966: The Flip Side Of Anxiety's What If's

In today's episode, Gina discusses the tendency of the anxious mind to present individuals with terrifying "what if's". By so doing the anxious mind works itself up further and drives the body into fearful overdrive. In addition to deflating many of the most common "what if's", a unique solution is offered: present the mind with benevolent "what if" thoughts instead. A number of example positive "what if's" are included. Listen in and take advantage of this knowledge today!

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What is anxiety?

Quote:

In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.

-Sun Tzu

Chapters

0:00:24 Exploring the Flip Side of Anxieties: What Ifs

0:02:02 Finding Opportunity in the Midst of Chaos

0:02:46 The Scary Thoughts that Haunt the Anxious Mind

0:03:28 Fear of Not Being Liked at a Party or Job Interview

0:04:28 Fear of Stopping Breathing during Meditation or Relaxation Techniques

0:06:09 Reassurance and Concrete Evidence against Fear of Stopping Breathing

0:07:16 Fear of Panic and Lack of Help

0:08:26 Finding Inner Strength and Reassurance

0:11:04 Fear of Needing to Use the Bathroom

0:12:11 Coping with the Fear of Running Out in Social Situations

0:14:18 Addressing the Fear of Getting Sick and Not Waking Up

0:15:13 Understanding the Mind's Primitive Response to Keep Safe

0:16:06 Exploring Deeper Stressors and Journaling Techniques

0:17:28 Exploring New Perspectives: What If Scenarios

0:17:42 Embracing Positive What-Ifs

0:18:55 Embracing the Possibility of Success

0:20:27 Finding Opportunity in Chaos

Long Summary

Welcome to another episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, where we dive into the flip side of anxieties, the "what ifs." We understand that if you've been feeling anxious or stressed for a while, these anxious thoughts may resonate with you. In the midst of chaos, as Sun Tzu wisely said, there is also opportunity. Remembering this, we invite you to consider the potential for opportunity within your "what if" thoughts.

We explore common "what if" scenarios, such as the fear of a fast heart rate leading to death or the worry of not being liked in social situations and job interviews. We address concerns about breathing, reassuring you that your body will take care of you even if your breathing feels off. Additionally, we tackle the fear of having a panic attack and nobody coming to your aid, emphasizing the significance of finding evidence to challenge these anxious thoughts. Throughout, we aim to provide understanding, reassurance, and practical strategies for managing these anxious "what if" thoughts.

Moving on, we discuss the idea of self-care and finding comfort in our own company. Mindfulness and meditation are suggested as effective practices for spending time with our own minds, as with growth and evolution, the need for outer reassurance and dependence on others diminishes. We address common fears, like the fear of death, being unable to find help, or being trapped in a confined space, offering practical solutions and personal anecdotes. It's important to not let these thoughts dictate our lives and respond to them with humor.

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