Understanding Anxiety with Dr Claire Ashley: Systems, Science and How Sewing Can Help

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Dr Claire Ashley explores anxiety - what it is, why it happens, and how it affects the body as well as the mind. Drawing on both her medical expertise and lived experience, she explains the physiological response behind anxiety symptoms, from racing thoughts to a heightened stress response.We talk about practical strategies for managing anxiety in everyday life, and how creative hobbies like sewing can play a powerful role in supporting mental health. From regulating the nervous system to creating moments of focus and calm, sewing offers more than just a finished garment - it can become part of a sustainable wellbeing routine.If you’ve ever wondered why anxiety feels so physical, or how to manage anxiety symptoms in a gentle, realistic way, this conversation offers both science-backed insight and practical tools.Claire discusses:What is anxiety and its physiological basisHow sewing induces mindfulness and flow stateThe impact of arts engagement on cortisol and inflammationPerfectionism and its link to anxiety in sewingPractical tips for reconnecting with sewing for anxiety reliefFollow me: Instagram: @thesewingsocialpod                     @thedalythreadTiktok: thesewingsocialpodIf you've enjoyed this episode and appreciate the work I'm doing, please Tip me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/thesewingsocialpodAlso, feel free to get in touch - you can text the show (available through your podcast provider on each episode) or email:[email protected]*Join my Substack where we continue the conversations: The Sewing Social: Off The Mic - https://substack.com/@thesewingsocialGuest details:Instagram: @thesorbelloeditBook: The Burnout Doctor https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1399412809Affiliate Links:Thready Set Go - https://threadysetgo.com     Discount code for your first month free - SEWINGSOCIALPODSew And Stow - https://www.sewandstow.co.uk/     Discount code for £10 off your board - SEWINGSOCIALPODChapters00:00 Introduction to Claire Ashley and anxiety03:59 How engaging in creative arts helps anxiety08:52 Perfectionism and anxiety12:37 Tips for people wanting to engage in sewing without pressure14:08 Substack end of the show