25. Anxiety and avoidance w/ Dr Jodi Richardson

<p>We can just about sum up anxious behaviour in one word - avoidance. When a situation, expectation or experience dials anxiety up, the natural response is to avoid the trigger and retreat to safety. The trouble is, most of what's avoided because of anxiety is actually safe. Beyond safe, so much of what makes life meaningful, affirming and fulfilling is in that zone of anxious discomfort. This is the episode where I talk all things anxious avoidance, how at the very heart of anxiety is a life based around trying very hard to get rid of anxiety, and what to do instead. Enjoy.</p><br><p><br></p><br><p>Thanks for listening to this episode of “Well, hello anxiety with Dr Jodi Richardson.”</p><br><p>How you can help: If you enjoyed this episode, or gained some useful insight from it, please share it with a friend or family member. Also, please consider rating or reviewing “Well, hello anxiety” on your favourite podcast platform. Thank-you!</p><br><p>Jodi is an anxiety and well-being speaker, educator, and bestselling author. Learn more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://drjodirichardson.com&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1647927790033869&amp;usg=AOvVaw0H_PlUR5kVYxDDthd4t7zU" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://drjodirichardson.com</a>.</p><p>Order Jodi’s book, “Anxious Mums: How mums can turn their anxiety into strength”:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://drjodirichardson.com/product/anxious-mums/&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1647927790033974&amp;usg=AOvVaw0Q7qp-0vEBrdtYLnst54Gd" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://drjodirichardson.com/product/anxious-mums/</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://amzn.to/2YtA3ks&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1647927790034020&amp;usg=AOvVaw03h1z841Zds24gOzL4vN2r" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://amzn.to/2YtA3ks</a>.</p><p>Order Jodi’s book, coauthored with Michael Grose, “Anxious Kids: How children can turn their anxiety into resilience”:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.go