You Can't Think Your Way Out of Anxiety | Dave Gieselman | #21 | Mojo, Motivation & Mental Health

What if you could calm your mind in under two minutes—without thinking your way there at all? In this episode, Mike Orlowski sits down with breathwork coach Dave Gieselman, who went from addiction to recovery by learning to regulate his nervous system through breath. They unpack how controlling your heart rate calms your brain state, the surprising role of the vagus nerve (and why humming helps), how breathwork can mimic the effects of substances, and how to reach a flow state for sharper focus and creativity. Practical, science-backed tools for anyone navigating anxiety, stress, or burnout. Main Topics: • How controlling your heart rate through breath calms the brain • Dave's journey from addiction to recovery through breathwork • The vagus nerve, humming, and the parasympathetic relaxation response • Managing anxiety, stress, decision fatigue, and sleep • Accessing flow state for creativity, focus, and performance Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro: mental health and breathwork 02:32 - The link between heart rate and brain state 14:37 - Dave's personal journey and transformation 17:02 - The role of breathwork in recovery 20:31 - Types of breathwork and their benefits 27:42 - The vagus nerve and why it matters 28:33 - The power of humming 30:06 - Sympathetic vs. parasympathetic responses 32:45 - Managing stress in a chaotic world 36:00 - Overcoming decision fatigue 41:47 - Why sleep is your number-one lever 45:09 - Accessing flow state through breathwork 53:59 - Discipline over motivation 62:01 - Understanding resistance and flow 68:42 - Breathwork as a tool for transformation 74:07 - Connecting to flow: practical applications Final thoughts: Your nervous system is always listening to your breath—which means calm is a skill you can practice, not a mood you wait for. Whether you're facing anxiety, burnout, or just a noisy mind, the tools Dave shares start with something you're already doing. Pick one technique and try it today. Thanks for listening to Mojo, Motivation & Mental Health—choose connection, choose happiness, and get your Mojo Back. Connect with Mike Orlowski: Website: http://www.mojomotivates.com LinkedIn:   / mikeorlowski   Facebook:   / mojomotivates   Instagram:   / mike_orlowski   TikTok:   / mojoworldwide   X: https://x.com/MichaelOrlowski Dave Gieselman's Resources: Breathwork App: https://bit.ly/3QzaGZW LinkedIn:   / dave-g-limitless   Breathwork (use code mojo1): https://connecttoflow.com/breathwork