When Your High Functioning Anxiety Superpower Feels Like an Addiction

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Lisa Hartwell sits down with sisters Lindsay Stetzer and Emily Stetzer , the founders of Presently, a mindfulness jewelry brand. Their story showcases how personal struggles with anxiety and OCD led to creating meaningful jewelry that serves as both a beautiful accessory and a powerful therapeutic tool. We talked story about the origins of Presently Jewelry during the 2020 pandemic, how different forms of OCD and anxiety shaped their business vision, the power of wearing therapeutic reminders as jewelry and using jewelry as a mindfulness technique. Anchoring phrases such as Embrace Uncertainty, Brave the Uncomfortable, and It's Okay to Feel How I Feel.  "These were very much built based on someone who has anxiety." - Emily "I saw the direct effect of sharing my story and how much it helped." - LindsaySpecial Holiday Offers:10% off single bracelet | 20% off two bracelets | 30% off three bracelets |40% off four or more braceletsPresently links:  Website: https://presentlybracelets.com/ Blog: https://presentlybracelets.com/blogs/our-blog Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thinkpresently Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/presentlybracelets/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@presentlybraceletsMental Health Nonprofits supported by PresentlySpecial Holiday Offer from Dr. Hartwell: The first Three (3) Listeners who leave a review on the Anxiety Ease Podcast show by December 15, 2024 will receive one gift card from Dr. Hartwell to purchase a Presently Jewelry bracelet of their choice!  *Email Dr. Hartwell at [email protected] after you have left a review of this episode on iTunes and she will email you the gift certificate. Happy Holidays! Support the showEpisode Links: Get your copy of Dr. Hartwell's new book, Cultivating Professional Success: Even When High Functioning Anxiety Drives You To The Edge at www.drlisahartwell.com    Want to connect?Follow me on Instagram: @drlisahartwellanxietyreslience Join my supportive community for ambitious professionals and business owners who struggle with overwhelm & high-functioning anxiety: https://www.facebook.com/drlisahartwell Intro/outro music:Ukulele Trip Version 60s(instrumental) by Olesksii Kaplunskyi xxx@xxx(c)copyright 20 Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) Licensed under a Pixabay license. https://pixabay.com/users/lesfm-22579021/Audio File URL: https://pixabay.com/music/acoustic-group-ukulele-trip-version-60s-9893/ ; Audio File ID: 9893

Does your drive for success sometimes feel more like a compulsion? In this episode, Dr. Lisa Hartwell explores the fine line between high-functioning anxiety as a professional asset and when it starts to become problematic.Episode Highlights:Why that 3 AM productivity high might not be the superpower you think it isThe hidden connection between high achievement and anxiety-driven behaviorHow to recognize when your professional drive is crossing into unhealthy territory Practical strategies for maintaining success without burning outKey Takeaways:🔸 High functioning anxiety often acts as a double-edged sword: driving success while potentially leading to burnout 🔸 Warning signs include disrupted sleep patterns, difficulty being present in relationships, and constant mental racing 🔸 Success should be redefined to include personal wellbeing, not just professional achievements 🔸 It's possible to harness anxiety productively while maintaining balance in lifeWarning Signs to Watch For:Sleep disruptionInability to "switch off"Mental absence during personal interactionsConstant edge of stressDeveloping unhealthy coping mechanismsResources Mentioned:📚 "Cultivating Professional Success: How to Grow Even When High Functioning Anxiety Drives You to the Edge" by Dr. Lisa Hartwell 🔍 High FunctioningAnxiety Assessment Tool: www.hartwellanxietyassessment.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on iTunes. Your feedback helps us reach more people who might benefit from these insights.Support the showEpisode Links: Get your copy of Dr. Hartwell's new book, Cultivating Professional Success: Even When High Functioning Anxiety Drives You To The Edge at www.drlisahartwell.com    Want to connect?Follow me on Instagram: @drlisahartwellanxietyreslience Join my supportive community for ambitious professionals and business owners who struggle with overwhelm & high-functioning anxiety: https://www.facebook.com/drlisahartwell Intro/outro music:Ukulele Trip Version 60s(instrumental) by Olesksii Kaplunskyi xxx@xxx(c)copyright 20 Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) Licensed under a Pixabay license. https://pixabay.com/users/lesfm-22579021/Audio File URL: https://pixabay.com/music/acoustic-group-ukulele-trip-version-60s-9893/ ; Audio File ID: 9893

Join Dr. Lisa Hartwell as she reveals why laughter might be your most overlooked tool for managing high functioning anxiety. From kid jokes to laughing yoga, discover how incorporating humor into your daily routine can transform your relationship with anxiety.In This Episode You'll Discover:Why your brain craves laughter during stressful timesHow humor creates instant connection and diffuses tensionThe science behind laughter's anxiety-reducing effectsSimple ways to incorporate more humor into your professional lifeReal stories of using humor to overcome presentation anxietyKey Takeaways:Laughter releases endorphins, acting as a "reset button" for an anxious brainShared humor creates powerful connecting points in professional settingsPermission to laugh can break the cycle of constant seriousnessRegular doses of humor can serve as a practical anxiety management toolPractical Tools Shared:The Daily Humor ToolkitMeme-sharing with colleaguesStrategic use of humor in presentationsComedy shows as stress reliefThe "laughing yoga" phenomenon This Week's Challenge: Find something that makes you laugh every single day this week - whether it's a funny video, a joke, or even a silly dance in your living room. Notice how it shifts your mood and eases your anxiety.Quotable Moment: "Humor is like a magical balm for our brains... It's really like taking a tiny little mini vacation from the chaos."Share Your Laugh: Found something particularly hilarious? Share it with Dr. Hartwell! Leave a review or send her a message - let's create a ripple effect of positivity together.Support the showEpisode Links: Get your copy of Dr. Hartwell's new book, Cultivating Professional Success: Even When High Functioning Anxiety Drives You To The Edge at www.drlisahartwell.com    Want to connect?Follow me on Instagram: @drlisahartwellanxietyreslience Join my supportive community for ambitious professionals and business owners who struggle with overwhelm & high-functioning anxiety: https://www.facebook.com/drlisahartwell Intro/outro music:Ukulele Trip Version 60s(instrumental) by Olesksii Kaplunskyi xxx@xxx(c)copyright 20 Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) Licensed under a Pixabay license. https://pixabay.com/users/lesfm-22579021/Audio File URL: https://pixabay.com/music/acoustic-group-ukulele-trip-version-60s-9893/ ; Audio File ID: 9893

Mind racing with election thoughts at night? You're not alone. In this recently published episode, Dr. Hartwell provides an emergency toolkit for professionals (okay, real talk…most everyone!) experiencing heightened anxiety during this critical election period. Ready to learn?Why your high-functioning brain feels like an oversaturated sponge right nowThe "Shield Up" technique for unexpected political confrontations5 immediate action steps to regain control of your mental spaceHow to maintain professional relationships despite political differencesKey Highlights:Understanding why uncertainty triggers high-functioning anxietyCreating healthy boundaries with news consumptionBuilding resilience through intentional community connectionPractical mindfulness techniques for instant calmThe power of physical movement in anxiety managementProfessional's Quick Guide:Set specific news check-in times (treat it like spicy food - small doses!)Practice the "Floating Cloud" visualization for racing thoughtsIdentify your safe support system for processing emotionsUse physical activity as an anxiety release valveFocus on actionable steps within your controlDownload my "3-Step Sleep Rescue Guide" to shut down your stressed and anxious brain for sleep restoration - includes:Step-by-step sleep reset protocolCalming bedtime meditationAnxiety-tracking journal template [Link in show notes below]Remember: Your anxiety is a signal, not a sentence. Use these tools to transform election stress into purposeful action.Join Dr. Lisa in creating a more balanced approach to political engagement while protecting your mental wellbeing. Because you can stay informed AND stay centered.#ElectionAnxiety #AnxietyManagement #MentalHealth #ProfessionalWellness #HighFunctioningAnxiety #StressManagement #ElectionSeason #MentalWellness #AnxietyRelief #ProfessionalDevelopmentMahalo & Remember Your Individual Voice Matters,Dr. Lisa HartwellSupport the showEpisode Links: Get your copy of Dr. Hartwell's new book, Cultivating Professional Success: Even When High Functioning Anxiety Drives You To The Edge at www.drlisahartwell.com    Want to connect?Follow me on Instagram: @drlisahartwellanxietyreslience Join my supportive community for ambitious professionals and business owners who struggle with overwhelm & high-functioning anxiety: https://www.facebook.com/drlisahartwell Intro/outro music:Ukulele Trip Version 60s(instrumental) by Olesksii Kaplunskyi xxx@xxx(c)copyright 20 Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) Licensed under a Pixabay license. https://pixabay.com/users/lesfm-22579021/Audio File URL: https://pixabay.com/music/acoustic-group-ukulele-trip-version-60s-9893/ ; Audio File ID: 9893

"I was so proud of myself, I forgot to be anxious." - Bec MunroIn this episode I interview Rebecca (Bec) Munro, an executive leader in Health, Safety and Environment. Bec shares her inspiring journey from Australia to Hawaii, describing a profound moment at Kualoa Ranch that sparked her decision to relocate.She discusses her transition from paramedic work to health and safety leadership, highlighting the challenges and growth opportunities along the way. Bec opens up about her struggles with high-functioning anxiety and how she's worked to overcome it. A particularly powerful story involves her cross-country drive in the US, where she faced her fears head-on during a tornado encounter. This experience became a turning point in her journey to manage anxiety. Bec emphasizes the importance of self-care and prioritizing mental health, sharing how this focus has positively impacted both her personal life and her family. We touched on Bec's upcoming venture into coaching executives and professionals dealing with anxiety, showcasing her commitment to helping others based on her own experiences. Her story is a testament to the power of embracing change, facing fears, and finding purpose through life's pivots and challenges.Three Key Takeaways!Acknowledge your limits: Recognize when you're reaching your mental or physical capacity.Prioritize self-care: Integrate small, consistent self-care practices into your daily routine.Communicate openly: Don't be afraid to talk about your challenges with others.Resources Mentioned:Bec's website: www.elitesanxietysolutions.comInstagram: @itsbecmunro  (for nature photography in Hawaii)LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/bec-munro/Support the showEpisode Links: Get your copy of Dr. Hartwell's new book, Cultivating Professional Success: Even When High Functioning Anxiety Drives You To The Edge at www.drlisahartwell.com    Want to connect?Follow me on Instagram: @drlisahartwellanxietyreslience Join my supportive community for ambitious professionals and business owners who struggle with overwhelm & high-functioning anxiety: https://www.facebook.com/drlisahartwell Intro/outro music:Ukulele Trip Version 60s(instrumental) by Olesksii Kaplunskyi xxx@xxx(c)copyright 20 Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) Licensed under a Pixabay license. https://pixabay.com/users/lesfm-22579021/Audio File URL: https://pixabay.com/music/acoustic-group-ukulele-trip-version-60s-9893/ ; Audio File ID: 9893

"Picture this. You set your alarm for, you know four or five in the morning. You’re determined to start your day like a boss, as they say. But you see the alarm and you’re like, oh. The first thing you think of is forget it! I’m going to just hit snooze. And then you maybe do that two or three more times, drag yourself out of bed. You feel groggy and frustrated. But what if instead of feeling empowered, you already feel behind and the day hasn’t even started yet.” ~Dr. Lisa HartwellAloha and welcome!How do societal expectations about productivity and success impact your mental health and well-being? How flexible are you with your daily routine, and are you open to experimenting with different wake-up times to see their impact?In this episode of Anxiety Ease, I dive into the pressures we place on ourselves to fit into the early-riser mold and how it often triggers high-functioning anxiety. Spoiler alert: You don’t have to wake up at 5 AM to be successful!I’m going to share 4 tips for finding your routine and personal productivity rhythm. High functioning anxiety doesn’t have to be a constant companion. By working with your natural strengths, you can reduce anxiety and enhance your well-being.Feeling behind before your day even starts? Stop forcing yourself into routines that don’t fit. Embrace when you’re most productive and live with ease.Mahalo for listening!Dr. Lisa HartwellSupport the showEpisode Links: Get your copy of Dr. Hartwell's new book, Cultivating Professional Success: Even When High Functioning Anxiety Drives You To The Edge at www.drlisahartwell.com    Want to connect?Follow me on Instagram: @drlisahartwellanxietyreslience Join my supportive community for ambitious professionals and business owners who struggle with overwhelm & high-functioning anxiety: https://www.facebook.com/drlisahartwell Intro/outro music:Ukulele Trip Version 60s(instrumental) by Olesksii Kaplunskyi xxx@xxx(c)copyright 20 Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) Licensed under a Pixabay license. https://pixabay.com/users/lesfm-22579021/Audio File URL: https://pixabay.com/music/acoustic-group-ukulele-trip-version-60s-9893/ ; Audio File ID: 9893

“And that’s because high-functioning anxiety can be a powerful alert system. And it’s really, as you know, your mind’s way of tapping you on the shoulder and saying, hey, something needs your attention here.” ~Dr. Lisa HartwellAloha and welcome,Ever felt like you’re on top of the world, but inside you’re paddling furiously just to stay afloat? That’s high-functioning anxiety, and it’s more common among high-achievers than you might think!In this episode of Anxiety Ease, I’m going to share my 3-prong approach to navigating high-functioning anxiety in leadership. This is a portion of a workshop I will deliver to the National Center for Victims of Crime conference in Portland, Oregon on September 19, 2024.Leaders in trauma and victim services...you’re not alone! Cultivating resilience is key. Take time to pause and recharge regularly. It’s not just essential, it’s transformative.Mahalo for listening and be sure to reach out to learn about my new leadership workshop,Dr. HartwellSupport the showEpisode Links: Get your copy of Dr. Hartwell's new book, Cultivating Professional Success: Even When High Functioning Anxiety Drives You To The Edge at www.drlisahartwell.com    Want to connect?Follow me on Instagram: @drlisahartwellanxietyreslience Join my supportive community for ambitious professionals and business owners who struggle with overwhelm & high-functioning anxiety: https://www.facebook.com/drlisahartwell Intro/outro music:Ukulele Trip Version 60s(instrumental) by Olesksii Kaplunskyi xxx@xxx(c)copyright 20 Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) Licensed under a Pixabay license. https://pixabay.com/users/lesfm-22579021/Audio File URL: https://pixabay.com/music/acoustic-group-ukulele-trip-version-60s-9893/ ; Audio File ID: 9893

Aloha and welcome,Election season can often feel like an emotional roller coaster, right? It’s not uncommon for high-functioning professionals to experience heightened anxiety during this time. Have you ever felt that election-induced anxiety creeping in? How did it manifest for you, and what did you do to cope with it?In the latest episode of the Anxiety Ease podcast, I dive into the timely topic of managing anxiety that somehow seems to come up every four years. Let's chat about practical strategies to help you stay calm and centered during conversations with others and the anxious conversations you are having with yourself!Mahalo,Dr. Lisa HartwellSupport the showEpisode Links: Get your copy of Dr. Hartwell's new book, Cultivating Professional Success: Even When High Functioning Anxiety Drives You To The Edge at www.drlisahartwell.com    Want to connect?Follow me on Instagram: @drlisahartwellanxietyreslience Join my supportive community for ambitious professionals and business owners who struggle with overwhelm & high-functioning anxiety: https://www.facebook.com/drlisahartwell Intro/outro music:Ukulele Trip Version 60s(instrumental) by Olesksii Kaplunskyi xxx@xxx(c)copyright 20 Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) Licensed under a Pixabay license. https://pixabay.com/users/lesfm-22579021/Audio File URL: https://pixabay.com/music/acoustic-group-ukulele-trip-version-60s-9893/ ; Audio File ID: 9893

“I kind of want to talk about the elephant in the room, which is, what do you do when you lose something as precious as a diamond from your wedding ring? It could be a massive trigger for high-functioning anxiety or just full-blown anxiety. I could have actually had a panic attack, to be honest with you.” ~Dr. Lisa HartwellAloha and welcome,Ever lost something super precious? Let’s talk about the time recently when I lost the diamond from my wedding ring and how it became a powerful lesson on managing how high-functioning anxiety helped me to actually focus and remain calm. In this episode of Anxiety Ease, I break down how high-functioning anxiety can serve as a helpful alert system rather than a debilitating force.Ever lose something incredibly valuable like I did? Instead of panicking, use anxiety as your GPS. My RBA method found in my book helped me stay grounded. Here's the link to get your signed copy: Cultivating Professional Success: Even When High Functioning Anxiety Drives You To The Edge . You can turn your stress or a crisis into a tool for finding calm and control too.Mahalo for listening,Dr. Lisa HartwellSupport the showEpisode Links: Get your copy of Dr. Hartwell's new book, Cultivating Professional Success: Even When High Functioning Anxiety Drives You To The Edge at www.drlisahartwell.com    Want to connect?Follow me on Instagram: @drlisahartwellanxietyreslience Join my supportive community for ambitious professionals and business owners who struggle with overwhelm & high-functioning anxiety: https://www.facebook.com/drlisahartwell Intro/outro music:Ukulele Trip Version 60s(instrumental) by Olesksii Kaplunskyi xxx@xxx(c)copyright 20 Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) Licensed under a Pixabay license. https://pixabay.com/users/lesfm-22579021/Audio File URL: https://pixabay.com/music/acoustic-group-ukulele-trip-version-60s-9893/ ; Audio File ID: 9893

“Have you ever found yourself spiraling into a vortex of negative thoughts? Maybe you’re stuck in traffic and suddenly your mind is racing with all the things that could go wrong today. Yep, been there, done that. And guess what? We can change that narrative.” ~Dr. Lisa HartwellAloha and welcome,Do you personally catch and manage negative thoughts? If not, this episode of Anxiety Ease is tailor-made for you.We’ll delve into reframing and catching negative thoughts with practical steps to help you navigate the complexities of high-functioning anxiety and discover a calmer, more positive mindset.Changing your mental narrative is like building a muscle. It takes practice and patience but with these tools, taming that vortex of negative thoughts is possible.Happy Reframing!Dr. HartwellSupport the showEpisode Links: Get your copy of Dr. Hartwell's new book, Cultivating Professional Success: Even When High Functioning Anxiety Drives You To The Edge at www.drlisahartwell.com    Want to connect?Follow me on Instagram: @drlisahartwellanxietyreslience Join my supportive community for ambitious professionals and business owners who struggle with overwhelm & high-functioning anxiety: https://www.facebook.com/drlisahartwell Intro/outro music:Ukulele Trip Version 60s(instrumental) by Olesksii Kaplunskyi xxx@xxx(c)copyright 20 Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) Licensed under a Pixabay license. https://pixabay.com/users/lesfm-22579021/Audio File URL: https://pixabay.com/music/acoustic-group-ukulele-trip-version-60s-9893/ ; Audio File ID: 9893