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Today, we're diving into the topic of anxiety and how to effectively manage it.

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• Anxiety affects a significant portion of us, but understanding and addressing it is essential for a fulfilling life.
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• I'll share insights from my own experiences, clients, and experts, so you can conquer anxiety and regain control of your life.
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• 11 anxiety hacks you can immediately implement to help you gain control of your life again.
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Understanding Anxiety:

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• Anxiety is a common experience; nearly 80-90% of us encounter it in various forms.
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• It can manifest physically and mentally, impacting careers, relationships, and overall well-being.
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• Recognizing anxiety is the first step toward overcoming it.
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My Personal Journey:

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• I personally dealt with anxiety for years without realizing it.
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• Awareness came when a therapist casually mentioned my anxiety during a marriage therapy session.
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• It's not uncommon for people to be unaware of their anxiety, as I was for the first three decades of my life.
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Anxiety's Impact on Health:

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• Anxiety triggers the release of cortisol, a stress hormone that can hinder progress in various aspects of life.
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• From career advancement to relationships and even weight management, anxiety can put everything on hold.
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Physical Manifestations:

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• As a dermatology Physician Assistant, I see anxiety manifest in skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, or eczema.
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• Stress hormones exacerbate these issues and can be a significant factor in their development.
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• Healthcare professionals and individuals working in high-stress environments often experience anxiety, impacting their well-being and decision-making.
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Types of Anxiety Responses:

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• Anxiety can manifest in different ways. For some, it leads to hyper-focus on areas they can control like micromanaging their food or exercise.
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• Others may resort to coping mechanisms like overeating, excessive spending, or numbing out with Netflix or alcohol.
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The Life-Altering Power of Anxiety:

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• Anxiety can drastically alter the course of our lives.
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• Imagine it as a path diverging in two directions. Managing anxiety gives you the choice to follow a different path.
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Understanding Emotions:

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• No emotion is inherently bad; they all serve as clues about what's happening in our minds.
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• Anxiety is a natural response, but unchecked, it can dictate the story of our lives, limiting our agency.
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Rewiring Your Brain:

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• Anxiety rewires our brains, creating neural pathways that perpetuate anxious thoughts.
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• The key is catching yourself in these thought patterns and rewriting the script to form new neural pathways.
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Common Anxious Thoughts:

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• Anxious thoughts often include feelings of inadequacy, fear of failure, or playing the victim.
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• Identifying and challenging these thoughts is essential to regain control.
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Anxiety and Safety:

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• Anxiety stems from a primal instinct for survival.
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• In ancient times, it kept us alert to potential dangers. Today, it's a response to feeling unsafe in our environment.
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Using Anxiety as a Clue:

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• View anxiety as a clue, not an enemy.
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• Ask yourself what your anxiety is trying to communicate and how it's trying to help.
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I'll review 11 tricks you can use to tame your anxiety and keep it from steamrolling your life.

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• If someone you know is dealing with anxiety, share this episode to offer them guidance and support.
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• Reach out if you're interested in coaching or have questions. You can contact me via at hope.cook@gmail.com or go to my website to schedule a complimentary discovery call at www.coachhopecook.com
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