The Anxiety Compass Podcast
Welcome to The Anxiety Compass Podcast, where we help you navigate the messy, magical, and maddening world of anxiety. We believe anxiety isn’t a defect but a teacher — a compass pointing you back to your True North.
Hosted by Clinical Nutritionists Sammy Barnett (author of Anxiety: The Best Teacher You Never Asked For) and Natalie Antoine, this show goes beyond quick fixes to explore the real roots of anxiety. Each week we explore a different point of the compass:
🌿 Chemical & Nutritional
💬 Emotional
⚡ Nervous System
🌀 Hormonal
🌍 Environmental
💪 Physical
✨ Spiritual
Through personal stories, humour, and practical tools, we show how anxiety is not a problem to “fix” but an invitation to slow down, listen, and reconnect with yourself. If you’re ready to see anxiety in a new light, learn real-life strategies, and feel less alone in the messy middle, this podcast is for you.
The Anxiety Compass Podcast
Recalibrating After the Flu: When Your Nervous System Isn’t Ready to Sprint Yet
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In this episode we talk about something that doesn’t get said enough…
the anxiety hangover that can linger after being sick.
After recently having the flu (hello Japan travel germs), Sammy and Nat share what it’s like when your body is technically “better”… but your nervous system is still in overdrive.
This episode is a gentle, honest conversation about those in-between days when you want to be back at full capacity, but your body needs a slower re-entry.
We explore:
✨ Why anxiety often spikes after illness or exhaustion
✨ How the nervous system stays in protective mode even once symptoms pass
✨ Why pushing yourself to “go full steam ahead” can backfire
✨ The difference between healing and forcing momentum
✨ Why toe-dipping back into life is sometimes the smartest move
✨ How to recalibrate gently instead of demanding instant normal
✨ Permission to rebuild capacity slowly, without guilt
This isn’t a polished, high-energy episode, and that’s kind of the point.
It’s a real-time reminder that healing isn’t linear, readiness can’t be rushed, and sometimes the bravest thing you can do is dip your toes in before you run and jump.
If you’ve been sick, burnt out, overwhelmed, or wondering why anxiety feels louder “for no reason” this episode will help you feel less broken and more understood 🧭
👉 Grab your free Anxiety Compass download here
👉 Grab a copy of Sammy's Book, Anxiety, The Best Teacher You Never Asked For here
Follow us @theanxietycompass
Connect with Sammy @nutritionwithsammy or website
Connect with Natalie @nataliemarieinbalance or book discovery call here