Are you constantly pushing yourself to the limit, only to feel drained and overwhelmed? In this episode of Stepping into Purpose, I’m joined by Avery Thatcher, a former ER nurse turned burnout and stress management expert, to explore how small, intentional habits can help high achievers manage their energy, prevent burnout, and thrive.

Avery shares practical tools for incorporating self-care into your daily life—even if you’re always on the go. We dive into the importance of listening to your body’s signals, how to find pockets of time for self-care, and why energy management is more important than time management. If you struggle with high-functioning anxiety or the pressure to always perform, this episode is for you!

In This Episode, We Talk About:

✨ How to find small moments throughout the day to regulate your nervous system
✨ Why energy management is more effective than rigid morning routines
✨ The science behind intuition and how to trust your body’s wisdom
✨ How to break free from self-sabotage and perfectionism
✨ Simple daily habits that help prevent burnout and overwhelm

🎧 Tune in now and learn how to create sustainable self-care practices that actually fit into your busy life!

Connect with Avery Thatcher:

Avery's Website: www.optimizedchaosmethod.com

Avery’s App for Daily Practices: Creating Calm

Connect with Lydia Gillman:

Do you think you might have High-functioning Anxiety?

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High-functioning Anxiety (and what to do about them) to find out!
Instagram: @lydiagillmanofficial
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High-Functioning Anxiety, Perfectionism, Social anxiety, nervous system regulation, overthinking , rewiring nervous system, people-pleasing, high achiever, imposter syndrome

For as long as I can remember, anxiety has been woven into my story. Growing up in the 1980s—long before emotional well-being was part of the conversation—I was a highly sensitive child overwhelmed by constant worry and a deep sense of not being enough. This pattern of high-functioning anxiety followed me into adulthood, manifesting in relentless perfectionism, burnout, and even chronic fatigue syndrome.

In this solo episode of Stepping into Purpose, I open up about my personal journey through these challenges and share the transformative tools that helped me heal. I discuss:

1. My Early Struggles with Anxiety:

   • How growing up in the 80s, without the language or understanding of emotional well-being, shaped my lifelong battle with anxiety.
   • The impact of internalizing family struggles and absorbing emotions as a highly sensitive child.

2. The Breaking Points:

   • The onset of burnout in my early 20s during my first full-time office job.
   • The grueling experience of chronic fatigue syndrome after years of overworking in the film industry.

3. Discovering the Power of Nervous System Regulation:

   • The moment I realized that true healing had to start within the body.
   • How intuitive practices—like simple, unstructured breathwork, meditation, and gentle movement—helped me shift from a state of overwhelm to one of calm and clarity.

4. Embracing Self-Worth & Authentic Living:

   • Learning that anxiety may always be part of my life, but it doesn’t have to control it.
   • The importance of nurturing myself, listening to my body’s cues, and accepting that my best is always enough.

This episode is for anyone who’s felt trapped by anxiety or burnt out by the relentless pressure to be perfect. I want you to know: You are not alone, and there are tools to help you manage, heal, and thrive.

💛⁠Sign up for my free mini course "Thrive With Self-Worth" and 👇

💛Download my free guide "10 Hidden Signs of High-Functioning Anxiety (And What to Do About Them!)" and start your journey to self-worth today!

Connect with Me:

• Instagram:@lydiagillman.lovetoatee
• Website : https://www.lydia-gillman.com
• Listen on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube!

Tune in and discover how you can reclaim your peace and step into a life of purpose—even when anxiety feels overwhelming.

Welcome back to Stepping Into Purpose! In this episode, we’re continuing our inspiring conversation with Kristina Driscoll, host of She’s Brave with Kristina Driscoll.

In Part 1, we explored how to manage anxiety through nervous system regulation, build healthy habits, and step into purpose with courage. Today, in Part 2, we dive even deeper into navigating midlife transitions, redefining success, and the power of trusting yourself.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in survival mode or struggled with self-doubt, this episode is for you. Get ready for practical insights and powerful mindset shifts to help you embrace your worth and live authentically!

1️⃣ Reevaluating Success & Societal Norms✨ True fulfillment comes from impact, service, and authenticity—not just external achievements.✨ Many high-achievers feel dissatisfied because they chase external validation rather than inner alignment.✨ Anxiety isn’t just a mindset issue—it’s a nervous system issue. Instead of overthinking, working with the body (through breath, movement, and sensory cues) is key.

2️⃣ Women’s Midlife Awakening & Lifting Each Other Up✨ Many women in their 40s and 50s experience a shift, realizing they need to rediscover themselves and their purpose.✨ Supporting and uplifting other women is a powerful way to build confidence and connection.✨ Self-worth is built through safety, not pressure—true confidence grows when your nervous system feels safe.

3️⃣ The Importance of Being Present✨ Living in the past can lead to depression, and focusing too much on the future can cause anxiety.✨ Purpose and peace are found in the present moment.

If you loved this conversation, be sure to check out Part 1 for even more insights!

🎙 ⁠Listen to She’s Brave with Kristina Driscoll⁠

📸 Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/shesbravepodcast/⁠

🌍 Website: ⁠https://shesbravepodcast.com⁠

Connect with Lydia Gillman:

📸 Instagram: ⁠@lydiagillman.lovetoatee/⁠

🌍 Website & Free Resources: https://www.lydia-gillman.com/🎧 ⁠Listen to More Episodes⁠

💛 Get my free mini-course,⁠ Thrive with Self-Worth⁠,

and start building unshakable confidence today!