Learning to Listen: What Anxiety Has Taught Me Since Moving to A New City

Hey, friend. 👋💛 

I don’t say this lightly, but moving to San Diego has been one of the hardest transitions of my adult life.

I’m so grateful for the sun, the ocean breeze, and the slower pace here… but what a lot of people don’t see is the inner battle I’ve been facing since the move.

I’ve felt waves of anxiety I didn’t expect. Not just the kind that makes you overthink a little—but the kind that makes your chest tighten, your heart race, your thoughts spin, and your body feel like it’s buzzing with electricity you can’t shut off.

And honestly? I didn’t really want to talk about it at first.

But the more I opened up to other women—friends, fellow entrepreneurs, moms I love and respect—the more I realized: I’m not alone. We’re living in a world where fear and uncertainty feel louder than ever. And our bodies are paying the price.

I’ve always thought of myself as someone who could “push through.” But this move taught me that healing doesn’t come from hustling harder. It comes from listening.

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A Conversation That Changed Everything

Recently, I had the chance to talk with Natty Lewis—a former elite athlete turned coach who now helps high-performing women regulate their nervous systems.

She’s been where so many of us are: spinning thoughts, sleepless nights, pushing through until the body makes you stop. Her journey took her to the ER with what turned out to be a full-blown panic attack—and that wake-up call changed her life.

She’s now made it her mission to teach women how to reconnect with their bodies, understand the early signs of anxiety, and reset—without shame.

And wow… did her story hit home.

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Here’s What I Learned from Natty That’s Already Helping Me:

1. Your Body Is Talking. Learn Its Language.

Every woman has her own “anxiety accent.” For me, it’s a tight chest and that pit-in-the-stomach feeling. For you, it might be:

• Tapping toes
  
• Racing thoughts
  
• Tension in your jaw
  
• Sweaty palms
  

Start noticing your signs. That awareness alone is powerful.

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2. The 60-Second Reset (Do It With Me!)

This is a quick tool Natty shared that helps reset your nervous system in less than a minute.

• Curl your toes
  
• Flex your legs
  
• Squeeze your core
  
• Tense your shoulders
  
• Make fists
  
• Take a deep breath in
  
• Hold it… take another breath in
  
• Exhale loudly
  
• Let your body shake it out
  

It sounds so simple, but trust me—it works.

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3. Build a Daily Nervous System Reset Plan

This is what I’m now incorporating into my daily rhythm, especially during this busy season:

Morning:

• Check in with how your body feels (before you check your phone!)
  
• Journal thoughts that lingered from the night
  
• Plan moments of stillness throughout your day
  

Afternoon:

• Take 60-second resets between Zoom calls or tasks
  
• Keep cold water nearby
  
• Walk around when tension builds
  

Evening:

• Keep a notepad by your bed
  
• Write down what’s spinning in your head
  
• Give yourself “worry time” tomorrow if something is unresolved
  

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What This Season Is Teaching Me…

I used to think anxiety was something to conquer or hide. But now, I’m learning it’s something to listen to.

It’s not weakness. It’s my body doing its best to protect me.

And the more I care for myself—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—the more at peace I feel. I’m learning to extend myself grace on the hard days, and celebrate the small wins on the good ones.

If this is a season of transition, motherhood, or just a lot for you… I hope you know you’re not alone. We can learn the language of our bodies together. 💛

Action Steps I’m Taking This Week:
✔️ Practicing that 60-second reset twice a day
✔️ Keeping a little journal of physical symptoms and emotional triggers
✔️ Creating space for rest and release

You’re not too much. You’re not falling behind. And you don’t have to carry it alone.

With so much love,
Chelsey