E 218 Why Your Anxiety Coping Strategy Might Be Inside Out
Description
I just recorded a fascinating episode about anxiety that I had to share with you. I've been diving into this incredible book called "Anxiety Rx" by Dr. Russell Kennedy, and it's completely shifted how I think about anxiety management.
Here's what blew my mind: We've been approaching anxiety backward!
Instead of trying to think our way out of anxiety, we need to start with our bodies first. You see, when we experience trauma (and yes, that includes things like rejection or feeling shame – stuff we've all been through), those emotions get stored in our body as "alarms." Sometimes these alarms go off and we don't even know why.
What happens next? Our brain tries to "help" by creating what Dr. Kennedy hilariously calls "brain droppings" – all those worrying thoughts that are really just distractions from what we're feeling in our body.
The solution? Feel, don't think. I know, I know – easier said than done! But there's this beautiful practice Dr. Kennedy suggests:
- Place your hand on your heart (or wherever you feel the anxiety)
- Take slow, deep breaths
- Simply say to yourself: "I am safe in this moment"
It's about treating that anxious part of yourself like you would a scared child – with compassion and understanding, not judgment.
In this episode, I break down:
- The ALARMS system (what creates anxiety in the first place)
- Why worry is just a distraction
- Practical tools to work with your body instead of your mind
- The ABCDE method for anxiety management
Want to learn more? Listen to or Watch the full episode below. And if you're struggling with anxiety right now, remember – I offer free anxiety audits where we can talk about what's going on and create a plan just for you, even if we never work together formally.
Your anxiety doesn't have to be a life sentence. There are tools, there is hope, and there is a community here ready to support you.
P.S. If you found this helpful, please share it with someone who might need it. We're all in this together. 💜
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