Ep.175 – Dr. Jennifer Dragonette – Navigating Anxiety: Strategies for Managing Stress in a New Year
In this conversation, Dr. Jen Dragonette and Paul Fenner explore the pervasive issue of anxiety, particularly during the start of a new year and in the context of recent societal events. Dr. Jen highlights the physical manifestations of anxiety, the importance of understanding its nature, and the role of mindset in managing anxious thoughts.
Our conversation emphasizes the concept of agency, the need for connection, and the power of communication in overcoming feelings of isolation and fear. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, they provide listeners with strategies to cope with anxiety and foster emotional wellness.
Please enjoy my conversation with Dr. Jenifer Dragonette.
Connect with Paul
Contact Paul here or schedule a time to meet with Paul here.
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And feel free to email Paul at pfenner@tammacapital.com with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES YOU MAY LIKE
1 Big Idea to Think About
One insightful takeaway from the episode is the understanding that anxiety often convinces us of catastrophic outcomes beyond our control, but by acknowledging these feelings and examining them against reality, we can regain a sense of agency and better cope with life's uncertainties.
1 Way You Can Apply This
To better manage anxiety, consider adopting a mindful pause—momentarily stepping back to reflect on your physical and emotional state. When you feel anxiety building, take a moment to recognize the sensation and label it, which can help you disrupt the cycle of anxious thoughts. This approach not only increases self-awareness but also fosters a sense of control, empowering you to navigate stressful situations more effectively and enhancing your overall emotional well-being.
1 Question to Ask
How do I typically respond when I start to feel anxious, and what steps can I take to recognize and address those feelings more effectively?
Key Moments From the Show
00:09 Anxiety common around holidays and presidential elections.
01:51 Mindset plays a crucial role in managing anxiety during holidays and new years.
02:33 Understanding anxiety by pulling back from thoughts and examining them.
03:50 Anxiety's three convictions: feared thing will happen, it will be catastrophic, and we can't cope.
04:49 Building agency to cope by questioning anxiety's claims.
05:31 Anxiety and career transition challenges around holidays.
06:32 Personal anecdote about losing Christmas to anxiety during job loss.
07:27 Anxiety as an uncontrollable force in "Inside Out" movie scene.
08:45 Understanding physical sensations of anxiety can help manage it.
09:54 Anxiety feeds on self-doubt; realizing agency reduces it.
10:27 Without self-doubt, anxiety cannot exist.
11:19 Anxiety isolates us, making us feel unique in our struggles.
12:45 Human connection lessens anxiety through shared experiences.
13:56 Avoidance maintains anxiety; approaching feared thing reduces it.
15:47 Conversations are often what we fear most, making us feel alone.
17:35 Anxiety causes us to avoid difficult but necessary conversations.
19:35 Introducing "make sure" behavior as a control mechanism for anxiety.
21:23 Trying to control external factors usually backfires.
23:19 Recognizing and addressing anxiety important for a better 2025.
23:34 Ending on appreciation and looking forward to future discussions.
Resources Featured in This Episode: