The Anxiety Coaches Podcast

Gina Ryan
  • 4.7 (121)
  • Mental Health

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.com Listen Ad-Free for less than $0.17 per day! https://anxietycoaches.supercast.com 

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  1. 1 day ago

    1296: You Don’t Need a Quiet Mind to Meditate: A Guided Meditation for Busy Thoughts

    In today's episode, Gina shares an extensive bit of wisdom regarding the value of meditation and how to get started with basic meditation readily and easily. Using the instructions contained in this episode, listeners will have the opportunity to get started with meditation in as little as a single breath. A quiet guided meditation is included in the second half of the episode to help listeners get started with meditation, or for those already accustomed to meditation, to further their practice. Stillpoint Fridays is my once-a-week Friday note — a slower, more personal reflection that’s different from what I share on the podcast. If you’d like a quiet place to land as the week winds down, you can join here: http://eepurl.com/bR2F9P or on our website anxietycoachespodcast.com and sign up for the newsletter. Please visit our Sponsor Page to find all the links and codes for our awesome sponsors! https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com/sponsors/ Website https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com Join our community Group Coaching Join our Group Coaching Full or Mini Membership Program 1:1 Coaching Learn more about our One-on-One Coaching If you prefer to listen AD-FREE, try our Supercast premium access membership: Learn more about anxiety What is anxiety? Free Guided Meditation for Calming Your Anxious Mind 10-Minute Body-Scan Meditation for Anxiety Chapters 0:27 A Busy Mind Is Part of Meditation 3:27 Start Small and Find Your Way 5:07 Give Your Mind a Gentle Job 7:56 Practice Meditation with a Busy Mind 12:14 Listen, Notice, and Return 16:45 Pause, Breathe, Observe, Proceed 18:09 Carry the Practice into Daily Life Summary We discuss why a busy mind is not a sign of meditation failure. Meditation is the practice of noticing when attention wanders and gently returning it, with each return offering another opportunity to practice.We consider ways to make meditation more approachable, including beginning with a few breaths rather than setting a time goal. Stillness and closed eyes are not required: sitting, lying down, walking, or adjusting your position can all be part of the practice. We also explore giving the mind a simple task by labeling what is happening, such as thinking, planning, worrying, or judging, then returning attention to an anchor. Anchors can include the breath, the feeling of the feet on the floor, sounds, air on the skin, or the texture of an object.We guide a meditation that moves attention among the breath, feet, sounds, and the sensation of a hand resting on the body. The practice includes noticing and naming distractions without trying to resolve or suppress them, and allowing movement when needed. We introduce a brief pause practice: stop, take one breath, observe what is present, and proceed. This can be used during everyday moments, such as before responding to a message or entering a difficult conversation. We conclude by emphasizing that even one conscious breath or moment of noticing can be a meditation practice. #AnxietyCoachesPodcast #GinaRyan #Meditation #BusyMind #Mindfulness #AnxietyRelief #MeditationForBeginners #MentalHealth #Presence #Breathwork #GuidedMeditation #StressRelief #SelfCare #Calmness #InnerPeace #AnxietyRecovery #MindBodyConnection #OvercomingAnxiety #Grounding #MindfulBreathing #StopOverthinking #Awareness #MeditationTips #StressManagement #PeacefulMind See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  2. 5 days ago

    1295: You Can Find Your Way Out Of Fear: Scott Berkun's Personal Story Part 3

    In today's episode, Gina shares the third and final part of her interview with author Scott Berkun. Scott finishes his story about tools and ways of thinking that have helped him overcome his own mental health challenges, including content from his newest book "How To Live". Listen in for Scott's upbeat and humorous wisdom regarding mental health recovery and living one's best life. Find out more about Scott and his work at https://scottberkun.com/ Stillpoint Fridays is my once-a-week Friday note — a slower, more personal reflection that’s different from what I share on the podcast. If you’d like a quiet place to land as the week winds down, you can join here: http://eepurl.com/bR2F9P or on our website anxietycoachespodcast.com and sign up for the newsletter. Please visit our Sponsor Page to find all the links and codes for our awesome sponsors! https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com/sponsors/ Website https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com Join our community Group Coaching Join our Group Coaching Full or Mini Membership Program 1:1 Coaching Learn more about our One-on-One Coaching If you prefer to listen AD-FREE, try our Supercast premium access membership: Learn more about anxiety What is anxiety? Free Guided Meditation for Calming Your Anxious Mind 10-Minute Body-Scan Meditation for Anxiety Chapters 0:27 The Many Parts of the Mind 3:31 You Are More Than Your Thoughts 7:54 Meditation Without Getting It Wrong 10:06 Be Brave Enough to Begin 14:37 Worry, Self-Trust, and the Future 18:02 Closing the Loop Summary Scott Berkun and Gina Ryan discuss how the mind contains many interacting thoughts, feelings, and influences rather than a single, consistently rational voice. They note that people may mistake inner dialogue for something abnormal, and argue that learning to relate to different parts of oneself can support a more fulfilling life. Berkun connects this idea to his book, *How to Live: Rules for People Who Don’t Like Rules*, which questions common assumptions and encourages people to examine the rules and beliefs they follow. They discuss the idea that people are not defined by their thoughts. Thoughts can arise from moods, bodily states, surroundings, memories, or other influences; they may be irrational or conflict with a person’s goals without dictating what that person does. Berkun describes noticing thoughts with some distance, rather than automatically acting on them. Meditation, journaling, and conversations with trusted friends can help people observe their mental activity.Ryan and Berkun also challenge the belief that meditation requires having no thoughts or that it can be done poorly. They describe it instead as spending time with oneself, being present without acting on every feeling or thought. They suggest that self-acceptance and patience may be difficult in a culture that expects activities to have a clear purpose or result.The conversation turns to fear of looking foolish when trying unfamiliar activities. Berkun says people become skilled through practice, and that beginners should expect awkwardness rather than judge themselves by expert standards. He links fear of embarrassment to people’s social nature, while noting that criticism or mistakes do not necessarily threaten belonging.  Ryan shares that public speaking and writing have brought both negative reactions and meaningful connections, and that no work will appeal to everyone.Asked what might help people who worry, Berkun emphasizes self-trust: worry can reflect doubt that one’s future self will be able to handle events. He suggests allowing that future self to respond when more is known, while acknowledging that worry can sometimes be useful. Ryan reflects on rebuilding trust in herself after a crisis through patience and sustained practice.Berkun directs listeners to scottberkun.com for information about him and his book. He and Ryan close by expressing appreciation for their conversation and for the role the podcast played in his life. #AnxietyCoachesPodcast #GinaRyan #ScottBerkun #HowToLive #MentalHealth #AnxietyRelief #AnxietySupport #OvercomingAnxiety #Mindfulness #Meditation #YouAreNotYourThoughts #SelfAwareness #InnerDialogue #SelfTrust #StopWorrying #Stoicism #PersonalGrowth #SelfCompassion #MentalWellness #SelfImprovement #Psychology #InternalFamilySystems #MindsetShift #EmbraceTheUnfamiliar #SelfDiscovery #ACP See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  3. 1 Nov

    1294: You Can Find Your Way Out Of Fear: Scott Berkun's Personal Story Part 2

    In today's episode, Gina shares part two of her interview with author Scott Berkun. In addition to being a successful author, Scott has a listener to the Anxiety Coaches Podcast and a client of Gina Ryan's private coaching. Scott experienced a significant "mental breakdown" in the past and recovered over the course of about a year. Listen in as Scott describes his experience and some of the processes and tools that helped him overcome his difficulties with fear and anxiety. Find out more about Scott and his work at https://scottberkun.com/ Stillpoint Fridays is my once-a-week Friday note — a slower, more personal reflection that’s different from what I share on the podcast. If you’d like a quiet place to land as the week winds down, you can join here: http://eepurl.com/bR2F9P or on our website anxietycoachespodcast.com and sign up for the newsletter. Please visit our Sponsor Page to find all the links and codes for our awesome sponsors! https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com/sponsors/ Website https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com Join our community Group Coaching Join our Group Coaching Full or Mini Membership Program 1:1 Coaching Learn more about our One-on-One Coaching If you prefer to listen AD-FREE, try our Supercast premium access membership: Learn more about anxiety What is anxiety? Free Guided Meditation for Calming Your Anxious Mind 10-Minute Body-Scan Meditation for Anxiety Chapters 0:27 Finding Calm Through Mischief 3:09 Modern Life and Our Natural Needs 7:18 Rebuilding Community and Connection 11:13 The Turning Point in Recovery 15:39 Accepting Feelings Through Practice 17:14 Preparing for Future Challenges Summary In today's episode, Gina shares part two of her interview with author Scott Berkun. In addition to being a successful author, Scott has a listener to the Anxiety Coaches Podcast and a client of Gina Ryan's private coaching. Scott experienced a significant "mental breakdown" in the past and recovered over the course of about a year. Listen in as Scott describes his experience and some of the processes and tools that helped him overcome his difficulties with fear and anxiety. Chapters 0:27 Finding Calm Through Mischief 3:09 Modern Life and Our Natural Needs 7:18 Rebuilding Community and Connection 11:13 The Turning Point in Recovery 15:39 Accepting Feelings Through Practice 17:14 Preparing for Future Challenges Summary We continue our conversation with Scott Berkun about the ideas behind his book and its cover, which features a laughing skeleton. Scott describes it as an image of the trickster spirit: mischief can challenge how seriously we take ourselves and remind us to appreciate being alive amid pressure to achieve and keep up with modern life.We discuss whether modern society contributes to stress and disconnection. Scott reflects on Freud’s argument that civilization brought rules, bureaucracies, jobs and careers that can complicate mental well-being, while Gina recalls how people once found relief through neighbors and small gatherings.  We also talk about how online contact can extend beyond the small communities people are suited to know, and how difficult it can be to build supportive relationships when connection is needed most.Scott shares how, during a mental health crisis, he organized a daily schedule of seeing a different friend each day for several months. He describes the support this gave him and the challenge of creating such connections while anxious or depressed. We consider whether communities and organized groups could help people find regular social support.Scott explains that finding a helpful therapist, reliable mental-health resources and breathing exercises helped him gain stability. Recovery took about a year, and he gradually stopped comparing himself with an idealized version of his past self.  He also discusses how reading *Radical Acceptance* helped him become more present with difficult feelings, and how patience, meditation and regular practice supported his recovery.We close by discussing the value of learning meditation and tolerating small discomforts before a crisis. Scott says earlier experience with meditation and journaling gave him useful habits, though his crisis remained overwhelming, and argues that people could benefit from learning more about how the mind works. #AnxietyCoachesPodcast #GinaRyan #ScottBerkun #MentalHealth #AnxietyRelief #Mindfulness #Meditation #RadicalAcceptance #TaraBrach #MentalHealthAwareness #InnerPeace #StressManagement #OvercomingAnxiety #SelfHelp #EmotionalWellness #CommunitySupport #DunbarsNumber #Psychology #SelfCare #HealingJourney #MentalHealthRecovery #EasternPhilosophy #Wellness #MentalHealthMatters #MindfulnessPractice #ACP See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  4. 28 Oct

    1293: You Can Find Your Way Out Of Fear: Scott Berkun's Personal Story Part 1

    In today's episode, Gina shares part one of her interview with author Scott Berkun who shares his personal story of overcoming fear and anxiety. Scott is the best selling author of nine books covering topics from design through self-help. Scott is a long time listener of The Anxiety Coaches Podcast and was a client of Gina's after having what he describes as a mental breakdown. Listen in and learn how Scott overcame his nearly constant fear and anxiety! Find out more about Scott and his work at https://scottberkun.com/ Stillpoint Fridays is my once-a-week Friday note — a slower, more personal reflection that’s different from what I share on the podcast. If you’d like a quiet place to land as the week winds down, you can join here:  http://eepurl.com/bR2F9P or on our website anxietycoachespodcast.com and sign up for the newsletter. Please visit our Sponsor Page to find all the links and codes for our awesome sponsors! https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com/sponsors/ Website https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com Join our community Group Coaching Join our Group Coaching Full or Mini Membership Program 1:1 Coaching Learn more about our One-on-One Coaching If you prefer to listen AD-FREE, try our Supercast premium access membership: Learn more about anxiety What is anxiety? Free Guided Meditation for Calming Your Anxious Mind 10-Minute Body-Scan Meditation for Anxiety Chapters 0:27 Scott Birkin on Living with Fear 4:28 Fear, Anxiety, and Unexpected Lessons 7:39 Finding Ways to Manage Anxiety 10:11 How Crisis Changed the Book 12:08 The Book’s Rules for Living 16:38 Wisdom, Humor, and Waking Up Summary Author and speaker Scott Berkun discusses his career, his experience with fear and anxiety, and his book *How to Live: Rules for People Who Don’t Like Rules*. He describes starting in software, then leaving that career to try writing despite not having formal journalism or English training. His first book did well, leading to a career as an author.Berkun says he learned to manage the physical energy he felt before public speaking and athletic competition, interpreting it as preparation rather than a signal to stop. After a mental health crisis near the end of the pandemic in 2021, however, anxiety became persistent and affected him physically and mentally. He describes going to the gym for hours as a way to reduce that energy. He also says the crisis changed how he understood people and influenced the more personal focus of his book.He explains that *How to Live* draws on philosophy, other writers’ ideas, and his own experience. The book contains 26 short rules and aims to be honest, accessible, and humorous rather than presenting its author as having everything figured out. Berkun says many self-help books can feel difficult to apply in daily life, and he wanted to write something that readers could engage with more easily.The first rule, “Don’t die,” is about recognizing the value of being alive and appreciating ordinary experiences. The second, “Wake up,” encourages readers to notice when they have learned something or recognized a mistake, and to focus on what they can do now rather than dwell on lost time. Berkun and host Gina Ryan discuss humor as a way to shift perspective, and the value of drawing on the long history of philosophical and spiritual guidance while recognizing that simply encountering advice may not be enough to create lasting change. #Podcast #AnxietyCoachesPodcast #GinaRyan #ScottBerkun #HowToLive #Fear #Anxiety #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth #Mindfulness #SelfHelp #OvercomingFear #MentalBreakdown #Philosophy #Wellness #LivingFully #MindBodyConnection #SelfImprovement #MentalHealthAwareness #EmotionalWellbeing #StressRelief #Inspiration #Podcasting #AuthorInterview #LifeAdvice #Psychology #AnxietyRelief #Humor #Resilience #Awareness #ACP Stillpoint Fridays is my once-a-week Friday note — a slower, more personal reflection that’s different from what I share on the podcast. If you’d like a quiet place to land as the week winds down, you can join here:  http://eepurl.com/bR2F9P or on our website anxietycoachespodcast.com and sign up for the newsletter. Please visit our Sponsor Page to find all the links and codes for our awesome sponsors! https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com/sponsors/ Website https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com Join our community Group Coaching Join our Group Coaching Full or Mini Membership Program 1:1 Coaching Learn more about our One-on-One Coaching If you prefer to listen AD-FREE, try our Supercast premium access membership: Learn more about anxiety What is anxiety? Free Guided Meditation for Calming Your Anxious Mind 10-Minute Body-Scan Meditation for Anxiety Quote: See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  5. 25 Oct

    1292: Classic ACP Understanding Your Nervous System's Fear Cycle

    In today's episode, Gina discusses fear in the context of the physical nervous system. Claire Weekes' fear-adrenaline-fear cycle is explored, as well as the understanding of anxiety as a state of over-sensitization. Gina offers tips and suggestions to help listeners break out of this cycle and prevent it from happening. Stillpoint Fridays is my once-a-week Friday note — a slower, more personal reflection that’s different from what I share on the podcast. If you’d like a quiet place to land as the week winds down, you can join here:  http://eepurl.com/bR2F9P or on our website anxietycoachespodcast.com and sign up for the newsletter. Please visit our Sponsor Page to find all the links and codes for our awesome sponsors! https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com/sponsors/ Website https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com Join our community Group Coaching Join our Group Coaching Full or Mini Membership Program 1:1 Coaching Learn more about our One-on-One Coaching If you prefer to listen AD-FREE, try our Supercast premium access membership: Learn more about anxiety What is anxiety? Free Guided Meditation for Calming Your Anxious Mind 10-Minute Body-Scan Meditation for Anxiety Quote: I discovered I always have choices and sometimes it's only a choice of attitude.  -Judith M. Knowlton Chapters 0:27 Understanding the Fear Cycle 2:47 When Sensations Feel Dangerous 5:53 How Fear Fuels the Cycle 7:39 Interrupting the Cycle 10:32 Anxiety, Exhaustion, and Indecision 13:47 Rest and Recovery 14:58 Finding Your Way Out 16:18 A Closing Thought Summary In this episode we discuss the nervous system’s fear cycle and how anxiety can make ordinary physical sensations feel alarming. We describe nervous-system sensitivity as a spectrum, from being able to let sensations pass to feeling overwhelmed by them, and share an example of mistaking a painful gas bubble for a heart attack.We explain how fear can lead to a physical stress response, including the release of adrenaline and cortisol, which can heighten sensitivity and feed further fear.  Repeated cycles of fearful thoughts and reactions can become exhausting, and new sensations or thoughts may arise even after earlier ones have eased.We discuss observing thoughts and bodily sensations rather than reacting automatically. Creating a small pause can help us decide whether a thought requires action or can be allowed to pass, and can make room for a calmer response. We also note that exhaustion can contribute to indecision, reduced self-confidence, and greater distress. We encourage recognizing where we are in the cycle, allowing ourselves to rest when needed, and accepting that the cycle may begin with chronic stress or sudden trauma. The episode closes with a reminder that even when circumstances offer few options, we can choose our attitude. #AnxietyCoachesPodcast #Anxiety #NervousSystem #FearCycle #MentalHealth #AnxietyRelief #StressManagement #OvercomingAnxiety #ResponseVsReaction #MindBodyConnection #SelfCare #Mindfulness #MentalHealthAwareness #InnerPeace #RestAndRecovery #EmotionalWellness #AnxietyRecovery #StressRelief #SelfAwareness #HealthAndWellness #MentalWellness #OvercomingFear #EmotionalRegulation #BurnoutRecovery #MindsetShift #AnxietySupport #HealingJourney #MentalHealthMatters #HolisticHealth #PeaceOfMind #GinaRyan #ACP See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  6. 21 Oct

    1291: Aromatherapy For The Soul: The Fragrance Of Stillness

    In today's episode, Gina concludes her discussion of the benefits of aromatherapy and fragrance for people recovering from anxiety. Specifically, how using fragrance can enhance our experience of the present moment is discussed, including how it can enhance meditation, prayer, contemplation and even our everyday routines. A brief practice for experiencing our senses is included using scent and breathing. Listen in and explore yourself in new ways through the power of scent! Stillpoint Fridays is my once-a-week Friday note — a slower, more personal reflection that’s different from what I share on the podcast. If you’d like a quiet place to land as the week winds down, you can join here:  http://eepurl.com/bR2F9P or on our website anxietycoachespodcast.com and sign up for the newsletter. Please visit our Sponsor Page to find all the links and codes for our awesome sponsors! https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com/sponsors/ Website https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com Join our community Group Coaching Join our Group Coaching Full or Mini Membership Program 1:1 Coaching Learn more about our One-on-One Coaching If you prefer to listen AD-FREE, try our Supercast premium access membership: Learn more about anxiety What is anxiety? Free Guided Meditation for Calming Your Anxious Mind 10-Minute Body-Scan Meditation for Anxiety Quote: And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair. -Kahlil Gibran Chapters 0:27 Scent as a Ritual of Presence 2:24 Aromatherapy’s Spiritual Roots 4:24 Scent as a Doorway to Presence 5:58 Making Ritual Simple 9:27 Creating Sacred Space 11:07 Scent and Remembrance 12:39 Meditation Through Scent 14:10 A Mindful Scent Practice 16:04 The Gift of Being Here Summary In this episode, we explore fragrance as a ritual of presence rather than a remedy for anxiety. Drawing on Valerie Ann Wurwood’s *Aromatherapy for the Soul*, we consider how scent has been used in rituals, prayer, meditation, remembrance, and sacred spaces—and how ordinary fragrances can help us mark moments as meaningful.We discuss the difference between routine and ritual: routines are repeated actions, while rituals involve attention and meaning.  A familiar scent paired with breathing, meditation, prayer, or reflection can become a cue to slow down and be present. Which scent feels calming is personal, shaped by memory, context, expectations, and individual preference.We consider how a small space or everyday activity can become a place for intention, without requiring elaborate preparations or a religious setting. Pausing to notice a scent can interrupt anxious thoughts about what comes next and bring attention back to the present.We also explore fragrance as a prompt for memory. A scent may bring to mind a person, place, season, or experience, including memories connected with grief.  We can notice what arises without holding on to it or pushing it away, then return to the breath and the current moment.We close with a brief sensory practice: settle comfortably, notice a scent you enjoy, and gently return your attention to it and your breathing when thoughts wander. The episode reflects on how simple acts of noticing can make ordinary moments more meaningful and offer a way to be present without trying to force a particular feeling. #AnxietyRelief #Mindfulness #Aromatherapy #NervousSystemCalm #GroundingPractices #GinaRyan #AnxietyCoachesPodcast #Presence #SelfCareRoutine #SensoryGrounding #AromatherapyForTheSoul #MindfulLiving #Intentionality #StressRelief #SacredSpace #InnerPeace #MentalHealthAwareness #CalmYourMind #SensoryAwareness #MeditationPractice #Breathwork #HolisticWellness #DailyRituals #EmotionalWellbeing #PeaceAndCalm #ACP See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  7. 18 Oct

    1290: Can Aromatherapy Really Help Anxiety? What the Science Says

    In today's episode, Gina continues her discussion of the benefits of aromatherapy and fragrance for individuals recovering from anxiety. More specifically, today the scientific research findings on scent and aromatherapy are explored. Safety considerations to remember when practicing self-care with essential oils are also included in this episode. Listen in and come to better understand the proven benefits of essential oils and how to use them for greatest effect! Stillpoint Fridays is my once-a-week Friday note — a slower, more personal reflection that’s different from what I share on the podcast. If you’d like a quiet place to land as the week winds down, you can join here:  http://eepurl.com/bR2F9P or on our website anxietycoachespodcast.com and sign up for the newsletter. Please visit our Sponsor Page to find all the links and codes for our awesome sponsors! https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com/sponsors/ Website https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com Join our community Group Coaching Join our Group Coaching Full or Mini Membership Program 1:1 Coaching Learn more about our One-on-One Coaching If you prefer to listen AD-FREE, try our Supercast premium access membership: Learn more about anxiety What is anxiety? Free Guided Meditation for Calming Your Anxious Mind 10-Minute Body-Scan Meditation for Anxiety Quote: Our senses connect us intimately to the past, connect us in ways that most of our cherished ideas never could. -Diane Ackerman Chapters 0:27 Welcome to the Anxiety Coaches Podcast 2:20 What the Research Says About Aromatherapy 4:27 Lavender and Anxiety 5:57 How Scent, Memory, and Context Interact 9:59 Pleasant Scents and the Body 11:38 Using Aromatherapy Without Pressure 14:01 Creating a Grounding Scent Ritual 15:12 Essential Oil Safety 16:26 What We Know—and What We Don’t 17:36 Let Your Senses Support You Summary In this episode, we examine whether aromatherapy can help with anxiety and what current research can—and cannot—tell us. Reviews of studies on inhaled essential oils report reductions in self-reported anxiety, including studies of lavender, but the research varies in quality and methods. The evidence does not establish essential oils as a treatment for anxiety disorders.We discuss why people may respond differently to the same scent. Personal memories, preferences, expectations and surroundings can shape the experience, and scents are difficult to study without participants knowing what they are smelling.  A scent enjoyed during a quiet, repeated practice may also become associated with settling down.We consider emerging research linking personally pleasant odors with changes in breathing, heart rate and heart rate variability. This does not mean that one particular oil calms everyone. Aromatherapy may be a complementary part of a supportive routine, alongside practices such as taking comfortable breaths, sitting quietly, journaling or meditating—not a replacement for other care.We suggest approaching scent with curiosity rather than expecting it to remove anxiety. A scent could be an essential oil, tea, flower, citrus or another familiar smell; we can notice whether it feels pleasant, brings up a memory, irritates us or has no effect.  There is no need to find a “perfect” oil or to feel that something is wrong if a scent does not help.We also cover safety. Essential oils are concentrated and can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions or other effects; some can increase sensitivity to sunlight when applied to the skin. We advise against ingesting them without appropriate medical guidance and recommend consulting a healthcare professional before therapeutic use when pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or managing health concerns. #Anxiety #Aromatherapy #EssentialOils #Lavender #MentalHealth #StressRelief #Relaxation #Scent #OlfactorySystem #MindBody #Breathing #HeartRateVariability #NervousSystem #SelfCare #Mindfulness #Calm #Grounding #HolisticHealth #WellBeing #ComplementaryTherapy #Psychology #BrainBody #Presence #Rituals #SensoryExperience #PersonalWellBeing #InternalPeace #Neuroscience #WellnessPractices #EmotionalHealth #Memory #AnxietyRelief #AnxietyCoachesPodcast #GinaRyan #DianeAckerman #BeWell #Aloha #ACP See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

  8. 14 Oct

    1289: Classic ACP Decreasing Anxiety By Increasing Sacred Moments

    In today's episode, Gina explores the use of realizing the sacredness of the present moment for decreasing our suffering relating to anxiety. Gina discusses the anxiety that emanates from a focus on our mortality and individuality, and the separateness and aloneness that are associated with these issues. Gina offers listeners a number of suggestions for cultivating sacred moments in which we can experience refreshing emotions such as gratitude and compassion. Stillpoint Fridays is my once-a-week Friday note — a slower, more personal reflection that’s different from what I share on the podcast. If you’d like a quiet place to land as the week winds down, you can join here:  http://eepurl.com/bR2F9P or on our website anxietycoachespodcast.com and sign up for the newsletter. Please visit our Sponsor Page to find all the links and codes for our awesome sponsors! https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com/sponsors/ Website https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com Join our community Group Coaching Join our Group Coaching Full or Mini Membership Program 1:1 Coaching Learn more about our One-on-One Coaching If you prefer to listen AD-FREE, try our Supercast premium access membership: Learn more about anxiety What is anxiety? Free Guided Meditation for Calming Your Anxious Mind 10-Minute Body-Scan Meditation for Anxiety Quote: Your sacred space is where you can find yourself over and over again.   -Joseph Campbell Chapters 0:27 Sacred Moments for Calm 4:11 Feeling Alone and Separate 6:33 Reconnecting Through Practice 8:47 Values and Obituary Reflection 10:55 Qualities of Sacred Moments 13:53 Finding Sacredness Daily 15:56 Joseph Campbell’s Quote Summary In this episode, we talk about decreasing anxiety by increasing sacred moments and giving more attention to the spiritual side of life alongside mind and body practices. We explain that anxiety treatment often focuses on thoughts and physical symptoms, but that a neglected sense of spiritual connection can also play an important role. We describe how feelings of separateness, aloneness, and disconnection can intensify anxiety and panic. We also connect this to the idea that some anxious experiences are tied to awareness of mortality and individuality, and that sacred moments can help create a sense of connection to something larger than ourselves.We share practical ways to increase sacred moments without adding extra time or effort, including gratitude, connecting with God, creation, community, or the larger world, and living according to our highest values. We also suggest reviewing our priorities and even writing our own obituary as a way to clarify what matters most. We outline qualities that can appear in sacred moments, such as gratitude, connection, support, bittersweet sadness, awe, compassion, inner peace, preciousness, and a sense of being blessed, cherished, or held as holy. We conclude that these moments can bring more stillness into daily life and support healing within the mind-body-spirit triad. #AnxietyRelief #MindBodySpirit #SacredMoments #StressReduction #InnerPeace #HealingJourney #Mindfulness #EmotionalWellbeing #PersonalGrowth #SpiritualConnection #MentalHealthMatters #HolisticHealth #SelfCare #GratitudePractice #AnxietyRecovery #FindYourPeace #DailyMindfulness #WellnessJourney #CalmYourNervousSystem #MindBodyConnection #SelfDiscovery #HolisticWellness #MentalHealthRecovery #PresentMomentAwareness #GinaRyan #AnxietyCoachesPodcast #ACP See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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121 Ratings

About

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.com Listen Ad-Free for less than $0.17 per day! https://anxietycoaches.supercast.com 

Information

  • Creator
    Gina Ryan
  • Years Active
    2014 - 2026
  • Episodes
    1.7k
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Gina Ryan All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    The Anxiety Coaches Podcast
  • Provider
    Gina Ryan

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