Amy sits down with therapist Shelley Martinez to talk about one of the most common and misunderstood challenges moms face—anxiety. Shelley opens up about her personal experiences with perfectionism and overachievement before motherhood, and how becoming a mom forced her to confront her anxious patterns. Together, they explore how anxiety manifests physically, why traditional thought-based approaches often fall short, and how moms can use body-based techniques like diaphragmatic breathing, tapping, and movement to calm the nervous system. Shelley’s story is a reminder that healing doesn’t mean eliminating anxiety—it means changing your relationship with it.
Key Takeaways:
Anxiety isn’t just in your head—it lives in your body, too.
Breathing techniques like the 4-4-6-2 pattern can calm your vagus nerve and stop fight-or-flight.
Movement, singing, and laughter are powerful regulation tools for moms.
You can model emotional regulation for your kids through your own calm.
Healing anxiety is about rewiring—not perfection.
Highlighted Quotes:
“I didn’t want to be the kind of mom whose kids only remembered the sound of me gasping.” – Shelley Martinez
“You can’t just think your way out of anxiety. Your body has to feel safe first.” – Amy Grace
“As long as you have a body, your nervous system will respond to breath.” – Shelley Martinez
“Every time we learn something new, we’re literally rewiring our brain.” – Shelley Martinez
Keywords: motherhood anxiety, nervous system regulation, diaphragmatic breathing, vagus nerve, tapping therapy, mom stress, emotional regulation for moms, body-based healing
Resources Mentioned:
Amy’s therapy and coaching resources: amygrace.bio
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
About the Guest:
Shelley Martinez is a licensed therapist with nearly three decades of experience helping clients heal anxiety, stress, and trauma. After navigating her own lifelong anxiety and motherhood, she now teaches practical, evidence-based tools for rewiring the nervous system. She offers workshops, coaching, and online resources to help women create calm, grounded lives. Learn more at shelleymartinez.com.
About the Host:
Amy Grace is a licensed therapist, course creator, author and podcast host, centering everything she does on one mission—supporting moms to be happy, healthy, thriving, supermoms. For more information about all her offerings and resources, check her out at www.amygrace.bio.
Crisis Disclaimer:
If you are struggling with severe anxiety, depression, or thoughts of self-harm, please reach out for help. In the U.S., call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For international resources, visit [findahelpline.com], which connects you to free, confidential support worldwide.