Me and My Anxiety

Why Anxiety Feels Worse in the Morning (And What Helps)Do you ever wake up feeling anxious, tense, or overwhelmed before your day has even begun?Maybe your thoughts start racing the moment you open your eyes. Your body feels restless, and suddenly the day ahead seems impossible to manage. Sometimes, you even felt perfectly fine the night before.In this episode of Me and My Anxiety, I explain why anxiety can feel particularly intense in the morning. I also share my personal experiences with anxiety and depression and what helped me through those difficult mornings.We'll talk about:Why anxiety and low mood can feel worse after waking upHow cortisol and the body's natural waking processes may affect your moodWhy stress and poor sleep can make mornings harderHow gentle morning routines, movement, and breathing exercises can helpWhy small changes and self-compassion can make a differenceI'll share practical ideas for starting the day with more calm, including hydration, meditation, and positive intentions.Remember: Just because you wake up feeling anxious doesn't mean the rest of your day has to feel the same way.Subscribe to Me and My Anxiety so you don't miss future episodes.Let's talk: Do you experience morning anxiety? What helps you feel calmer?Website: https://meandmyanxiety.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/me.and.my.anxiety/#MorningAnxiety #Anxiety #MentalHealthABOUT CHRISTINAI'm Christina Hillesheim, a German bestselling author, sociologist, and the creator of Me and My Anxiety.After experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, and depression myself, I made it my mission to help others better understand their thoughts, emotions, and nervous system.Through my books, podcasts, and online community, I share personal experiences, practical insights, and compassionate encouragement — because I know how overwhelming anxiety can feel, and I believe no one should have to face it alone.IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERIn this podcast, I share personal experiences, insights, and helpful perspectives on anxiety, stress, and the nervous system.The content is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment from qualified healthcare professionals.Nothing shared in this podcast is intended as a promise of healing or a cure. This podcast does not provide medical or psychological treatment for physical or mental health conditions.Please do not make health-related decisions based solely on the information shared here.If you're experiencing severe or persistent physical or mental health symptoms, please reach out to a qualified healthcare professional, such as a doctor or licensed mental health therapist.And if you're feeling overwhelmed, struggling, or unsure about what to do next, please don't hesitate to seek professional support.You don't have to go through this alone.

6 Reasons Your Brain Turns Small Problems Into Big Ones Have you ever noticed how one small problem can suddenly feel like a complete disaster? A physical symptom makes you worry about a serious illness. A message leaves you imagining the worst. Or an upcoming meeting turns into a hundred frightening scenarios in your mind. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. In this episode of Me and My Anxiety, I share six reasons why our brains sometimes turn small problems into overwhelming ones — and what can help us step out of that spiral. We'll talk about:Why your brain naturally pays more attention to potential threats than positive experiencesHow stress can create tunnel vision and make problems feel harder to handleWhy confusing what's possible with what's probable can fuel anxietyHow overthinking can make problems feel bigger instead of solving themWhy poor sleep, hunger, and low energy can change how you experience challengesHow believing every anxious thought can keep you stuck in a cycle of worry I'll also share practical ways to change your perspective, including looking for what's going well, taking a break before making decisions, questioning frightening predictions, and creating some distance from your thoughts. At the end of the episode, I'll guide you through a short visualization exercise to help you imagine approaching a difficult situation from a calmer, more energized state. Just because your brain tells you something is a disaster doesn't mean it actually is. Follow Me and My Anxiety so you don't miss future episodes. Let's talk: Do you tend to overthink small problems? Which of these six reasons resonates with you most? Website: https://meandmyanxiety.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/me.and.my.anxiety/ IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER In this podcast, I share personal experiences, insights, and helpful perspectives on anxiety, stress, and the nervous system. The content is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment from qualified healthcare professionals. Nothing shared in this podcast is intended as a promise of healing or a cure. This podcast does not provide medical or psychological treatment for physical or mental health conditions. Please do not make health-related decisions based solely on the information shared here. If you're experiencing severe or persistent physical or mental health symptoms, please reach out to a qualified healthcare professional, such as a doctor or licensed mental health therapist. And if you're feeling overwhelmed, struggling, or unsure about what to do next, please don't hesitate to seek professional support. You don't have to go through this alone.

Why does anxiety sometimes feel worse in fall and winter? You wake up when it's still dark. By the time you get home, the sun has already set. You feel more tired, less motivated, or unusually anxious — even when nothing in your life has really changed. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. In this episode of Me and My Anxiety, I share five reasons why anxiety can feel more intense during the colder, darker months — and five practical tips to help you navigate this time of year with more understanding and self-compassion. We'll talk about:How less daylight can affect your sleep, mood, and energyWhy physical sensations, tension, and seasonal illnesses can trigger health anxietyHow staying indoors and moving less can sometimes reinforce anxiety and avoidanceWhy the holiday season can put extra pressure on your nervous systemHow difficult experiences from previous winters can shape your expectations — and why your past doesn't have to predict your future We'll also explore seasonal depression, the connection between sleep and mental health, and why feeling a little more tired in winter doesn't automatically mean something is wrong. Most importantly, I'll share simple ways to support yourself — from getting more daylight and questioning anxious interpretations to setting boundaries and making room for rest. A difficult day doesn't mean a difficult winter. And your past is not a prediction of your future. Follow Me and My Anxiety so you don't miss future episodes. Let's talk: Which season feels most challenging for your anxiety — fall, winter, spring, or summer? Website: https://meandmyanxiety.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/me.and.my.anxiety/ IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER In this podcast, I share personal experiences, insights, and helpful perspectives on anxiety, stress, and the nervous system. The content is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment from qualified healthcare professionals. Nothing shared in this podcast is intended as a promise of healing or a cure. This podcast does not provide medical or psychological treatment for physical or mental health conditions. Please do not make health-related decisions based solely on the information shared here. If you're experiencing severe or persistent physical or mental health symptoms, please reach out to a qualified healthcare professional, such as a doctor or licensed mental health therapist. And if you're feeling overwhelmed, struggling, or unsure about what to do next, please don't hesitate to seek professional support. You don't have to go through this alone.

Does your body feel constantly on edge, even when nothing seems wrong? An overwhelmed nervous system can affect how you think, feel, sleep, and respond to everyday stress. In this episode of Me and My Anxiety, I explore 10 signs that your nervous system may be overwhelmed — from racing thoughts and tension to exhaustion and feeling unusually sensitive to stress. You'll learn why these experiences can happen, how stress and anxiety may affect the body, and why noticing your own patterns can be a helpful first step. IN THIS EPISODE:Common signs of an overwhelmed nervous systemHow stress can show up in your body and mindWhy you might feel wired, tired, or on edgeHow to respond with more understanding and self-compassion These signs can have different causes and aren't a diagnosis. If symptoms are new, severe, or persistent, please seek professional advice. MORE RESOURCES & LET'S CONNECT ❤️Website, free resources & newsletter: meandmyanxiety.comInstagram: @me.and.my.anxietyEnjoyed this episode? Follow Me and My Anxiety so you don't miss what's next. Thank you for listening! ABOUT CHRISTINAChristina Hillesheim is a German bestselling author, sociologist, and host of Me and My Anxiety. Drawing on her own experiences with anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and burnout, she shares honest stories and practical insights to help others feel understood and less alone. A LITTLE NOTE FROM THE HEART ❤️This episode was originally recorded in German for my podcast Angst Unplugged and translated into English with the help of modern technology.Different language, same heart! Every story, every experience, and every message comes from me. Technology simply helps me share it with you, wherever you are in the world. And that makes me incredibly happy!With love, Christina 🤍 IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERIn this podcast, I share personal experiences, insights, and helpful perspectives on anxiety, stress, and the nervous system. The content is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment from qualified healthcare professionals. Nothing shared in this podcast is intended as a promise of healing or a cure. This podcast does not provide medical or psychological treatment for physical or mental health conditions. Please do not make health-related decisions based solely on the information shared here. If you're experiencing severe or persistent physical or mental health symptoms, please reach out to a qualified healthcare professional, such as a doctor or licensed mental health therapist. And if you're feeling overwhelmed, struggling, or unsure about what to do next, please don't hesitate to seek professional support.You don't have to go through this alone. 🤍

What if overcoming anxiety isn't about fighting your fears harder — but about changing the way you respond to them?In this episode of Me and My Anxiety, I share five things I changed in my everyday life that helped me move forward after struggling with anxiety and panic attacks.From learning to accept uncomfortable feelings instead of constantly fighting them, to setting boundaries and changing unhelpful thought patterns, these are personal lessons that made a meaningful difference in my recovery.If you've been feeling stuck in anxiety, I hope this episode reminds you that change is possible — and that you don't have to figure everything out at once. 🤍 IN THIS EPISODE:Why fighting anxiety can sometimes make it feel strongerHow accepting fear changed my relationship with anxietyWhy setting boundaries and listening to my own needs matteredThe importance of talking openly about anxietyHow changing thought patterns helped me respond differently to fearWhy patience and self-compassion are part of the process LET'S STAY CONNECTED 🤍Website: meandmyanxiety.comInstagram: @me.and.my.anxietyIf this episode resonates with you, follow Me and My Anxiety on Spotify so you don't miss future episodes. And feel free to share it with someone who might need a little encouragement today. ABOUT CHRISTINAChristina Hillesheim is a German bestselling author, sociologist, and host of Me and My Anxiety. Drawing on her own experiences with anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and burnout, she shares honest stories and practical insights to help others feel understood and less alone. A LITTLE NOTE FROM THE HEART 🤍This episode was originally recorded in German for my podcast Angst Unplugged and translated into English with the help of modern technology. Different language, same heart! Every story, every experience, and every message comes from me. Technology simply helps me share it with you, wherever you are in the world. And that makes me incredibly happy!With love, Christina 🤍 IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERIn this podcast, I share personal experiences, insights, and helpful perspectives on anxiety, stress, and the nervous system.The content is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment from qualified healthcare professionals.Nothing shared in this podcast is intended as a promise of healing or a cure. This podcast does not provide medical or psychological treatment for physical or mental health conditions.Please do not make health-related decisions based solely on the information shared here.If you're experiencing severe or persistent physical or mental health symptoms, please reach out to a qualified healthcare professional, such as a doctor or licensed mental health therapist.And if you're feeling overwhelmed, struggling, or unsure about what to do next, please don't hesitate to seek professional support.You don't have to go through this alone. 🤍

What is it really like to live with anxiety, panic attacks, and depression – and is it possible to find your way back to yourself? In the first episode of Me and My Anxiety, I share my journey from childhood health anxiety and my first panic attacks in my twenties to insomnia, depression, and overwhelming fear. In 2016, I reached a breaking point. I could barely sleep, felt constantly anxious, and struggled to carry on. That difficult time also became the beginning of important changes in my life. I talk about getting professional support, rebuilding my confidence, rediscovering joy, and learning to see anxiety differently. IN THIS EPISODE:How health anxiety began in childhoodWhat my first panic attack felt likeMy experience with anxiety, insomnia, and depressionWhy professional support matteredHow I started rebuilding my lifeWhy I believe change is possible If you're struggling with anxiety or difficult emotions, I hope my story helps you feel less alone. MORE RESOURCES & LET'S CONNECT ❤️Website, free resources & newsletter: meandmyanxiety.comInstagram: @me.and.my.anxietyEnjoyed this episode? Follow Me and My Anxiety so you don't miss what's next. Thank you for listening! ABOUT CHRISTINAChristina Hillesheim is a German bestselling author, sociologist, and host of Me and My Anxiety. Drawing on her own experiences with anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and burnout, she shares honest stories and practical insights to help others feel understood and less alone. A LITTLE NOTE FROM THE HEART ❤️This episode was originally recorded in German for my podcast Angst Unplugged and translated into English with the help of modern technology.Different language, same heart! Every story, every experience, and every message comes from me. Technology simply helps me share it with you, wherever you are in the world. And that makes me incredibly happy!With love, Christina 🤍 IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERIn this podcast, I share personal experiences, insights, and helpful perspectives on anxiety, stress, and the nervous system. The content is intended for informational and inspirational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment from qualified healthcare professionals. Nothing shared in this podcast is intended as a promise of healing or a cure. This podcast does not provide medical or psychological treatment for physical or mental health conditions. Please do not make health-related decisions based solely on the information shared here. If you're experiencing severe or persistent physical or mental health symptoms, please reach out to a qualified healthcare professional, such as a doctor or licensed mental health therapist. And if you're feeling overwhelmed, struggling, or unsure about what to do next, please don't hesitate to seek professional support.You don't have to go through this alone. 🤍

Welcome to Me and My Anxiety | Official Podcast TrailerStruggling with anxiety, panic attacks, stress, or overwhelming physical symptoms? You're not alone.Welcome to Me and My Anxiety, the podcast with Christina Hillesheim, German bestselling author and someone who knows firsthand what it's like to live with anxiety, panic attacks, and burnout.Through personal stories, honest conversations, practical tips, and simple exercises, Christina helps you better understand anxiety, reconnect with your body, and find more calm and confidence in everyday life.Whether you're dealing with constant worry, health anxiety, or an overwhelmed nervous system, this podcast is here to remind you that you're not alone.New episodes start October 20, 2026.Follow Me and My Anxiety now so you don't miss the launch!Find more resources at https://meandmyanxiety.com