Understanding and Rewiring Your Anxiety: Tools for Navigating Fear

In this episode of 'Swearing is Allowed,' psychotherapist Haley Veronyak dives into the theme of fear for October. Focusing on anxiety, Haley explains that it's not a flaw but a protective strategy from our nervous system. She discusses how anxiety manifests in daily behaviors like over-functioning, people-pleasing, and perfectionism, often rooted in past survival strategies. Haley offers actionable tools to recognize and soften these patterns, helping you develop new responses and a sense of safety. The episode also addresses how to handle guilt when setting boundaries and provides journal prompts for self-reflection.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:24 Understanding Fear and Anxiety

00:51 The Genius of Anxiety

01:01 Anxiety as a Survival Strategy

02:08 Modern Threats and Miscalibrated Anxiety

03:42 Protective Behaviors and Their Impact

06:02 Shifting Patterns and Creating New Behaviors

10:47 Answering Listener Questions

13:30 Personal Reflections on Anxiety

15:56 Weekly Journal Prompts and Conclusion

16:51 Podcast Disclaimer