My Self Care Saviours
Happy New Year Everyone!
I hope you’ve already had a great start to 2020. I began the new decade by getting wrapped up and out into the fresh air with my nearest and dearest and it feels like it was the perfect way to blow out all of the cobwebs from the over indulgence of Christmas and the stress of 2019 as I’m feeling excited about the year ahead. Personally I’m very happy to see the back of the last decade. From 2010 to 2019 my anxiety levels sky rocketed to the point where I often found myself feeling lost, afraid & deeply unhappy with at times no particular reason why. I know I’m a very lucky woman with a wonderful family and set of friends and by and large my outlook has always been positive, but there are times when I just can’t shake the nervous feelings of worry, anxiety and overthinking when they come over me. It’s infuriating! However its also these very feelings that have motivated me to focus on my personal wellbeing journey and to use The Capsule as a platform for others to gain information or inspiration towards their own. I made a promise to myself at the end of 2019 that although I struggle with the persistent and horrible feelings of anxiety I will not be a) defined by them and b) governed by them. I choose to keep pushing myself to do things that feel uncomfortable or scary as otherwise I won’t experience more of the amazing things I already have done in my life and will just stay in a little box. That for me means the anxiety has won. It has become the master. I refuse to let that happen however terrified I feel at times. Wether thats dropping so many ft from a zip wire….I once had to walk all the way back down at Go Ape to avoid actually swinging across the wire, or doing instagram stories….live action footage available for 24 hours scares me to death…I promise to try and push past my anxiety and do these things any way. And so I will continue to keep trying to find new ways to manage it and to build my confidence and grow and in doing so will share my finds with you in the hope that should you need a little help, The Capsule can give it to you. With that I’d like to wish you all a happy, positive & stress free year ahead.
Natalie Xx
My Self Care Saviours
If you’re already on the lookout for things to aid your wellbeing this year, here’s a few of my personal self care saviours to help get you on your way.
Westlab Reviving Epsom Salts £2.49
I love to add these salts to my bath whenever I feel tired or stressed to release the toxins out of my body. I was a little sceptical when they were first recommended to me, however I can honestly say they make me feel so much better when I use them.
2. The iPhone Cycle Tracker
This has been a game changer for me! I was experiencing massive dips in my mood mid way through the month and so was convinced my anxiety was getting worse. However after reading that as we get older we can experience low mood at different points in our cycle I decided to try out the cycle tracker that was built into my iPhone. Ive been able to track my mood, bloating, flow etc and found that the dip mid cycle is linked to ovulation. Now i’m able to mark in my diary when i’m predicted to next experience feelings of anxiety and can ride them out much better.
3. Immunace Original Capsules £7.49
I often neglect myself when im really busy and so put myself at risk of getting run down and ill, particularly at this time of year when bugs and sickness can be rife. Immunace original capsules have worked for me for a number of years now and I can definitely say I notice the difference when I haven’t taken them. Containing Vitamin C, Zinc & Magnesium, I feel much brighter and energised when I have them.
4. Berghaus Explorer Trek Walking Boots £140
I love these! They are so comfortable and yet still a little stylish…if a walking boot can ever be stylish that is. When I’m feeling particularly stressed or anxious the best thing for me is to always get outside. I’ve been walking up hills and mountains since I was a little girl and so going back to what I know is always the best way for me to reset. Thankfully these fab boots allow me to cover all terrain with out breaking my ankles…touch wood!
5. Neal’s Yard Geranium & Orange Hand Cream £7.00
Another comfort for me when i’m away from home. There’s certain products that I use at as part of my beauty routine that give me a centred feeling and this is one of them. Even though its a hand cream I do actually use it on my feet as well as with all of the walking and running (I normally do) my feet get very dry along with my hands as this time of year. Putting this cream on before bed has become part of my ritual and so when I’m away from home I feel less anxious as I make sure i do it when i’m away too, giving me a feeling of familiarity. It smells gorgeous and the oils really get to work overnight.
6. Pukka Feel New Organic Tea £2.99
This is always my go to at this time of year. Like most, when it gets to January I’ve often indulged in too much food and drink over Christmas and I just want to reset. This tea is brilliant for making me feel ‘clean’ . The subtle taste and flavour gives me the warming feeling of a hot drink whilst making sure i’m getting my daily water intake.
7. Weighted Blanket from Therapy BlanketTM £69.99 from £119
So this is one I’ve still to try, however im a big believer that comfort makes you feel safe and secure and so the idea that being cocooned in a blanket could be linked to feelings of being in the womb makes sense to me. Although I have a multitude of blankets or ‘cosy’ blankets in my house these particular blankets from Therapy Blankets are said to be weighted which can create feelings of relaxation and comfort and reduce the production of cortisol ,the stress hormone’. How much this will differ from any other blanket i’ve still to find out, however i’m willing to try it if there’s even the slightest chance of reducing stress and anxiety. I’ll keep you posted!
The Capsule In Conversation
If you haven't caught it yet our new podcast series The Capsule In Conversation covers a variety of issues surrounding health and wellbeing with our latest guest NEOM Founder Nicola Elliot giving us an insight into her own wellbeing journey. You can catch up now via the Video or visit our page #inconversation
Saturday, February 8, 2020
6:00 PM 10:00 PM
Aspire Leeds (map)
The Capsule by Natalie Anderson brings you an evening of Fashion, Styling & Building Body Confidence. Featuring a range of independent fashion & beauty brands, styling demos and insightful discussion from a panel of guest speakers, this is an evening not to be missed. Tickets on sale now at our special Christmas price of £30!
Featuring
Anna Mewes, Celebrity Stylist Martine Alexander, The Long & The Short Of It @Wearitlikeruth & @thesearchforsassiness, Rachel Peru, Clockface Beauty, Katie and May, Apparel Leeds, Moo Boutique, Sistoria, UP Fitness, Copper & White, Arran of Scotland…..
Further Guest Speakers & Brands to be announced shortly….
NOTE: If you are an emerging fashion brand or blogger and would like to be part of this event please email us directly at contact@thecapsule.co.uk