#1 Anxiety 101: Why You’re Not Broken and How to Manage It
Is anxiety your uninvited plus-one in life? You’re not alone—and you’re definitely not broken. In this debut episode of Not Your Therapist, I’m breaking down what anxiety really is (hello, overzealous amygdala), how it shows up in sneaky ways, and, most importantly, how to manage it without losing your mind.
We’re talking about dragon breaths (even my toddler’s got this down), why avoidance is making things worse (sorry, but it’s true), and how to start taking those small-but-mighty steps to take back control. Plus, I’ll help you reframe anxiety as the little motivator that gets you out of bed and chasing your dreams—when it’s not trying to run the show.
If you’re ready to turn down the volume on your anxious thoughts and turn up the self-compassion, this episode’s for you. Grab your coffee (or wine—no judgment) and let’s tackle anxiety together. 🎙️✨
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
What anxiety really is and why it happens (hint: it’s not just in your head).
Tools and techniques to manage anxiety in the moment.
Long-term strategies to reduce anxiety and build resilience.
Key Takeaways:
Anxiety is a natural response, but it doesn’t have to run your life.
Recognizing anxiety symptoms early can help you address them more effectively.
Grounding exercises, like focusing on your senses, can provide quick relief during anxious moments.
Building habits like regular movement, mindfulness, and healthy boundaries can reduce anxiety over time.
Resources Mentioned:
Calm: Guided meditations and breathing exercises for stress relief.
Headspace: A beginner-friendly app to help you build mindfulness habits.
Insight Timer: Free meditations and tools to calm your mind.
30 Day Productivity Planner: A tool to help you manage overwhelm and stay on track.
Action Step for Listeners:
Take 2 minutes today to try a grounding exercise:
Look around and name 5 things you can see.
Name 4 things you can touch.
Name 3 things you can hear.
Name 2 things you can smell.
Name 1 thing you can taste.
This simple practice can help anchor you in the moment when anxiety strikes.
Connect with Kayla:
Website: www.kaylareilly.com
Instagram: @NotYourTherapist.Kayla
Podcast: Subscribe to Not Your Therapist on Spotify , Apple Podcasts or Amazon Music.
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