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Self-Help Series: Anxiety and coping well with Self Isolation & Lockdown

Is self-isolation and lockdown causing you anxiety, getting on top you? Then here is your definite guide to handling worry, as well as advice on how to deal with self-isolation and lockdown! Learn how to turn this pandemic and subsequent crisis into a time of personal growth and self-improvement, as Claudia Peifer chats to psychologist and relationship expert Sam Owen. Whether you’re working from home or possibly have lost your job due to the Coronavirus pandemic, or you’re self-isolating or your area is in lockdown, check the video for some excellent tips & tricks on how you can tweak your life, as well as that of your family, to cope with the situation – either now or when it possibly returns in the future! A different outlook changes everything, so watch the video to unleash the power within you 🙂

Anxiety

Every living person will experience anxiety at least once in their life time! There’s no need to be ashamed of it, but the fact that it’s one of the biggest health threats in modern times, shows that surviving in our fast living world comes at a price. ‘Many of the aspects of modern life are negatively impacting on the human nervous system’, as Education Manager Alison Cullen explains, who works at herbal remedies company A. Vogel.

Some know how to deal with it better than others, but the truth is, stress on a regular level can already start at school, so most of us have been experiencing anxiety or have been impacted by mental stress since a very young age. In today’s world, we have access to a lot more knowledge and insight in order to help ourselves, and psychologist and relationship expert Sam Owen has developed a unique technique to overcome anxiety, whenever or wherever it might occur. In her book ‘Anxiety Free’, Sam explains a technique she has developed, which, she swears by, works every time! She has identified eight threats, which can cause anxiety to happen, of which four are termed ’self-generated’ and the other four she calls ‘externally generated’. The big thing is, that once, you’ve been able to identify the root of the anxiety you’re feeling (like worry, rumination, negative thinking or feeling threatened), you can actually help yourself get out of this state by identifying a solution and then act upon it. Sam describes this method, as explained in her book: 1. Identify, 2. Solve and 3. Resolve. Sam calls this process the ’Three Pillars of Calm’. It’s is simple, yet powerful and is a very effective approach indeed, as you do not have to live with anxiety at all. Practice makes perfect, and whilst it may take a while for you to master this system with yourself, however once you’re on top of it, it is a very liberating feeling.
Sam comments further: ‘When the anxiety producing threat takes time to resolve, there are science-backed technique for soothing your anxiety symptoms in the meantime, so that you can live each moment much more comfortably and resolve the threat itself more quickly and easily.’ We all know that listening to calming music has a positive effect, but practicing yoga, Tai Chi, mindfulness and even doing art will calm your system and soothe your nerves too, amongst other things. But what happens, when you suddenly feel overwhelmed in a packed train or tube or at a crowded party with very loud music? That’s when practicing the Three Pillar System’ will save you, instead of suffering through it, and instead of self-sabotaging, you will be able to get through it by managing your mental state through self-discipline.

CBT, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, is another method of learning how to handle an acutely altered mental state and improve your mental health in general, which many claim to be true with great success. CBT focuses on challenging and altering ‘unhelpful’ cognitive behaviour patterns, improving and regulating your emotions by developing highly personal ways and strategies to cope with and target the resolving of current situations. Fear of flying can be overcome with CBT, avoiding panic attacks to occur in the first place and even exam stress can be helped through this very clever therapy, that allows you to ‘conquer’ your own mind. So, speak to your health professional, should you have experienced any of the aforementioned experiences and wish to solve them, as you certainly don’t have to live with them.

Experiencing anxiety causes a chemical reaction that has a knock-on effect in your body: adrenaline will be released, as well as the stress hormone cortisol, which will release sugar from your body’s stores, thereby creating extra energy. Amongst other reactions, you’ll feel your senses heightened and your heart might be beating faster (flight or fight syndrome). As your body’s demand on energy is suddenly increased, it will take and divert whatever it can get from other systems in your body and can therefore have a negative effect on your hormonal household, digestive system and even immune system, as well as physical energy levels. Even your bones and joints might suffer as a result. A further side effect might be, that you may suffering from mood swings and other behavioural changes, which will have an affect on your relationships and with others, and how you respond to them.
This then might tempt you to go a bit heavy on cakes and sweets, which, coupled with caffeine, will then overstimulate your system and will cause havoc with your blood sugar levels too – a catch22 situation, that throws your mood levels into spiking upwards and, unfortunately downwards too, never mind your blood pressure levels.
Hence a healthy diet is of great importance to keep your blood sugar levels as balanced as possible, and by that we don’t mean sugary icing on doughnuts, but ‘blood sugar’, which is created by eating ‘complex’ carbohydrates (wholemeal), healthy proteins (including nuts & seeds) as well as essential fatty acids (EFAs), and ideally as organic as possible. The ‘power of three’ is not to be underestimated in this instance…

Tips & Tricks: carry a bottle of either Bach’s Rescue Remedy, A. Vogel’s herbal essence or a bottle of Australian Bush Flower on you for when panic, fear or emotional distress suddenly hits you. It can help balance your nervous system quicker and help soothe you when you’re feeling threatened. Even when it’s just a trip to the dentist or ahead of you final exam week, it could present part of your safety-net just when you need it.

In the interview, Sam Owen cannot stress enough the importance of regular exercise, and she has good reason to do so! As she explains, research shows that light to moderate physical movement (walking, swimming, cycling, running can all be regulated to different strength levels), therefore raising the heart rate, practiced for 3 – 5 times a week, depending on research, can have the same effect as an anti-depressant over a 12 week period. Hence, give over to the power of endorphins, that are released by your body when exercising. ‘You can even get high by running, and hooked on them too (endorphins release), when training several times a week’, claims Claudia Peifer, who used to swim competitively and did cross-country running for cross-training, amongst other sports disciplines. She continues to say, that ‘power walking through hilly terrain really gets your heart beat going quickly (whilst being able to take it easy, when you feel you need to), and works wonders for your bum, tum(my) and abs. How this liberates you mentally, you will most probably only realise afterwards, feeling release and physically strong. The contact with nature, and if you can run in a forest, filling your lungs (and supply your brain) with pure oxygen, feels like a massive recharge and reboot to your system, so I am completely hooked on working out, even at 2am in the morning.’ Now, you don’t need to overdo it, but a moderate workout according to your strength level, that can be increased with time, will help you to be mentally stronger and increase your capability levels.

Self Isolation & Lockdown

Let’s be honest: not being able to leave the house is probably what we all (silently) might have wished for, having to go to work at 7.30h in the morning, on a cold, wet winter’s day. So how surprising is it then, to see our mindset change, when we’re told, we mustn’t or can’t go out!?! Right, let’s start right there: what happens when WE change OUR mindset and start using this lockdown or self-isolation to become productive to our own benefit? Ohhh, if it only where that easy…

Still, lockdown and self isolation might become a regular thing in the future, so here’s the lowdown and some great ideas on what you can do to help yourself in a situation of obligatory confinement:

LEARN something new remotely via online tutorials, on YouTube or via group chats:
* how about learning to code
* learn a new language (or several?)
* why not learn to play that instrument, you never had the time to devote to before
* learn to bake or to cook better with celebrity master classes
* learn to meditate by joining live YouTube classes
* listen to teaching podcasts on your chosen subject
* hairdresser crisis? The join tuition classes on YouTube and try out your partner as a guinea pig
* learn about how to give massages or therapeutic treatments, people will love you forever
* flower arranging is another great past-time to master – if you’ve got a garden, even better

CONNECT with friends, family or indeed, strangers via zoom or Skype to beat loneliness:
* hold house parties or pub quizzes (thank you Sunnii for the inspiration)
* carry out tasks or play games with your circle of friends or family, learning from each other
* try internet dating – just don’t forget to put REAL romance in, when the time comes and lockdown is lifted
* join an online-choir to give your lungs a workout
* hold virtual Happy Hours at Gin o’clock or dinner nights in
* conduct culture trips from your armchair and log-on to online channels (yep, you’re already in the right spot at TA-DAH.TV)
* use apps to share moments of mindfulness, meditation or prayer
* tune in to theatre streaming sites to enjoy the performing arts and their curtain calls

EMBRACE the feeling of vulnerability: enjoy therapeutic sessions yourself from classic therapy to canine therapy OR help others, who are in need:
* adopt an animal (from dolphins to puppies)
* adopt a virtual pet or visit virtual animal/dog shows
* adopt a grandparent and help those elderly, who might not have any family left
* volunteer to help others in difficulty
* become part of a charity and help out in their online services
* upload or extend what’s app groups to be able to ‘chat’ on multiple levels, to comfort those who feel alone – this therapeutic exercise is a win-win situation for both parties
* listen to fun podcasts to realise life goes on, laugh heartily over comedy, sport or lifestyle orientated topics
* don’t chuck your plans or goals because of you can’t go out, stick with creating lists and plans for your to get on with once lockdown is over

EXERCISE does not need to be reduced to gym space:
* join workout clubs on YouTube
* follow personal trainers online and on YouTube for courses
* create work-out clubs yourself on zoom, which is a great way to stay connected with gym mates
* get work-out apps you can practise to in your local park on the permitted daily outing
* give the kids a workout, changing to the role of trainer yourself and create a gym circuit with household goods or bedroom items
• exercise your mental strength by practising yoga, Tai Chi, mindfulness and breathing techniques – why not form your own circle on zoom?

Whatever it is, that will prevent you from mental rut, repetitiveness and frustration with the situation, or even depression, because you may not be able to see a way out YET, we can all use this time for productive improvement, either on a personal level…or a DIY-level (joke). Let’s make the best of a situation that has cost so many lives so far, so count yourself lucky and appreciate life with either one or many of the above suggestions, until the crisis is over.

#stayhomestaysafe #lockdownsessions #lockdownchallenge

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Fashion Photography Exhibition: Tim Walker’s ‘Wonderful Things’ at the V&A

Tim Walker scoured the V&A and it’s gazillion departments for it’s greatest treasures and let those inspire him to embark on no less than 10 new projects, providing 150 new photographs, taking the total of photographs exhibited to over 300 items from photographs, the V&A’s artefacts, short films and props to scrap books and sketches – wow, that’s more than just impressive! He has worked with actors, models, celebrities and luminaries such as Cate Blanchett and Tilda Swinton, Kate Moss, Karen Elson, Lily Cole, Edie Campbell, Stella Tennant, Björk, Sir David Attenborough, Grayson Perry, Daniel Day-Lewis, Timothée Chalamet, Beth Ditto, Solange Knowles and many more. Designers incorporated in those shoots range from Alexander Mac Queen, Balenciaga, Comme des Garcons and Rick Owens, enlisting the help of stylists such as Amanda Harlech, Katy England and Jeryy Stafford. He’s worked for the best fashion publications in the world and it is not difficult to see why: he is not a fan of compromise and works his hardest to make his vision, dreams and fantasies a reality with the indispensable creative support of set-designer Shona Heath. Watch the vid now to catch the flavour of the visual delights that are awaiting you at the V&A.

Wonderful Things – The Exhibition

The exhibition about Tim Walker and his enchanted world of ‘Wonderful Things’ is another one of the V&A’s ambitious shows, having been in the planning for several years. When Walker embarked on his ‘journey’ of research of the world-leading museum’s 145 public galleries and explores a labyrinth of passages situated underneath the museum’s site, he came across countless objects and ’treasures’ that not only inspired him, but sent him on an emotional journey too. He says of the V&A:

“To me, the V&A has always been a palace of dreams – it’s the most inspiring place in the world. The museum’s collection is so wide and eclectic, and I think that’s why it resonates with me so much. Many of the objects that I saw during my research at the museum made my heart swell and I wanted to try to create a photograph that would relate not only to the physical presence and beauty of that object, but also to my emotional reaction to it. Each new shoot is a love letter to an object from the V&A collection, and an attempt to capture my encounter with the sublime. For me, beauty is everything. I’m interested in breaking down the boundaries that society has created, to enable more varied types of beauty and the wonderful diversity of humanity to be celebrated. Preparing for this exhibition over the past three years has pushed me into new territories, which is very exciting, and I’m at a stage in my life where I feel brave enough to do that.”

In fact, Susanna Brown, the curator, started talking to Tim about this idea many years back in 2015 and describes it a marvellous journey herself. Slowly things began to take shape, with many V&A colleagues, like technicians, conservators and curators being directly involved, unlocking collection stores and sharing their incredible stories behind the artefacts & objects with Tim. The book, accompanying the exhibition, is full of inspirational stories, comments, conversations and interviews to give real insight into he creational process and thought trains by many of those involved. Shona Heath deserves full credit for sending visitors on their own ‘journey’ throughout the exhibition, which has yet another sensational series of a photoshoot/portrait/sketchbook section waiting for the visitor to marvel at. She is the incredible visionary, helping making Tim’s fantasies become a reality. After 25 years of collaboration, she seems to know Tim’s thought processes inside out and somehow manages to give them life with real-world, existing props and accessories. It is fascinating to see to what lengths these 2 highly charged creatives go to make a shot a thing of perfection. Watch the video and get swept away by their creative energy, raw talent and sheer tenacity to create a visual thing of perfection.

Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) London & Dundee

The V&A is the largest museum in the world for applied and decorative arts, design and sculptures! It houses a permanent collection of over 2.27 million objects, covering an exhibition space of 12,5 acres in London’s South Kensington. It was found in 1852 and named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Its collection spans over 5,000 years of art from ancient times to present day, incorporating cultures from Europe, Asia (including South East Asia, China, Japan Korea and the Islamic World), North America and North Africa. It holds ceramics, glass, textiles, costumes, silver, ironwork, jewellery, furniture, medieval objects, sculpture, print and print-making, drawing and photographs.

The museum owns the largest collection of post-classical sculptures in the world, holding the largest collection of ItalianRenaissance items outside Italy.
In 2018, the V&A opened a new branch in Dundee, in partnership with the Scottish Government and Dundee Council, costing just over £80 million – the most ambitious gallery project ever undertaken by the Scottish Government. Situated on Dundee’s waterfront. The award-winning Japanese architects Kengo Kuma & Associates designed the impressive museum with its ship-like shape and curved, concrete walls. Following an international competition, it became Kuma’s first ever building in the UK. Kuma’s vision, which very much reflects what the V&A means to the very many visitors and fans in London, was to create a ‘living room for the city’. This ultra modern 8000m2 building, offering over 1650m2 of gallery space, was also created to connect the city to its historic River Tay front and today presents a massive landmark for the city of Dundee.

London Fashion Week – A Fashion Metropole

LFW sees a world of fashionistas, fashion lovers and industry professionals descend on to London during February and September for womenswear, whilst London Fashion Week Men’s takes place in January and June. This trade event gives designers a chance to show their new collections a season ahead of merchandise being displayed in the shops: the Jan/February event shows Autumn/Winter and the June/September event shows Spring/Summer collections. These shows are directed at buyers, fashion editors, industry leaders and, with social media exploding onto the scene, influencers too, hence it is not accessible to the public. The BFC’s show space is at The Strand, whilst many designers stage their own shows, presentations or catwalks in secret locations. Tickets to these catwalk shows are worth gold dust, however with social media ever pressing for new looks earlier and earlier, many designers also choose to stream their catwalk shows, meaning that those precious looks, that are supposed to be kept a ’secret’ until the merchandise hits the shops, are indeed available to be seen there and then, 6 months ahead of their actual real time availability in retail.

LFW is organised by the British Fashion Council (BFC), which also stages the British Fashion Awards, when it celebrates and presents awards for Designer of the Year, newcomers on the fashion scene, models, make-up artists, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award, amongst others. This event is a hugely glamorous affair, held at London’s Royal Albert Hall. The international press descends onto London for this annual awards ceremony, held usually in December, providing a spectacle and glittering affair for the fashion world on a global level.