Anxiety Management

I'm really excited for this blog post, as I have been working in collaboration with Kalms and Spink Health in conjunction with the launch of the new Kalms Lavender, and their #livelifeready campaign.

Anxiety is defined as a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome, and new research suggests it most commonly affects those of us under 35. It is both psychological:-poor concentration, restlessness, dread, agitation amongst some symptoms, and physical:-headaches, racing heartbeat, sweating, a dry mouth. With both of these factors considered, the quality of life, wellbeing and health can be compromised for those with anxiety, so it is important that we are educated to spot the signs and how to ease them.

I have mentioned in previous blog posts that I sometimes struggle with anxiety. Personally it manifests as sometimes feeling like I am out of my depth, and extremely overthinking in certain situations, as well as often feeling overwhelmed. The feeling of panic often associated with anxiety occurs for me when I am faced with a particularly intense situation, or where the situation is unfamiliar to me. This can have an impact on the decisions I make, for example I am often early wherever I go because I avoid travelling during rush hour, as busy small spaces such as the underground can induce a panic attack. However, by knowing this trigger, I can adapt my plans to avoid this anxious feeling, or I can build myself up for it in advance.

Kalms' campaign #livelifeready encourages conversation on what steps we can take to help us overcome feelings of anxiety. For some of us, that may be listening to music or meditating. I try to focus on activities that give me a feeling of control, for example I find bullet journalling helps me when I am feeling anxious as it allows me to be creative, but also allows me to feel grounded as I can schedule my plans and deadlines so I can be fully prepared for the coming weeks. Kalms invite you to keep track of your experience over a week and share your tips to help people get through anxious moments on social media, or by opening up conversations with those around you.

I like to remind myself of places in the world where I can be in big open spaces. Living in London, I find sometimes my anxiety can be fuelled by feeling a bit trapped and suffocated. This is when I find two things really helpful. One is if I am in a space that I can't get out of, for example a lecture where I need to stay and listen to the information, a train to get somewhere or even being in a crowded street or shopping centre, and I feel that all too familiar dread creeping on, I can take one Kalms Lavender. Lavender itself has a lot of calming properties, and I find even the distraction of taking the capsule is enough to distract me from my symptoms of anxiety. A sense of calm is often experienced and I feel like I can overcome the worries or anxieties I am experiencing.

          The second thing that keeps my anxiety at bay is experiencing the wide open spaces I was referring to earlier. Home for me, where my family live, is fortunately home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK so I try to visit whenever I can and take time on my trip to go to the beach and feel the peacefulness and listen to the rhythmicity of the waves. Where my partner lives is in the middle of nowhere so there are many fields and lots of land we can go and explore. In London, there are many parks and green spaces, some of my favourites being Hyde Park, Kew Gardens and St James' Park.

The #livelifeready campaign also suggests taking slow, steady breaths when feeling anxious helps to calm you, taking mindful moments, knowing your triggers, making time to talk and writing down your worries to offload them from your mind can help you beat your anxiety.

Kalms Lavender One-A-Day Capsules are a new launch from Kalms. Kalms Lavender One-A-Day Capsules is a traditional herbal medicinal product used for the temporary relief of the symptoms of mild anxiety, such as stress and nervousness, exclusively based on long standing use as a traditional herbal remedy. Always read the label. If you are experiencing severe symptoms of anxiety that last for over two weeks, I strongly recommend seeking professional help from your GP who can support you further. Kalms Lavender One-A-Day capsules are available in Boots, Asda and online at www.kalmsrange.com RRP £6.49.

I hope this post has encouraged you to start up a conversation about anxiety, and given you some new ways to manage any anxiety you experience.