#166: Are you constantly anxious and overwhelmed? Wish you could make career changes or simply feel happy with where you are in life, but anxiety is keeping you stuck?
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Today, we're diving into the topic of anxiety and how to effectively manage it.

• Anxiety affects a significant portion of us, but understanding and addressing it is essential for a fulfilling life.

• I'll share insights from my own experiences, clients, and experts, so you can conquer anxiety and regain control of your life.

• 11 anxiety hacks you can immediately implement to help you gain control of your life again.

Understanding Anxiety:

• Anxiety is a common experience; nearly 80-90% of us encounter it in various forms.

• It can manifest physically and mentally, impacting careers, relationships, and overall well-being.

• Recognizing anxiety is the first step toward overcoming it.

My Personal Journey:

• I personally dealt with anxiety for years without realizing it.

• Awareness came when a therapist casually mentioned my anxiety during a marriage therapy session.

• It's not uncommon for people to be unaware of their anxiety, as I was for the first three decades of my life.

Anxiety's Impact on Health:

• Anxiety triggers the release of cortisol, a stress hormone that can hinder progress in various aspects of life.

• From career advancement to relationships and even weight management, anxiety can put everything on hold.

Physical Manifestations:

• As a dermatology Physician Assistant, I see anxiety manifest in skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, or eczema.

• Stress hormones exacerbate these issues and can be a significant factor in their development.

• Healthcare professionals and individuals working in high-stress environments often experience anxiety, impacting their well-being and decision-making.

Types of Anxiety Responses:

• Anxiety can manifest in different ways. For some, it leads to hyper-focus on areas they can control like micromanaging their food or exercise.

• Others may resort to coping mechanisms like overeating, excessive spending, or numbing out with Netflix or alcohol.

The Life-Altering Power of Anxiety:

• Anxiety can drastically alter the course of our lives.

• Imagine it as a path diverging in two directions. Managing anxiety gives you the choice to follow a different path.

Understanding Emotions:

• No emotion is inherently bad; they all serve as clues about what's happening in our minds.

• Anxiety is a natural response, but unchecked, it can dictate the story of our lives, limiting our agency.

Rewiring Your Brain:

• Anxiety rewires our brains, creating neural pathways that perpetuate anxious thoughts.

• The key is catching yourself in these thought patterns and rewriting the script to form new neural pathways.

Common Anxious Thoughts:

• Anxious thoughts often include feelings of inadequacy, fear of failure, or playing the victim.

• Identifying and challenging these thoughts is essential to regain control.

Anxiety and Safety:

• Anxiety stems from a primal instinct for survival.

• In ancient times, it kept us alert to potential dangers. Today, it's a response to feeling unsafe in our environment.

Using Anxiety as a Clue:

• View anxiety as a clue, not an enemy.

• Ask yourself what your anxiety is trying to communicate and how it's trying to help.

**I'll review 11 tricks you can use to tame your anxiety and keep it from steamrolling your life. **

• If someone you know is dealing with anxiety, share this episode to offer them guidance and support.

• Reach out if you're interested in coaching or have questions. You can contact me via at [email protected] or go to my website to schedule a complimentary discovery call at www.coachhopecook.com