It's funny. My high functioning ASD child was home tutored via distance education in Australia for 8 years. She had a teacher who would start every lesson with "Good morning, I'm excited!" "I'm excited to be with you today and I'm excited to see what we're going to get done." My child always looked forward to his lessons. Watching this, reminded me of that.
@@peachluck1050 oh she's turning 25 this year and became a talented graphic designer/web designer straight after graduating college and now has her own business ;-)
My 12 year old kid taught me this lesson last month! He was taking his first big audition as a middle school musician. Being a former music educator, I asked him how he was feeling beforehand and he said that he was excited! I responded, "Really? That's a great mindset!" He said that someone taught him the trick of when you feel anxious, say that you are excited because it puts a positive spin on the experience. He totally changed my perspective!
I can always feel that you are an actual person when watching your videos. Your authenticity really shines through. Thank you for all of your helpful tips!
Anxiety makes my stomach hurt and excitement doesn’t. I don’t know what the physiological explanation for that is but there is definitely a physiological difference between anxiety and excitement.
There is a bundle of nerves down then around the stomach area. I've experienced stomach nerves too, indicating that the mental stress could be inducing a physiological effect - that's unpleasant and uncomfortable to deal with since you really FEEL this tension.
@@c.j.9141 Hi, I have the same problem. I'd say the nr 1 problem is trust issues. Trust issues against other people but also towards oneself. So the key is to step by step build trust, first to oneself and then to others. To what degree do you trust yourself and others?
One night I was in bed not able to sleep because of high anxiety and I became angry with myself to be again feeling this way. I was so fed up with my mind making this anxiety that I told myself: ''All right, you want to freak out? Even if you go insane, go ahead freak out, be scared imagine the worse of the worse!'' I watched to see what would happen and all of a sudden everything in my mind stopped, there was just silence and a deep peace. I was so suprised, I couldn't beleive it. I got up had a drink of water and went back to bed for a good night sleep. I saw that anxiety was not something real that I had a certain power over it and that I could talk to myself to make things better. Anxiety still comes back from time to time but my view of it has changed.
Way to go your a badaxss. What I find interesting in your success---- From my reading, your approach is more similar to "rational emotive thinking". When a thought comes we are usually deciding and thinking it is "awful" or the "worst" and fueling anxiety. Instead we can decide to think of it as "less desirable" or "unfortunate" and stop "awful-izing" it. And just like you did we can say to ourselves "go ahead and imagine the worst possible scenario ever" about this situation...Then what are the actual odds that this situation leads to that most "awful" possible outcome? Boom the anxiety is gone.....disarmed in its tracks, no fake, positive thinking there in this approach! I guess this method is in some ways similar to what this video is advising but maybe only the common link is "self talk". You chose a "real" and rational approach whilst she is advising a "flip" to positive thinking? In her terms you did the "hardest" thing getting to calm from anxious without "I am excited"/positive thinking method successfully. Hmmmm guess there is not one right answer....no "either- or". Glad all is working out for you!!! Would love your thoughts on it!
@@jcd3869 Hi! and thanks. I agree with all you said, what is not so easy about this is that to do self talk takes either an extreme state of discouragement with oneself like I experienced or extreme vigilance to be aware of what is going on in your mind. Self awareness and self talk is something that takes a little work, unfortunately, but it can become a natural habit overtime. The most surprinsing thing I learned about mental health is "it's not because you think it that it is true". In other words "don't always believe your thoughts." I try to remind myself this often. I never tried the flip method, I'm not sure it would work for me, i'm not the type that gets excited easily, even the word exiciting is not very natural for me. Have a good day!
@@Lydia-Bee thanks for your response. Love it. Your points remind me of my learnings and practice of Eckhart Tolle and also the Buddhist way. We are not our thoughts! Let the thoughts come in and don't resist then let them blow away like clouds. This keeps us in the now or the present moment and not anxious about the future or depressed about the past. It is life changing stuff. Self respect and unconditional self love always leads to love and non judgement of all other sentient beings(humans, animals, landscape, our earth, and the universe). It is sooo cool that you figured this out on your own!!! Again I congratulate you and am sure you affect many others around you in a positive way.
I love your podcasts , they get me through anxiety induced days & night. Going to try ‘ I’m excited” method ! Going to feel the fear like I used to .. Namaste !☮️💜
I learnt this last year, after being on physc meds for decades! I came off and have managed my anxiety by telling myself I'm excited 🎉 honestly it is a game changer
This is really good. Two words I started using a while ago that helps me is “it’s okay” or I’m okay”. I’ll run through the thought that is plaguing me at the time, then I’ll say at the end of that,”and it’s okay.” It’s amazing how much I calm down.
#1 Evaluate the situations and relationships that you have. Are you around people who are nice and appreciate you? Or people that are mean, manipulate you or gaslight you? Then maybe that’s where we need to start. Getting away from negative people is the first step then finding people who are kind and treat others well is transformative.
Decades ago, in Texas for Air Force training, one particular day was so hot that not one of the many thousands on the base ventured outside...except me. Never one to be comfortable in the heat, I took a slow and contemplative stroll. I loved it! It raised my confidence level that I could face something otherwise negative and see it in a positive light. Still deep in my healing process, and dealing with some very dark thoughts, I have recently begun to rename my anxiety as excitement, as you suggest. It does work. It also helps that I have begun to know that I can work through my anxiety; and not be the victim of it. Naming every stressor and dealing with them one at a time is decreasing the backlog, and helping with overwhelm. Though childhood trauma led to cPTSD for me, the negative and failure mindset I had is slowly morphing into a self-advocating one. Just today, I broke a long period of avoidance, and am tackling my issues. Thanks for your insights.
@@Ragnarrageyou are so right...i just wish i could feel relief thinking i still got tomorrow to try again...especially fidning out having pcos i have my life cut short basically barely 25 and supposedly i have 25 left 😮 not a helpful research thread i wanted to find out about in trying to take control of my anxiety..but at least now i know why itd be triggered more easily...i just wish i had a normal body and brain..
Reframing situations in our mind is such a good skill to remember and this "I'm excited" tip is one that makes so much sense. Thank you for this wonderful series. I have been so paralyzed by anxiety that I stayed in bed for almost a year, have isolated from friends and family almost five years, and it's very hard to re-engage because of overwhelming stress, medical problems, financial hardship, etc. I finally found a local therapist who accepts medicare and my goal is just taking the smallest baby steps each day if possible. Having a therapist is so helpful in this regard - please try one if you are in trouble, although easier said than done, I know. My last therapist quit and it has taken me over three years to get a new one.
My deepest condolences...heres to a better year filled with light bulb moments! Lets have some faith in ourselves. Yes it may seem hard. No i am not in your footsteps..but if i can do it so can you. I also had severe anxiety...and depression. One fed the other...so forth..but come 2020 i was able to do alot more than previous years since 2017 ...you are not alone in this....until 2023 came ..there were some changes to my body medically that made me regress...but i wont give up. It just made my confidence dwindle alot lol but alas....there is hope...with natural remedies too...i think baby steps is what we need...im more concerned about keeping up with work now but...maybe things wont be as bad as it seems or our brain makes us believe...cuz now my anixety and depression literally is being triggered and induced by imbalance of reproductive hormones..and ts frustrating cuz i know i dont feel this bad...but yet my body somehow feels this way...😢😢😢 But we shall rise again...lets embrace all these nasty feelings..😅😊❤
I used to fly all the time for work, but after being alone in my apartment during the beginning of the pandemic, when I decided to fly to visit family in late 2021, I was having terrible anxiety about it. I had also gained a disability and some extra weight so that just added to my anxiety. Then I was reading about how fear/anxiety and excitement were the same as far as your body was concerned. And the person recommended thinking of something exciting in the moments of anxiety. For instance, I was flying to go to a big conference. In addition to flying anxiety, I was also nervous about suddenly being in a room of 300 people after being alone for so long. So I decided ahead of the trip to picture me seeing all my friends that I hadn't seen in 2 years and getting to present a session on a topic I loved. I imagined how it would feel to finally hug my friends and played it out in my head for a couple weeks before I left. When I started to get anxious on the plane, I already had my vision of excitement to think about... and dang it if it didn't actually work! I've been using that technique for a while now... even flew to Europe this summer with my mom and didn't have ANY anxiety.
Using one’s imagination and ability to visualize in a positive way instead of a negative one is powerful and profound. I know this from experience, but have forgotten about it during some difficulties in the last few years. Thank you for reminding me that we have this ability. The example you gave is inspiring, and I’m truly happy that it worked for you. Here’s wishing you many more travels and great adventures!✈️
I was wondering how to apply Emma's advice to my situation of public transport anxiety and I think you may have given me the key, so thank you! I've been getting anxiety off and on for over 4 years around train trips in particular, and rarely go into the office now. I do need to go in soon and don't want to have to suffer through a lot of anxiety symptoms to do it (though accepting that might still happen and I'll be ok is another technique I will employ) This idea of imagining an amazing thing on the other side is one I hadn't considered, and might be just the thing for my 1.5-2hr train trip (because hyping myself up just to go into the office feels a bit weird 😂)
I am in awe over the story of a post she read relating to her children. You can see the absolute love she has for them. Not by the story but by the way her emotions spring up at just the thought and context of the concept and it relating to her own children- that's a mother's true love
I come from a long line of anxious women; great-grandmother, grandmother & mother. Thank goodness I got into therapy on my 40s due to overwhelming anxiety that threatened to becoming crippling. Despite repeatedly threatening to die for the last 50 or 60 years, my mother turned 100 on December 1st & had a debilitating stroke the next day and has, sadly, been moved from Assisted Living to long term care. She never sought any treatment or learned any skills for coping with it, & her anxiety continues to rage even as she nears death. When she passes, I think I will be grateful that she’s finally at peace.
Practical and scientific expression of James 1: Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
I don’t know if this is the same but when it’s really busy in the supermarket, I imagine that I walk through a forest and the people are threes… it works for me
6:08 "TIME TRAVELING FROM MY FUTURE..." That's Brilliant . . . we are never again going to be as young as we are now, a lot of frustration comes from the monotony of things, but being 'allowed' to visit your present as a free standing 'gift' (rather than a 'required chore' ) really helps frame the beauty of THIS MOMENT ! B---)
I started doing this unconsciously when I had to make short deadlines. I'd see others paralyze their minds trying to fight deadline anxiety. When I would start to feel anxious I'd tell myself that what I was feeling instead was an exhilaration. It made my deadlines a game that I got better and more confident at.
When at the University of Iceland as a young woman from a much warmer climate, I had a long bus trip back & forth in sub zero winter temps. There was a 25 minute stop where I had to leave my bus & wait for the next bus going to my destination. I was so cold my hands inside of my gloves became blue , I was most often numb then burning when I came into room temperature again. I forced myself everyday to imagine myself on the beach in California or Hawaii once again and after a few minutes of deep thought I could bring my body into the warm space in my mind. Mind over matter.
I really appreciate this video and anxiety. I have been diagnosed with severe anxiety and I have to take an anti-anxiety medication. Sometimes the side effects of not having a medication if I run out too soon is very hard to handle. I am listening with open ears. Have a lovely day and happy 2024 to you.🙏🏽❤️🥰
@Rollwithit699 im sorry that happened to you...i hope you heal from all that ...wishing you the best...lets heal together...hopefully we come back as wolves ❤❤❤
You are awesome! Your videos has helped me so much! I was out of work for 1 month cause of anxiety and panic attacks I was having I was scared of everything 😢 I came across your videos and gave it a chance and so glad I did ❤
Hi! You can also read the book "Anxiety: Panicking About Panic" by Joshua Fletcher who brilliantly explains why one should not fear panic feelings. Panic will leave once you understand that it does no harm and it's save to have 'panic attacks' (aka release of a good dose of adrenaline, which is naturally and evolutionary meant by body to protect us from a potential threat).
I have never struggled--since childhood--with doing hard and painful things, being outdoors and getting scrapes and bruises. Physical hardships are satisfying when we go through them. No big deal. But emotional dis-regulation, anxiety--terror, even--is not like regular anxiety that everyone has. CPTSD is a horse of another color. Yes, I am working on healing through many modalities over many years, and while I have gained some healing, it isn't as easy as the formula you have provided. But am thankful for those who don't understand the difference betweeen anxiety and CPTSD trauma / terror.
This is a great idea. It also explains why I'm usually happy and peppy when I have a job interview. I am nervous, but instead of going towards the anxiety type of nervous, I channel it into a happy kind of nervous. It works great. I didn't realize up to now! And now I can use this technique during other days, since I have quite the anxiety about some events lately. I can use it during work xD
ohhh this happens to me too - I think I might try saying I’m excited to find a new meditation on youtube that will help me practice falling asleep again - I wonder if that might work for us that wake up too soon with huge anxious feelings?
@@zero1188 I do. We are all unique indivinduals... I'm just a crybaby.... typically these days, I'm just joining the internet fray. Me, me, me, me, me, me.... enough about me, let's talk about me. Waaaaaaah!
For me, I was able to fix this type of night time anxiety by taking Vitamin B supplements. On the other hand, regular daytime anxiety, anger or excitement all make me tense up and get all sorts of muscle pain and spine misalignment, so changing anxiety into excitement is not likely to help ma at all.
Tell yourself before you go to bed that you’re excited to peacefully sleep through the night and wake up refreshed and calm. Imagine it, feel yourself doing it over and over until it becomes a reality. Create a meditation that you do every night before bed. You can change your story and create new neural pathways but you’ll need to do some work. Wishing you the best restful sleep ever 💕
An example for me was during my black belt exam in Taekwondo. I was really nervous I was shaking. I started to tell myself to just have some fun and I felt the switch from anxiety to excitement. This is a neat super power for sure.
This reminds me of the line from Kung Fu Panda: "There is just news, there is no good or bad." All we can do is figure out how we're going to react. This video is very timely as I have my first ballroom dance event next week. It's not a competition, but it is with our sister studio and I don't know many of the students there. I both excited and terrified of dancing with /in front of them, but I am going to do my best to focus on keeping it positive!
Just a quick note to say thanks for these videos. Having gone through dealing with my mom's dementia, followed two months later by my dad's cancer and then my own cancer two weeks after that, life was pretty bonkers for a bit. Now, getting things back on track and finding these to be helpful. Appreciate you sharing your experiences and recommendations.
I really like how you handle the way your kids get hurt in the woods, how it makes some discomfort just a part of stepping out of the comfort zone that is the couch. We have forgotten that, as a society, I think. It's just part of being outside: mosquitos, heat, cold, rain, dirt, and jeez, it sure is hard getting yourself (ok, MYself) up that hill! It's cool, how that works with anything else that might cause us anxiety. "It's just a part of this thing I'm doing." There's a book called The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter. Lots of good insight in it, with lots of data to go along with it. Of course, as with all things, your miles may vary. I'm curious if you've read it, and your opinion, if you're inclined to give it. As ever, thank you so much for the work you do.
Thanks! Gonna try this right now as I go to the job I “hate” for no f-ing reason. Great people to work with and unbelievable benefits. And to top it off, the whole department was my idea
Dear Emma. I really needed to watch this today. I was always a little bit anxious, but a couple of years ago it got out of hand (perimenopause?) to the point of being diagnosed with GAD. I've found a great ACT therapist in my area and it has helped A TON, but still sometimes, anxiety hits me hard, like today. In my case it's a lot about struggling with intrusive thoughts or a "feeling" of dread. But watching this I thought "You know what? all of this is just because you care about your life and your family so much!" It immediately lit a spark of hope and happiness inside me. Thank you!!!!!
It has been a while since I have listened to Emma and she is great. I have written a book on loneliness “Smartphones Don’t Give Hugs “ and Emma’s advice fits in perfectly with the chapter about how we react to change and fear
holy crap this works I have anxiety about medical procedures to the degree that I've passed out during prep before and was unable to complete the procedure. Yesterday I was in for another procedure and I could feel the heartbeats, nausea, dizzies, and everything coming on. I almost started laughing out loud as I said in my head "I am SO excited for this!!" Doctor comes with a needle? SO EXCITED!!! I couldn't believe I finished the procedure and wasn't overly stressed during the lead up. You're a life changer.
I just want to say this; some health workers and even therapists benefit from seeing a counsellor / therapist. We just don’t talk about it…but it is OKAY. I really enjoy your videos ☮️
Two quick points: 1. You have gotten very good in front of the camera. Congrats with that!. 2. Good points. Forcing or 'tricking' anxiety away most often only makes it worse. Good approach.
It doesn’t work for you because the dept in your brain that directs the sub-conscious 🧠 listens to your frontal lobe and knows you’re a habitual manipulator 🤷🏻♂️💯😂😂😉
Confused by your comment. On point #2.... are you disputing her approach/advice to flip from nervous to "I am excited" by calling it "forcing or tricking" anxiety? If so that is totally fine and your opinion but can you clarify and maybe elaborate? I am interested in all different take on this. Thx
Greetings!! I am so glad that I found your channel. This is so helpful and I am going to start this new mantra right now. I have been feeling anxious about flying by myself and now I have some new tools to feel excited about it and all that I will enjoy and accomplish on this amazing vacation. Thank you so much!! Have an exciting day everyone!!
Okay, I have plenty of anxiety, being a survivor of protracted benzo withdrawals...5 years out! So I will definitely try this out. I haven't had AC in 10 years now, and I do trick my mind on the most humid of the hottest days of summer. When I lived in my home state of Rhode Island, I used to love going to the beach at the ocean, and sunbathe. So I would just close my eyes and take myself back there in my mind, and it really does ease the discomfort. I definitely will try the "I'm excited" technique though.
This strategy saved my life today. I felt a shift just thinking of applying the lesson. Then I ended my day well and felt at ease to sleep. Your videos are amazingly impactful to me. Thank you.
I love you. You. Should know that. I have been a subscriber when you only had 40,000 and was recovering from my traumatic brain injury. And you. Your content. The videos and you are all getting better and better 🥰 Thank you. I discovered you when I was 28? 29? 30? And Im 34 now. 😆 Im so happy for you and as always thank you for doing these videos ever since the pandemic 💃
1. "Feel the fear and do it anyway" - I read this book by Susan Jeffers in the 90s and had it as a mantra for some years; thanks for the reminder. 2. "Spannung" in German means both "excitement" and "stress" (as well as tension, voltage and others). In other words, it's all about context and mindset.
I was going to say the same about the book. It really helped me to change my situation back in my 20's. I have a harder time using it now that I've grown older and seen/experienced more... my fears grew exponentially. I never understood why old people always seemed so scared but it's often from a life time of pain and/or witnessing pain. I might need to dig that book out again. I have it here somewhere. :)
Großartig! A viola-player I know teaches that it's nonsense to be "entspannt" while playing music. If you'd relax everything, you'd fall on the floor. Love.
This reminds me of when I showed horses. The morning of a show, I would feel physically ill with anxiety, but I learned once we had arrived and all the prep was complete, I would relax and enjoy the day. Thank you for this advice. I am certainly going to try this approach.
0:54: Physiologically, anxiety and excitement are the same. 2:04: When feeling anxious, say: “I’m excited!” 2:41: This moves you from a threat mindset to an opportunity mindset. 5:41: Pain is part of the adventure 6:02: Time travelling trick 6:52: You feel anxious because you care. 8:41: Remind yourself that you chose this challenge. 9:52: How to transform anxiety into excitement: (1) Specify your fear; (2) Reframe it into an “excited” statement; (3) Visualize positive outcomes; (4) Use positive affirmations; (5) Take action; (6) Afterward, reward yourself.
Hello. I’ve watched your videos for a while. I’m 57 and have since the age of 11 suffered with anxiety which worsened to panic attacks. Horrible panic attacks where I thought I was going crazy. I’ve sought all types of ways to take these away. I’ve only been able to control with meds. 😞
Thank you so much for sharing your insights! It reminds me how valuable and liberating where my mother’s intuitive teaching as I experienced anxiety as a teenager. Recognizing the potential of that extra energy and focusing it into positive action certainly shifted my adult reality! It’s now something I try to transmit to my own kids and entourage. Gratitude 🙏
Wow this popped up for me and I happened to be in the mood to click and listen; now I’m so happy that all happened because this really spoke to me and changed my whole direction for the day! 😊❤
I suffer from crippling anxiety, I have started therapy for it and I’ve been doing it for a few years now, she is wonderful and she listens to me but what you are teaching me is completely different. Your addressing the anxiety within the self and understanding what is actually happening in your body instead of my avoidance actions to deal with the anxiety which has been withdrawing and essentially isolating because that was NOT helping and I see now was clearly an avoidance action
I am deeply thankful for this video, and all your videos to deal with anxiety, panic attacks and processing emotions. I'm undergoing CBT therapy, and your techniques and knowledge have helped me downgrade my panic attacks to anxiety episodes that I can handle. I unfortunately don't have the money to buy the course right now but I'm saving for it because these videos are REALLY worth it, and I'm glad you still share them on TH-cam. You're a true blessing in our lives and I hope God will return this service to you tenfold. Thank you for your meaningful and life-altering work, and thank you and God for your wonderful soul. 💛
Hey Emma. I am on therapy with a smart therapist (she uses internal family system and trauma based work). However, when I started watching to your video I found it so beneficial and applicable. I also feel that you built a rapport with me after couple videos. You are doing great dear. You show genuinely and compassionately.
I do something similar. I don't consciously turn it into excitement, but I decided a while back that it was pointless to fight it, so i quit trying. Focusing on turning anxiety into excitement is a great idea! Im going to incorporate that thought now when I start having anxiety. Thank you!
I totally see this working! BUT my problem is when something bad is actually happening at the moment that’s what triggers my anxiety. I overthink and catastrophize the outcome. Usually it’s health anxiety or crime in progress near me. I don’t know how I can turn my headaches, palpitations or pains into something exciting. I’m going to try but that’s a tough one. Also last night the police were chasing a suspected driver for shooting a police officer. He turned into our neighborhood, crashed his car and ran into a green belt in our subdivision. I was in so much fear my heart was beating out of my chest. I was sweating, then cold, then got dizzy. I started to shake and felt sick. I literally thought this guy would shoot my door down and come into my home! Yet there were cop cars right outside. I think that situation probably wouldn’t work, but that’s the type of thing that triggers my anxiety and panic attacks. It’s horrible. I’m a mess today but I’m going to try to be excited for what the rest of the day has in store for me.🤞🏼🙏🏼
You are not alone in this. The anxiety I get usually is triggered by seeing or hearing about someone who is sick which causes me anxiety, lowering my immune system and end up catching whatever it is that they had or just being paranoid of getting cancer or kidney disease or having to have heart surgery, etc. It’s so maddening. Anyone have any suggestions about how to flip the script when it has to do with health anxiety? Please
@@connieammerman8302 omg I know that feeling all too well. I can barely watch the news. Im so sorry you’re going through that. I started with that in the beginning of my health anxiety. I didn’t even know if that was the rich name for it. I just thought I was paranoid with everything. The hardest part for me dealing with that was convincing myself F that my MRI, labs, scans and ultrasounds were all real and that I was okay. Hearing things on the news or friends being ill, I too thought I’d have what they have. Especially when they say “1 out of 3 women “ will get so and so…. I always believe I am that 1! And you’re absolutely right it’s maddening. Have you tried a therapist. It helped a little for me. I still struggle. But always tell myself “I’m alive and I can’t control everything”. I hope you can find help too.🤍
You’re the best therapist ever by time I started therapy I knew everything they would tell me to do for my anxiety!! Found out I was a 11 vitamin d deficiency on 3rd week of vitamins so I’m getting there I’m taking walks and all
I enjoy hearing you talk about your parenting. Most of the anxiety i experience in my life is due to parenting. I would love it if you could do a video on how to manage anxiety as a parent.
I've understood this video before I watched this video but I never understood it in the way that this video presented the information, so now I understand it in a totally different way that actually functions well in my brain and I appreciate you for that.
I have struggled with mental illness and my mental health since I was a kid. Before I even knew what those terms were. After years of depression, anxiety, and even an attempt to take my life, I never thought I would be able to live without SSRIs medications. I clung to them because it was the only thing that made my mind quiet, but it also made me a zombie. Microdosing has given me control of my mental health for the first time, and they essentially gave me my life back.
I’ve been researching on psychedelics and it’s benefits to individuals dealing with Anxiety, Depression, ADHD and from my findings, they really work and I’ve been eager to get some for a while but its been difficult to get my hands on them.
The Trips I've been having really helped me a lot. I’m now able to meditate and I finally feel in control of my emotions and my future and things that used to be mundane to me now seem incredible and full of nuance on top of that I'm way less driven by my ego and I have alot more empathy as well
@ohmakure4716 I feel the same way too. I put too much on my plate and it definitely affects my stress and anxiety levels. I am also glad to be a part of this community.
Pain is weakness leaving the body. An unofficial USMC. Not universally true but it is, in the right context. I don’t enjoy pain but I am indifferent to discomfort when meetychallenges, whethervthey pop up, or I sign up. It helped that I was often the brightest kid in class. But I NEED challenges & improvement so I do what it takes to achieve what I want. This literally keeps me younger and still full of life. All of it. “I got this!” is one of my favorite motivational phrases. But you have definitely taken this to a well structured in depth analysis & solution. I chose to be a participant of all of life, as much as possible. And that takes focused, sustained effort. Thank you for your insightful deep dive into the alternative paths I might tread, if I persevere rather than settle. This is the most persuasive and informative videos about dealing with anxiety that I have ever seen. -Matt’s dad ❤️ & respect!
The things i have learned from you… unbelievable. Youre not like “oh come to my lecture, i will teach the rest” no. You are real. Really helping. I get myself so many tools from you. I cant thank enough. The work you do means a lot ❤
Psychedelics are just an exceptional mental health breakthrough. It's quite fascinating how effective they are against depression and anxiety. Saved my life.
I like this approach. Making mindset shifts from positive to negative is key to reaching your peak potential, on and off the podium. I write and talk about turning stage fright into stage delight (see The Joy of Public Speaking). The anxiety or fear come from our thoughts, from between our ears. So the shift needed is to change our thoughts - from fright to delight. Nice job!
Good to hear a genuine grounded all rounded therapist talk true therapy. There is so much rubbish on you tube from people claiming to be therapists which can cause more damage to some people. I like the fact that you use a grounded approach giving a 3 dimensional approach to advise because its important for those with complex trauma to know that sone therapy is not always right for them, even if it's right for someone else. Thank you.
Watch infinite waters on anxiety and over thinking he says hes a therapist and does his own work. Lemme know what you think? Is he rubbish cuz id watch him years ago..and hed help...but hed also say to not take his word for it on other things unrelated to psychology of course..altho i dont quite remember anymore..but his videos would help me..until ppl say 'this aint for the faint of heart'im like yeah that helps. I hate when ppl say that..as if anxiety doesnt already make one feel that way...and panic
@lesliesantos8595 I had a quick look. First impression for me is reducing thinking is not always easy. If someome overthinks a lot that is not a disorder or mental health illness. His tips and conclusions I'd say are based on his experience. So may not be right for everyone. Personally for complex trauma and mental health complications it needs to be someone that has studied psychology and are registered therapists. When I watch a video and if someone claims to have the perfect solution I dismiss it straight away because one size doesn't fit all and many people think they have the answer but doesn't mean it's backed by science and evidance. We know our self best and is best to listen to experienced psychological therapists that have a wealth of experience but also we know our self better
Oh my god thank you for this lifesaver video. I'm a team lead and I have to have another tough convo on Monday. I'm such an anxious non confrontational person. This has helped me already!!! I love your work Emma.❤ You get me through so much.
Just embrace and follow the Philosophy of Stoics, We have the Power over our mind, others people think of us we don’t have, realizing this makes us acquire inner strength and confidence and calm k!
This is great to hear! It affirms what the Stoics , Viktor Frankel, Sam Harris and many other have taught. Namely, how you frame it makes all the difference. Thank you!
Fantastic! I've had students write down unhelpful interpretations and also statements from others. After discussing these (in a group) we'd go outside and, one by one, read them aloud and burn them. What remains is the feeling of being free and joyful to play the up-coming concert(s) and share what we can. You're doin' good; thanks.
Excitement is actually just anxiety with confidence... I have been trying to get someone to explain what confidence feels like for a very long time... this is what I needed. Its like tapping into the Joy down in your heart through all feelings and circumstances.
Thank you! Great timing. Only today I was doubting myself at work with imposter syndrome and looking for a way out. Admitting I am excited for the opportunity and bring it on is helpful.
Some good information here. Another tool I've found useful for anxiety and tension is deep breathing. It sounds like a cliche but it works. I also use it when I'm bored to tune into the present. The first breath is held for ten seconds then the other two are just slow deep breathing in and out. This takes 45 seconds to a minute. Do this ten times - it often breaks the cycle of what's bothering you.
This was interesting. I’d be curious to hear a discussion about how subjecting oneself to a “pain you enjoy” like a marathon differs from self harm in its essence-other than what society considers acceptable self-chosen pain.
Thank you so much for this advice. I'm excited to have this tool to try next time I'm feeling anxious. You're so right about how difficult it is to just calm down. And so many people tell you to breathe deeply but that can raise the anxiety. Thanks again
Thank you, an interesting way of dealing with stress of moving which I have been dealing with right now, we are a small charity and everything that could go wrong has gone wrong, especially utilities issues changes but I will try and be excited instead of stressed to deal with the issues!
I feel the need to say I think you are a lovely human.
Feeling
Excited
And
Ready
Nice
Neat
Integration
Can
Enjoy
It's funny. My high functioning ASD child was home tutored via distance education in Australia for 8 years. She had a teacher who would start every lesson with "Good morning, I'm excited!" "I'm excited to be with you today and I'm excited to see what we're going to get done." My child always looked forward to his lessons. Watching this, reminded me of that.
Love this-wrote it down for me! What a wonderful teacher for teaching your child how to start a great day. I’m excited for her!
@@peachluck1050 oh she's turning 25 this year and became a talented graphic designer/web designer straight after graduating college and now has her own business ;-)
@@Blah-Blah-Blah143 - Such good news! Thank you for letting me know.
You did great!
@@Blah-Blah-Blah143
P
wonderful video. a friend told me years ago, “nervousness is excitement without the breathing; just breath.” i still utilize this approach.
My 12 year old kid taught me this lesson last month! He was taking his first big audition as a middle school musician. Being a former music educator, I asked him how he was feeling beforehand and he said that he was excited! I responded, "Really? That's a great mindset!" He said that someone taught him the trick of when you feel anxious, say that you are excited because it puts a positive spin on the experience. He totally changed my perspective!
What a great kid. They are a credit to you. A musician too, what a badass!
I can always feel that you are an actual person when watching your videos. Your authenticity really shines through. Thank you for all of your helpful tips!
Anxiety makes my stomach hurt and excitement doesn’t. I don’t know what the physiological explanation for that is but there is definitely a physiological difference between anxiety and excitement.
If anxiety = nervousness then her method works. If anxiety = fear then it doesn't. I guess it depends on which type of anxiety one has.
There is a bundle of nerves down then around the stomach area. I've experienced stomach nerves too, indicating that the mental stress could be inducing a physiological effect - that's unpleasant and uncomfortable to deal with since you really FEEL this tension.
@@boris9047Excellent point. That's one to ponder, as I have chronic stomach tension. So, what is my fear in that moment of anxiety?
Thanks!!
@@c.j.9141 Hi, I have the same problem. I'd say the nr 1 problem is trust issues. Trust issues against other people but also towards oneself. So the key is to step by step build trust, first to oneself and then to others. To what degree do you trust yourself and others?
One night I was in bed not able to sleep because of high anxiety and I became angry with myself to be again feeling this way. I was so fed up with my mind making this anxiety that I told myself: ''All right, you want to freak out? Even if you go insane, go ahead freak out, be scared imagine the worse of the worse!'' I watched to see what would happen and all of a sudden everything in my mind stopped, there was just silence and a deep peace. I was so suprised, I couldn't beleive it. I got up had a drink of water and went back to bed for a good night sleep. I saw that anxiety was not something real that I had a certain power over it and that I could talk to myself to make things better. Anxiety still comes back from time to time but my view of it has changed.
Way to go your a badaxss. What I find interesting in your success---- From my reading, your approach is more similar to "rational emotive thinking". When a thought comes we are usually deciding and thinking it is "awful" or the "worst" and fueling anxiety.
Instead we can decide to think of it as "less desirable" or "unfortunate" and stop "awful-izing" it. And just like you did we can say to ourselves "go ahead and imagine the worst possible scenario ever" about this situation...Then what are the actual odds that this situation leads to that most "awful" possible outcome? Boom the anxiety is gone.....disarmed in its tracks, no fake, positive thinking there in this approach!
I guess this method is in some ways similar to what this video is advising but maybe only the common link is "self talk". You chose a "real" and rational approach whilst she is advising a "flip" to positive thinking? In her terms you did the "hardest" thing getting to calm from anxious without "I am excited"/positive thinking method successfully. Hmmmm guess there is not one right answer....no "either- or". Glad all is working out for you!!! Would love your thoughts on it!
@@jcd3869 Hi! and thanks. I agree with all you said, what is not so easy about this is that to do self talk takes either an extreme state of discouragement with oneself like I experienced or extreme vigilance to be aware of what is going on in your mind. Self awareness and self talk is something that takes a little work, unfortunately, but it can become a natural habit overtime. The most surprinsing thing I learned about mental health is "it's not because you think it that it is true". In other words "don't always believe your thoughts." I try to remind myself this often. I never tried the flip method, I'm not sure it would work for me, i'm not the type that gets excited easily, even the word exiciting is not very natural for me. Have a good day!
@@Lydia-Bee thanks for your response. Love it. Your points remind me of my learnings and practice of Eckhart Tolle and also the Buddhist way. We are not our thoughts! Let the thoughts come in and don't resist then let them blow away like clouds. This keeps us in the now or the present moment and not anxious about the future or depressed about the past. It is life changing stuff. Self respect and unconditional self love always leads to love and non judgement of all other sentient beings(humans, animals, landscape, our earth, and the universe).
It is sooo cool that you figured this out on your own!!! Again I congratulate you and am sure you affect many others around you in a positive way.
I love your podcasts , they get me through anxiety induced days & night. Going to try ‘ I’m excited” method ! Going to feel the fear like I used to .. Namaste !☮️💜
I learnt this last year, after being on physc meds for decades! I came off and have managed my anxiety by telling myself I'm excited 🎉 honestly it is a game changer
You are so brave. Good to know that this is possible 😁. Thanks 😀💚💚💚
@melissasibbald4617 it most certainly is possible, good luck with your journey 😊
I'm not anxious about being homeless, I'm excited!
😂😂😂
Yeah I'm having a hard time flipping it in my situations too as a trans person ha
if you are having internet then you can change your situation from homeless to have a place, by finding job.
This is really good. Two words I started using a while ago that helps me is “it’s okay” or I’m okay”. I’ll run through the thought that is plaguing me at the time, then I’ll say at the end of that,”and it’s okay.” It’s amazing how much I calm down.
#1 Evaluate the situations and relationships that you have. Are you around people who are nice and appreciate you? Or people that are mean, manipulate you or gaslight you? Then maybe that’s where we need to start. Getting away from negative people is the first step then finding people who are kind and treat others well is transformative.
Decades ago, in Texas for Air Force training, one particular day was so hot that not one of the many thousands on the base ventured outside...except me. Never one to be comfortable in the heat, I took a slow and contemplative stroll. I loved it! It raised my confidence level that I could face something otherwise negative and see it in a positive light.
Still deep in my healing process, and dealing with some very dark thoughts, I have recently begun to rename my anxiety as excitement, as you suggest. It does work. It also helps that I have begun to know that I can work through my anxiety; and not be the victim of it. Naming every stressor and dealing with them one at a time is decreasing the backlog, and helping with overwhelm. Though childhood trauma led to cPTSD for me, the negative and failure mindset I had is slowly morphing into a self-advocating one. Just today, I broke a long period of avoidance, and am tackling my issues. Thanks for your insights.
Great job Steve, you got this. Even if one day feels like a stuggle, you always got tommorrow to try again. Don't sweat it :)
Thank you for sharing. Best wishes!
@@Ragnarrageyou are so right...i just wish i could feel relief thinking i still got tomorrow to try again...especially fidning out having pcos i have my life cut short basically barely 25 and supposedly i have 25 left 😮 not a helpful research thread i wanted to find out about in trying to take control of my anxiety..but at least now i know why itd be triggered more easily...i just wish i had a normal body and brain..
Reframing situations in our mind is such a good skill to remember and this "I'm excited" tip is one that makes so much sense. Thank you for this wonderful series. I have been so paralyzed by anxiety that I stayed in bed for almost a year, have isolated from friends and family almost five years, and it's very hard to re-engage because of overwhelming stress, medical problems, financial hardship, etc. I finally found a local therapist who accepts medicare and my goal is just taking the smallest baby steps each day if possible. Having a therapist is so helpful in this regard - please try one if you are in trouble, although easier said than done, I know. My last therapist quit and it has taken me over three years to get a new one.
My deepest condolences...heres to a better year filled with light bulb moments! Lets have some faith in ourselves. Yes it may seem hard. No i am not in your footsteps..but if i can do it so can you. I also had severe anxiety...and depression. One fed the other...so forth..but come 2020 i was able to do alot more than previous years since 2017 ...you are not alone in this....until 2023 came ..there were some changes to my body medically that made me regress...but i wont give up. It just made my confidence dwindle alot lol but alas....there is hope...with natural remedies too...i think baby steps is what we need...im more concerned about keeping up with work now but...maybe things wont be as bad as it seems or our brain makes us believe...cuz now my anixety and depression literally is being triggered and induced by imbalance of reproductive hormones..and ts frustrating cuz i know i dont feel this bad...but yet my body somehow feels this way...😢😢😢
But we shall rise again...lets embrace all these nasty feelings..😅😊❤
Even listening to you speak is comforting. Thank you for all the work you've done for this anxious and scared community ❤
This is fantastic! You are fantastic! Prayers for your best year yet, Doc, and anyone at all reading this! God bless and lots of love!
Thankyou and the same blessings to you as well❤
@@NansGlobalKitchen ♥️♥️♥️
Thank you so much! ❤ God bless you too! 😊
Thanks! And I agree with your assessment. Love.
Thanks you Nataliesame to you🫶❤️🤗
I used to fly all the time for work, but after being alone in my apartment during the beginning of the pandemic, when I decided to fly to visit family in late 2021, I was having terrible anxiety about it. I had also gained a disability and some extra weight so that just added to my anxiety. Then I was reading about how fear/anxiety and excitement were the same as far as your body was concerned. And the person recommended thinking of something exciting in the moments of anxiety. For instance, I was flying to go to a big conference. In addition to flying anxiety, I was also nervous about suddenly being in a room of 300 people after being alone for so long. So I decided ahead of the trip to picture me seeing all my friends that I hadn't seen in 2 years and getting to present a session on a topic I loved. I imagined how it would feel to finally hug my friends and played it out in my head for a couple weeks before I left. When I started to get anxious on the plane, I already had my vision of excitement to think about... and dang it if it didn't actually work! I've been using that technique for a while now... even flew to Europe this summer with my mom and didn't have ANY anxiety.
Using one’s imagination and ability to visualize in a positive way instead of a negative one is powerful and profound. I know this from experience, but have forgotten about it during some difficulties in the last few years. Thank you for reminding me that we have this ability. The example you gave is inspiring, and I’m truly happy that it worked for you. Here’s wishing you many more travels and great adventures!✈️
I was wondering how to apply Emma's advice to my situation of public transport anxiety and I think you may have given me the key, so thank you! I've been getting anxiety off and on for over 4 years around train trips in particular, and rarely go into the office now. I do need to go in soon and don't want to have to suffer through a lot of anxiety symptoms to do it (though accepting that might still happen and I'll be ok is another technique I will employ)
This idea of imagining an amazing thing on the other side is one I hadn't considered, and might be just the thing for my 1.5-2hr train trip (because hyping myself up just to go into the office feels a bit weird 😂)
I am in awe over the story of a post she read relating to her children. You can see the absolute love she has for them. Not by the story but by the way her emotions spring up at just the thought and context of the concept and it relating to her own children- that's a mother's true love
I come from a long line of anxious women; great-grandmother, grandmother & mother. Thank goodness I got into therapy on my 40s due to overwhelming anxiety that threatened to becoming crippling. Despite repeatedly threatening to die for the last 50 or 60 years, my mother turned 100 on December 1st & had a debilitating stroke the next day and has, sadly, been moved from Assisted Living to long term care. She never sought any treatment or learned any skills for coping with it, & her anxiety continues to rage even as she nears death. When she passes, I think I will be grateful that she’s finally at peace.
Practical and scientific expression of James 1:
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
I don’t know if this is the same but when it’s really busy in the supermarket, I imagine that I walk through a forest and the people are threes… it works for me
Love this
6:08 "TIME TRAVELING FROM MY FUTURE..."
That's Brilliant . . . we are never again going to be as young as we are now, a lot of frustration
comes from the monotony of things, but being 'allowed' to visit your present as a free standing 'gift'
(rather than a 'required chore' ) really helps frame the beauty of THIS MOMENT ! B---)
I started doing this unconsciously when I had to make short deadlines. I'd see others paralyze their minds trying to fight deadline anxiety. When I would start to feel anxious I'd tell myself that what I was feeling instead was an exhilaration. It made my deadlines a game that I got better and more confident at.
When at the University of Iceland as a young woman from a much warmer climate, I had a long bus trip back & forth in sub zero winter temps. There was a 25 minute stop where I had to leave my bus & wait for the next bus going to my destination.
I was so cold my hands inside of my gloves became blue , I was most often numb then burning when I came into room temperature again. I forced myself everyday to imagine myself on the beach in California or Hawaii once again and after a few minutes of deep thought I could bring my body into the warm space in my mind. Mind over matter.
I really appreciate this video and anxiety. I have been diagnosed with severe anxiety and I have to take an anti-anxiety medication. Sometimes the side effects of not having a medication if I run out too soon is very hard to handle. I am listening with open ears. Have a lovely day and happy 2024 to you.🙏🏽❤️🥰
@Rollwithit699 im sorry that happened to you...i hope you heal from all that ...wishing you the best...lets heal together...hopefully we come back as wolves ❤❤❤
@@Rollwithit699That was my thought too. Benzos are not safe for long-term use. I don't get why some doctors still prescribe them that way.
@@Rollwithit699water fasting and prayer will heal you❤ Jesus loves you❤
I would love to see Emma work her faith and the importance of it into her videos from time to time.
@@heidih3048when prescribed correctly short term,with appropriate counselling all meds have a role. They must be respected.
You are awesome! Your videos has helped me so much! I was out of work for 1 month cause of anxiety and panic attacks I was having I was scared of everything 😢 I came across your videos and gave it a chance and so glad I did ❤
Hi! You can also read the book "Anxiety: Panicking About Panic" by Joshua Fletcher who brilliantly explains why one should not fear panic feelings. Panic will leave once you understand that it does no harm and it's save to have 'panic attacks' (aka release of a good dose of adrenaline, which is naturally and evolutionary meant by body to protect us from a potential threat).
@@alexanderguryev2416that’s so interesting once I give up the thought it’s b.s.🫠
I have never struggled--since childhood--with doing hard and painful things, being outdoors and getting scrapes and bruises. Physical hardships are satisfying when we go through them. No big deal. But emotional dis-regulation, anxiety--terror, even--is not like regular anxiety that everyone has. CPTSD is a horse of another color. Yes, I am working on healing through many modalities over many years, and while I have gained some healing, it isn't as easy as the formula you have provided. But am thankful for those who don't understand the difference betweeen anxiety and CPTSD trauma / terror.
I taught myself how to do this 20 years ago. Best strategy ever.
Sound emotional talking about your kids. I so much respect you more than ever.
This is a great idea. It also explains why I'm usually happy and peppy when I have a job interview. I am nervous, but instead of going towards the anxiety type of nervous, I channel it into a happy kind of nervous. It works great. I didn't realize up to now! And now I can use this technique during other days, since I have quite the anxiety about some events lately. I can use it during work xD
I love the reframing of "pain is a part of the adventure."📝
I awaken with anxiety 3 hours before i should be getting up. Telling myself I'm excited is not a good way to fall back to sleep.
ohhh this happens to me too - I think I might try saying I’m excited to find a new meditation on youtube that will help me practice falling asleep again - I wonder if that might work for us that wake up too soon with huge anxious feelings?
You do realize this doesnt apply to every thing. Use context lmao
@@zero1188
I do. We are all unique indivinduals... I'm just a crybaby.... typically these days, I'm just joining the internet fray. Me, me, me, me, me, me.... enough about me, let's talk about me.
Waaaaaaah!
For me, I was able to fix this type of night time anxiety by taking Vitamin B supplements. On the other hand, regular daytime anxiety, anger or excitement all make me tense up and get all sorts of muscle pain and spine misalignment, so changing anxiety into excitement is not likely to help ma at all.
Tell yourself before you go to bed that you’re excited to peacefully sleep through the night and wake up refreshed and calm. Imagine it, feel yourself doing it over and over until it becomes a reality. Create a meditation that you do every night before bed. You can change your story and create new neural pathways but you’ll need to do some work. Wishing you the best restful sleep ever 💕
An example for me was during my black belt exam in Taekwondo. I was really nervous I was shaking. I started to tell myself to just have some fun and I felt the switch from anxiety to excitement. This is a neat super power for sure.
This reminds me of the line from Kung Fu Panda: "There is just news, there is no good or bad." All we can do is figure out how we're going to react. This video is very timely as I have my first ballroom dance event next week. It's not a competition, but it is with our sister studio and I don't know many of the students there. I both excited and terrified of dancing with /in front of them, but I am going to do my best to focus on keeping it positive!
Just a quick note to say thanks for these videos. Having gone through dealing with my mom's dementia, followed two months later by my dad's cancer and then my own cancer two weeks after that, life was pretty bonkers for a bit. Now, getting things back on track and finding these to be helpful. Appreciate you sharing your experiences and recommendations.
I really like how you handle the way your kids get hurt in the woods, how it makes some discomfort just a part of stepping out of the comfort zone that is the couch. We have forgotten that, as a society, I think. It's just part of being outside: mosquitos, heat, cold, rain, dirt, and jeez, it sure is hard getting yourself (ok, MYself) up that hill! It's cool, how that works with anything else that might cause us anxiety. "It's just a part of this thing I'm doing."
There's a book called The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter. Lots of good insight in it, with lots of data to go along with it. Of course, as with all things, your miles may vary. I'm curious if you've read it, and your opinion, if you're inclined to give it.
As ever, thank you so much for the work you do.
Thanks! Gonna try this right now as I go to the job I “hate” for no f-ing reason. Great people to work with and unbelievable benefits. And to top it off, the whole department was my idea
Dear Emma. I really needed to watch this today. I was always a little bit anxious, but a couple of years ago it got out of hand (perimenopause?) to the point of being diagnosed with GAD. I've found a great ACT therapist in my area and it has helped A TON, but still sometimes, anxiety hits me hard, like today. In my case it's a lot about struggling with intrusive thoughts or a "feeling" of dread. But watching this I thought "You know what? all of this is just because you care about your life and your family so much!" It immediately lit a spark of hope and happiness inside me. Thank you!!!!!
It has been a while since I have listened to Emma and she is great. I have written a book on loneliness “Smartphones Don’t Give Hugs “ and Emma’s advice fits in perfectly with the chapter about how we react to change and fear
holy crap this works
I have anxiety about medical procedures to the degree that I've passed out during prep before and was unable to complete the procedure. Yesterday I was in for another procedure and I could feel the heartbeats, nausea, dizzies, and everything coming on. I almost started laughing out loud as I said in my head "I am SO excited for this!!" Doctor comes with a needle? SO EXCITED!!! I couldn't believe I finished the procedure and wasn't overly stressed during the lead up.
You're a life changer.
I just want to say this; some health workers and even therapists benefit from seeing a counsellor / therapist. We just don’t talk about it…but it is OKAY.
I really enjoy your videos ☮️
Two quick points: 1. You have gotten very good in front of the camera. Congrats with that!. 2. Good points. Forcing or 'tricking' anxiety away most often only makes it worse. Good approach.
It doesn’t work for you because the dept in your brain that directs the sub-conscious 🧠 listens to your frontal lobe and knows you’re a habitual manipulator 🤷🏻♂️💯😂😂😉
Definitely works for me.
Confused by your comment. On point #2.... are you disputing her approach/advice to flip from nervous to "I am excited" by calling it "forcing or tricking" anxiety? If so that is totally fine and your opinion but can you clarify and maybe elaborate? I am interested in all different take on this. Thx
Greetings!! I am so glad that I found your channel. This is so helpful and I am going to start this new mantra right now. I have been feeling anxious about flying by myself and now I have some new tools to feel excited about it and all that I will enjoy and accomplish on this amazing vacation. Thank you so much!! Have an exciting day everyone!!
Did it work?
Wow did you teared up talking about your kids🥹!! Yes your mama heart is very tender💝
Okay, I have plenty of anxiety, being a survivor of protracted benzo withdrawals...5 years out! So I will definitely try this out.
I haven't had AC in 10 years now, and I do trick my mind on the most humid of the hottest days of summer. When I lived in my home state of Rhode Island, I used to love going to the beach at the ocean, and sunbathe. So I would just close my eyes and take myself back there in my mind, and it really does ease the discomfort.
I definitely will try the "I'm excited" technique though.
This strategy saved my life today. I felt a shift just thinking of applying the lesson. Then I ended my day well and felt at ease to sleep. Your videos are amazingly impactful to me. Thank you.
Love that i just discovered this channel. Its a tool box for living. Wish i found something like this 10 years ago!
Same here!
I love you.
You. Should know that.
I have been a subscriber when you only had 40,000 and was recovering from my traumatic brain injury.
And you. Your content. The videos and you are all getting better and better 🥰
Thank you.
I discovered you when I was 28? 29? 30? And Im 34 now. 😆
Im so happy for you and as always thank you for doing these videos ever since the pandemic 💃
1. "Feel the fear and do it anyway" - I read this book by Susan Jeffers in the 90s and had it as a mantra for some years; thanks for the reminder.
2. "Spannung" in German means both "excitement" and "stress" (as well as tension, voltage and others). In other words, it's all about context and mindset.
I was going to say the same about the book. It really helped me to change my situation back in my 20's. I have a harder time using it now that I've grown older and seen/experienced more... my fears grew exponentially. I never understood why old people always seemed so scared but it's often from a life time of pain and/or witnessing pain. I might need to dig that book out again. I have it here somewhere. :)
Großartig! A viola-player I know teaches that it's nonsense to be "entspannt" while playing music. If you'd relax everything, you'd fall on the floor. Love.
This reminds me of when I showed horses. The morning of a show, I would feel physically ill with anxiety, but I learned once we had arrived and all the prep was complete, I would relax and enjoy the day. Thank you for this advice. I am certainly going to try this approach.
I actually learned something new Emma endless thanks, God Bless.
0:54: Physiologically, anxiety and excitement are the same.
2:04: When feeling anxious, say: “I’m excited!” 2:41: This moves you from a threat mindset to an opportunity mindset.
5:41: Pain is part of the adventure
6:02: Time travelling trick
6:52: You feel anxious because you care.
8:41: Remind yourself that you chose this challenge.
9:52: How to transform anxiety into excitement: (1) Specify your fear; (2) Reframe it into an “excited” statement; (3) Visualize positive outcomes; (4) Use positive affirmations; (5) Take action; (6) Afterward, reward yourself.
Hello. I’ve watched your videos for a while. I’m 57 and have since the age of 11 suffered with anxiety which worsened to panic attacks. Horrible panic attacks where I thought I was going crazy. I’ve sought all types of ways to take these away. I’ve only been able to control with meds. 😞
I love what she says about being a mother and teaching her kids. Beautiful
Thank you so much for sharing your insights! It reminds me how valuable and liberating where my mother’s intuitive teaching as I experienced anxiety as a teenager. Recognizing the potential of that extra energy and focusing it into positive action certainly shifted my adult reality! It’s now something I try to transmit to my own kids and entourage. Gratitude 🙏
Wow this popped up for me and I happened to be in the mood to click and listen; now I’m so happy that all happened because this really spoke to me and changed my whole direction for the day! 😊❤
I suffer from crippling anxiety, I have started therapy for it and I’ve been doing it for a few years now, she is wonderful and she listens to me but what you are teaching me is completely different. Your addressing the anxiety within the self and understanding what is actually happening in your body instead of my avoidance actions to deal with the anxiety which has been withdrawing and essentially isolating because that was NOT helping and I see now was clearly an avoidance action
I shared your channel with my therapist and he is very impressed.
I am deeply thankful for this video, and all your videos to deal with anxiety, panic attacks and processing emotions.
I'm undergoing CBT therapy, and your techniques and knowledge have helped me downgrade my panic attacks to anxiety episodes that I can handle. I unfortunately don't have the money to buy the course right now but I'm saving for it because these videos are REALLY worth it, and I'm glad you still share them on TH-cam.
You're a true blessing in our lives and I hope God will return this service to you tenfold. Thank you for your meaningful and life-altering work, and thank you and God for your wonderful soul. 💛
Hey Emma. I am on therapy with a smart therapist (she uses internal family system and trauma based work). However, when I started watching to your video I found it so beneficial and applicable. I also feel that you built a rapport with me after couple videos. You are doing great dear. You show genuinely and compassionately.
I do something similar. I don't consciously turn it into excitement, but I decided a while back that it was pointless to fight it, so i quit trying. Focusing on turning anxiety into excitement is a great idea! Im going to incorporate that thought now when I start having anxiety. Thank you!
I totally see this working! BUT my problem is when something bad is actually happening at the moment that’s what triggers my anxiety. I overthink and catastrophize the outcome. Usually it’s health anxiety or crime in progress near me. I don’t know how I can turn my headaches, palpitations or pains into something exciting. I’m going to try but that’s a tough one.
Also last night the police were chasing a suspected driver for shooting a police officer. He turned into our neighborhood, crashed his car and ran into a green belt in our subdivision. I was in so much fear my heart was beating out of my chest. I was sweating, then cold, then got dizzy. I started to shake and felt sick. I literally thought this guy would shoot my door down and come into my home! Yet there were cop cars right outside. I think that situation probably wouldn’t work, but that’s the type of thing that triggers my anxiety and panic attacks. It’s horrible. I’m a mess today but I’m going to try to be excited for what the rest of the day has in store for me.🤞🏼🙏🏼
You are not alone in this. The anxiety I get usually is triggered by seeing or hearing about someone who is sick which causes me anxiety, lowering my immune system and end up catching whatever it is that they had or just being paranoid of getting cancer or kidney disease or having to have heart surgery, etc. It’s so maddening. Anyone have any suggestions about how to flip the script when it has to do with health anxiety? Please
@@connieammerman8302 omg I know that feeling all too well. I can barely watch the news. Im so sorry you’re going through that. I started with that in the beginning of my health anxiety. I didn’t even know if that was the rich name for it. I just thought I was paranoid with everything. The hardest part for me dealing with that was convincing myself
F that my MRI, labs, scans and ultrasounds were all real and that I was okay. Hearing things on the news or friends being ill, I too thought I’d have what they have. Especially when they say “1 out of 3 women “ will get so and so…. I always believe I am that 1! And you’re absolutely right it’s maddening. Have you tried a therapist. It helped a little for me. I still struggle. But always tell myself “I’m alive and I can’t control everything”. I hope you can find help too.🤍
You’re the best therapist ever by time I started therapy I knew everything they would tell me to do for my anxiety!! Found out I was a 11 vitamin d deficiency on 3rd week of vitamins so I’m getting there I’m taking walks and all
Your videos are instrumental in helping me manage and transform my severe anxiety. This and Buddhist information and RTT. Thank you!
I enjoy hearing you talk about your parenting. Most of the anxiety i experience in my life is due to parenting. I would love it if you could do a video on how to manage anxiety as a parent.
I've understood this video before I watched this video but I never understood it in the way that this video presented the information, so now I understand it in a totally different way that actually functions well in my brain and I appreciate you for that.
I have struggled with mental illness and my mental health since I was a kid. Before I even knew what those terms were. After years of depression, anxiety, and even an attempt to take my life, I never thought I would be able to live without SSRIs medications. I clung to them because it was the only thing that made my mind quiet, but it also made me a zombie. Microdosing has given me control of my mental health for the first time, and they essentially gave me my life back.
I’ve been researching on psychedelics and it’s benefits to individuals dealing with Anxiety, Depression, ADHD and from my findings, they really work and I’ve been eager to get some for a while but its been difficult to get my hands on them.
The Trips I've been having really helped me a lot. I’m now able to meditate and I finally feel in control of my emotions and my future and things that used to be mundane to me now seem incredible and full of nuance on top of that I'm way less driven by my ego and I have alot more empathy as well
I was having this constant, unbearable anxiety due to work stress. Not until I came across a very intelligent mycologist. He saved my life honestly
His name is *DR Adolf Petter*
@ohmakure4716
I feel the same way too. I put too much on my plate and it definitely affects my stress and anxiety levels. I am also glad to be a part of this community.
Pain is weakness leaving the body. An unofficial USMC. Not universally true but it is, in the right context.
I don’t enjoy pain but I am indifferent to discomfort when meetychallenges, whethervthey pop up, or I sign up.
It helped that I was often the brightest kid in class. But I NEED challenges & improvement so I do what it takes to achieve what I want.
This literally keeps me younger and still full of life. All of it.
“I got this!” is one of my favorite motivational phrases.
But you have definitely taken this to a well structured in depth analysis & solution.
I chose to be a participant of all of life, as much as possible. And that takes focused, sustained effort.
Thank you for your insightful deep dive into the alternative paths I might tread, if I persevere rather than settle.
This is the most persuasive and informative videos about dealing with anxiety that I have ever seen.
-Matt’s dad
❤️ & respect!
you have NO idea how much you’re helping me❤
The things i have learned from you… unbelievable. Youre not like “oh come to my lecture, i will teach the rest” no. You are real. Really helping. I get myself so many tools from you. I cant thank enough. The work you do means a lot ❤
Psychedelics are just an exceptional mental health breakthrough. It's quite fascinating how effective they are against depression and anxiety. Saved my life.
I like this approach. Making mindset shifts from positive to negative is key to reaching your peak potential, on and off the podium. I write and talk about turning stage fright into stage delight (see The Joy of Public Speaking). The anxiety or fear come from our thoughts, from between our ears. So the shift needed is to change our thoughts - from fright to delight. Nice job!
Good to hear a genuine grounded all rounded therapist talk true therapy. There is so much rubbish on you tube from people claiming to be therapists which can cause more damage to some people. I like the fact that you use a grounded approach giving a 3 dimensional approach to advise because its important for those with complex trauma to know that sone therapy is not always right for them, even if it's right for someone else. Thank you.
Watch infinite waters on anxiety and over thinking he says hes a therapist and does his own work. Lemme know what you think? Is he rubbish cuz id watch him years ago..and hed help...but hed also say to not take his word for it on other things unrelated to psychology of course..altho i dont quite remember anymore..but his videos would help me..until ppl say 'this aint for the faint of heart'im like yeah that helps. I hate when ppl say that..as if anxiety doesnt already make one feel that way...and panic
@lesliesantos8595 I had a quick look. First impression for me is reducing thinking is not always easy. If someome overthinks a lot that is not a disorder or mental health illness. His tips and conclusions I'd say are based on his experience. So may not be right for everyone. Personally for complex trauma and mental health complications it needs to be someone that has studied psychology and are registered therapists. When I watch a video and if someone claims to have the perfect solution I dismiss it straight away because one size doesn't fit all and many people think they have the answer but doesn't mean it's backed by science and evidance. We know our self best and is best to listen to experienced psychological therapists that have a wealth of experience but also we know our self better
Thank you for uploading these! Are so helpful 😅
I love this!! I can totally see how leaning into this feeling can be better, than leaning away. Neat!
Oh my god thank you for this lifesaver video. I'm a team lead and I have to have another tough convo on Monday. I'm such an anxious non confrontational person.
This has helped me already!!! I love your work Emma.❤ You get me through so much.
Your video talking about all the anecdotes and that there is a switch without giving me the switch makes me anxious.
Thank you Emma ❤ I can’t even summarize how much you are helping me with all your videos. You’re amazing 🥲
Thanks for this paradigm shift! I’ve been working on my anxiety my friend so now I’ll be more excited about seeing my friend!
this feels like a way to become disconnected from your feelings/increase the struggle with recognizing your feelings
Thank you! What a huge help. I'm sharing this with my daughters!
Thank you. This is such an important message. Thank you.🤗🇨🇦
God Bless this woman!
Just embrace and follow the Philosophy of Stoics, We have the Power over our mind, others people think of us we don’t have, realizing this makes us acquire inner strength and confidence and calm k!
Some things to learn for me who is always anxious, impulsive , exhausted , scared from the battle of depression since 4 years
The surfing metaphor really helped me; harnessing the power of the emotion into a different kind of ride…. Thank you for all you do x
This is great to hear! It affirms what the Stoics , Viktor Frankel, Sam Harris and many other have taught. Namely, how you frame it makes all the difference. Thank you!
Fantastic!
I've had students write down unhelpful interpretations and also statements from others. After discussing these (in a group) we'd go outside and, one by one, read them aloud and burn them. What remains is the feeling of being free and joyful to play the up-coming concert(s) and share what we can. You're doin' good; thanks.
Thank you. I have been confusing excitement for anxiety and sweating as opposed to enjoying the moment.
Thanks
Excitement is actually just anxiety with confidence... I have been trying to get someone to explain what confidence feels like for a very long time... this is what I needed. Its like tapping into the Joy down in your heart through all feelings and circumstances.
Thank you! Great timing. Only today I was doubting myself at work with imposter syndrome and looking for a way out. Admitting I am excited for the opportunity and bring it on is helpful.
This video really hit home with me, so I ordered the course! I’m really looking forward it! Thanks, Emma ❤
I am genuinely excited to try this. Thank you so very much!
It’s helped me for a while now thinking of anxiety as a “frisson” of excitement.
Some good information here. Another tool I've found useful for anxiety and tension is deep breathing. It sounds like a cliche but it works. I also use it when I'm bored to tune into the present. The first breath is held for ten seconds then the other two are just slow deep breathing in and out. This takes 45 seconds to a minute. Do this ten times - it often breaks the cycle of what's bothering you.
This was interesting. I’d be curious to hear a discussion about how subjecting oneself to a “pain you enjoy” like a marathon differs from self harm in its essence-other than what society considers acceptable self-chosen pain.
Greetings from Indonesia
Thanking you Emma, you are good and getting better each day
praise the Lord, May God bless you and your whole family
Thank you so much for this advice. I'm excited to have this tool to try next time I'm feeling anxious. You're so right about how difficult it is to just calm down. And so many people tell you to breathe deeply but that can raise the anxiety. Thanks again
Thank you, an interesting way of dealing with stress of moving which I have been dealing with right now, we are a small charity and everything that could go wrong has gone wrong, especially utilities issues changes but I will try and be excited instead of stressed to deal with the issues!