In today's episode, Gina discusses the distinction between mind and body in the context of stress and anxiety. Consistent feelings of safety, combined with letting time pass and rest will enhance the healing process tremendously. Through kindness and patience, the anxiety recovery process can proceed smoothly overtime. Listen in and enhance your anxiety recovery process 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:

Trauma is not what happens to us, but what we hold inside in the absence of an empathetic witness.

-Peter Levine

Chapters

0:26 Introduction to Anxiety and Safety

1:48 Understanding Survival Mode

4:43 The Role of the Nervous System

6:47 Accumulated Overwhelm Explained

8:39 The Importance of Slowness

12:59 Relearning Safety in Daily Life

15:43 Addressing the Body's Response

18:21 Closing Thoughts and Support Options

Summary

In this episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, I delve into the complex relationship between our minds and bodies, particularly in the context of anxiety and stress. I explore the unsettling sensation that while our minds recognize safety, our bodies may remain entrenched in survival mode. Despite an absence of crises, many experience persistent tension and unease, akin to a smoke alarm that continues to sound even when there’s no fire. This prevailing sense of alarm can be perplexing, especially when life seems stable on the surface.

Throughout our discussion, I emphasize that this disconnect is not a personal failing but rather a reflection of how our nervous systems operate. The body does not always respond to logical reasoning; instead, it relies on past patterns and experiences to assess safety. With this understanding, I encourage listeners to consider how accumulated stress can lead to a prolonged state of hyper-vigilance, even in the absence of any immediate threat. I highlight that it is common for individuals to feel overwhelmed by minor stressors after enduring long periods of emotional pressure, and that recognizing these feelings is crucial to overcoming them.

I also address the important concept that time alone does not heal; rather, it is the repeated feelings of safety that facilitate healing. Our nervous systems need gentle, predictable, and gradual re-exposure to a sense of safety to learn to relax. I provide practical insights on how to integrate slowness and gentleness into our lives, urging listeners to embrace moments of rest without justification. Here, I draw attention to the value of simply allowing oneself to experience emotions and sensations without the compulsion to quickly fix or dismiss them.

#AnxietyRecovery #NervousSystemHealing #SurvivalMode #SomaticExperiencing #PolyvagalTheory #VagusNerveReset #MindBodyConnection #ChronicStressRelief #MentalWellness #TraumaInformed #SafetyIsASensation #BodyFirstHealing #Neuroplasticity #EmotionalRegulation #Interoception #TheBodyRemembers #GentleRecovery #HealingIsNotAWar #LogicVsSensations #AnxietyCoachesPodcast #GinaRyan #PeterLevine #StopTheBracing #BiologicalSafety #SomaticAwareness #RestAndDigest #NervousSystemRegulation #HolisticHealing #QuietConsistency #InnerPeace #ACP

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today's episode, Gina discusses the differences between chronic stress and anxiety. Through understanding this distinction, you can better customize your self-care and recovery process to suit your specific needs. Listen in and learn to clear chronic stress separately from anxiety and heal yourself faster and more completely!

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:

You don’t have to force calm. You create the conditions that allow it to emerge.

-Stephen Porges

Chapters

0:26 Introduction to Healing

2:24 Understanding Anxiety vs. Chronic Stress

8:08 Symptoms and Overlaps

14:30 Approaching Healing Differently

16:11 Reflecting on Your Experience

17:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Long Summary

In this episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, I delve into the important distinction between anxiety and chronic stress, which is crucial for anyone on their healing journey. Understanding whether you're facing one or both of these challenges can significantly impact your approach to healing and your overall well-being. I want listeners to recognize that not all feelings of anxiety stem from anxiety itself; sometimes, they are the result of chronic stress that has built up over time. This episode aims to offer clarity on this often-overlooked difference, and I hope it resonates with those who feel overwhelmed by their symptoms.

I begin by addressing common questions that many people encounter, such as feelings of constant anxiety without an identifiable cause. It’s essential to know that this could be a sign of chronic stress rather than anxiety. I highlight how the symptoms of these two experiences, while similar, stem from different roots and require different approaches to healing. Chronic stress can manifest due to long-term demands on our nervous system, such as caregiving responsibilities, emotional labor, unresolved trauma, or the everyday pressures of life. Recognizing this is key, as treating chronic stress like anxiety often leads to frustration and a feeling of failure.

I then explore the characteristics of anxiety, which is primarily fear-based and anticipatory in nature. Anxiety manifests through relentless worry about potential threats, whether they are real or imagined. The connection to physical sensations is also accentuated, as anxiety commonly presents itself through symptoms like racing heartbeats and shallow breathing. Contrasting this, I elaborate on chronic stress, which revolves more around the load one carries rather than perceived threats. Chronic stress can leave individuals feeling exhausted yet wired, emotionally numb, or lacking joy and motivation.

#AnxietyRecovery #ChronicStress #MentalHealthAwareness #NervousSystemHealth #GinaRyan #AnxietyCoachesPodcast #StressRelief #SelfCare #BurnoutRecovery #HealingJourney #Mindfulness #TiredButWired #MentalWellness #SelfCompassion #PolyvagalTheory #StressManagement #AnxietySupport #EmotionalWellness #InnerPeace #Overwhelmed #ACP

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today's episode, Gina addresses two listener questions regarding how anxiety related sensations and the beliefs about them are related and how we can use this relationship to our advantage in overcoming anxiety. Becoming more accepting of discomfort and understanding that such experiential states are temporary can go a long way in enabling our anxiety recovery process. Listen in and grow your sense of acceptance, curiosity and self-kindness 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!

Chapters

0:26 Welcome to the Anxiety Coaches Podcast

2:18 Understanding Limiting Beliefs

4:04 A Life-Changing Perspective

6:33 The Connection Between Listeners

8:00 Responding to Anxiety Differently

10:29 Expanding Our Window of Tolerance

13:59 Changing Relationships with Thoughts

15:49 Embracing Discomfort for Healing

Summary

In this episode, I dive deep into the interplay between anxiety sensations and the beliefs that fuel them. I start by addressing an essential concept: that nothing in the body is permanent, even if it feels that way during an anxious episode. This foundational idea sets the stage for understanding why anxiety sensations can seem so overwhelming and real. Often, the core struggle isn't just the discomfort of the sensation itself, but rather the belief attached to it—beliefs that often convey danger or a sense of permanence.

Today's discussion is inspired by two listener inquiries that, while seemingly different, stem from a common thread of inquiry into the nature of belief. One listener grapples with the conviction that certain uncomfortable sensations, like an unrelenting itch, signify an unchangeable state of existence. They express feeling trapped in a cycle of anxiety, convinced that the discomfort equates to a serious, unending condition. I assure this listener and others experiencing similar issues that their feelings are not just valid, but also widely experienced by many on their anxiety journeys.

In juxtaposition, I share another listener's transformative insight. Mary reflects on how my previous discussions helped her reframe a nagging sense of fear tied to physical sensations. She articulates that understanding her safety in the moment—despite her anxiety’s insistence to the contrary—has shifted her perception of discomfort. This transition is crucial; it illustrates how recognizing the difference between feeling and danger can empower individuals to reclaim their mental peace, even in the presence of anxiety.

#AnxietyCoachesPodcast #AnxietyRecovery #GinaRyan #MentalHealth #AnxietyRelief #Mindfulness #NervousSystem #AnxietySupport #HealingJourney #OvercomingAnxiety #HealthAnxiety #SomaticHealing #MindBodyConnection #WindowOfTolerance #PanicAttackRecovery #SelfCare #InnerPeace #StressManagement #NervousSystemRegulation #MentalWellness #AnxietySensations #JonKabatZinn #Mooji #MindfulLiving #ChronicStress #EmotionalHealing #SafetyFirst #FearOfPermanence #HolisticHealing #MentalHealthAwareness #AnxietyTips #BrainRetraining #Neuroplasticity #SelfCompassion #CalmYourMind #FightOrFlight #Vagus Nerve #SomaticAwareness #PanicRelief #AnxietyClearing #MentalHealthWarrior #PeaceOfMind #WellnessJourney #MeditationPractice #SelfHealing #CognitiveReframing #IntrusiveThoughts #GeneralizedAnxiety #SocialAnxiety #Breathwork #SafeInMyBody #MindsetMatters #InternalItch #BodyScanning #AnxietyManagement #StressReduction #HealthyMind

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today's episode, Gina discusses why anxiety can be resistant when trying to address it directly. Through acceptance and curiosity, we can come to better understand our anxiety without causing it to flare up and become worse. Listen in for strategies on how to attend to your anxiety gently, with an open heart, and without undue force.

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!

Chapters

0:26 Welcome to the Anxiety Coaches Podcast

2:59 The Trap of Fixing Mode

7:20 Understanding Anxiety's Persistence

9:50 Changing Your Relationship with Anxiety

13:49 Practical Strategies for Relief

15:25 Healing Through Compassion and Patience

Summary

In this insightful episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, I delve into the often misunderstood relationship between anxiety and our efforts to manage it. I explore the counterproductive nature of trying to "fix" anxiety and how this can inadvertently reinforce its presence in our lives. Instead of viewing anxiety as an adversary to conquer, I encourage listeners to reconsider their approach and shift to a mindset of coexistence and understanding.

Drawing on the themes from our recent discussions, I highlight that anxiety, while challenging, is a natural human experience. It’s important to differentiate between healthy stress that comes and goes and anxiety that lingers, causing distress. Many of us fall into the trap of fixing mode, believing that we must eliminate anxiety entirely before we can lead fulfilling lives. This perspective can lead to constant self-monitoring, excessive reassurance-seeking, and avoidance behaviors that ultimately entrench our anxiety rather than alleviate it.

The episode emphasizes the paradox that comes with the insistence to fix anxiety. Every time we obsessively monitor our feelings or seek validation from others, we signal to our nervous system that something is amiss, thus heightening our anxiety rather than softening it. I propose a radical shift in our mindset—inviting listeners to treat anxiety not as a problem, but as a companion on the journey of life. By putting anxiety in the backseat, we can focus on meaningful experiences and activities, regardless of its presence.

#Anxiety #Stress #MentalHealth #AnxietyCoachesPodcast #GinaRyan #AnxietyRecovery #NervousSystem #Safety #Mindfulness #Healing #SelfCare #InnerPeace #Calm #Psychology #Wellness #Acceptance #CarlJung #OvercomingAnxiety #PanicAttack #MentalWellbeing #HolisticHealth #AnxietyTips #MentalHealthMatters #HealthAnxiety #MindBody #RecoveryJourney #EndResistance #Allowing #Compassion #EmotionalIntelligence #Neuroscience #SelfHealing #AnxietySupport #MindfulLiving #StressRelief #VagusNerve #MentalHealth2026 #BreakTheLoop #ACP

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today's episode, Gina discusses an important consideration for anxiety recovery: that anxiety recovery does not imply a consistently calm nervous system. Your nervous system is here to do a job: keep you alive. Sometimes, you need to get excitement and activation to enable you to make corrections for yourself or your environment. Listen in to reframe your anxiety recovery expectations and prepare for authentic, full-on living!

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!

Chapters

0:26 Welcome to the Anxiety Coaches Podcast

1:55 Rethinking Anxiety and Healing

4:03 The Myth of Constant Calm

6:12 Understanding Nervous System Flexibility

8:59 Embracing Our Emotions

11:23 The Dangers of Chasing Calm

14:28 Trusting Our Body's Signals

17:26 Building Resilience Through Activation

19:48 Capacity Over Calm

20:52 Closing Thoughts and Acknowledgments

Summary

In this episode, I delve into the misconception that a healed or regulated nervous system equates to feeling calm all the time. It is crucial to challenge this notion, as the idea that healing consists of constant tranquility can actually hinder our progress on our healing journeys. I explore the reality that experiencing anxiety does not negate the healing work we've done; rather, it’s a normal part of being human. Many people grapple with feelings of inadequacy when they compare their internal experiences to how others appear on the surface, which often leads to unnecessary self-doubt.

Throughout our discussion, I aim to unpack the myth that constant calmness is synonymous with a healthy nervous system. It's vital to realize that life will invariably activate us, and our approach should not be to avoid these feelings but to learn to move through them. Embracing our experiences—be they anxious thoughts or bodily sensations—without fear allows us to build resilience. This shifts our focus from striving for a state of perpetual calm to recognizing that our nervous system is designed to respond and recover from activation.

I quote psychiatrist Mark Epstein to drive home the point: "Healing is not about eliminating pain, but about changing our relationship to it." Our society often promotes calmness as the ultimate goal, suggesting that peace is a reachable destination. While calmness is valuable, it can also become a performance metric that distorts our perception of healing. I've observed that many people mistakenly believe a healthy nervous system is one that remains completely undisturbed, when in reality, it is all about flexibility—having a system that can engage and settle in response to life’s demands.

#AnxietyCoachesPodcast #GinaRyan #CalmIsNotTheGoal #BefriendYourNervousSystem #CapacityOverCalm #RespondNotReact #FullCatastropheLiving #TheWormhole #HealingIsAJourney #AnxietyWarrior #BeGentleWithYourself #ACP

#NervousSystemRegulation #PolyvagalTheory #VagusNerve #HeartRateVariability #SomaticHealing #NervousSystemHealth #WindowOfTolerance #SomaticAwareness #Neuroplasticity #BodyMindSoul

#PsychologicalFlexibility #EmotionalResilience #ResilienceBuilding #SelfCompassion #MindfulnessPractice #MentalStrength #EmotionalIntelligence #InnerPeace #TrustYourBody #HealingFromWithin

#AnxietyRelief #MentalHealthMatters #StressManagement #PanicAttackRecovery #MentalWellness #WellnessJourney #OvercomingAnxiety #HealingIsPossible #MindfulnessMeditation #SelfHealing

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today's episode, Gina discusses why anxiety can become stronger in January and how to cope with it. A review of how the holidays can upset our lives and nervous systems is shared. The biological consequences of winter, including shorter days, are covered. Listen in for strategies on how to navigate the stronger turbulence of anxiety in January.

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:

In winter, we must protect our energy, conserving it for the spring.

-Eknath Easwaran

Chapters

0:26 Introduction to January Anxiety

4:17 Understanding Post-Holiday Anxiety

9:06 The Biological Impact of January

11:01 Emotional Whiplash in January

14:36 Reframing January's Expectations

16:48 Gentle Supports for January Anxiety

18:42 Closing Thoughts on January Healing

Summary

In this episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, I delve into the often-overlooked reasons why anxiety can intensify during January. As we transition from the whirlwind of the holidays into the stillness of a new year, many individuals may find themselves feeling an unexpected heaviness or discomfort. I want to emphasize that if your anxiety feels more pronounced right now, please know that you're not alone and there's nothing wrong with you. This experience is more common than you might think, and I aim to provide insight and understanding into these feelings.

I begin by addressing the post-holiday letdown, which is a feeling that many people struggle to articulate. The holidays often come with significant social stimulation, changes in routine, and increased sensory input. While this can bring moments of joy and connection, it also places our nervous systems under pressure. Once January arrives, the contrast of a quieter, less stimulating environment can lead to feelings of anxiety resurfacing. It’s crucial to recognize that this doesn’t mean we’re regressing in our healing journey; rather, it reflects our nervous system's way of processing accumulated stressors.

I highlight the biological impacts of January, where factors such as shorter days and reduced sunlight can profoundly affect our mood and energy levels. The winter season inherently asks us to slow down, yet our modern lives often conflict with this natural rhythm. This friction may manifest as heightened anxiety, which is not a sign of personal failure but rather a response to the seasonal demands on our bodies.

#anxiety #januaryanxiety #mentalhealth #anxietyrecovery #nervoussystem #selfcare #ginaryan #anxietycoachespodcast #mentalhealthmatters #winterwellness #healingjourney #postholidayblues #stressrelief #mindfulness #selfcompassion #nervoussystemhealth #restismedicine #wellness #mentalhealthawareness #anxietysupport #seasonalaffective #calm #innerpeace #recovery #holistichealth #breathe #mentalwellness #healing #stressmanagement #healthandwellness #ACP

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today's episode, Gina discusses the brain and contemporary thought concerning the plastic and changeable nature of the brain. The ability of individuals to exploit the brain's adaptability with their own minds and guidance is highlighted. Specific steps to change your brain and reduce your anxiety are included.

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!

Chapters

0:26 Embracing the Changeable Brain

3:38 The Power of Mindfulness

6:20 Understanding Anxiety and Hope

8:11 The Role of Repetition in Change

9:45 Practical Steps for Transformation

12:57 Taking Responsibility for Change

Summary

In this episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, I dive into the fascinating concept of the changeable brain, exploring the implications of neuroplasticity and its profound effects on our mental health. Traditionally, many of us were led to believe that our brains reach a fixed state in adulthood, but recent scientific breakthroughs reveal an exciting reality: our brains are not hardwired and, instead, possess remarkable adaptability and the capacity to change throughout our lives. This understanding offers a sense of hope, empowering us to take charge of our mental wellness.

I emphasize the importance of retraining our brains to navigate away from anxiety. To break free from the anxiety cycle, we must forge new neuropathways while simultaneously dismantling the old ones that tether us to fear. This process is not merely an academic exercise; it happens organically as our brains utilize the remnants of old pathways to build new connections. Thus, whether we consciously train our brains or not, change is inevitable, making it essential for us to guide that change purposefully.

Mindfulness emerges as a cornerstone in this journey, enabling us to cultivate awareness and intentionality in our daily lives. I discuss the impactful role that mindfulness plays in breaking free from automatic responses, compelling us to engage more fully with our thoughts and experiences. By becoming vigilant about our mental habits, we create space for healthier, more peaceful thoughts to flourish. I draw an analogy of a rider managing a horse; just as the rider must train the horse to move in the desired direction, we must learn to direct our thoughts consciously to foster the change we seek.

#anxiety, #neuroplasticity, #mentalhealth, #mindfulness, #anxietyrecovery, #brainhealth, #stressrelief, #wellness, #selfcare, #personalgrowth, #healing, #mindset, #calm, #podcast, #mentalwellness, #ginaryan, #anxietycoachespodcast, #brainplasticity, #overcominganxiety, #meditation, #intentionality, #selfhealing, #neuroscience, #mentalhealthmatters, #innerpeace, #journaling, #anxietysupport, #healthyliving, #positivity, #growthmindset

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today's episode, Gina shares her thoughts and feelings about the cold winter snow, and how harmonizing with the seasons can help us support our nervous system health. The episode will help you turn into the wisdom of the earth, ground yourself in the present moment, and find more space to breathe. Listen in and turn the cold winter day into the perfect setting for rest, healing and reflection.

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!

Chapters

0:26 Embracing Winter's Lessons

2:23 Winter's Impact on the Nervous System

5:29 The Gift of Patience

6:49 Rest as Restoration

7:44 Physical Benefits of Cold

9:45 The Calming Power of Snow

10:59 Community in the Cold

12:01 Self-Trust and Wisdom

13:19 Winter as a Teacher

15:14 Reflecting on Winter's Gifts

Summary

In this episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, we delve into an unexpected topic: how winter can serve as a powerful ally in managing anxiety. I'm Gina Ryan, and I reflect on my personal journey as I navigate my first winter in Central New York after spending over two decades in the perpetual warmth of Hawaii. Moving from the lush, vibrant landscapes of Hawaii to the cold and snowy winters of New York has been a challenging yet transformative experience for me, sparking insights on the health benefits that winter can offer our nervous systems and mental health.

I begin by discussing how the cold weather presents a mild, steady stressor that can unintentionally bolster our nervous systems. Each encounter with the cold, from the first sharp breath of freezing air to the challenges of navigating snow-covered pathways, acts as a form of natural exposure therapy. Instead of succumbing to panic, we are encouraged to build resilience and presence, fostering a sense of calm amid discomfort. This winter, rather than viewing the season as something to endure, I invite listeners to consider how it can teach us tolerance and mental strength, emphasizing compassion for ourselves as we adapt to environmental challenges.

Moreover, winter grants us permission to embrace rest and reflection. I observe how nature instinctively slows down during this season, from the hibernation of wildlife to the way the trees withdraw. This natural pause offers us the rare opportunity to step back from our relentless productivity and find restoration in stillness. I share my own experience of improved sleep rhythms and a deeper emotional processing that arises when life becomes less hectic. In a world that often glorifies busyness, winter stands as a testament to the power of slowness and presence.

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For the last episode of 2025, Gina helps listeners start the new year off right with a large number of healing affirmations. These affirmations are designed specifically to help inspire hope and peace in listeners who may be struggling with stress, worry and doubt. Start 2026 with more hope, peace and calm with this useful episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast. Happy New Year.

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?

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Quote

And suddenly you know: It’s time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings.

-Meister Eckhart

Chapters

0:26 New Year's Eve Reflections

3:02 Embracing Change and Intentions

8:32 Affirmations for the Year Ahead

11:31 Cultivating Hope and Resilience

14:12 Closing Thoughts for a New Year

Summary

In this New Year's Eve episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, I take the opportunity to reflect on the transition between the old year and the new, inviting listeners to embrace a time of hope and possibility. As we gather in this moment, whether you're relaxing at home or enjoying a gentle walk, I want you to feel the invitation to believe in your own healing journey. It’s important to recognize that you are capable of transformation, and that change is not a far-off dream, but an attainable reality for each of us.

The discussion navigates the complexities of anxiety and the doubt that often accompanies it. I emphasize that our nervous systems are not prisoners of circumstance; they are adaptable. Healing is a biological process accessible to everyone, requiring practice, awareness, and compassion. We explore how to cultivate a mindset that supports the kind of environment where healing can flourish, rather than setting resolutions that may feel like pressure. These intentions, like being kind to oneself and recognizing feelings of safety, serve as softer guides, leading to gradual transformation.

Throughout the episode, I invite you to consider three reflective questions designed to connect you to your inner self and facilitate your healing journey. These inquiries aim to uncover what part of you longs for healing, what small changes have made a difference in past times, and what you wish to believe about yourself moving forward. These are not demands but gentle explorations meant to plant seeds for growth that can flourish in their own time.

#AnxietyCoachesPodcast #GinaRyan #AnxietyRecovery #PanicAttackRelief #StressManagement #MentalHealthMatters #NewYearNewMindset #HealingIsPossible #NervousSystemRegulation #SelfCompassion #Mindfulness #Grounding #Breathwork #NewYearIntentions #MentalWellness #Neuroplasticity #HealingJourney #InnerPeace #Calm #NewBeginnings #SelfCareDaily #ChronicStress #MentalHealthSupport #OvercomingAnxiety #MindfulLiving #Affirmations #DailyAffirmations #HealingIsBiological #SmallStepsHeal #BelieveInHealing #BeginAgain #Hope #Resilience #EmotionalWellness #PeacefulMind #MentalHealthAwareness #YouAreNotBroken #NervousSystemHealing #BodyAwareness #FreshStart #HealingIsAProcess #TrustTheProcess #AnxietySupport #PanicRecovery #StressRelief #MindsetShift #HealingEnergy #SelfHealing #AnxietyWarrior #NewYear2026

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In today's episode, Gina talks about developing a flexibility of mind to help us overcome our anxiety and strengthen our resolve against future flare ups of anxiety. The anxious mind tends to be rigid and not flexible. Listen in for suggestions on how to stay flexible and reduce rigidity in your mind!

HOW TO BE YOURSELF

 Quiet Your Inner Critic and Rise Above Social Anxiety

 Ellen Hendriksen, Ph.D.

 http://bit.ly/htbyanxiety

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FREE MUST-HAVE RESOURCE FOR Calming Your Anxious Mind

10-Minute Body-Scan Meditation for Anxiety

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ACPGroupCoaching.com

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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!

Chapters

0:26 Introduction to Flexible Mind

3:02 Body Awareness and Muscle Relaxation

5:50 The Power of the Pause

7:07 Staying with Anxiety

10:15 Creating Space in the Moment

11:32 Letting Go of Control

13:02 Embracing What Is

15:34 Connecting Mind and Body

16:46 Staying Curious and Open

Summary

In this episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, I delve into the contrasting dynamics between a flexible mind and an anxious mind. My aim is to provide listeners with insights on how to transition from a state of anxiety to one of mental flexibility, allowing for greater peace and calm in our lives. The discussion begins by highlighting the rigidity that often accompanies anxiety, likening our anxious mindset to a tightly wound structure—brittle and prone to breaking under pressure.

I explore the ways in which life changes, stress, and frustration contribute to our inflexible thinking, causing us to feel overwhelmed and perhaps on the verge of snapping. Recognizing this pattern is the first step towards transformation. I introduce six actionable strategies that can help us cultivate a more flexible mindset. Each strategy serves as a tool to counteract the tightness and rigidity we feel when anxiety takes over.

The first strategy emphasizes the importance of awareness around physical tension in our bodies, particularly in areas such as the shoulders and jaw. I encourage listeners to check in with their physical state regularly, practicing intentional release of tight muscles to foster a sense of relaxation that communicates safety to the mind. The second point focuses on the power of the pause—taking a moment to breathe and create space before responding to stress. This allows us to break the habitual response cycle and choose a more mindful reaction.

#AnxietyRelief #MentalHealthMatters #Mindfulness #AnxietyCoachesPodcast #GinaRyan #StressReduction #CopingSkills #InnerPeace #NervousSystemHealing #LetGo #MindfulLiving #OvercomingAnxiety #MentalWellness #SelfCare #EmotionalIntelligence #FloatingTechnique #RestAndDigest #HolisticHealing #StayCurious #FlexibleMind #ACP

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.