How to Stop Waking Up Already Overwhelmed

Waking up already overwhelmed? In this episode, we unpack why morning anxiety hits hard—and how to shift from panic to strategy. Drawing from neuroscience, childhood memory, and a dash of board game strategy, we explore what it takes to reclaim mental ground and lead from strength, even when you feel like hiding under the covers.

You’ll learn:

• Why your anxiety might spike in the early morning
• How applying a “game mindset” can help you work with your real-life resources
• How to create a realistic, compassionate sense of daily accomplishment
• And what a “Yay Me” paragraph can do to rewire your internal reward system

Timestamps:

00:30 Introduction and Childhood Fears: Feeling Small
03:45 My Adult Morning Anxiety
05:55 The Catan Strategy for Managing Morning Anxiety
11:30 Yay Me Paragraph
12:19 Why Making "Game Rules" For Life Reduces Anxiety
16:44 Kindness Narrative: Kindness From a Stranger in Albania

For full shownotes, including resources mentioned, go to: https://www.calmyourcaveman.com/episodes/how-to-stop-waking-up-already-overwhelmed