The world is one heck of a scary place! Perhaps now more than ever! And in this year alone, studies show that there has been a marked increase in anxiety and other mental-health related issues in people of all ages. While a vast amount of adults¹, including college students², have indicated that they feel significantly greater levels of stress and anxiety this year, there are also studies which state that we could see a rise in anxiety and depression occurring more frequently in children and adolescents³. That’s why it’s so important to take care of our mental health! But sometimes we just don’t know how to incorporate good mental health practices into our daily lives. When we are in panic mode or overwhelmed with anxiety, it’s hard to know where to turn to in order to find calm again. And while simply listening to podcasts is by no means a substitute for seeking professional help, there are some amazing podcasts that have been thoughtfully put together to help us regain our calm and still our anxiety whenever these emotions threaten to overwhelm us.
Today we’re sharing 10 wonderful podcasts that focus on helping us navigate our stress and anxiety so that we’re able to thrive in this crazy world!
1. The Chasing Joy Podcast
First up we have The Chasing Joy Podcast. In each episode, host Georgie shares meaningful conversations about wellness that will bring energy and joy into your life. Georgie takes us on deep dives into all sorts of varied topics related to wellness, and she brings along a remarkable guest who has expertise in that particular area. This podcast will entertain, educate, and inspire you to live a more joyful, energized life. Georgie, as well as her guests, share with openness and refreshing transparency, allowing you to really feel “heard” and understood. The conversations are real, there is zero sugar-coating going on, and because of the expertise of the guests, the advice or tips shared are practical, actionable, and will actually work in your everyday life. And even when the topics are difficult, there is such a sense of care and sensitivity that radiates through the speakers. It’s a great show, no matter where you find yourself on life’s journey.
2. Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris
Dan Harris knows a thing or two about living with anxiety. Back in 2004, Dan was a news anchor for ABC…and had a panic attack while live on Good Morning America! Flash forward to today, and he’s come a long way since then! He’s now the best-selling author of 10% Happier as well as the host of the podcast Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris. So when you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, or plagued by his cousin, hopelessness, allow Ten Percent Happier to help get your mind back on track again. This show explores happiness from every angle, but the main takeaway is that our brain is trainable, meaning we can learn how to acquire mental traits such as happiness, calm, generosity, compassion, and connection. They are skills we can learn to help us live with less-cluttered minds and to cultivate a calmer, more focused life. Dan also interviews some great guests (even the Dalai Lama!) and so there’s a whole scope of perspectives and points of view from which we can learn.
3. Feel Good Effect
Feel Good Effect is another top wellness podcast with a mission to unpack what it really means to be healthy. Hosted by Robyn Conley Downs, who is the founder of mission-driven media and education brand, Real Food Whole Life, the podcast draws from cutting-edge science on mindfulness, habit, and behavior change to help us regain our calm by discovering strategies and healthy mental habits that really work. Whether it’s through some insightful conversations with knowledgeable guests, or through her solo episodes, this podcast offers a treasure trove of small mindset shifts for more calm, clarity, and daily joy. The episodes are full of authentic advice, thought-provoking insights, and gentle guidance, all of which makes Feel Good Effect a wonderful podcast providing that much-needed positivity in our lives.
4. Clear Your Clutter Inside and Out
Sometimes, our levels of anxiety are heightened when we feel surrounded and overwhelmed by “stuff”, whether physical or metaphorical. And that’s just where Julie Coraccio and her podcast, Clear Your Clutter Inside and Out comes in to save the day. Julie uses her platform to discuss clutter in every way, shape, and form, covering not only our physical clutter, but also the less-discussed types, like mental, emotional, and even spiritual clutter, which can so often be catalysts of our anxiety. As Julie puts it, clutter can prevent you from creating the life you choose, desire and deserve. But by attending to the clutter in our lives, and then being equipped to deal with it, we become empowered to live our lives as freely as possible, by learning to address and let go of all that causes anxiety to rise up. Julie is really insightful, her topics are thought-provoking, and her advice is practical and user-friendly, and she will really inspire you to make that positive change in your life.
5. The Transforming Anxiety Podcast
Host of The Transforming Anxiety Podcast and certified Life Coach Kelly McCormick asks, “Do you struggle with anxiety? Feel as if you’re trapped in a Groundhog Day loop of stress, worry, and overwhelm? Are you tired of fluffy advice from well-meaning friends and experts that leave you in the same place you started with anxiety?” And if you’ve answered even the smallest “Yes.” to any or all of the above questions, then this podcast is the resource you’ve been looking for. Through her weekly episodes, Kelly McCormick will guide you on the path to true transformation around anxiety as she equips you with the tools, strategies, and resources you need as you process and walk through your anxiety. There are profound nuggets of wisdom in every episode, and you’ll gain actionable advice that you can then integrate into your daily routine.
6. Not Another Anxiety Show
Kelli Walker is a registered nurse, Certified Health and Wellness Coach, and former agoraphobe*. She is also the host of Not Another Anxiety Show. This podcast is branded as a podcast for all: from the always anxious to the occasionally overwhelmed to the painfully panicked. In each episode, Kelli, along with some expert guests, helps us understand more about what anxiety really is, why the best of us can get caught in its web, and how to move past its sticky grip. You’ll always come away with practical tips, resources, and guidance to help you navigate your emotions and triggers. And the advice is always shared with gentleness, understanding, and grace – which you’ll learn to extend to yourself too. Kelli has a great “bedside manner”, she’s real, funny, and delivers the content with a great mix of the two, making this podcast a real winner.
*Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder that is caused by the fear of places and situations that might cause panic, helplessness or embarrassment.
7. Mindful
Mindful is an extension of mindful.org, and is a collection of guided meditation, calming exercises, as well as gratitude techniques. And this podcast is a fantastic resource when what you need is a guide to help you refocus, recenter, or to bring your anxious thoughts into the proper alignment. There are so many different types of meditations or practices available on the podcast. Whether you need a meditation to help calm your thoughts, focus your awareness, or you are feeling the need to reset, there is just the episode for you. I recommend taking some time to go through the episodes and find the ones that you most connect with. In that way, they are ready and waiting for you when you need them.
8. Mindfulness Mode
Mindfulness Mode is a great show to help you cultivate more calm in your life! This podcast covers mindfulness from every angle, so if you’re looking to increase your calm, your focus, and your overall happiness then this show should definitely be on your list. Hosted by Bruce Langford, this podcast seeks to do all of the above and then some through the practices of mindfulness & meditation. But Bruce Langford is not flying solo on this journey to help us become more relaxed, contented, and happy. He has already been joined by a whole host of business experts, entrepreneurs, teachers, and parents who show us what it means to practice mindfulness in every walk of life, and just how beneficial the practice can be, not only for business success, but for our overall happiness and wellbeing. You’ll learn practical tips for living centered and in the moment, and you’ll feel more calm and collected after every listen.
9. Tracks to Relax: Guided Sleep Meditation
Whenever we’re in panic mode, and all our anxieties come flooding in, one of the first things we lose is a peaceful night’s sleep. That’s why we’re including two podcasts that are geared towards helping you ease your anxiety, particularly when it happens at night, and help you drift off to a restoring night’s sleep. First up we have Tracks to Relax: Guided Sleep Meditation. This podcast is so focused on helping you rest and relax that it comes with a warning! This podcast should be avoided whilst driving or doing anything that requires your attention (like writing this post, ahem…), as the guided sleep meditations provided will have you quickly drifting off to Sleepville! The combination of soothing voice and subtle background music, coupled with the guided meditation really helps to calm anxious thoughts, and prepare your mind and body for a great night’s rest.
10. The Sleep Meditation Podcast
Last but not least we have The Sleep Meditation Podcast. This podcast applies techniques similar to ASMR, with the addition of guided meditation. If you’re not familiar with ASMR, it stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, and is usually triggered by specific sounds. The idea is that these sounds trigger this response, which many find very calming. But even if you’re not into ASMR, as this is not a specific ASMR podcast, this could be just what you need to help you relax, whether it’s before bed or whenever you’re feeling anxious. You’re guided through a series of breathing techniques and vocal cues to help you switch off and slip into a deep sleep or a more relaxed state. There are a variety of sounds, so you will be sure to find those sounds that resonate with you best. The sound quality is excellent, and the sounds have been masterfully mixed together to give you the most relaxing experience possible. Definitely have this podcast ready for whenever you’re bombarded by anxiety, or you feel panic rising up. It’s sure to keep your mind calm and your soul relaxed.
Closing Thoughts
These podcasts have been thoughtfully designed and put together to help us out when we’re stressed out or overwhelmed by feelings of anxiety. However, there can be no substitute for professional help. If you are feeling overwhelmed or anxious, or you think you may be struggling with depression, please reach out and talk to someone you trust, or seek professional help. We are living in such unpredictable times, and as much as we do those necessary things to keep our bodies healthy and strong, we need to take the same care for our mental health. Take some time today to assess your mental health and to take stock of how you’re doing emotionally. And then take the necessary steps, no matter how small, towards where you want to be mentally, emotionally, and physically.
Sources:
1. Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2020/08/18/the-pandemic-has-caused-an-increase-in-anxiety-stress-depression-and-suicides/?sh=465d14375863
2. ScienceDaily: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/07/200727114731.htm
3. Wiley Online Library: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cbl.30488
