

The Anxiety Coaches Podcast
Gina Ryan
The Anxiety Coaches Podcast brings you a relaxing and inspiring show sharing lifestyle changes to calm your nervous system and help you heal Anxiety, Panic, Stress, and PTSD for life!We Bring you two episodes every week. There is no need to walk this path alone. Subscribe for a relaxing, informative, and inspiring time and start your journey into more peace and calm today.Find meditations, info about stress, anxiety, healthy living, and more at https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.comListen Ad-Free for less than $0.17 per day! https://anxietycoaches.supercast.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 28, 2025 • 14min
1145: Classic ACP 8 Ways Positive Actions Help Reduce Anxiety
In today's episode, Gina discusses the importance positive
thinking can have for our anxiety recovery. A number of powerful
positive thinking prompts are provided. Listen in, start thinking more
positively and reduce your anxiety 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 Mind10-Minute Body-Scan Meditation for Anxiety Anxiety Coaches Podcast Group Coaching linkACPGroupCoaching.comTo learn more, go to:Website https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.comJoin our Group Coaching Full or Mini Membership ProgramLearn 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:We shall see but a little way if we require to understand what we see.-Henry David Thoreau Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 25, 2025 • 17min
1144: Classic ACP Loving Your Anxious Lizard Brain For More Peace And Calm
In today's episode, Gina covers the important topic of the lizard
brain and how to handle it to feel better now. The three stages of the
brain are defined and the relationship between the lizard brain and
anxiety is discussed. Specific behaviors that help soothe the lizard
brain and reduce anxiety are included. Listen in 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 Mind10-Minute Body-Scan Meditation for Anxiety Anxiety Coaches Podcast Group Coaching linkACPGroupCoaching.comTo learn more, go to:Website https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.comJoin our Group Coaching Full or Mini Membership ProgramLearn 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
can’t change who you are, but you can change what you have in your
head, you can refresh what you’re thinking about, you can put some fresh
air in your brain. -Ernesto BertarelliChapters0:27 Embracing Your Inner Lizard2:55 Understanding the Lizard Brain6:01 The Role of Other Brain Parts7:29 Techniques to Pet the Lizard11:43 Reassuring Your Inner Lizard15:03 Managing the Overactive Lizard16:06 Conclusion and ReflectionSummaryIn this episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, we delve into
an intriguing concept: loving your inner lizard brain to foster more
peace and calm in your life. Understanding the lizard brain is crucial,
as it plays a significant role in the anxiety landscape. We explore its
origins and functions, emphasizing that this ancient part of our brain,
often referred to as the amygdala, is deeply intertwined with our
survival instincts. It's designed to protect us by triggering responses
to perceived danger, making it essential for our safety throughout
evolution.I take listeners through an understanding of how the
lizard brain operates, highlighting its responsibility for our primal
instincts—fear, hunger, and arousal. This instinctual focus on survival,
while necessary, often leads to anxiety when the amygdala becomes
overly reactive. Instead of viewing the lizard brain as an enemy in our
mental wellness journey, I advocate for a compassionate approach,
encouraging listeners to "pet the lizard" and reassure it that
everything is okay. By acknowledging and tending to this primal part of
our brain, we can better navigate our daily anxieties.#anxiety#lizardbrain#amygdala#ancientbrain#reptilianbrain#survivalinstincts#fear#stresshormones#calmingtechniques#selfsoothing#mindfulness#breathingexercises#bodyawareness#relaxation#innerchild#emotionalregulation#safety#presentmoment#overcominganxiety#anxietycoach#podcast#emotionalintelligence#selfawareness#nervoussystemregulation#traumainformed#stressmanagement#copingmechanisms#anxietyrelief#mentalwellness#psychologicalwellbeing#mindbodyconnection#innerpeace#resilience#emotionalhealth#brainscience#psychology#wellbeing#mentalhealth#GinaRyan#ACP#AnxietyCoachesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 21, 2025 • 17min
1143: Feeling the Feelings: The Hidden Key to Healing Anxiety
In today's episode, Gina discusses the value of acknowledging and
experiencing our emotions around various circumstances in our lives.
Repressed emotions can affect our bodies and minds for long periods of
time, after we have ignored difficult emotions and brushed them aside.
The importance of feeling our feelings can be well understood in the
example set by Dr. John Sarno's work with pain and repressed emotions.
Listen in to learn how to unlock another key to recovering from anxiety.
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 Mind10-Minute Body-Scan Meditation for Anxiety Anxiety Coaches Podcast Group Coaching linkACPGroupCoaching.comTo learn more, go to:Website https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.comJoin our Group Coaching Full or Mini Membership ProgramLearn 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:What you resist not only persists, but will grow in size.-Carl JungChapters0:26 Introduction to Healing Anxiety5:19 Understanding Emotions and the Body8:33 The Cycle of Avoidance11:47 Steps to Acknowledge Feelings15:57 Embracing the Healing JourneySummaryIn
this episode, I delve into the crucial practice of feeling our feelings
and how this essential step can unlock healing from anxiety. Although
the phrase “feel your feelings” is often heard, I invite you to reflect
on whether you truly embrace the concept or if it creates resistance
within you. My goal today is to shed light on the unseen burdens we
carry, frequently without realizing it, and to emphasize that allowing
ourselves to process emotions isn't merely a tender topic—it's a key to
reclaiming our natural state of peace and calm.I discuss how
suppressing emotions leads to an internal buildup that affects both the
mind and body. Many of us navigate life, donning a smile and
white-knuckling through adversity, yet beneath the surface, we may feel
restless or anxious, often unable to pinpoint the cause. This
unprocessed emotional weight can sometimes manifest as various physical
symptoms—ranging from digestive issues to headaches. I stress the
importance of recognizing these signals, understanding that these
physical sensations can be the body's way of reaching out, signaling
that there are feelings that need to be felt and processed.Throughout
our conversation, we explore how emotions influence our physiology,
causing measurable changes in blood flow, hormonal levels, and even
muscle tension. I discuss the cyclical nature of anxiety and how
unacknowledged feelings can create a loop of discomfort and anxiety,
amplifying physical symptoms and leading to a cascade of avoidance
behaviors. As we unpack this cycle, I encourage a shift in
perspective—viewing anxiety not as an adversary but as a messenger
calling for our attention and understanding.#anxiety#emotionalhealing#feelingthefeelings#unprocessedemotions#mindbodyconnection#suppressedemotions#anxietyasmessenger#carljung#panicattack#overstimulation#nervoussystem#fightorflight#stressresponse#groundingtechniques#copingstrategies#mentalhealth#emotionalregulation#breathingexercises#presentmoment#selfcompassion#anxietycoachespodcast#ACP#GinaRyan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 18, 2025 • 18min
1142: Am I Going Crazy? - A Grounding Conversation On Anxiety And Panic
In today's episode, Gina discusses the fears around the thoughts
"Am I going crazy?" and its close relatives that people with anxiety
often suffer with. Specific advice is provided on how to deal with
these thoughts and it is explained why you don't need to be afraid.
Breathing and checking in with yourself can go a long way. After you
learn your are in an anxiety reaction and your understanding of reality
is temporarily skewed, everything can change for you. Listen in and get
closer to leaving your anxiety behind 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:
You are not the storm. You are the sky it moves through.
-Unknown
Chapters
0:26 Introduction to Anxiety
2:05 Common Question: Am I Going Crazy?
3:17 Understanding Panic and Anxiety Responses
7:08 How to Cope During Panic Episodes
9:23 The Power of Grounding Techniques
12:22 Moving Beyond Anxiety
14:04 The Importance of Self-Compassion
16:50 Closing Thoughts and Healing Insights
Summary
In today’s episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, I delve into a question that many individuals grappling with anxiety often ask: "Am I going crazy?" This inquiry is not just an expression of fear; it reflects a deeper, shared human experience that arises when we find ourselves overwhelmed and seeking relief from the tumult of anxiety and panic. I want to reassure those who have found themselves whispering or even shouting this question during moments of distress that you are not alone. The frequency with which I encounter this question—whether in coaching sessions, online forums, or spontaneous conversations—underscores its universal nature.
I share from personal experience the debilitating sensations that accompany heightened anxiety, where the mind races with worst-case scenarios and the body feels out of control. It’s in these intense moments that individuals may convince themselves they are losing their grip on reality. However, I firmly emphasize that these overwhelming sensations are not indicators of madness, but rather physiological responses to stress. By examining the science behind panic and anxiety, I aim to ground listeners in awareness of their bodily reactions.
#anxiety
#panicattack
#amigoingcrazy
#overstimulation
#nervoussystem
#fightorflight
#stressresponse
#groundingtechniques
#copingstrategies
#mentalhealth
#emotionalregulation
#breathingexercises
#presentmoment
#selfcompassion
#anxietycoach
#podcast
#anxietyrelief
#panicdisorder
#fearoflosingcontrol
#derealization
#depersonalization
#racingmind
#physicalanxiety
#falsealarm
#physiologicalresponse
#managinganxiety
#calmingtechniques
#sensorygrounding
#seekingsupport
#selfkindness
#anxietyhealing
#trustyourself
#emotionaloverwhelm
#anxietycoaching
#ginaryan
#anxietycoachespodcast
#ACP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 14, 2025 • 16min
1141: Classic Acp Getting Beyond Anxiety
In today's episode, Gina discusses the overall process of getting
beyond anxiety. Fundamental to this discussion is the distinction
between sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. All the tools
we study through ACP are here to help us restore our ability to return
to our parasympathetic (rest and digest) nervous system. Listen in for
advice on integrating all the tools with the overall goal of living
beyond anxiety.
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:
Stress is an ignorant state. It believes everything is an emergency. Nothing can be that important,
-Natalie Goldberg
Chapters
0:27 Introduction to Overcoming Anxiety
4:40 Tools for Managing Anxiety
8:09 Understanding the Nervous System
12:19 Embracing Acceptance Over Fear
14:32 Closing Thoughts and Listener Engagement
Summary
In this episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, I delve deep into the journey of overcoming anxiety, emphasizing the fundamental need to move beyond managing symptoms to genuinely surpassing them. Inspired by Viktor Frankl’s quote, I highlight the crucial space between stimulus and response, where our freedom and power reside. It is imperative to understand that this space is not merely a pause but a pivotal moment for growth and happiness, especially when navigating the tumultuous waters of anxiety, panic, and PTSD.
I discuss the significant difference between managing anxiety—through tips, tricks, and props that only keep it at bay—and the transformative process of moving beyond it entirely. While coping mechanisms are necessary to help us navigate daily challenges, they should never become a crutch that defines our existence. We often utilize these techniques to alleviate acute anxiety, allowing us to momentarily calm the storm and gain a broader perspective on our experiences. This episode challenges you to recognize that accepting and surrendering to your feelings, as daunting as they may seem, is a crucial step towards genuine relief.
Accepting anxiety is not the same as embracing it; it is about understanding that real change must come from within. I stress the importance of taking personal accountability in this journey, shifting away from the desire for external solutions, and recognizing the internal nature of this transformation.
#anxiety
#overcominganxiety
#beyondanxiety
#anxietymanagement
#anxietyrelief
#mentalhealth
#nervoussystem
#stressresponse
#acceptance
#surrender
#innerpeace
#freedomfromanxiety
#fearoffear
#viktorfrankl
#anxietycoachespodcast
#gettingbeyondanxiety
#stimulusandresponse
#chooseyourresponse
#clearanxiety
#anxietytoolsandtips
#GinaRyan
#ACP
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 11, 2025 • 19min
1140: Rewiring Anxiety: Claire Weekes Meets Polyvagal Theory
In today's episode, Gina discusses Dr. Claire Weekes' monumental
approach to overcoming and healing anxiety in the context of Dr. Stephen
Porges' science based lens of Polyvagal Theory. Claire Weekes'
approach to overcoming anxiety is outlined and clear connections are
drawn with the science behind Polyvalgal Theory. Through this
discussion, clear understanding of scientific reasoning and principles
underpinning Clair Weekes' approach to healing anxiety emerges. Listen
in and become better equipped to overcome your anxiety and understand
why the process works!
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:
The more we feel safe, the less we are triggered by stress and fear.
-Stephen Porges
And
The greatest mistake you can make with anxiety is fearing it. The moment you stop fearing, you start healing.
-Claire Weekes
Chapters
0:26 Introduction to Healing Anxiety
2:09 Settling Into the Conversation
3:21 Bridging Two Perspectives
9:36 Understanding Polyvagal Theory
15:03 Integrating Claire Weeks and Polyvagal Insights
16:33 Embracing a New Approach to Anxiety
17:15 Closing Thoughts and Invitation
Summary
In this episode, I delve into the intersection of two
profound frameworks for understanding anxiety: the teachings of Dr.
Claire Weeks and the polyvagal theory developed by Dr. Stephen Porges. I
aim to illuminate how these two perspectives can complement and enhance
our relationship with anxiety, focusing not on eradicating it, but on
understanding and working with it in a compassionate manner.
We
begin by grounding ourselves in the essence of Dr. Claire Weeks' wisdom.
Weeks was a trailblazer in the treatment of anxiety, offering a message
that resonated deeply with those struggling with panic and fear. Her
approach emphasizes that anxiety is not a pathology but rather a natural
response, and she passionately reinforced the idea that recovery is
achievable. Her method, encapsulated in four critical steps—facing,
accepting, floating through, and allowing time to heal—provides a gentle
yet powerful framework for engaging with anxiety. I explore each of
these steps, illustrating how facing the fear can diminish its hold on
us, accepting our current feelings can foster healing, and floating
through the sensations can transform our experience from one of
resistance to one of ease.
Having established the foundations
laid down by Weeks, I then transition to the polyvagal theory, a
scientific framework that elucidates how our nervous system responds to
cues of safety and threat.
#Anxiety
#AnxietyRelief
#PanicAttack
#PolyvagalTheory
#ClaireWeeks
#NervousSystem
#MentalHealth
#Wellbeing
#HealingJourney
#MindBody
#Neuroscience
#SelfCare
#Resilience
#TraumaInformed (given the discussion of nervous system states)
#Acceptance
#FacingFear
#LettingGo
#TimeHeals
#SafetySignals
#ConnectionMatters
#ACP
#AnxietyCoachesPodcast
#GinaRyan
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 7, 2025 • 16min
1139: Classic ACP 14 Tips For Dealing With Surging Stress
In today's episode, Gina shares 14 steps to help you handle the
high stress of the contemporary world. From caffeine elimination and
increased sleep to counting to ten and other simple ideas. these steps
will help you get a grip during moments of intense stress. Listen in
today and become better able to take on the world and feel better!
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:
How
we perceive a situation and how we react to it is the basis of our
stress. If you focus on the negative in any situation, you can expect
high stress levels. However, if you try and see the good in the
situation, your stress levels will greatly diminish.
–Catherine Pulsifer
Chapters
0:26 Introduction to Stress Management
2:46 Strategies for Surging Stress
7:50 Tips 1-7 for Coping
11:21 Tips 8-14 for Relief
14:00 Conclusion and Reflection
Summary
In this episode, I'm sharing 14 effective strategies to help manage rising stress levels in our increasingly hectic lives. With the myriad of challenges we face, it's essential to recognize the symptoms of stress before they escalate into overwhelming anxiety or panic attacks. As we go through these techniques, I emphasize the importance of being proactive about self-care while also adapting our routines to find balance amidst chaos.
First, I discuss the concept of taking a timeout through activities like yoga, listening to calming music, or practicing meditation. These brief moments of respite can help clear our minds and bring us back to a state of calm. Alongside this, I highlight the necessity of eating balanced meals. Nutrition plays a fundamental role in our well-being, and I advocate for mindful eating habits—stressing the importance of avoiding processed meals and sugars that can exacerbate anxiety.
I also delve into the impact of caffeine and alcohol on our mental state. These substances can aggravate anxiety, and I encourage listeners to consider eliminating them during stressful times to aid in their healing process. Sleep is another critical area we can't overlook; I remind everyone to prioritize rest and recognize their individual sleep needs, encouraging the adaptation of sleep routines that suit them best.
#anxietyrelief
#stressreduction
#managinganxiety
#overcomingstress
#calmingtechniques
#selfsoothing
#emotionalwellness
#mentalwellbeing
#stresscopingskills
#mindfulliving
#deepbreathing
#nutritiouseating
#qualitysleep
#dailyexercise
#findinghumor
#cultivatingpositivity
#communitysupport
#identifyingtriggers
#seekingsupport
#opencommunication
#stressurge
#risingstress
#overwhelmprevention
#panicattackhelp
#selfawarenessjourney
#stresssignals
#energyboostingfoods
#alcoholandanxiety
#caffeineandanxiety
#sleepneeds
#physicalactivityformentalhealth
#diaphragmaticbreathing
#thoughtchallenging
#acceptingimperfection
#positiveoutlookonlife
#socialconnectionmatters
#volunteerworkbenefits
#anxietyidentification
#stressfactors
#seekingprofessionalhelp
#talkingaboutfeelings
#ACP
#AnxietyCoachesPodcast
#GinaRyan
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 4, 2025 • 18min
1138: Understanding the Sensitized Nervous System
In today's episode, Gina discusses how the nervous system can
become sensitized and more vulnerable to everyday occurrences. Once the
nervous system becomes sensitized, it is easy to fall into the
fear-adrenaline-fear cycle and succumb to a chronic state of anxiety.
Tips for how to recognize that this pattern has become established are
included as are ways to break the cycle and return to peace and calm.
Listen in and begin to break the cycle 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:
The body is not a problem to be fixed, but a system to be understood.
-Dr. Gabor Maté
Chapters
0:26 Introduction to Sensitized Nervous System
2:16 Spectrum of Sensitization
6:27 Understanding the Fear-Adrenaline Cycle
9:29 The Impact of Chronic Stress
11:44 Tools to Calm the Nervous System
14:36 The Importance of Self-Compassion
16:02 Healing Takes Time
17:28 Conclusion and Reflection
Summary
In
this episode, I explore the concept of a sensitized nervous system and
how understanding it can aid in regaining mental and physical calm. A
common question I receive pertains to the workings of the nervous
system, particularly during times of anxiety or high stress. Today, I
take a step back to provide foundational knowledge about nervous system
sensitization, discussing its nuances and implications for individuals
experiencing anxiety, OCD, and related conditions.
I begin by
defining nervous system sensitization, explaining that it results in a
heightened state of alertness where even benign stimuli can evoke
overwhelming reactions. This state can fluctuate on a spectrum—from mild
sensitivity to intense overreactions. I share my personal experience of
intense overreaction, illustrating how prolonged exposure to stressors
can lead the nervous system to respond dramatically to everyday
triggers. It’s crucial to understand that when the nervous system is in
overdrive, physiological symptoms like heart palpitations, dizziness,
and muscle tension are common manifestations that signal an
overstimulated state.
A significant aspect I delve into is the
cycle of fear and adrenaline that perpetuates this sensitization. Each
encounter with fear leads to an adrenaline surge, which subsequently
prompts more fear, creating a self-reinforcing loop. Recognizing this
cycle, often unacknowledged by individuals caught in it, is vital for
breaking free. I emphasize that many people experience these bodily
reactions without any immediate distressing thoughts or external
triggers, leading to confusion about their sensations.
#Anxiety
#NervousSystem
#SensitizedNervousSystem
#StressManagement
#ChronicAnxiety
#FightOrFlight
#Adrenaline
#Cortisol
#FearCycle
#PhysicalSymptomsOfAnxiety
#GroundingTechniques
#BreathingExercises
#ProgressiveMuscleRelaxation
#SelfCompassion
#AnxietyHealing
#MentalWellness
#Calm
#Peace
#Balance
#ACP
#AnxietyCoachesPodcast
#GinaRyan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Apr 30, 2025 • 15min
1137: Classic ACP Are Your Feeling Anxious or Highly Sensitive Part 2
In today's episode, Gina continues her discussion of anxiety and
being a highly sensitive person. The list of signs of being a highly
sensitive person is completed and a number of tips for how to cope with
being a highly sensitive person are provided. Being a highly sensitive
person is easier when you take advantage of these suggestions!
Signs You’re a Highly Sensitive Person (Highly Sensitive Refuge and the 21 signs of an HSP)
https://highlysensitiverefuge.com/
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:
Slowly, a gentle, quiet, personal victory of the spirit grows out of her fear and doubt.
-Elaine Aron
Chapters
0:26 Introduction to Anxiety and Sensitivity
4:01 Signs of Highly Sensitive People
8:47 Understanding Your Sensitivity
10:13 Strategies for Managing Sensitivity
13:19 Embracing Your Unique Perspective
Summary
In this episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, I delve into the intricacies of feeling anxious versus being highly sensitive, offering insights to help listeners understand their emotional landscapes better. Building upon the foundation laid in episode 725, I revisit the first 13 characteristics of highly sensitive individuals, encouraging those who resonate with these traits to embrace their unique experiences. Recognizing the challenges that come with heightened sensitivity is crucial; it's not about something being "wrong" with you but rather about understanding and managing these traits.
I explore the subtleties of high sensitivity, starting from the deeply rooted aversion to violence and cruelty, to the emotional exhaustion that can arise from absorbing others’ feelings. Each identified trait, such as experiencing time pressure as overwhelming or being easily startled by sudden loud noises, serves to paint a fuller picture of what it means to navigate the world as a highly sensitive person. My goal is to empower listeners by reinforcing that they should not internalize negativity associated with these feelings; rather, recognizing them can lead to essential self-growth and awareness.
#Anxiety
#HighlySensitivePerson
#HSP
#EmotionalSensitivity
#SensoryProcessingSensitivity
#SelfCompassion
#Mindfulness
#Meditation
#AnxietyPodcast
#MentalWellness
#InnerPeace
#ElaineAaron
#AnxietySupport
#LivingWithAnxiety
#HighlySensitive
#EmpathLife
#DeepFeelings
#SensoryOverload
#InnerWorldJourney
#SensitiveAndStrong
#UnderstandingHSP
#HSPCommunity
#EmotionalWellbeing
#SelfCareForHSPs
#MindfulLiving
#PeaceWithin
#OvercomingAnxiety
#ResilienceBuilding
#EmotionalValidation
#AnxietyCoach
#GinaRyan
#TheAnxietyCoachesPodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Apr 27, 2025 • 19min
1136: Classic ACP Are Your Feeling Anxious or Highly Sensitive Part 1
In today's episode, Gina offers listeners a number of thoughtful
quotes taken from authors of books covering the topic of highly
sensitive persons. Additionally, the beginning of a list of 21 signs of
being a highly sensitive person are shared. Listen in for information
about what being a highly sensitive person means and how you can use
this knowledge to live better today!
Book mentioned in today's episode
The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You by Elaine N. Aron Phd
https://amzn.to/2SWJAxo
Article mentioned in today's episode
Highly Sensitive Refuge and the 21 signs of an HSP
https://highlysensitiverefuge.com/
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:
Highly
sensitive people learned early in life to try to control the external
world as a way to attempt to manage their inner one.
-Sheryl Paul
Chapters
0:26 Introduction to Sensitivity
2:22 Quotes on Sensitivity
6:12 The Nature of Highly Sensitive People
8:53 Identifying as Highly Sensitive
10:15 Emotional Exhaustion and Sensitivity
11:53 Traits of Highly Sensitive People
16:13 Navigating Change and Sensitivity
16:58 Closing Thoughts and Next Steps
Summary
In this episode, I delve into the experience of being a highly sensitive person (HSP) and how it can often be mistaken for anxiety. I discuss the unique traits of HSPs, who make up about 20% of the population and possess an ability to process stimulation deeply and feel emotions intensely. While being highly sensitive can provide exquisite advantages such as heightened empathy and an acute awareness of details that others might overlook, it also comes with challenges that can lead to feeling overwhelmed in everyday life.
I explore the breadth of feelings and responses that accompany high sensitivity, emphasizing the dual nature of these traits. For instance, while heightened empathy can be considered a gift, it also means that HSPs might find themselves emotionally exhausted from absorbing the feelings of those around them. I share insights from notable experts on the topic, including Elaine Aron and Jen Graneman, to reinforce that sensitivity is not a weakness but a distinctive trait that warrants respect and understanding.
Throughout the episode, I encourage listeners to reflect on how their sensitivities manifest and how they might identify as an HSP.
#HighlySensitivePerson
#HSP
#Anxiety
#EmotionalSensitivity
#Overstimulation
#Empathy
#SelfCareForHSPs
#ElaineAron
#JenGraneman
#InnerPeace
#HighlySensitive
#HSPCommunity
#Empath
#Introvert
#Extrovert
#EmotionalWellbeing
#MentalHealthAwareness
#SelfLove
#Mindfulness
#StressRelief
#CopingStrategies
#PersonalGrowthJourney
#InnerStrength
#Vulnerability
#Authenticity
#GentleParenting
#SensitiveSoul
#TheAnxietyCoachesPodcast
#GinaRyan
#ListenNow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.


