38. Stress vs. Anxiety- Why You’re Using the Wrong Tools — and What Actually Works

Do you feel anxious even when nothing is wrong?Does your body feel tense, wired, or exhausted — but “relaxation” doesn’t help?Have you tried breathwork, meditation, movement, or nervous system tools… only to feel worse?You’re not broken.You’re just using stress tools for anxiety — and anxiety tools for stress.In this powerful, hour-long deep dive, Kate Garland, nervous system–informed coach and intuitive guide, explains the critical difference between stress, strain, and anxiety — a distinction almost no one is taught, and one that changes everything once you understand it.This episode is for women who are:• chronically stressed but can’t pinpoint why• high-functioning yet secretly overwhelmed• anxious without a clear trigger• burned out, but unable to truly rest• frustrated that “nervous system regulation” hasn’t worked the way it was promisedBlending neuroscience, endocrinology, somatic psychology, and lived experience, Kate offers a framework that replaces self-blame with clarity — and confusion with relief.🔥 Ready to Go Deeper?This episode reflects the core philosophy behind The Second Firing — Kate’s signature midlife initiation container for women navigating burnout, anxiety, identity shifts, and profound transformation.✨ The next cohort begins in early 2026.Many of you have been circling this work for a while.👉 Join the Second Firing 2026 waitlistBe the first to receive details, early invitations, and priority access when doors open.📚 Resources & Related Episodes🎙️ Everything You Know About Breathing Is WrongA foundational episode on CO₂ tolerance, nervous system regulation, and why over-breathing fuels anxiety — essential listening alongside this conversation.🌙 The conversation doesn’t end here.My Inner Circle gets the first drops—new podcast sneak peeks, early access to offers, and the notes I only share off-mic. Join us here.🌿 Free Support for Your Nervous SystemStart here → The Free Anxiety Reset: a 7-minute guided tool to calm spiraling thoughts and come back to yourself. Think of it like a nervous system reboot—on demand.✨ Enjoying this podcast?Leave a review—it helps other women find this work. 🙏Or forward this episode to a friend who could use a little nervous system magic today. 💛💛 Connect with Kate:Email [email protected] or DM on Instagram: @radicallyKate