Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow shared insights into her methods for handling anxiety during an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session on her Instagram Stories on January 22 in Los Angeles. Responding to a fan’s question about managing anxiety, Paltrow explained that while she cannot completely avoid anxious feelings, she employs several strategies to cope.
Practical Strategies to Cope With Anxiety
Paltrow described several approaches that help her manage anxiety, including focusing on gratitude, deep breathing, taking walks, and a rather unexpected activity—shouting at bushes. She stated,
“I can’t really avoid anxiety, but I try to temper it with remembering things I am grateful for, breathing deeply, going for a walk, and shouting at the bushes (it helps) and being good to myself.”
This unique outlet appears to serve as a release for her tension amid anxious moments.
Facing Burnout and Overworking Despite Efforts
When asked about avoiding burnout and overfunctioning, Paltrow was honest about her struggles, admitting she has experienced both. She acknowledged ongoing challenges with setting boundaries around work and prioritizing adequate rest. In her words,
“I have avoided neither. I’m over functioned and burnt out, but I’m trying to get a little bit better this year at that and really prioritizing sleep and boundaries around working and not working, but I have some work to do.”
Understanding the Role of ADD and Public Life Pressures
In a November 2025 episode of her goop podcast, Paltrow revealed she suspects she has attention deficit disorder (ADD), which causes her to be pulled in many directions. She expressed a wish to be more grounded throughout her day. She further discussed how the public exposure of her life contributes to anxiety, saying,
“I’ve lived a very intense life in the public eye for a really, really long time. And so I think whenever we’re at the mercy of people’s opinions and all the energy behind the opinions — I’m very sensitive, as most of us are — so I feel that and it kind of frays my nervous system.”
She explained how even something like a negative work email could feel overwhelming, noting she might
“really take it like it’s a slap in the face.”
Hormonal Changes and Their Impact on Anxiety
Paltrow linked some of her anxiety to hormonal fluctuations, describing it as a new experience for her. She said,
“I think also my hormonal phase of life, I have a lot of anxiety for the very first time in my life, which is just a symptom of hormonal changes,”
further adding,
“I think it’s an estrogen dominance thing. It makes you really anxious … So part of it is physiological, part of it is psychological, part of it’s emotional and part of it’s public life.”
Support System and Professional Help Aiding Mental Health
To manage her anxiety, the actress has been working with therapists, including a specialist focused on the nervous system. Besides professional assistance, Paltrow credits her family as a source of healing and comfort, stating,
“healing from my family, from my kids and my husband.”
Implications of Paltrow’s Mental Health Journey
Paltrow’s candid discussion sheds light on the complexities of anxiety management, combining physical, emotional, and social factors. Her openness about struggles such as burnout, hormonal influences, and sensitivity to public scrutiny highlights the challenges even prominent figures face. By sharing her experiences, she may encourage others to seek support, develop personalized coping methods, and recognize the importance of self-care amid anxiety.
