilience while nurturing your relationship. Listen now and discover how to cultivate self-love, strengthen your sense of self, and embrace your ability to thrive, both individually and as part of a partnership.

In this episode of the Relationship Anxiety Podcast, your host McKell talks about common fears and anxieties that arise when your partner is away.

She talks through how to shift out of anxiety-inducing worst-case scenarios and provides practical advice on how to soothe ourselves and stay present, helping you feel more confident and secure.

Here’s more of what you can expect in this episode:

✨ Understanding the brain's tendency to create anxiety-inducing scenarios

✨ Techniques for staying present and grounded

✨ The importance of self-soothing skills

✨ Shifting energy from worrying about your partner to focusing on yourself

✨ Visualizing self-support and compassion

✨ Rediscovering hobbies and activities that bring joy

✨ Investing in friendships and other relationships

✨ Embracing solo activities and self-care routines

✨ Strategies for managing anxiety during your partner's absence

✨ Encouragement to nurture your own well-being and independence

Tune in now and discover practical tips to feel more secure and calm while your partner is away.

In this episode of the Relationship Anxiety Podcast, your host McKell Kristen walks you through how anxiety works. McKell shares her insights on the science behind anxiety, its triggers, and how it impacts our daily lives, particularly within relationships. McKell dives into the functioning of the brain's fear response, the role of the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, and the significance of self-regulation, providing valuable insights and practical tips for managing anxiety. Here’s more of what you can expect in this episode:

✨ The role of the amygdala in triggering anxiety

✨ How the prefrontal cortex can amplify anxiety

✨ The difference between fear and anxiety

✨ Common triggers for anxiety in relationships

✨ How to identify and understand your triggers

✨ The importance of self-regulation techniques

✨ Strategies for calming your fight or flight response

✨ How to retrain your brain to reduce anxiety

✨ The impact of chronic anxiety on your body and mind

✨ Practical tips for achieving a calm and present state

Listen now and learn how to cultivate a calmer, less anxious relationship!

Grab the brand new video for How to Stop Overthinking Your Relationship - https://relationshipanxiety.com/stop-overthinking-your-relationship/

Welcome to this episode of the Relationship Anxiety Podcast, where your host McKell Kristen delves into the theme of perfectionism in relationships. McKell explores the origins of perfectionism, its impact on romantic partnerships, and provides insights on how to shift towards a more authentic relational dynamic.

Here’s what you can look forward to in this episode:

✨ The pressures of perfectionism on both yourself and your partner

✨ How perfectionism manifests in different areas of life

✨ The link between perfectionism and self-worth

✨ Strategies for allowing room for human imperfections

✨ The importance of authenticity over perfection

✨ Personal anecdotes illustrating perfectionism in relationships

✨ The role of attachment styles in perfectionistic behaviors

✨ How to manage unrealistic expectations in relationships

✨ The benefits of embracing flaws and negative emotions

✨ Practical tips for fostering deeper connections through authenticity

Tune in now to overcome perfectionism blocks and start embracing authenticity in your relationship today!

Today on the Relationship Anxiety Podcast, your host McKell Kristen takes you on a journey to stepping into your future self. McKell shares her insights on how envisioning and connecting with your future self can empower you to transform your relationship and help manage anxiety. Here’s more of what you can expect in this episode:

✨ The concept of your future self and its impact on your present

✨ The importance of focusing on what you want to create in your relationship

✨ The difference between a victim mindset and a creator mindset

✨ Navigating relationship challenges with a growth mindset

✨ Embracing the messy middle in your relationship journey

✨ The process of evolving and growing together with your partner

✨ Shifting your perspective to empower your future self

✨ Recognizing and valuing the temporary nature of current challenges

✨ The significance of a long-term vision for your relationship

✨ Prioritizing what truly matters for a fulfilling partnership

Don't miss out on this chance to gain valuable insights on your future self and enhancing your relationship. Listen now and learn how to cultivate a healthier, more fulfilling partnership!