Feeling anxious is something we all experience, but it’s when anxiety holds you back in life that it’s time to take action. So how do we know when anxiety takes over? Wellbeing experts Dr Jodi Richardson and Meg Durham sit down to discuss what anxiety is, where anxiety comes from, the symptoms to watch out for, and so much more in this riveting episode.
So what’s this episode really about?
- Anxiety impacts our thinking, feeling and behaviour.
- What anxiety feels like, how anxiety affects your body, and how to know which type of anxiety you might be experincing.
- Learn how to transform anxiety tendencies into opportunities for growth.
- Anxiety in children and adults is happening on a large scale. Learn empathetic actions you can use to help ease anxiety not only in yourself but also in the people, and kids, in your life.
Why you should listen
Anxiety can so easily hinder our hopes and dreams, but it doesn’t have to. This episode is for any parent, teacher, educator or big-hearted human who wants to understand anxiety more. Whether you experience high levels of anxiety or know someone close to you who does, you’ll walk away with tools to help you and the people around you experience more joy in your lives.
Actionable Skills
- Comfort zones can cause a cycle of anxiety. Nudge the edge of the discomfort. Ask yourself, “What can I do to take me out of my comfort zone slightly?” Try small bouts of action. For instance, if social outings make you uncomfortable, try planning a get-together with one other person. Or only go to a party for a set length of time.
- Always start your day with exercise (walking, jogging, movement) to trigger those feel-good neurotransmitters.
- When in moments of high stress, focus on breathing. Slow down your breath, inhale and exhale through the nose, and lengthen out your exhale. This signals to your brain that you’re safe.
Links from this episode
Canva for Graphic Design
Dr Jodi Richardson’s – website
Dr Jodi Richardson – instgram
You can quote us on that…
“Anxiety can put a stop sign in front of people’s hopes and dreams.”
Dr Jodi Richardson
“There’s a time for problem-solving, but it’s not at the height of anxiety.”
Dr Jodi Richardson
“Particularly as parents and educators, we have an additional responsibility to make sure that we’re in a space where we can be open and receptive to other people’s needs.”
Meg Durham
Want to learn more?
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Hi, I'm Meg!
B.Phys Ed, M. Ed (Student Wellbeing), CIPP
I’m a teacher with experience working in primary and secondary schools across Australia, and a specialist in the field of wellbeing education and coaching. I founded Open Mind Education in 2013 with a vision of sharing practical, enriching wellbeing education with staff, parents, and broader school communities.
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