#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?

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 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/coachhopecook/message