Fear vs. Anxiety: Knowing the Difference
🔗 Helpful Links & Resources:
One of the most illuminating parts of our conversation was breaking down the difference between fear and anxiety.
✅ Fear is an immediate, present-moment response to a real threat. It’s your body’s protective alarm system saying “Danger now!”
✅ Anxiety is a future-focused, anticipatory state. It’s often your mind projecting possible threats that may or may not happen.
Why does this matter?
Because knowing which you’re experiencing changes how you respond.
Practical Tool:
When you feel that rush of worry or dread, pause and ask:
“Am I facing something dangerous right now, or am I worrying about something that could happen?”
Labeling it accurately can lower your emotional intensity and help you choose the right strategy—whether it’s taking immediate action (fear) or challenging your thoughts and calming your body (anxiety).
Resource:
Brainspotting: What It Is and How It Helps
Jessica also shared insights on brainspotting, a powerful therapeutic approach that helps people process trauma and emotional blockages.
✅ What is Brainspotting?
It’s a mind-body therapy where a trained practitioner helps you identify “brainspots”—eye positions connected to stored, unprocessed memories or emotions.
✅ How does it work?
By focusing your gaze on a specific spot while maintaining mindful awareness of your body and emotions, your brain can access and process material that talk therapy alone might not reach.
✅ Why try it?
Brainspotting can help with trauma, anxiety, performance blocks, and more. It’s gentle but powerful, allowing deep emotional release without needing to relive every detail.
Resources to Learn More:
Healthspan vs. Lifespan: A Better Goal
Finally, we talked about a crucial distinction that’s often overlooked: healthspan vs. lifespan.
✅ Lifespan = How many years you live.
✅ Healthspan = How many of those years you live in good health.
It’s not just about living longer—it’s about living better.
Why focus on healthspan?
Because no one wants extra years of poor health or lost independence. By prioritizing healthspan, we make choices that support mobility, mental clarity, emotional well-being, and quality of life.
Practical Tips:
Prioritize movement daily (not just exercise, but reducing sitting)
Eat whole, nutrient-rich foods
Sleep well and manage stress
Build and maintain strong social connections
Resources:
Grounding: What It Is and How to Practice It
In our conversation, Jessica also talked about the importance of grounding—an essential skill when managing anxiety or overwhelming emotions.
✅ What is Grounding?
Grounding is the practice of bringing your focus to the present moment, often by engaging your senses or body. It’s a way to interrupt spiraling thoughts, reduce emotional intensity, and feel safe and steady in your body.
Grounding is especially helpful when:
You’re caught in anxious thoughts about the future
You’re feeling panicky or dissociated
You need to return to the present after a triggering memory
Simple Grounding Exercises
✋ 5-4-3-2-1 Senses Exercise
Name 5 things you can see
Name 4 things you can touch
Name 3 things you can hear
Name 2 things you can smell
Name 1 thing you can taste
✅ This exercise engages your senses and anchors you in the here and now.
🌬️ Breathing Practice
Breathe in for 4 counts
Hold for 4 counts
Exhale for 6–8 counts
Repeat several times
✅ Slowing your breath helps calm your nervous system.
🪑 Feel Your Body Supported
Sit with feet flat on the floor
Notice the chair supporting your weight
Wiggle your toes
Press your hands into your thighs gently
✅ This reminds your body you are safe and supported.
✨ Affirmations and Self-Talk
“I am safe right now.”
“This feeling will pass.”
“I can handle this.”
✅ Repeating calming, truthful statements can shift your mindset.
Why It Matters
Grounding is a practical, accessible way to manage anxiety in the moment. It doesn’t eliminate challenges but gives you tools to stay present, think clearly, and make healthier choices.
Resources for More Grounding Practices:
Final Thoughts
Jessica’s insights remind us that living well isn’t about avoiding difficulty, but understanding ourselves more deeply and choosing intentionally.
✅ Naming fear vs. anxiety helps us respond wisely.
✅ Brainspotting offers a path to heal what holds us back.
✅ Focusing on healthspan empowers us to live not just longer, but better.
If you’re ready for a meaningful listen, check out the full conversation with Jessica Colarco on the Women In... podcast.
🎧 Available on all major podcast platforms.
