Mindfulness: Similar to meditation, mindfulness practices are invaluable in managing my anxiety. They keep me grounded in the present moment, allowing me to be fully engaged in my body and experiences, which in turn helps me navigate my relationships more effectively.
With all that’s going on in our country, our economy, the world, and on social media, it feels like so many of us are under a great deal of stress. Relationships, in particular, can be stress-inducing. We know chronic stress can be as unhealthy as smoking a quarter of a pack a day. What are stress management strategies that people use to become “Stress-Proof? What are some great tweaks, hacks, and tips that help reduce or even eliminate stress? In this interview series, we are talking to authors, and mental health experts, who can share their strategies for reducing or eliminating stress. As a part of this series, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Erica Wiederlight.
Erica Wiederlight, known as the confidence coach, specializes in guiding individuals through dating, love, sexual empowerment, and self-love journeys. Alongside her coaching, she’s a renowned professional speaker and the host of the highly acclaimed podcast, “Welcome To The Wiederlife.” Her expertise has made waves, with appearances on over 100 podcasts and features at notable events like NYFW and the UN, as well as in publications including Epoch Times, Galore, and Cosmopolitan magazine.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive in, our readers would love to know how you got from “there to here.” Inspire us with your backstory!
My journey began like many, with a strong sense of energy and connection as a child. However, as I grew, life experiences led me to lose that connection. When I ventured into the field I’m in now, I carried a lot of self-hatred, cynicism, and discomfort with my own body. I was incredibly hard on myself.
What’s intriguing is that my path to transformation began when I immersed myself in the very work I now do. I embarked on a personal journey of self-discovery and growth, initially for my own healing. Through this process, I found my way back to self-love and acceptance.
Eventually, I decided to share my experiences and insights by creating a business in this field. So, my journey from disconnection and self-criticism to self-acceptance and business creation was born out of my personal transformation.
What lessons would you share with yourself if you had the opportunity to meet your younger self?
If I could offer guidance to my younger self, I would emphasize the importance of cultivating self-compassion and self-kindness. Additionally, I would encourage my younger self to create the space for self-reflection and the practice of listening to my own needs. During my youth, I often became overly absorbed in the actions and choices of others. Therefore, the lesson I would impart is the value of tuning into my own body and inner voice, prioritizing self-awareness and self-care.
None of us are able to experience success without support along the way. Is there a particular person for whom you are grateful because of the support they gave you to grow you from “there to here?” Can you share that story and why you are grateful for them?
I’m immensely grateful to both my parents for their unwavering support and influence on my journey from “there to here.” It all began with my mother’s battle with cancer, a profoundly challenging experience that deeply impacted me. She demonstrated an incredible openness and receptivity to the personal growth and healing practices I was exploring, which required a great deal of vulnerability on my part. Her willingness to engage in these conversations and embrace these changes was a pivotal moment in my journey.
Equally, I owe a debt of gratitude to my father. He has shown a keen interest in the success of my business and genuinely appreciates how it positively impacts people’s lives. While my mother is engaged in understanding the essence of what I do, my father focuses on the business side of things. Their complementary perspectives and support have been instrumental in shaping my path. I’m profoundly thankful for their unwavering support.
Are you working on any exciting new projects now? How do you think it might help people?
I’m currently involved in some exciting new projects. One of the key initiatives is the rolling admissions for my one-on-one clients. This approach offers a highly personalized experience, where clients receive dedicated attention, access to valuable tools, and ongoing support. It’s a potent way to help individuals on their personal growth journeys by providing the resources and guidance they need to thrive.
Additionally, I’m in the process of launching two paid memberships that hold great promise. The first membership includes a weekly embodiment class, which is a unique fusion of dance, mantras, and affirmations. This class aims to empower people to feel
safe and at ease in their bodies while redefining their relationship with movement. It’s a fresh perspective on physicality and self-acceptance.
The second program, designed for group participation, involves monthly meetings where individuals can come together to discuss, share, and celebrate their progress. These sessions incorporate the tools and practices I offer, creating a supportive community that encourages self-discovery and personal growth. These new projects are all about providing people with the resources and experiences they need to lead happier, more fulfilled lives.
Ok, thank you for sharing your inspired life. Let’s now talk about stress. How would you define stress?
When it comes to stress, I define it as the state in which we find ourselves disconnected from our inner peace and authentic truth.
In the Western world, humans typically have their shelter, food, and survival needs met. So what has led to this chronic stress? Why are so many of us always stressed out?
It’s a complex issue. While many of us in the Western world are fortunate to have our basic needs met, chronic stress persists for various reasons.While some individuals continue to experience stress related to survival, for others, it’s the pursuit of thriving and perfection that fuels chronic stress. Factors such as celebrity culture, the constant pursuit of “more” or “better,” and the desire for increased social media followers, for example, contribute to a pervasive sense of never having “enough.” This never-ending quest can be a significant source of chronic stress for many.
What are some of the physical manifestations of being under a lot of stress? How does the human body react to stress?
The human body is remarkably intuitive and communicates signs of stress in various ways. Personally, I’ve experienced symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, jaw tension, and muscle issues when under a lot of stress. However, stress can manifest differently in each individual. Some may struggle with concentration, while others might encounter an array of physical symptoms unique to their own stress response. The physical manifestations of stress are diverse and individualized.
Is stress necessarily a bad thing? Can stress ever be good for us?
Stress, in itself, may not always be inherently bad. There’s a valuable aspect to having a certain level of stress or fear — it’s like our built-in spider-senses that can serve as protective mechanisms when needed. Having a touch of stress or fear can be beneficial in certain situations. However, the issue arises when stress becomes chronic and pervasive, as it can have negative effects on our well-being.
Is there a difference between being in a short-term stressful situation versus an ongoing stress? Are there long-term ramifications to living in a constant state of stress?
The impact of stress can vary depending on its duration. While short-term stress can have immediate effects, it’s when stress becomes chronic that we typically observe physical symptoms and more profound impacts on our body, emotions, and motivations. There are distinct effects associated with chronic stress compared to short-term stress.
Let’s now focus more on the stress of relationships. This feels intuitive, but it is helpful to spell it out in order to address it. Can you help articulate why relationships can be so stressful?
Numerous factors contribute to this stress, but at its core, it stems from our innate desire to be acknowledged, loved, and truly understood. These primal instincts drive our need for meaningful connections with others, whether in romantic relationships, friendships, or with our family. When these fundamental needs are not met within a relationship, it can generate stress for the individuals involved.
Can you help spell out some of the problems that come with the stress caused by relationships?
This stress often taps into a primal sense of longing for belonging, leading to heightened anxiety when individuals feel disconnected or unaccepted within their relationships. The underlying concerns often revolve around the fear of not being recognized or valued, creating a pervasive sense of unease in the relationship dynamic.
Here is the main question of our interview: Can you share with our readers your “5 stress management strategies that you can use to eliminate stress from your relationships?” Please share a story or example for each.
- Meditation: Meditation serves as a foundational practice for me, and I incorporate it into my daily routine. It allows me to connect with my inner calm, fostering emotional stability in my relationships.
- Journaling: Maintaining a journal not only provides a safe space for introspection but also offers transparent insights into areas I need to work on within myself and my relationships.
- EFT Tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques): EFT tapping involves gently tapping on specific points of the body, and it has been instrumental in helping me acknowledge and work through emotional challenges. It has greatly improved my mindset and even played a role in transforming my relationship with money. It can inspire and facilitate the process of moving through emotional hurdles.
- Mindfulness: Similar to meditation, mindfulness practices are invaluable in managing my anxiety. They keep me grounded in the present moment, allowing me to be fully engaged in my body and experiences, which in turn helps me navigate my relationships more effectively.
- Movement: One of the most impactful strategies for me is incorporating movement into my life. Engaging in sensual and meditative movements has empowered me to connect with my body, emotions, and intuition. It’s a potent tool for enhancing self-awareness and strengthening the foundation of my relationships.
Do you have any favorite books, podcasts, or resources that have inspired you to live with more joy in life?
I’ve discovered profound guidance and inspiration from educators such as Regina Thomashaur, Elizabeth Dealto, and Gabby Bernstein. Their teachings and insights have played a pivotal role in my journey toward a more joyful and fulfilling life. In addition, I frequently turn to YouTube for valuable resources, particularly from figures like Brad Yates and Gala Darling, who offer insightful EFT tapping guides.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
As someone with the opportunity to wield influence, I envision initiating a movement centered around the essential value of fostering a profound relationship with pleasure. Many individuals tend to view pleasure as a reward deferred until they have labored diligently, adopting a mindset that says, “after I’ve worked hard, then I can indulge.” My passion lies in the role of educator and observer, witnessing people embark on the transformative journey of elevating joy and vitality as paramount in their lives. When one is deeply attuned to their experience of pleasure, they also discover a harmonious alignment with their highest state of integrity. This connection to pleasure becomes a conduit for tuning in, plugging into life, and radiating a vibrant energy. My purpose is to teach people how to prioritize pleasure, recognizing its potent capacity to bring about significant positive change not only in their lives but also for the benefit of the broader community.
What is the best way for our readers to continue to follow your work online?
To stay updated and follow my work online, you can connect with me through the following platforms:
- Instagram: @wethelight_llc
- Website: www.wethelight.org
- Podcast: You can listen to my podcast, “Welcome to the Wiederlife,” on Spotify at this link: https://open.spotify.com/show/1iF2aeppOWjsEkXDKmlGCr
This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for the time you spent on this. We wish you only continued success.