Suffering from anxiety?
Answer our quick and easy 11 question test to see if you are suffering from anxiety.
Take the testThe lockdown restrictions introduced in 2020 have affected us all. How very quickly we were forced to adapt to a threat that read like a sci-fi film. Work changed, socialising stopped. Our lives became very small. We were asked to view every possible human contact as potentially toxic. Lockdown was a perfect storm of stressful catalysts: change, isolation and fear of the unknown.
Now we are being asked to step outside and to start behaving normally and this too can also be a bit scary. We have to change and adapt again and there are still so many unknowns. So, here are a few ways to help understand and manage your anxiety at this strange time:
Here are a few things to remember in post-lockdown life:
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During lockdown, many of us enjoyed the empty roads and quiet streets. Maybe you started to exercise? The nice weather made this a lovely benefit.
Exercise has so many benefits for our physical and mental health, for example:
My top lockdown find was a free online dance session – Check out Ryan Heffington on Instagram – such fun. The A.Vogel Get Active pages are brilliant too. Check out our exercise videos.
Cycling is also a great way of avoiding public transport which can often be crowded and stressful environments. The pandemic is certainly not making bus transport lovelier!
It's very common to be nervous on public transport but there are many alternatives available. The bike to work and public bike-sharing schemes are well worth checking out. There are also a few organisations out there whose mission is cycling encouragement. Getting out and about under your own steam is cheap, and it's wholesome exercise.
There are many techniques that you can use to help to reduce feelings for stress or anxiety. Yoga, Tai Chi and Qi Gong all have proven benefits. This video will tell you why singing is so helpful:
It can be a bit overwhelming getting used to all this PPE and sanitising. Trying not to not touch your face. Choosing an apple without touching any other apple. Remembering not to touch your child with your supermarket gloves on. It can be a logistical nightmare. It's enough to make you sweat with anxiety and then you might secrete droplets – eek!
Try to consider all of these measures as just your new outfit. Like a uniform or a Halloween costume. Everyone else is trying to get used to this as well. We will all make the odd mistake. No one will dissolve or burst into flames. Other people will appreciate the effort that you are making. All these new and awkward devices are not familiar yet, but we will all adapt.
So, in the meantime, take your time to find equipment that is comfortable to wear. Reusable masks can be very breathable and can fit well. They are also good for the environment. Accessorise them and make them look good on you. Face coverings are better for breathing purposes if you find them easier to manage.
It can be very strange getting back to 'normal'. After weeks of isolation, we can now socialise. Pubs are back in various forms, and everyone is shopping and getting their haircuts. This can be quite daunting. It may have been very easy on the nerves, staying at home. Not have to deal with lots of other people. You might ask yourself, how am I going to cope? Will I have anything to say? Will I be able to reconnect with my friends and colleagues?
These worries are can lead to social anxiety:
If the fear of socialising is holding you back, it's important to get some help. Tell your friends and family how you are feeling. Let them know that you need support and understanding. You can arrange to see people in quiet and comfortable places.
There is also lots of professional help available and therapies can be a good way of managing social anxiety. Your GP can give you information and a referral for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). It can be very effective. Deep breathing exercises are also well-researched. You can read about them here - Breathing tips to relieve stress.
If your symptoms are mild, a herbal remedy can be a good way of managing stress and anxiety. Below I have listed some possible options.
AvenaCalm gives gentle support for mild anxiety. It's particularly good if you have ongoing stress in your life that might require some support. A bit like a nerve tonic. It can help you feel calmer.
Stress Relief Daytime combines Valerian and Hops. These herbs are fast-acting. They are very suited to helping mild anxiety that needs swift resolution, like before a job interview.
Jan de Vries Flower Essences work differently to herbal remedies. They work solely with the emotions, having no physical effect. Flower Essences are very good at helping to let go of negative thoughts. Here are a few that may be useful. There is one for every situation. You can take them in a little water or drop them directly on your tongue.
Emergency Essence is useful for an emotional shock or a panicky feeling.
Relaxing Essence promotes a calm emotion that dispels feelings of tension. It can help the emotions to unwind.
Confidence Essence helps assertive emotions. Sometimes the confidence gets knocked back and it needs to be gentle coaxed to return.
Try AvenaCalm for symptoms of mild stress and anxiety.
"We always have this item in the house. It is very good to have it about for the odd stress-related happening."
Please also remember that your physical feelings will impact your mental wellbeing.
You will feel more emotional:
All of these things can be adjusted and the best person to do this is you!
Start by keeping a food and mood diary. See what small changes you can make.
Remember, some very small changes can make you feel better every day.
Looking for help easing symptoms of mild stress and anxiety?
Buy now from your local store.
“We always have this item in the house it is very good to have it about for the odd stress related happening.” Garry, Penrith
To find local independent stores in your area that sell AvenaCalm - Avena sativa tincture, simply type your postcode below.
Answer our quick and easy 11 question test to see if you are suffering from anxiety.
Take the testAs the A. Vogel Mood advisor, I recommend Stress Relief Daytime Drops to help relieve symptoms of stress and anxiety.
Learn moreWhen we feel stressed or anxious our body responds as though we are under attack, releasing a surge of adrenaline which can cause a number of baffling bodily behaviours including palpitations, shortness of breath and even a dry mouth!
The physical symptoms our emotions causeDiscover the story of Alfred VogelNature is just about the best thing we’ve got!