Ep. 142 | Anxiety

Joshua & Ryan discuss anxiety, worry, and stress, and how they personally deal with these negative emotions. Watch “Maximal” episodes of The Minimalists Private Podcast exclusively at / theminimalists
Questions answered in this episode:
How do I reduce my priorities to reduce my anxiety? (19:37)
How do I minimize my worry and indecisiveness to minimize my anxiety? (33:31)
Will simply letting go of stuff help me shed my anxiety? (56:42)
How do I rid myself of the physical feelings of anxiety? (1:01:45)
Detailed show notes: theminimalists.com/p142
Support The Minimalists: theminimalists.com/support
#TheMinimalists

[@ethanfisher-perez9620]

I've learned something important: if you're having a day where you are sort of "stuck" with anxiety, and you can't get yourself to do anything because your brain is deconstructing everything helpful you throw at it, taking a nap, like mentioned in the podcast, is the best thing to do. You need to be honest with yourself; you're not going to be able to make yourself do anything helpful when you're in this state, so let it pass with sleep or some light meditation.

[@jon.m.esters]

111

[@trailertrish]

Ryan's hair is looking extra fab today. 😁😎🤣

[@nepenthe1446]

His beachy waves look is on point! :)

[@lindaw140]

Belonging and material possessions drain us and weigh us down

[@kimzanders9550]

Another awesome podcast. You two compliment each other so well. Love getting my weekly wisdom fix. Thank you.

[@Theresa-jq3dw]

A good way to kill the fear and anger is forgiveness and gratitude.

[@hannahmariajones7531]

love all these difficult camera angles, the effort doesn’t go unnoticed 👏🏼

[@lindaw140]

Meditation or napping helps tremendously

[@feathersky860]

OCD & ANXIETY this is ME. THANK you 😊 😌

[@Naztalgic]

So happy i watched a bunch of your videos. Both of you guys are awesome people. I really respect you guys more now that i understand you all better. Thank you for changing my life. I was a Retro video games and vintage toy collector before i discovered Minimalism and your channel. My life has turned around 180 degrees my collection is minimal and my relationships with people is maximum :) Thank You!!!

[@jessiejessie6340]

I love your podcast!! I started getting rid of things that I don’t want,need or make me happy anymore. thanks to you.

[@jill9606]

This episode is amazing! I have so much anxiety about work right now and I need to identify what exactly is causing me anxiety instead of dwelling on the anxiety and letting it fester inside of me. Thank you!

[@janethockey9070]

jmm_2104 Focus on what you can control

[@TheRoomNote]

Just started reading 10% happier. I also started reading Buhddism is Truth. I'm all in on mindful meditation. I have been dealing with anxiety, sometimes crippling. I really don't have the money for a psychologist and I really don't want to take medication if I can help it.

[@lharris0804]

lunchie83 Well I will tell you what my therapist told me and it has worked for me. Consistency is key. Make sure you eat all day. Don't skip meals. Cut out sugar, caffeine and alcohol. Eat within an hour of waking up. Exercise at least 30 minutes a day, but not close to bedtime. Get as much sun as possible. Try to eat healthy fats. Drink lots of water. Get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep. Get to bed before 11. Turn off the tv, phone and computer at least 2 hours before bed. I just learned that drinking a warm or hot cup of lemons with sea salt in the morning is good for anxiety. Meditate and do breathing exercises. Be consistent.

[@april82daisies]

Wow, I have not even made it 1/3 of the way through this episode & it is so helpful!!! Thank you so much for addressing anxiety & being so open & honest about your own anxiety. I can relate 100 percent. Thanks again!!

[@Malchior_Rises]

omg u guys are so minimal no chairs

[@pahouavang2058]

🤣🤣🤣

[@lindaw140]

100% relatable!!!Travel, around people, parenting, clutter make me anxious

[@housecleaners4124]

I agree with this ! Clutter creates anger and anxiety

[@rhondaminga3198]

I very much appreciated this episode. I have just started to declutter and cut things out of my life. It all started when we were talking about moving in the near future and not wanting to deal with the clutter at that time. This episode spoke to me on anxiety because I also feel stressed when I see notifications and feel the need to eliminate them. I also recently exploded on my husband because I had so much to do and people kept adding more to what I had to do. When I got home and my husband had not gone to the store for the meeting that afternoon because he wanted to go together. I went off. THank you for helping me to know a better way to deal with stress and anxiety.

[@KrystenJanzen]

Wow I loved this episode so much

[@natashyas4149]

My anxiety comes out as annoyance sometimes too. But I don't want to stress everyone else out too. It's a hard line to find. I really like the "bad sensor light" analogy, that we need to confront our anxieties and address the underlying issues. Busy does not aid anxiety. True that!

[@CorissaBaker]

Thank you so much for answering my question at (56:47)!! In short, you are very right. I have been feeling much lighter and less anxious since INTENTIONALLY letting go of a lot of things. I am also less anxious knowing that I accepted the option to store the remainder of the things I couldn't afford to get to California in my parent's storage unit - UNTIL I am able to take another trip back and sort through what is let to truly decide what is AT HOME with me (in my life) and what no longer needs to travel through life WITH me. Now I'm back in Los Angeles doing the same thing in my apartment here! Much easier... because it isn't childhood memories! Thanks again!

[@mfjones5203]

I come and go with this podcast and whenever I come back to listen you guys are talking about what I need in my life. Love your podcast, love your book, love your film! Keep it up !

[@shantel7107]

Once again you've touched on topics I been dealing with. "Whats the worse that could happen?" and the anxiety that comes with it. Thank you

[@stephanieibarra7702]

Being broke or broke in 🙀 that was very mind opening.

[@lindaw140]

Having people stay overnight is MOST stressful. Stop doing that long time ago. Picking up people from the airport is very stressful to me too

[@neist]

As a person with Panic Disorder, I generally agree with every point stated. I encourage everyone to take it to heart!

[@abby8041]

When it comes to really big decisions, I find that trusting my first instinct is far more helpful than spending a lot of time mulling over and researching to help me decide. The more I think about a big decision, the more likely *I* am to make the wrong decision, because I do think a lot about the "worst case scenario" and end up not taking the risky decision because fear gets a foothold. That's not to say I never research before deciding something. I research for big purchases because I want to get the best price. I would definitely research for a new home, because I don't want to end up somewhere bad. But if it's about a career change or a relationship change, your gut is usually right, so learn to trust yourself! It took me a long time to realize that.

[@christine6396]

I would say that minimalism has actually made my OCD worse. It’s given my brain something to obsess over and I’m constantly thinking of what I can get rid of and never feeling complete.

[@jeanniechristy3885]

I absolutely love you guys! Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Your u tube, podcasts and documentary has added much value to my life! Be well and carry on!

[@lindaw140]

Negative attitude and negative news media these days are anxious inducing and stressful

[@housecleaners4124]

Totally agree

[@s.aura.h8084]

I love the dry wipe mirror self love note idea! I have small pieces of paper I’ve written on but after a while I’ve just stopped looking at them... I’m going to try this! Great tip fellow minimalist 😁

[@marykrisuy3305]

Still relevant. Timeless and valuable lessons. Thank you :)

[@lindaw140]

Great session thanks J and R

[@Julie-ok5fr]

All wonderful tips. Deep breathing 6 breaths, sleep, exercise. I find that the deep breathing feels even better when being outside in fresh air. I would also add that prayer helps me get through my anxiety😊 Fear is the tool of the devil.

[@Catia19ly92]

Hey guys! I love your podcasts and listen to it every week! Thank you for the sharing :) I just wanted to give you a suggestion to put subtitles on the messages you receive, sometimes is very difficult to understand due to the record quality!

[@nepenthe1446]

Towards the lower right on the screen is the "CC" button. If you tap it, it'll enable closed captioning.

[@luismesa10]

This vid made me feel way more anxious lol Good stuff guys, go on :)

[@llbsab]

In the area of "diet", we part ways--for various reasons. Like you said, Josh, you're expecting that from some of your audience. Still, though, I think you guys are GREAT when it comes to sharing your take on developing a minimalist mindset.

[@ginapaulus7863]

I really enjoyed the episode. I received my Pakt bag last week and am impressed with the quality and variety of pockets. I can hardly wait to take it and my husband ;) on our next adventure! So glad you committed to the project. Thank you

[@BerryHair405]

I have an allergy to woo-woo-ey, and yet I read, enjoyed and got value from the book The Power of Now! =) It did not cross my woo-woo-ey threshold! Thank you for mentioning it Minimalists!

[@lnbandremariscalvalladares6675]

Hey guys, really great episode! I just started listening to your podcast and i find it really helpful. I'm glad that you always say to take precautions before trying anything any of you do, it's the way it's supposed to be, right?

[@karenherrera287]

Fallon, start by getting rid of YOUR things that you do not have any emotional attachment to, like car stuff and bathroom stuff. Hope this helps!

[@amandarestivo9297]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who downloads an app to use it once, then deletes it again! LOL.

[@stranger_co]

Just found you guys, lot's of catching up to do now.

[@hikegardentravel6546]

I was going to delete Instagram until they added the “you’re all caught up,” which I love. I don’t overuse it or mindlessly scroll. I can see a few nice photos and be finished.

[@reginapenglaze8342]

Agree! Social media is a full stress head ‘IF’ you allow it xxx

[@rawbarbie]

Parenting three kids definitely gives me a lot anxiety! 5, 3 and 2 years old.

[@Taojin10]

I had to unfollow multiple popular KZbinrs because all the drama and hate they spew was triggering my anxiety.

[@housecleaners4124]

Thanks for your comment , I wil do that to , it’s very true! Thanks for your kindness

[@lindaw140]

Loud noise really stresses me out. Screaming from movie, action movie, sci-fi movie stressful

[@nunonegi5616]

Can someone tell me where to get those microphone arms? or how are they called?

[@HomemakerDaze]

Even hearing about the anxiety is giving me anxiety lol

[@jacindaclayden2956]

Yes

[@johnprivate1992]

Ryan, I went to a Meetup called tje Toast Masters. It’s a group that meets weeklyn to improve their public speaking skills. During each speech somebody is in charge of counting how many times the speaker said “like” for example. It’s an eye opener to know that number. You could be amazed.

[@anjelajones1992]

It makes me really uncomfortable how they stand the whole time.

[@TheRoomNote]

Erin Jones I don't blame them... I know when i sit at a desk all day, I start to find an excuse to stand or walk around.

[@anjelajones1992]

Its the opposite for me lol. I stand up and walk around all day so I take advantage of every moment I can be sitting

[@iarroyo612]

When u have fears that tiggers panic attack is scary I notice if I do breathing and counting backwards helps not get a panic attacks but I am still a big worrier and scare of a lot of things and ppl at times 😔

[@sarahba1897]

How do you fall asleep when anxiety is the cause of your insomnia? I'm struggling with that right now.

[@housecleaners4124]

Breathing, meditation, somtimes I just listen to a youtoube guided meditation after a good hot shower, If that dosent work maibi watch a funny moovie that wil help to think positive

[@justjudoful]

Josh and Ryan: as far as the anxiety subject, and prioritizing..... when you touched on asking your husband or wife for help to help reduce the stress. What if you are a single parent......that's the hard one

[@patriciamarouvo]

You're coming to Brazil???!! Where and when?? 😄😄

[@gianlucapatrizi3870]

Do you have any book to suggest me about minimalism? I'm also very interested about hugging, any books about it?? Thanks😃

[@BadlandsSound]

They have a few books about it.

[@NMRKDREAD]

Gianluca Patrizi Thich Nhat Hanh has a thing called ‘Hugging Meditation’ and there have been some books about it (google hugging meditation) I haven’t read them but they might be good for you! :)

[@AvaLeBlanc]

Zach Risinger That’s one of my favorite books!! Good choice!

[@andrea_hoy9642]

POR FAVOR TRADUZCAN SUS VIDEOS EN ESPAÑOL.

[@user-pv8pn7zy4l]

Guys,could u write all the words u say, because im not english speaking so its quite hard to understand and to hear all of them. Kinda subtitles? I m in love with your youtube channel and im trynna to watch everything u post,so keep going!

[@Chukijay]

“Can’t quit a job you hate to pursue what you love” coming from a guy that was single with no children. I can’t quit my secure, well-paying job because I have a wife and three children that depend on my income and insurance, and there isn’t room for a lapse in that. These two guys skirt the line of pretentious very, very hard. A lot of what they say is great and very applicable, but there’s a ton that’s just lost on me specifically.

[@emmapivetta363]

if you're looking for one more i will gladly submit a picture of my hair to see if i qualify

[@jackdeleon9538]

Would you say a good Debt could be debt you have from buying a property with a banks money so you don’t have to use your own money and then renting that property out to pay off your debt, good for bank history and once the renters pay off your debt for you they will start paying you each month. Or they move out you move more people in and in return you could use your new income to purchase other property’s. I’ve never done this but I’ve heard grant cardon who I view as just another guru say there’s good debt and bad debt and the difference is good debt can make you money bad debt will take your money.

[@LaChanceuse]

Who is "Podcast Sean?"

[@petitefleur4837]

dommage quil ya pas la traduction en francais je comprend englais mais avec de la concentration , en arabe ou en francais ca serai cool :) le minimalisme est connu en algerie depuis des generations chez nous on dit baraka fel9lil la baraka est dans le peu , ou ma 9alla wa dala le peu qui suffit pour informer et etre utile ,donc j'aime bien

[@sheilann0622]

Litter gives me anxiety 😖

[@Goalier95]

So black, so avante garde... so minimal....get it?

[@americanlibertyforumcom]

Other people absolutely can put debt on you. Think about the unfunded liabilities of the federal and various state governments. That's on you and several generations beyond you, and it was put there by people who wanted something for nothing and voted to get it. Every tax increase you didn't vote for is effectively debt placed on your shoulders by others. For example, government teachers strike for more money and suddenly your property tax increases, effectively stealing equity from your home to fund the lifestyles of people who don't have to prove their worth in the private sector. Now, maybe you voted for the increase, but if you didn't then others placed that burden on you and the only way out of that debt is to sell off the property or move away if you rent, and even then you'll only be able to go someplace where the burden is (hopefully) lower. You want a real challenge? Minimize the government footprint on our lives.

[@gregmeissner9960]

Ryan, try vegan. I'm twice your age and I say it with that length of experience.

[@jjuniper274]

Would you have a podcast about the clutter that is accumulated thru crafting? What happens when all those Pinterest projects never get done? Anxiety? Clutter? Excessive spending? Placing value on things that haven't been assembled? I had a come to Jesus meeting with my own brain after an extensive bout of Pinterest pining. I asked myself, "Jennifer, when and how are you EVER going to do all this?" 💡

[@jettoscranda]

He looks like the son of Christopher Walken

[@raymondmay7304]

Box breathing

[@blessedmamags7796]

🤔why do all of the minimalists on KZbin wear black shirts?

[@AnnmareeTV]

Anyone else watching in 2023?

[@rhondaferguson2026]

coffee give s you anxiety

[@ThackDaddyJr]

Please sit down. You’re making me uncomfortable

[@housecleaners4124]

So maibi u have anxiety! Or u are a control freak ,❣️Much love

[@johnprivate1992]

Ryan, I went to a Meetup called tje Toast Masters. It’s a group that meets weeklyn to improve their public speaking skills. During each speech somebody is in charge of counting how many times the speaker said “like” for example. It’s an eye opener to know that number. You could be amazed.