Tag Archives: stress

How To Keep Calm And Carry On Book Review

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Keep calm and carry on bookHow to Keep Calm and Carry On: Inspiring Ways to Worry Less and Live a Happier Life by Professor Daniel Freeman and Jason Freeman is certainly a book for our age. With unemployment on the rise and the the effects of the recession still causing trouble it is no wonder anxiety and stress are on the rise.

The book starts with what anxiety actually is, then it goes into tackling your anxiety and how it can be done. Whilst reading about tackling anxious thoughts and reducing worry I learned a lot, mostly that I worry too much! About everything, even things that will probably never happen. The book also has great tables and exercises to do. A section on coping with nightmares is particularly helpful as I find when I am stressed I usually have bad dreams.

The chapter on relaxing body and mind was informative and interesting. I find that I never switch off and it is just not healthy for me. Some of the tips in this book are incredibly useful and I will be adding them to my life.

The chapter on eating and drinking your way to calmness reminded me to drink less caffeine (no wonder I can’t sleep!) and eat more pasta. All in all, an incredibly knowledgeable and fun book to help you keep calm and carry on. Highly recommended.

~ Worry and anxiety affects millions worldwide. How to Keep Calm and Carry On takes the latest scientific research and tested clinical techniques to show readers how to beat it ~

Britain is on the verge of a stress epidemic. One in five adults worry for at least 60 minutes every day. And more than seven million Brits are believed to have a certifiable anxiety disorder.

Even low-level worry can negatively impact work, home and quality of life. It’s a situation that costs the UK economy over £6.5billion each year.

But as new stress management guide How to Keep Calm and Carry On shows, anxiety need not be an issue in people’s lives any longer.

Calling upon the latest cutting-edge clinical research and proven-to-work techniques, leading British clinical psychologist Professor Daniel Freeman and psychology writer Jason Freeman offer a simple, straightforward roadmap to enjoying a happy and worry-free life.

Throughout the 176-page book, the Freeman brothers — dubbed the UK’s “Worry Tzars” — put the ‘How To’ into the world-famous “Keep Calm” mantra, offering friendly guidance, exercises and

motivating ‘quick wins’ to allow readers to build a realistic and highly-practical programme to keep fears in check and anxieties under control.

Refreshingly and reassuringly, Keep Calm and Carry On is science-based without being technical — something which, ironically, could cause reader anxiety in itself. There’s no jargon or scary psychobabble to be found across its 12 guaranteed stuffiness-free chapters.

Instead, the book — which has just been released by leading educational publisher Pearson —provides an effortlessly accessible manual to feeling more calm, composed and centred.

Speaking about the book, Daniel Freeman — Professor of Clinical Psychology at Oxford University — said: “Our aim is to take the very best psychological research and make it accessible so people can effectively deal with stress and anxiety.”

Whatever life throws at you, the Freeman brothers can show how best to keep calm and carry on.

How to Keep Calm and Carry On: Inspiring Ways to Worry Less and Live a Happier Life by Daniel & Jason Freeman (Pearson) is out now, priced £10.99, from Amazon and all good book shops

Have Your Moment Of Calm This Christmas With Goldie Hawn And Max Benjamin

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Goldie Hawn, Max Benjamin, candle, relax, calm, Christmas is supposed to be a time of fun and relaxation, but for many it can be a massive source of stress and anxiety. Make sure you take some time out of your hectic Christmas schedule to indulge in a moment of calm with the help of this gorgeous candle from Max Benjamin.

The “Calm” candle in collaboration with Goldie Hawn and The Hawn Foundation features a blend of soothing Lavender oils with natural wax and three wicks. The Lavender fragrance was chosen by Goldie and Max Benjamin because Lavender aromatherapy is great for reducing stress and is widely used in aromatherapy treatment for its calming and relaxing properties. In clinical trials Cortisol, a stress hormone produced by the body, was shown to have a great reduction in the measured levels within 5 minutes of the patient smelling real Lavender.

The Hawn Foundation is a charitable organisation that aims to reduce stress and anxiety in children, allowing them to thrive and lead healthier, more resilient lives. It was set up nearly a decade ago by Goldie after she was appalled by the alarming increase in stress, anxiety and depression in young people.

Goldie says… “I created this candle to give something beautiful to people. I chose the name ‘Calm’ because a calm environment means less stress and anxiety. Knowing that scents have powerful effects on the brain, I chose Lavender for the sense of well-being it engenders. Together the name and the scent of this wonderful candle convey our essential message to children and parents alike; that their well-being, their sense of calm and confidence is of the utmost importance!”

Available from www.maxbenjamin.co.uk for £30

Stop Worry In Its Tracks — Seven Ways To Keep Calm And Carry On

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cat pictureBritain is on the verge of a stress epidemic. One in five adults now worries for at least 60 minutes every day, and more than seven million Brits are believed to have a certifiable anxiety disorder. Even low-level worry can negatively impact work, home and quality of life and it’s a situation that costs the UK economy over £6.5billion each year.

But you don’t have to put up with your anxieties a day longer. Here, UK ‘Worry Tzars’ Professor Daniel Freeman and Jason Freeman — authors of new Pearson stress management guide How to Keep Calm and Carry On — provide seven simple but effective anxiety-fighting tips to help win the war against worry.

PUT YOUR FEARS TO THE TEST

Anxiety is the brain’s way of alerting us to potential dangers and equipping us to deal with them. Avoidance of dangers is perfectly reasonable, but not when the fears are unrealistic. Avoiding these fears means that you never put your anxiety to the test. When what you fear doesn’t occur, we assume it is because of the safety measures you’ve taken. You ignore the simplest explanation: the problem wasn’t very likely in the first place. So meet new people or confront your fear of water or dogs etc.

2.      THOUGHTS ARE NOT FACTS

It is important to remember that just because you think something, it doesn’t make it a reality. The brain makes its judgement extremely rapidly, and it’s not always correct. You may think your neighbour doesn’t like you, or worry that you’re less intelligent than your work colleagues, but it is entirely possibly – and usually more likely – that you are mistaken.

3.      CONSIDER ALL THE EVIDENCE

When thinking about your fears and anxieties make sure you give equal weight to each piece of evidence, rather than giving extra credence to those that support your fears. By acknowledging both sides of the argument you will see irrational worries for what they really are, and overcome them.

WRITE DOWN YOUR FEARS

Three or four times a week write down your fears. Do it in a way that a stranger could read and understand them. This stops irrational fear floating around in your mind. It is as if you physically get the worries out of your head and onto paper.

SCHEDULE YOUR WORRY

Some people can’t stop worrying – no matter what. Therefore set aside a period every day of about 15 minutes and dedicate that to worrying. Choose an uncomfortable spot, a hard chair, or a stool – to ensure you are not relaxing. Then, think through your worries. Don’t run over the 15 minutes and train your brain that this is the period for irrational worrying. If you worry about things during the day, try to put them out of your mind until your designated worry period.

 THINK OF A POSITIVE MEMORY

You cannot stop worries occurring, but you CAN develop techniques and coping strategies to stop them controlling your life. One very simple but powerful technique is to think of a positive memory. When you feel anxious, recall a similar situation involving the best outcome rather than the worst.

7.      REMEMBER TO RELAX

Many scientific studies have shown a strong link between exercise and stress reduction, so make some time in your daily routine to relax body and mind. Utilise proven relaxation techniques such as yoga, or light to moderate exercise . . . then Keep Calm and Carry On!

 

How to Keep Calm and Carry On: Inspiring Ways to Worry Less and Live a Happier Life by Daniel & Jason Freeman (Pearson) is out now, priced £10.99, from Amazon and all good book shops.

 

Kirsten Stewart is feeling the fall-out from her recent breakup

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Hair loss experts warn that stress-related hair loss is on the rise

Kirsten Stewart Hair Loss, stress related hair loss, alopecia areata

Could stress and heartbreak be the cause of Kristen Stewart’s hair loss woes? The Twilight star has been recently spotted with a large bald patch on the side of her head, fuelling rumours that she has been struggling to deal with the recent post break up stress from her ex, Robert Pattison.

Kirsten Stewart, kristen stewart, bald patch, hair loss,

A recent study by Nourkrin, found that 89% of women questioned found stress had been a major influence on the health of their hair, with it causing thinning and in some cases major hair loss.

The photo provides a rare glimpse of the star’s natural hair – she is usually wearing a cap and hair extensions when filming or being seen in public.

 

It’s not only image-conscious stars like Kirsten relying on extensions to add volume to their hair. The survey also found that two thirds of UK GPs have seen a rise in the number of women distressed and seeking help with hair loss with 70% of these hair loss cases being down to an increase in stress levels.

Dr. Wendy Denning, a Harley Street GP with a specific interest in women’s health comments: “I have seen many cases of thinning hair and hair loss over the years. Although most people think of hair loss being a problem for men, it is surprisingly common for women after the menopause and increasingly in young women. Of course there are many reasons for hair loss including hormonal changes, poor nutrition and certain medications – but one of the most common reasons that is on the rise, is stress-related hair loss”.

Celebrity hairdresser Jo Hansford MBE, whose clients include Angelina Jolie and Gwynenth Paltrow comments “Many of my clients are concerned about hair loss, whether it’s due to stress, hormonal changes such as being pregnant, or general over styling issues. Whatever the problem, it feels good to help them by explaining the benefits of Nourkrin. This is a natural, scientifically proven supplement for thinning hair, hair loss and general hair maintenance. Over time I have really seen the difference that Nourkrin makes to encourage hair growth and to the renewed confidence it gives my clients.” 

Nourkrin Woman 60 Tablets are available here and from Boots or Superdrug.

U.S. Business Travelers Miss Their Connection

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Research of 1,000 U.S. business travelers from InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) reveals staying in touch with home is top priority

· Lack of Internet access biggest stress for travelers

· Communicating with family the top way to de-stress when away from home

There really is no place like home, unless it is a hotel that offers free Internet connection according to new research from IHG which has found that being able to connect online with family and friends is now the top priority for U.S. business travelers.

The research polled 1,000 business travelers nationwide and was commissioned to mark this month’s launch of IHG’s renamed loyalty program, IHG® Rewards Club. It reveals that not being able to contact home due to lack of Internet connection is now the biggest travel headache for people away on business, cited by 48% of travelers in the U.S. as their biggest stress factor, ahead of noisy location (41%) and difficult transportation links (38%).

IHG set out to better to understand hotel guests’ priorities while traveling and is now the first and only hotel group to offer free Internet access globally to all its loyalty program members. This new benefit started with Elite members at the beginning of July and will roll out to all members starting in 2014, whether they are staying the night at one of IHG’s nine brand hotels, or coming in for a coffee or impromptu meeting.

Other top-line findings in the U.S. underline the importance of Internet access:

· 62% of those surveyed said that Internet was the most important additional facility in their hotel room above a TV (20%); mini-fridge (5%), landline phone (4%), bath tub (3%) and mini bar (1%).

· Logging onto the Internet in their room when they first arrive topped the list of things that help travelers feel most at home, while staying at a hotel (25%), above unpacking (20%), taking a shower (10%) or turning on the TV (6%)

More than half (55%) of travelers say that they would prefer to communicate with people back home over the Internet rather than using the phone.

· Almost half of business travelers (47%) surveyed cited connecting with family at home as the best way to de-stress at the end of a working day.

· 83% said that free Internet would make them happier whilst travelling away for business.

· And, more than two thirds of respondents, (69%), would be very unhappy traveling if they had no way of connecting with loved ones back home.

Relationship expert and Dating Doctor, David Coleman explains:

“Long distance relationships are difficult to successfully maintain. When we are separated from people we love or care for, we begin to physically miss their presence – their warmth, smile, touch, or facial expressions. Just hearing a voice on the phone is no longer sufficient for the modern business traveler, we need the comfort of being able to connect and see our loved ones. We need to be able to send an e-mail to our significant other to say we are thinking of them; be able to share a laugh with our children before they run off to school, and be able to stay connected to our friends back home. Being able to seamlessly and regularly connect with our loved ones is crucial, now more than ever, in maintaining strong remote relationships.”

Hair loss and thinning – the common condition that women don’t talk about

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hair lossIt will happen to half of all women at some point in their lives, but now a new poll of more than 4,000 people in the UK* suggests hair loss and thinning is the ultimate taboo.

The research by Viviscal hair supplements, reveals the lengths men and women will go to in disguising their hair loss. Tricks include colouring in their scalp with a pen and rubbing coffee into their scalp to hide the tell-tale signs.

The main causes of hair loss are thought to be lifestyle factors, such as stress, crash diets, hair extensions and also pregnancy.

The research also reveals the impact that our hair has on our lives with four fifths (80%) saying a good hair day would affect their mood, while a third (34%) say a bad hair day would make them feel self-conscious.

Despite more than half of those questioned saying they feel their hair loss makes them more self-conscious, more than two thirds (69%) have never used any treatment to help them with their thinning hair.

A new statistically significant clinical study in to Viviscal’s drug and hormone free marine supplements has shown promising results for people who experience hair loss or hair thinning, with the trial showing that a two-a-day supplement reduces hair shedding and increases hair thickness, and that women on the trial saw improvement in overall hair volume.**

*Stress is the most common cause of female hair loss, accounting for 34% cases, followed by the hormonal changes after pregnancy, accounting for 22% cases.

**25% of women say they spend 15 minutes on their hair every day, while one in ten (12%) take 30 minutes and 3% even admit to taking an hour.

Facebook ‘Likes’ More Important Than Birthday Cards

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‘LIKES’ OVERTAKE CARDS AND CAKES AS HOW WE MEASURE THE SUCCESS OF OUR BIRTHDAYS

The impact of social media has totally revolutionised how we celebrate our birthdays according to new research by leading gift card company One4All.

Facebook has become the number one way we wish our friends and loved ones a happy birthday.  76% of us will post a greeting to friends on social media and a quarter of people say that the number of messages they receive is the main way they would measure the success of their birthday.

The research also suggests that many of the traditions that would normally make our day special are being undermined.

60% of people say that they rarely take their birthday as a day off from work and only 15% of people said that they would always have a birthday cake.

The main reason for having a low-key birthday is stress.  A third of people say that they find their own birthdays stressful and would rather celebrate someone else’s.

Declan Byrne, Managing Director UK of One4all, says, “Social media now plays a huge part in all of our lives and it’s interesting to see how it has impacted on the traditional birthday.

“It’s a social shift that is affecting many businesses who provide a service linked to birthday celebrations.  For example, it’s led to us creating online group gifting, where friends can come together through social media to contribute to a joint gift.”

As a result of these findings One4All is also attempting to raise awareness of the need to keep birthday’s special and is launching a social media campaign for people to ‘out’ Birthday Scrooges and encourage them to have a proper, traditional birthday celebration.

“While times do change, it would be nice to think that birthdays will retain their special status,” says Declan. “As a result we want to encourage people to make sure they still take time out to celebrate with friends and family.”

For more information on the social media campaign or if you’d like to nominate a Birthday Scrooge then visit the One4all UK Facebook page.

Trying To Quit Smoking? Get All The Help You Need.

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My entire immediate family smoke. Yes, my parents and my two brothers all smoke. I am the only non smoker in my family, and I am incredibly anti-smoking. I have nagged my family for years and finally they are listening to me and are all trying to quit. But this is easier said than done. Smoking is addictive and it takes willpower of steel to go cold turkey.
Smoking is by far the worst thing you can do for your health. According to Cancer Research UK, more than one in five people smoke in the UK. Smoking is an expensive habit and smoking is also directly linked to multiple health concerns and can shorten life expectancy. I have never understood why people smoke, you are basically paying money to get health problems, it also ruins your clothes, and make you smell of smoke. It’s not nice.

If you need help to quit Dr Winwood, who is the clinical director for psychological health at AXA PPP, will be on hand to answer your questions on smoking and the effect it can have on your health. Dr Mitra M Shahidi  is a Consultant in General & Respiratory Medicine with a specific interest is all aspects of respiratory medicine and Tuberculosis.

Join in! Dr Mitra M Shahidi will be available to answer all your questions here on Wednesday 13 March 11am-1pm.

The health conditions that smoking causes range from cancer to heart disease, and is proven to be detrimental to your overall well-being.

Often the withdrawal from nicotine can cause a range of side effects such as anxiety, depression and difficulty sleeping. Despite the huge benefits of quitting the habit, these side effects can often lead to the temptation to smoke again to make them go away. AXA PPP healthcare will be hosting a live chat with expert Dr Mark Winwood to help you tackle the anxiety of giving up, whether you are currently attempting to quit or are planning to in the future.

Dr Winwood is the clinical director for psychological health at AXA PPP and his extensive knowledge of mental health means he will be well equipped to address your concerns and worries on smoking-related anxiety and stress.

Join in! If you have any questions about anxiety and smoking, or even just needing advice on how to kick the habit, please join our chat here on Friday 15 March 11-1pm.

You can tweet your questions either before or during the live chats on each day using #axapppexpert – those taking part will be entered to win £100 pamper pack from The Sanctuary.

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