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Owning It: The Anxiety Podcast

'How holding my breath taught me to live': how this free diver manages anxiety

Season 12, Ep. 3

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Subscribe to my brand new Substack HERE.

This week I am joined by Claire Walsh, bestselling author and free diver. Having watched The Deepest Breath on Netflix, I realised how much we can differ when it comes to finding the thing that helps to downregulate our stress response. For many people, the idea of plunging down into the darkest depths of the sea, in one single breath, without all the breathing paraphernalia would be enough to send them into a state of panic. It is certainly not for everyone and it requires major training and experience and it's high risk but for those who describe themselves as free divers, this activity can be how they manage their stress and anxiety. Here, Irish free diver Claire tells her story and what she's learned from holding her breath in the water which she can apply to her life on dry land.

PS: I've recently launched a substack where I'm sharing a weekly column. Anxiety will be a regular theme but there'll also be discussions about parenting and work and relationships, such as how I've managed to build a reliable revenue stream from podcasting. You can sign up at carolineforan.substack.com Some content is free to read but you can pay the price of a fancy coffee per month to read the juicier stuff. 

For now, enjoy this episode. 

Buy Claire's book HERE.

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