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Mind

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Health & Fitness

Living with uncertainty can feel deeply uncomfortable – here’s how to get through it

While we like to try and always greet the future with optimism, 2020 has landed us all with an almighty curveball. The arrival of Covid-19 means lifestyles have changed beyond recognition, and it’s all out of our control. Restrictions might be easing, but with threats of a second wave and local lockdowns dominating the media, everyday life can still feel overwhelming.

The psychology behind why uncertainty is so difficult to endure is understandable. Our human brains like to problem solve, seeking comfort in resolution. Staring out into a wilderness of doubt about the future can feel deeply uncomfortable. For many of us, our careers and financial security have been placed on the line. And the contingency plan of escaping somewhere far away is no longer within easy reach – at least for now.

So how can we protect our mental health at a time like this, and learn to ride the wave of uncertainty? House of Coco spoke to Lee Chambers, Environmental Psychologist and Wellbeing Trainer, founder of Essentialise, about the coping strategies that will really help.

“As human beings, we naturally seek to understand, estimate and control situations.” Lee told us. “Uncertainty at its root is hard to deal with because it takes away our confidence of knowing what will happen, and that by definition feels uncomfortable at best, and at worst, a threat to our safety.”

Why is uncertainty making us feel so anxious at the moment?

“This is the first pandemic where we, the public, have been subject to such large amounts of exposure across the mass media and social media”, said Lee. “Uncertainty about survival has been triggered, leaving people to fight in supermarkets over the last pack of toilet rolls.”

Lee went on to explain that we’re not only uncertain of the future at the moment – but also each other. “Because of the way the virus is transmitted, we are now uncertain of each other. And possibly the biggest factor in triggering anxieties is the fact we truthfully don’t know how long it will be until things reach the new normal.”

How can we protect our mental health and reduce anxiety, while living in limbo?

It’s vitally important that we take steps to protect our mental health during this turbulent time.

Yes, it may be tougher than usual at the moment to keep anxiety in check, but armed with the right tools, there are things we can all do to ease our stresses about the future. Using CBD oils is considered as a great method to get rid of stress and anxiety. Click here to see recommended products by HealthCanal’s experts https://www.healthcanal.com/best-cbd-oil/anxiety.

Firstly, accept that things are out of your control

This is bigger than you, me or any of us. The only real control within our grasp is how we respond to the situation. “The biggest thing that I work on with clients is learning to accept that many external events are out of our control, but how we see them, react to them and the value that we attach to them is fully in our control” Lee told us.

“Acceptance that we can’t change external events can be self-fulfilling, as we start to see these challenges not as problems, but as things we can make the most out of.”

Create an enjoyable environment for yourself – right now

Yes, a socially-distanced reality isn’t ideal. Travel plans went up in smoke, gatherings have been off the cards and we’ve all been spending a lot more time at home. But there’s plenty of ways we can adapt our surroundings to make the most of them – until adventures can resume. Hone your space so it’s exactly how you want it, treat yourself to things that are going to enhance your experience (for me, it’s new mugs for countless cups of tea, cosy throws and scented candles).

Incorporating variety into your routine will also help. You could try dedicating one weekend, where you may have had plans to go away or stay with family, to getting all your personal admin sorted and deep-cleaning those spots you never have a chance to usually, and the next to a home spa-style experience. Once the calendar fills up again, you may even miss those times to focus on yourself.

Take some time to meditate each day

“We should also look to take part in things that actively boost our wellbeing, such a meditation, which helps us reconnect and let thoughts pass,” Lee told us. “Mindfulness is incredibly powerful for helping with uncertainty, as the anxiety caused can be mitigated when people focus on the present.

“This is because the uncertainty causes us to worry about potential future consequences, and we have a negative bias as humans that is designed to protect us. Often, we will see the worst case scenario, something frightening, and then worry and ruminate on it endlessly.”

For an easy meditation technique try this body scan, which will bring your awareness to your body, rather than the mind

  • Take a few deep breaths
  • Bring awareness to your feet
  • Tense and then release
  • Repeat up the body, finishing with awareness on the face

This technique is also really effective for if you’re having trouble sleeping and can’t seem to get your mind to switch off.

Keep up healthy habits, in particular eating well and staying active

“Eating healthily is so important when it comes to our mental health, as 90% of our serotonin [often referred to as ‘the happy hormone’] is produced in our gut,” Lee told us. “And also make sure you exercise, as this is proven to give a 12-hour mood boost.”

It’s a no brainer really that we’ll be better equipped to deal with our mental challenges if our body is in good working order.

Remember that it’s ok not to feel ok, or that you need to be ‘making the most of things’ every moment

Anxiety can be rough, and, now, more than ever, you need to give yourself a break. If you don’t feel like learning a new language, painting by numbers, or baking banana bread, don’t feel any pressure. Ignoring emotions will only intensify them, so let it all out.

Some practical tools to help you deal with anxiety about uncertainty

  • Try apps such as Headspace and Calm, which will guide you through breathing and meditation exercises to instil a sense of calm.
  • Grab a notepad or a journal and jot down any worries. Writing down our thoughts helps the brain to process them more effectively, especially if we do it upon waking or just before bed.
  • Invest in some essential oils; lavender, chamomile and clay sage are particularly calming. Pop a few drops in the bath, at the bottom of the shower, or in an oil burner for instant relaxation.
  • If things get too much, the CALM helpline – 0800 58 58 58 – can lend a friendly and sympathetic ear, open 5pm – midnight, 365 days a year.
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Health

How to manage anxiety post lockdown

With restaurants and pubs opening around the UK this weekend and lockdown measures lifting across the world, there is a sense that life pre-corona is slowly returning.

For most of us the past few months will have been an emotional rollercoaster, adapting to new rules and ways of living, then just as we get used to the ‘new norm’ things change again, leaving us in a constant state of stress and anxiety. As shops re-open, children return to school and businesses welcome staff back to the office, a new kind of anxiety comes with it.

‘Re-entry anxiety’, is a type of stress and anxiety related to the fear or worry of returning to normal life and leaving lockdown. This type of anxiety can come from worry about catching the virus, fear of leaving the house or being in busy public spaces where you might feel vulnerable.

We are all dealing with this crisis differently, your experience will be different on any given day and will be influenced by where you are physically in the world, government guidelines around what you can and cannot do but also your mental energy and mindset will play a huge role in how you respond to the challenges you are facing daily. Here are my top five strategies to help you adjust to life after lockdown and manage re-entry anxiety.

Take things one day at a time

Don’t rush back to normal if there are some things you feel apprehensive about. If the office re-opens and you are anxious about returning, then speak to your boss about going back gradually and build it up slowly. It is important to do things at your own pace.

Stay in your own lane

Don’t compare other people’s actions with your own, if your friend is happy to go to the pub and meet groups in the park but you still don’t feel comfortable, then don’t do it. It is important to recognise that we all cope with things differently and are at different stages of this pandemic, mentally and emotionally.

Recognise what you can and cannot control

Accepting that you cannot control some situations but can control how you react to them is a key coping strategy. Always direct the lion’s share of your attention, energy, and effort to what you can control, not what you cannot.

Start by asking yourself what parts of this process are within my control? Write down all the things that are in your control, then proactively put in place those actions to regain that control. Also try listing out where you have no control of, recognise its out of your hands and draw a line under it. Then try to reframe it to put yourself in control and back in the driver’s seat.

Check your internal dialogue

Recognise when you are having negative thoughts or chats with yourself. Because of all the change and uncertainty, it is easy to get caught in a negative thought loop. It’s not our fault, the human brain is wired to pay more attention to the negative. It is called negative bias and is a natural evolutionary response designed to keep us alive. While this is super useful, if we don’t close down the negative thoughts they will take over and this can have a huge impact on our mental health and mindset. Learn to recognise when your thoughts are helpful and when they are not.

Create your own emotional first aid kit

Just like you would reach for a plaster if you cut your finger, you need to have an emotional equivalent for when you feel anxious. Exercise, breathing techniques, gardening, journaling, and baking are all great ways of quietening an anxious mind. You might also want to use supplements like CBD or kava kava, as both have been found to be effective as a way of managing and reducing the symptoms of anxiety. You just have to find the coping strategy that works for you and practise it regularly.

If you are struggling with re-entry anxiety, try not to put too much pressure on yourself to adjust, talk to a friend and work out strategies that feel comfortable and achievable. You can also contact Samaritans who offer a confidential listening service, 24/7 on 116 123.

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Mind

Travel Goals – Don’t Believe the Hype

I’ve been toying with writing this piece for months. As journalists, we have to hit the right balance between showcasing the destinations we visit in their best light – and telling the cold, hard, sometimes embarrassing truth.

Like the creepy ‘ideal woman’ filters getting backlash on Instagram stories, I’m calling out the travel industry online – specifically #TravelGoals – for its negative impact on our collective mental health and diverse thinking.

We all have our own ‘dream destinations’, places we just have to see, but there is huge danger in having our hearts set on an artificial image of what a place looks like. Earlier this year, Twitter blew up after uncovering the complete scam of the Gates of Heaven influencer shot in Pura Lempuyang Luhur, Bali. The stunning, pure, mirror-like water under the gates, reflecting the perfect outfit and pose was just that – a mirror.

The sad truth is that social media has changed travel irrevocably. In our culture of ‘photo or it didn’t happen’ how many of us are – consciously or unconsciously – driven to travel for the opportunities to get that shot or tick that box? What are we travelling for? Do we even take in the culture of the places we find ourselves in?

In Alain de Botton’s brilliant book ‘The Art of Travel’ he recalls adding time onto a work trip abroad, writing: “And I wondered, with mounting anxiety, what am I supposed to do here? What am I supposed to think?”. When did travel become a competition of who would have the best time or get the most mileage of out a place? Are we really #livingthedream or are we trying so hard to prove it that we aren’t even experiencing the dream?

Travel has always been an opportunity to learn, not just about other cultures, but about ourselves. Sadly, with our ulterior travel motive – of getting our carefully geo- and hash- tagged story to hundreds – we are missing out on that opportunity, or wilfully ignoring it. From the hordes of influencers trampling the poppy super bloom and destroying native tribes’ medicine crops – to unthinking shots with animals in cruel captivity – we can all wise up.

Here at Team Coco we have a duty to elevate our industry. We can all do better, we can all post the ‘outtakes’ alongside that perfect photo snapped by the pool and show that life, and travelling, isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. We can all step outside of the privileged traveller bubble and truly seek to engage with and understand the place we are lucky enough to find ourselves in.

Consider this our line in the sand and our pledge to travel more consciously, to put away our mobiles, halt all thoughts of ‘doing it for the ‘gram’ and immerse ourselves in the cultures we visit to be able to share the true experience.

But first, some ‘behind the scenes’ revelations from our team to get off our chests – some thought provoking, some hilarious. Reach out and tell us yours!

@travelwithcrusoe : “I’d really urge you to go beyond the tourist hot spots as these aren’t usually representative of the destination’s culture or heritage. Read up on these areas before you arrive filled with preconceptions and stereotypes. Respect the places you visit!”

@bonnejournal : “I hiked Trolltunga in Norway only to wait 3 hours to get “the shot” on the ledge that juts out over the fjord… I still say it was worth the 3 hours and a suitable reward to the gruelling hike we did to reach it. There were a lot of people who weren’t appropriately prepared to do the hike but were still attempting it – all because it has blown up on insta over the last few years!”

@thebohobaker : “I had to pack this food shot up and run after realising the group of people setting up nearby were not squirrel enthusiasts, as we had previously thought… but filming a porno! I remember running up the embankment and shouting “LEAVE THE CHEESECAKE” at my friend in an attempt to get out of the woods as swiftly as possible. I wish I was joking!”

@melbuhannah / @teamcocopup : “My husband has limited me to 3 insta shots a day – which is a catastrophe for a content obsessed traveller like me! Charlie aka TeamCocoPup is usually so well behaved and we have a blast covering dog friendly events in London. In a recent dog yoga class, however, Charlie was clearly feeling really relaxed, so relaxed that he decided that he didn’t need to go outside… so ashamed!”

@sixpenceinyourpocket : “Last year I spent a month in Bahrain working with a corporate client. After a few luxurious but frankly embarrassingly OTT dinners at 5* hotels and accidentally seeing Paris Hilton release a new perfume at a mall, I escaped the airconditioned climes. The most rewarding experience was exploring the dusty, storied streets in Al Muharraq, following the Pearling Trail, receiving encouraging nods and pointed directions from gentlemen on the way to prayer. Yes, I got the shot of the Ritz-Carlton flamingos but came away with so much more!”

@emmahwriter : “Throwback to the time I ended up in an emergency medical centre after being bitten by what was possibly a snake or some weird insect. No one knew! A photo of my leg was being What’s Apped across the state with people trying to figure out what was going on… all because I was doing an Insta story and wasn’t paying attention to where I was walking…”

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Food & Drink

7 Hotels Keeping Us Sane During Lockdown

In the latest season of Killing Eve, Villanelle sits on the carpet of a pristine hotel room. She’s draped in a dressing gown with her hair wet and slicked back, seemingly refreshed and relaxed as she reclines against the foot of the bed. In that moment, Villanelle has a newfound desire to meet her family. The setting is purposeful and tasteful like much of the programme’s exotic locations. This episode might even be a favourite so far for the balmy Barcelona terraces and subterranean bars that seem like a distant memory.

Drooling over fleeting scenes of sultry hotel rooms is one of the many ways we can mentally transport ourselves for the foreseeable future. And yes, we are also lusting after the idyllic Italian villa from Normal People (minus Jamie).

While flights are grounded, there are plenty of hotels out there leading the way with virtual activities to alleviate lockdown tedium. We’re all for virtual yoga on the beach as much as a transportive “quarintini” cocktail recipe if it means escaping for a short while. Here, we’ve compiled some of the most fun and creative ways hotels are lending a helping hand before we can show them some love once more.

MarBella Collection

Step away from the screen with MarBella Collection’s new mindfulness colouring. Adult colouring books were all the rage at one point, but we were probably all too busy commuting or socialising to give them a go. There’s no time like the present as the saying goes. Outlines of Greece’s bountiful backdrops and sunset scenes from MarBella Collection’s beautiful properties in Corfu and Parga are a therapeutic escape for pent-up travellers. Don’t forget to hashtag #MindfulWithMarbella to connect with like-minded travellers and future artistes in the making. You can download the sheets here.

Nihi Sumba

Master various breathing techniques in Nihi Sumba’s new Instagram live series. The 45-minute sessions offer breathwork exercises, with the intention to help participants overcome stressful situations through the development of self-awareness. These practices will draw on diaphragmatic and yogic breathing techniques by candlelight. Tune in weekly on Nihi Sumba’s IG Live.

Babylonstoren

If you’ve been longing for the outdoors, join Babylonstoren for frequent tours around their tropical garden. Enjoy a (virtual) whizz around the citrus block in a short but intimate tour of the farm with Constance Stuurman or the beautiful cycad garden with professional botanists and horticulturists. Tune in everyday for something new. We can’t wait to take a post-lockdown stroll through the garden amidst the yuzus and tamarillos.

Windjammer Landing

Everyone seems to be baking banana bread or honing the art of a newfound skill. Mixology might be next, thanks to Windjammer Landing’s easy breezy cocktail recipe made from super sweet citrus flavours. One taste and you’re far off on St Lucia’s kaleidoscopic beaches flanked by frangipani trees.

Ingredients:

4 oz Tequila

2 oz Triple Sec

2 oz Lime Juice

4 scoops of Ice

Bottled Beer

Sugar to taste

Method:

Combine all ingredients in a blender and mix until smooth

Add sugar if required and mix again

Pour into a large glass and top with beer

Le Sirenuse

Anyone else living for virtual live DJ sets at the moment? Le Sirenuse and Emporio Sirenuse have introduced the very cool concept of live DJ sessions around the world to alleviate lockdown fatigue. DJ friends of the hotel, including Mia Moretti and Lucy Wrubel, have just hosted live takeovers in support of Le Sirenuse and the hospitality in Italy. The sets are then uploaded onto Spotify. Other than general wellbeing, live sets have been great for having a boogie and then getting an early night without having to take the night bus home. It’s a win-win. See the playlists for yourself.

The Legian Seminyak

The Legian team have put together a weekly series of wellness experiences set in their beautiful Bali properties. Partake in recipe cook-a-longs, guided yoga with ocean views and expert led mindfulness sessions. Create your own herbal-infused water for an immune boost or prepare a Michelin-starred meal inspired by Executive Chef Stephane Gortina. Gortina will talk participants through his famous ‘Marinated Mahi Mahi’ recipe. Here’s hoping we can keep up with his effortless finesse. Videos are being released on a weekly basis on IGTV every Thursday with the hashtag #StayHomeWithLHM.

Courmayeur Mont Blanc

We can’t deny a live-streamed yoga class positioned against a real, but virtual, mountainous backdrop. This Saturday, Courmayeur Mont Blanc will be hosting the class to mentally transport your mind to the soul-stirring mont blanc massif. For Italy, this is a remarkable sign of progression as lockdown restrictions are eased ever so slightly. Time: 9am BST. When: Saturday 16th May. Place: the comfort of your living room, bedroom or a stretch of grass within social distancing parameters—whatever suits your fancy.

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Health

10 Wellbeing Ideas for Lockdown

Are you taking care of your general wellbeing at the moment? We can see from the news that more and more people are exercising at home, and daytime cookery programmes are promoting healthy eating and drinking, but what are you doing to look after yourself?

You may be meditating daily, or taking an evening bath more regularly, reading a life affirming self-help book, or simply taking time to listen to the morning birdsong, whatever you are doing to look after your wellbeing we are championing you on.

The #TeamCoco gals have put together a list of wellbeing ideas to see you through lockdown, check them out over a cup of herbal tea or a gin and tonic and simply relax and unwind.

General Wellbeing

PUKKA Herbs, Organic Tea, Elderberry & Echinacea, £3 (20 sachets), from Waitrose, Tesco, Holland & Barrett

Euan MacLennan, Herbal Director at Pukka Herbs and Medical Herbalist at a London-based NHS practice provided us with some advice on the range of natural remedies to those wanting to seek out herbal and plant based solutions surrounding viruses.

“Whilst our immune system is designed to fight off viruses, sometimes it can be helpful to support it against new challenges and ensure we are as robust as possible at times when infections are active in the community.”

“Sipping on herbal tea is a fantastic way of incorporating key ingredients into your day-to-day lives. PUKKA Herbs Organic Elderberry and Echinacea is packed with antioxidants to reduce stress and fight infections.”

Elderberries: act as natural antioxidants and a natural source of vitamin C. It is a powerful fruit shown to ‘de-activate’ viruses and helps to stop spread in the body.

Echinacea: is an immune tonic, which can help to fighting infections of the respiratory tract. It can also help relieve symptoms and speed recovery.
Holistic London, Scented Candle, in Grapefruit & Rosemary, from £11.25, from thisisholisticlondon.com

A multi-faceted fragrance combining two of the best ingredients to lift spirits, using grapefruit and rosemary essential oils. As they burn, they melt into a woody base, which smoothly blends for a nice raw scent.

This vegan scented soy wax candle is made with renewable eco-friendly soy wax only (no shady blends), is also made with pure essential oils (no synthetic fragrance), is made with cotton wicks for a natural even burn, and without colorants and dyes.

Holistic London, Scented Candle, in Grapefruit & Rosemary, from £11.25, from thisisholisticlondon.com

A multi-faceted fragrance combining two of the best ingredients to lift spirits, using grapefruit and rosemary essential oils. As they burn, they melt into a woody base, which smoothly blends for a nice raw scent.

This vegan scented soy wax candle is made with renewable eco-friendly soy wax only (no shady blends), is also made with pure essential oils (no synthetic fragrance), is made with cotton wicks for a natural even burn, and without colorants and dyes.

CBD Wellbeing

Pollen Gummies, Soothe You, £35 (for 30 gummies), from www.withpollen.com or The Drug. Store

If you fancy a quick and easy on-the-go pick me up, CBD Gummies are just what you’re looking for (and it’s always worth checking online to see if there is a CBDistillery coupon going, for example, to help you save some money on your purchase). Pollen’s Gummies have been infused with 10mg CBD from broad-spectrum hemp oil, and this pioneering infusion technique helps to ensure consistency of dosage every time.

Each gummy is complemented by a wide range of ingredients, including grapefruit and turmeric to cherry and cacao. These deliver a complex but delicious flavour profile, without a trace of the distinctive aftertaste so often associated with CBD edibles. They can aid calmness and a feeling of serenity.

CannabiGold Terpenes+, £29.99 (10mg x 30 capsules), from cannabigold.co.uk

CannabiGold Terpenes+ food supplement has launched in the UK, aimed at supporting the body’s endocannabinoid system and maintaining a person’s overall wellbeing. Following the success of CannabiGold, the product has been updated to remain in line with UKs highest standards and further ensure the formula is THC free.

CannabiGold Terpenes+ contains a unique combination of beneficial ingredients including CBD and terpenes that can be found naturally in hemp, delivering the most effective way to support the optimum function of the human body.

CBII Oil, 10ml (200mg CBD), £39, from cbii-cbd.com

CBII is a range of CBD products named after the cannabinoid receptors in your endocannabinoid system. When these receptors are activated, they may contribute positively to your overall wellbeing due to their involvement in pain, anxiety and mood regulation.

CBII oil is full spectrum, meaning it contains all the components found naturally in the Cannabis sativa L. plant, including terpenes, flavonoids and cannabinoids. The ethanol extraction process used by CBII allows them to keep all of these components intact so this product is closer to nature.

Monthly Cycle Wellbeing

DAME, Organic Tampons, £8.50 (34 per subscription), from Waitrose, Boots and wearedame.co

This organic tampon subscription from DAME means that you are looking after your body and the environment. Each organic tampon is made with GOTS certified hypoallergenic cotton, synthetic free, and is biodegradable. Plus, each cotton tampon is free from polyester, dyes, glycerol, rayon, bleach and chlorine

These natural, safe tampons stay fully in tact, leaving nothing behind in your body.

BEYOU Menstrual Cup, £14.99, from beyouonline.co.uk

BEYOU are championing women’s hormone health, creating natural products that work, while educating society to appreciate all that is natural about women. With their science backed, all-natural, cruelty free range,

BEYOU are determined to create effective products for women using only the highest quality ingredients, nourishing the body while being kind to the planet.

By using a menstrual cup you are being much kinder to the environment as the cup can last up to 10 years! Plus they are reusable – simply after every period all you have to do is clean and put away.

Made from 100% soft medical grade silicone with no BPA, no latex, and no dye, the menstrual cups contain no toxic chemicals like many other sanitary products. Great for women of all ages and sizes, holding up to 3 tampons worth and can be worn up to 12 hours, which means no worrying about leaks.

Bedtime Wellbeing

No Secrets Bath Sugar, £30, from nosecretsbeauty.com

No Secrets Bath Sugar is made from magnesium sulphate, and is a modern twist on traditional bath salts which have been ground to the consistency of icing sugar, making them quicker to dissolve and less prickly on the skin.

From the moment you untwist the lid on the glass jar, the room fills with the beautiful signature scent ‘Four’, which evokes a home spa experience.

Lorna Veale, the founder of No Secrets, shares her top tips for transforming bath time into a beneficial experience:

1. Make sure it is ‘clean’ from any toxic cleaning products that you may have used, rinse your bath with hot water to make sure there is no residue of these products.

2. Give yourself 20 minutes in the bath and a little time to relax and gather yourself afterwards. To help you float away, try breathing in through the nose for five seconds and out through the mouth for five seconds, increasing to ten seconds for each, and continuing for two minutes.

3. Soak by candlelight! Choose a soy wax candle infused with essential oils. Dimming the lights and lighting a candle will also help with the relaxation process.

4. The temptation to catch-up on Netflix should be avoided! Taking a book or magazine into the bathroom with you is a great way to relax.

Nanu, yu-nu Moisturising Pillowcase, £35 (pack of 2), from nanusleep.co.uk

Wake up to healthier looking skin with the new yu-nu pillowcase, the latest innovation from the sleep experts at nanu is clinically proven to decrease wrinkle depth, making your dreams of beauty sleep a reality.

This crisp white cotton pillowcase is our new, clinically proven product that will repair, replenish and protect your skin cells as you sleep, allowing you to keep your microbiome balanced. Using the same organic probiotics found in fresh fruits and vegetables, the yu-nu pillowcase works its magic whilst you enjoy the perfect night’s sleep, allowing you to wake up with rejuvenated skin.

BEYOU Sleep Pillow Mist, £17.99, from beyouonline.co.uk

This sleep pillow mist from BEYOU is expertly blended with the finest essential oils including lavender, vertiver, ylang ylang, Roman chamomile and jasmine. The formula has been designed to help relax and de-stress before sleep, using no harmful chemicals.

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Destination Inspiration

6 UK Wellness Retreats For Ultimate Relaxation

We might be confined to barracks for the foreseeable, but we know #TeamCoco won’t be the only ones already curating a list of where we’ll be escaping to once this is all over.

While far-flung destinations are always high on our lust list, the reality is that the tourism industry closer to home will also need a big hand to get back on its feet post-lockdown and given we will ALL be in need of some well-earned R&R after all the drama, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite UK wellness breaks to look forward to for some serious relaxation.

1. Lifehouse Spa

Lying less than 90 minutes from London means Essex’s Lifehouse Spa is a dream spot for a post-work escape; oh how we yearn for those heady days of knocking off early on a Friday night and rocking up at a hotel in time for dinner. Make the most of a weekend away with the Your Health, Your Way package (from £319 per person, available through www.SpaBreaks.com). Guests can choose from a targeted menu, access to fitness classes and with full use of the soothing spa facilities from 10am on day of arrival until 6pm on day of departure there’s no excuse not to make full use of the hydrotherapy pool, relaxation rooms, plunge pool, experience showers and sauna and steam rooms.

2. The Headland

Newquay previously have been synonymous with that post-GCSE party crowd, but it may well lure a new clientele with the opening of The Aqua Club, a new multi-million pound leisure complex at The Headland. With commanding views out to to sea, the Club boasts six pools, a sun terrace and a new restaurant, The Deck. Head outside for a sunset spa with its two pools enjoying views of the Atlantic and The Deck offering a place for guests to enjoy a bite to eat. The use of natural stone allows the building to blend into its environment as much as possible, while a living roof and additional plantings help to minimise the visual impact of the building as well as providing a natural habitat for the flora and fauna around the peninsula.

An overnight stay at The Headland costs from £150 per room. Contact Pride of Britain Hotels on 0800 089 3929.

www.prideofbritainhotels.com

3. Seaham Hall

Nothing beats a bracing coastal walk for blowing away the cobwebs and at County Durham’s Seaham Hall there’s no shortage of dramatic coastline to explore. The Georgian country house features 21 beautiful suites and a whopping 44,000 sq ft of spa. Accessed via a subterranean walkway, it includes indoor pool, outdoor hot tubs, Zen Garden complete with hydrotherapy pool, an Asian herbal sanarium, salt sauna… the list goes one. Drawing influence from Far Eastern healing and wellness rituals, some of its newest therapies include ishga touch therapy, combining the natural, healing properties of seaweed with an advanced, ancient ‘touch’ technique for those affected by anxiety, depression, phobias, exhaustion and stress; so undoubtedly something we could all do with post-lockdown. Last year it also introduced a range of alternative therapies that focus on the key tenets of rebalancing life, improving sleep quality, de-stressing and promoting relaxation, such as hypnotherapy and Mind Calm.

A stay costs from £195 (two sharing), for one night in a Junior Suite, full English breakfast and use of the spa facilities. Currently they are accepting bookings for departure after August 1st. Call Seaham Hall on 0191 516 1400.

www.seaham-hall.co.uk

4. The Langley

If you’ve ever dreamt of swanning around a country estate pretending to be the Lord or Lady of the manor (and let’s be honest, who hasn’t), The Langley, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Buckinghamshire, might be a fair bet. Beautifully situated in the former manor home of the third Duke of Marlborough on 150 acres of formal gardens and parklands originally designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, the location is pretty spectacular. The mansion is steeped in history, but the world-class Sisley Spa is the brand’s largest in the UK and offers advanced and scientific treatments in a seriously luxurious spa setting.

Created by award-winning interior designers Dennis Irvine Studio, the spa combines striking design elements with world-class facilities including two thermal areas (one female-only) with vitality pools, saunas, steam rooms and hammam facilities, a VIP suite equipped with private vitality pool, juniper sauna, amethyst steam room and hammam, and a 16-metre indoor swimming pool. It’s the perfect countryside escape.

Rooms from £425 per night.

www.marriott.com

5. Summer Lodge Hotel

Nestled in the Dorset village of Evershot, the award-winning Grade II listed Summer Lodge Country House Hotel & Spa is surrounded by miles of glorious countryside that inspired Thomas Hardy, with many connections to the literary great. A quintessentially idyllic escape for the ultimate luxury staycation, it not only has a boutique spa but hosts a calendar of wellness activities throughout the year. Guests can book in to a Mindfulness Workshop (11th September or 4th December) giving an insight to mindfulness with Verity Woodgate, whose programme, Zenna (www.zenna.me), was created to help businesses develop healthy workplace environments. They also offer an overnight spa experience available year round, summer art lectures from renowned historian Jennie Spiers and hiking experiences taking in the Jurassic Coast.

Art lectures £30 each. Mindfulness Workshop days £75 per person. Spa offering from £364 per night, based on two people sharing a Classic Room.

www.summerlodgehotel.co.uk

6. Lime Wood

The mental benefits of immersing yourself in countryside can’t be ignored and few locations in the UK are as magical at the New Forest, with its verdant greenery and wild ponies. The legendary Lime Wood is introducing new retreats for 2020 with renowned nutritionist Amelia Freer and fitness guru Matt Roberts. Amelia will be hosting her first three-day retreats, focusing on whole body wellbeing, deep relaxation and empowering health through knowledge. Designed to help participants to slow down, find sanctuary and balance, nourish the body and mind, and create a bespoke plan for long-term positive wellbeing, the programme includes talks, interactive workshops, yoga classes and cooking demonstrations. It’s a rare opportunity to personally connect with Amelia herself, while her day workshops including Eating for Health and Batch Cooking offer a more affordable insight.

Matt Roberts’ three-day retreats have been designed to support personal training and wellbeing goals, seeing guests head into the New Forest National Park with group hikes and runs as well as activities in the rooftop gym and studio. Both packages – the Body Reboot Retreat and the Body Rebalance Retreat – include two nights at Lime Wood, all meals, training sessions, two Bamford treatments and use of the Herb House Spa from £1890 per person.

Amelia Freer retreat from £1650 per person (single occupancy). Day workshops from £175. Dates TBC.

www.limewoodhotel.co.uk

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Health & Fitness

SPEND SUNDAY 29 MARCH WITH DEEPAK CHOPRA: LIVE GLOBAL MEDITATION LED BY THE GURU AND THE WELL

This Sunday 29 March, THE WELL – a wellness members club in New York and Deepak Chopra, the world-renowned self-help guru, will join forces to unite the world through a free live streamed global meditation event, bringing millions of people together. During these times of uncertainty, this is just what the world needs!

THE WELL and Chopra share the belief that when enough people come together with the same intention — in this case, to help and heal the world — positive results follow.

Together, they expect to bring together millions of people from their individual homes in countries all around the world, uniting us in a powerful and meaningful experience during these times of uncertainty and heightened anxiety. When many of us can’t go outside, they want us to “come together to look inside.”

Deepak is a renowned doctor, author and self-help guru. His books and mediation teachings have made him one of the best-known figures in his field. He is also the founder of The Chopra Foundation, a non-profit entity for research on well-being and humanitarianism.

“During this trying time, when so many of us are isolated from one another, we’re proud to partner with THE WELL to create a connection across the globe,” says Tonia O’Connor, CEO of Chopra. “At Chopra, we’ve always been deeply committed to empowering the world with healthy habits designed to foster greater joy and well-being. With this live event and our free meditation challenges, we are supporting the need for everyone to stay home and connect through meditation.”

“I’m honoured to partner with Chopra to connect people from all around the world during this uniquely difficult moment in time,” says Rebecca Parekh, CoFounder and CEO of THE WELL. “THE WELL seeks to empower people to take greater agency for their health, helping them understand their well-being from a whole body perspective. It is my hope that H(OM)E will remind people of the ways in which we are so deeply interconnected and that to care for our whole selves means to care for our whole society.”

Tune in for a moment of connectivity.

For more information and to sign up, please visit: https://the-well.com/stayhome.

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Beauty

How To Boost Your Mood Through Fragrance During Quarantine/Self Isolation

Amidst the chaos in the world right now, many things are being forgotten about (its Mothers Day this Sunday, you’re welcome for the reminder) but beauty lovers may be aware that today (March 21st) is National Fragrance Day.
Which in the grand scheme of things may not seem important, as most of our worlds have been turned upside down, yet fragrance can actually help you feel better whether you’re WFH, self isolating or quarantined.
We are seeing an increasing amount of #SelfCare posts on social media to support both mental and physical health during this strange and challenging time. From home-workouts, skincare routines, healthy recipes and ‘how to’s on how to keep motivated; all of these things help give us a little dose of normality and positivity.
It’s all about ‘Making the most’ of a global pandemic which is a good idea but in retrospect it also has us applying unnecessary pressure to ourselves in already tenuous times.
Going back to the basics is good for both our mental and physical health, as we won’t feel the need to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders.
All of our senses play a huge part in our lives and its important we don’t go into a sensory overload, meaning we need to treat each sense with care. With that said our sense of smell is often overlooked and its during times of anxiety and stress that this primitive sense is actually heightened. We all know that fragrance doesn’t only make us smell good but it has the ability to make us feel good too. So without wasting time, invest in your favourite perfume at Rosa Salas Perfumes. You will get a huge range of perfumes made with the best raw materials and fragrance oils available.
Fragrance whether in perfume, candles, diffusers essential oils or cooking products can affect the memories in our brain and have the ability to elicit a range of emotions. Fragrance is how brands entice us into stores, is why aromatherapy is a holistic treatment, is why we are drawn to certain people and can generally affect our judgement and decisions; this is why we should consider how the scent of our homes and ourselves can affect us during this global crisis.
Orange, jasmine, geranium, sandalwood, lavander, lemon, mandarin, grapefruit, mint, vanilla, cinnamon and yang yang are all ingredients that can help boost your mood.
Below we have complied a list of ten mood-boosting fragrance products to help have a positive impact on your emotions and mindset during a time when life may seem overwhelming.

First up is Tiziana Terenzi the brands scented candles are handmade in Italy using innovative design and high quality materials. The candles are toxin-free, have a 120 hour burn time and have a wooden wick which replicates the sound of a log fire. The ‘Ischia Orchid’ candle has notes of rose, violet, sandalwood and of course the rare ischia orchid.

Next is Mizensir, a brand created by Master Perfumer Alberto Morillas, who is the nose behind some of the worlds most iconic fragrances; CK One, Acqua di Gio and Gucci Bloom, to name a few. The brands White Neroli fragrance has notes of calabrian bergamot, Tunisian neorli and orange blossom which are perfectly balanced with incense and musk.

Carolina Herrera’s new venture into make-up is beyond exciting and if the brands cosmetics are is delightful as their fragrances, we’re all in for a treat. ‘Virgin Mint’ is aromatic and fresh, so much so that it smells like freedom; compiled of mint from Morocco, Italian bergamot, mandarin, vetiver, Egyptian geranium oil, spearmint and musk.

Up next is Maison Francis Kurkdjian and no we’re not going to recommend Baccarat Rouge (as beautiful as it is) this time. A la Rose is a captivating yet soft scent that boasts two types of rose; rose Damascus and Turkish rose absolute, this powdery blend of roses is mixed with the citrus notes of bergamot, orange and lemon along with woody notes of cedar.

Tom Ford’s Neroli Portofino Acqua fragrance is part of the brands Private Blends collection and has you dreaming of the azure waters. Bergamot, neroli, lemon, orange blossoms, amber wood and white musk compose a fresh and bright citrus fragrance that isn’t overwhelming so is perfect for enclosed spaces.

YSL Caban is one of the 5 fragrances in the Le Vesitiaire des Perfumes collection, the fragrances are all interpretations of a statement piece of the couturiers wardrobe. Caban is sensual, sweat, and creamy fragrance with a coconut note to it that will have you reminiscent of sunshine holidays. With pink pepper, rose, tonka bean, caramel, vanilla and incense it evokes comfort and fond memories. You can also opt for the Caban candle which will have your home smelling like summer.

Roja Dove Parfums has scents for every occasion that play on emotions and memories so its no wonder the fragrance houses ‘Beguiled’ has fallen into our list. A blend of bergamot, lemon, tangerine, jasmine, raspberry, pink pepper and ylang ylang create a sweet, elegant and feminine yet contemporary fragrance that turns heads and has great silliage.

Shalini Parfum Paradis Provence, is an aromatic creation of lavendar, thyme, sunflower, orange blossom and jasmine. Described by Shalini herself as ‘the fragrance of the eternal summer, of our youth, our imagination and our passion’.

Atelier Cologne’s 2010 launch, Orange Sanguine has an orienal base of amber, tonka bean and sandalwood yet thanks to notes of orange, jasmine and geranium this fragrance is refreshing and energetic.

Dipytque’s best seller Baies is also available as an hourglass diffuser. Simply turn it over to begin an hours diffusion cycle and enjoy the sensory experience. Baies is a fresh bouquet of roses and blackcurrent; a sweet yet aromatic creation.

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Afternoon Tea

Coco Crush: 6 Tasty Treats

We have been super healthy all month at #TeamCoco (well, almost all month), so it’s time to let our hair down, dive head first into our January payday funds, and enjoy a tasty treat or two.

February is basically here, and with it brings the month of love, so why not love yourself and tuck into something delicious, nutritious, and thoroughly enjoyable?

Check out these delectable foodie treats and divine drinks to get you through the month ahead. We have included a seriously good sugar alternative, a flavoursome Mexican recipe, a super selection of cooking sauces, a rich vegan cheese, a mindful cup of tea, and an excellent rose negroni cocktail.

What’s not to love about February!

Natvia

Natvia is a great tasting sweetener made from 100% naturally sourced GMO-free ingredients. It tastes deliciously sweet, with no bitter aftertaste, or nasty chemicals – typical of other artificial sweeteners. If that wasn’t enough, Natvia has zero calories per serving. That’s 100% less calories than sugar.

Natvia is created from a unique blend of organic Stevia (a sweet leafed plant) and erythritol (a natural nectar found in melons and grapes) making it 100% natural.

Not only for your morning cuppa, try sprinkling Natvia over porridge, baking your best Mary Berry cake creation, or even adding to savoury sauces, such as curry or bolognaise, for that extra special touch.

Priced at £5 (300g), available from Tesco stores and tesco.com

Old El Paso

Old El Paso, the UK’s favourite Mexican food brand is bringing the celebrated
Super Bowl party to the nation as they join forces with NFL as the official UK partner of Super Bowl LIV.

This weekend is Super Bowl Sunday. Traditionally, it was an American celebration, but with American Football growing in popularity Mexican food brand Old El Paso want to show you how to throw the infamous Super Bowl Party in style.

Why not try half-time Halloumi Fajitas? Recipe below:

Ingredients: Halloumi, veg oil, mixed peppers, black beans, sour cream, jalapeños, avocado slices, Old El Paso Crispy Crumb Seasoning, Old El Paso Flour Tortillas, Old El Paso Salsa.

Method: Slice halloumi into 1cm thick slices and mix with veg oil and Old El Paso Crispy Crumb Seasoning, to coat. Pan fry halloumi alongside peppers until lightly golden and crispy on each side. Microwave Old El Paso Soft Flour Tortillas 35-40 seconds. Lay the crispy halloumi on the warm flour tortillas; add black beans, avocado and cooling sour cream. For a real kick add jalapenos and finish with Old El Paso Salsa. Serve

Old El Paso Fajita Kits, Salsa, and Flour Tortillas available from most UK supermarkets.

Bay’s Kitchen

Bay’s Kitchen, the innovative new range of award-winning FODMAP-friendly, gluten-free certified, vegan-approved, stir in sauces. Featuring six tasty flavours – Mild Korma, Thai Green Curry, Tikka Masala, Jalfrezi Curry, Sweet & Sour, and Tomato & Basil.

Low FODMAP is the only scientifically approved diet to help relieve IBS sufferers from symptoms like uncomfortable bloating, changes in bowel habits, fatigue and stomach cramps.

Priced at £3.95 (per 260g jar), available from Morrisons, Ocado, and bayskitchen.com

Camelia

So, you enjoyed Veganuary and are continuing into the next few months, and want to up your game when it comes to a cheeseboard. Check out the tasty brie-like vegan alternative Camelia.

This bloomy rind fermentino is an organic 100% plant based vegan cheese made from cashews and macadamia nuts, and it makes a vegan cheeseboard burst with flavour.

Priced at £8.95 (100g), available from abelandcole.co.uk

Tea Makers of London, SANE Blend

The Tea Makers of London have partnered with mental health charity, SANE, to support their vital work in campaigning, researching and providing care for those in mental health crisis, and together they have created a special herbal blend.

With months of tea trials and expert blending, a special herbal infusion has been created – Refreshing SANE Herbal Blend.

The tea is a comforting herbal infusion of chamomile blossoms, tangerine and rose blossoms. This refreshing loose leaf tea makes for a delicately aromatic infusion, ideal for enjoying during a quiet moment in the day. This is a mild and sweet blend with citrus notes and ginger, perfected with wellbeing in mind.

Priced at £7.95 (80g caddy), available from theteamakers.co.uk

Lanique Spirit of Rose Liqueur

Have you ever tried Lanique Spirit of Rose? When you drink Lanique you’re drinking the true Spirit of Rose. Enjoyed for over 200 years, throughout European aristocracy by kings, queens and emperors, Lanique is the pure distillation of 18th century splendour recreated in this modern world.

Lanique have suggested trying a Lanique Rose Negroni and we are all over it. A floral twist on a bitter classic, this serve packs a high-spirited punch with a delicate rosy finish.

You will need:

12.5ml Lanique, 12.5ml dry vermouth, 25ml gin, 25ml Campari. Simply serve over ice and garnish with an orange wedge.

Priced at £31.95 (70cl), available from masterofmalt.com, alternatively visit lanique.co.uk for more information about the brand and for other cocktail recipes.

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Fashion

“I’m ok” (and other lies): Safeguarding mental health in freelance creatives

January can be pretty rough on all of us. The days are still relatively short, the Christmas decorations are back in the attic, and it’s time to return to work after the holidays. At a time of year when many are silently fretting over making their December paycheque last until (what feels like) the 72nd January, many freelance creatives haven’t been paid at all. In fact, the likelihood is, they haven’t carried out any billable work in weeks, with studios closing down for Christmas and no one available to discuss their next contract with. Shockingly, of all the freelancers I know (and there are plenty of them), only 3 have confirmed work for January, the rest left in limbo over the festive period, not knowing where or when their next job will crop up. Although this is only the tip of the iceberg, it’s not surprising that freelance creatives are three times more likely to suffer from a mental health issue.

Before we get down and dirty with this, if you’ve clicked on this article because you’re in a really bad place right now, please, seek help immediately. Contact your GP, call the Samaritans on 116 123, or if you’re considering harming yourself, go to A&E and speak to the crisis team. If possible, let a family member or friend know how you’re feeling and see if they can accompany you. If you don’t have anyone to support and encourage you to do this then, hey, hi, I’m Deb, I’m your friend now and I want you to go and get some help because you shouldn’t be suffering alone.

Why are freelance creatives more susceptible to mental health issues?

Let’s face it, the reasons most of us choose to go freelance are the reasons why so many of us struggle mentally. Freedom from the 9-5 can quickly turn into unregular, unhealthy work patterns. Travel can lead to isolation. No earning limits can slide down into financial pressures. Creative freedom can become an obsession with perfection. The blessings can become a curse, and yet the majority would rather tolerate these issues than re-enter the conventional work force. Ok, I get it, I would rather gnaw off my own arm than go back to working in an office, but we mustn’t let our innate passion for creative independence cause problems elsewhere.

Approximately 15% of the working population is self employed. That’s 5 million of us, 60% of whom report feeling their mental health has been negatively affected since deciding to fly solo (the most common problems being anxiety and depression). Creativity and creative output often come from deeply personal experiences: pain, suffering and vulnerability. We create some of our best work when drawing upon emotive memories and, whilst we may be pleased with the end result, the accompanying emotional exhaustion can be overwhelming. You don’t have to be working on a Michelangelo level masterpiece, I’m talking day to day projects that unwittingly take more from you that you realise. I felt overwhelming guilt for some time because I felt I just couldn’t converse with anyone for at least an hour after returning home from working on set (despite the 90 minute commute inbetween). One day, a food stylist friend of mine was telling me that he’s had to cancel plans in the past because they were within a couple of hours of finishing work and he knew he just couldn’t deal with socialising. We had “only” been prepping, styling and photographing food on set, and yet it took so much out of us creatively, mentally and physically, we just didn’t want to be around other people. I’m so incredibly grateful I had that conversation that day because it made me realise that it’s ok to shut down and recharge for a little while.

Why a work tribe is so important

Ok, I’ll admit, I used to low key cringe whenever I’d see “inspirational” quotes on Instagram preaching how “your vibe attracts your tribe”. But, oh boy, do we need other likeminded people in our lives. Don’t panic, I’m not suggesting 9-5 levels of co-workers with at least one accounts assistant called Karen who will irrationally hate you, and a sleazy office sales guy who steals food from the fridge. We need other people because there are conversations that need to happen, ideas that need to be discussed. Isolation and loneliness can compromise the immune system, leading to insomnia and depression. If you’re not seeing or in contact with other people on a regular basis, these things can fester and bloom. A survey of freelance creatives found that 60% had experienced suicidal thoughts, 37% had made a plan of how to do it, and, heartbreakingly, 16% had attempted to take their own life. Although only a third had visited a GP, 88.5% said they would speak to a friend or co-worker. This isn’t as likely to happen if the individual concerned is working alone the majority of the time.

A couple of years ago, I was becoming increasingly stressed and tired. I loved my work, but I was obsessed with it, so much so, that I was utterly unaware that I was fading. Pressures to meet high standards and competition in the industry were taking its toll on me. One frosty evening, I was standing on my back step and staring at the stars when my husband walked into the kitchen and said ” the world wouldn’t be the same if you weren’t in it anymore”. That was the moment I realised something was horribly, horribly wrong. It took 3 weeks of crank calling my GP surgery for me to make an appointment, but I eventually built up the nerve to get some help. My doctor arranged for me to have some blood tests, which revealed that my blood count had dropped to a dangerously low level that required immediate intervention (and explained the tiredness and tearfulness of the months prior). Now for the kicker: this wasn’t the first time this had happened to me. In fact, back in 2010, I’d experienced the same issues along with a bone marrow condition that kept me off work for a year. The difference between 2010 and 2018 was that, this time around, I was working alone. There was no one around to tell me that it wasn’t normal for my mood to crash so dramatically if a shot wasn’t going to plan. Had I still worked in an office environment, I’m sure someone would have flagged up my 3 naps a day, or would have at least bitched about my hair falling out all over the place. As much as I begrudge to admit it, had I been around other people on a day to day basis, this issue would most likely have been flagged and rectified a lot earlier than it was.

Being part of a community isn’t just good for keeping an eye on each other, we need it to discuss, debate and relate, to get ideas and worries out in the open so they don’t develop into something unhealthy. Lack of feedback on projects and irregular working contracts can often leave freelance creatives feeling anxious and lost. Although work appraisals often invoke feelings of fear and dread, dealing with the polar opposite and having zero praise and/or suggestions on how to improve can leave one questioning if they are doing a good enough job. Also, whilst discussing money is often considered brash or taboo (although I’m pleased to see this stigma starting to lift in recent years), it’s pretty important in the creative sector to, well, let’s not beat around the bush here, make sure you’re not getting ripped off. Over 20% of freelancers are paid below the poverty line, which isn’t exactly conducive to good mental health. Poor pay and exploitative contracts can lower our sense of self worth whilst increasing the pressure we place on ourselves to do a good job in the hope of securing more, better paid, work in future. I once had a billion pound organisation ask me to write recipes for them in exchange for yoghurt. Yes, yoghurt. Sure, sounds like a great idea, I’m sure Natwest will let me pay my mortgage with a wheelbarrow of fruit corners. In all seriousness though, that’s just not cool. When I told them to speak to my agent if they want to make a serious offer, I was told “well if you don’t do it, someone else will for free”. That’s the value that the billion pound company put on my time. The company that pays its executives million pound salaries were happy to disregard my worth because they know they’ll find someone else to exploit. Fortunately, my work flow is pretty steady, so I was able to laugh it off and give the yoghurt aisle the finger every time I’m out shopping. But for someone lower down the ladder, or someone struggling to feel valued because they’re isolated and not coping mentally, that could have been a heavy blow. It’s imperative that we network with other freelancers so we can continue to build each other up when the corporate monster tries to make us feel that our skills, our innate creativity, is disposable and easily replaced.

I just don’t feel right. What can I do about this?

Well, first of all, I’m glad you’ve realised this, because now you can start taking steps to feel better and maybe get some outside help. Here are some pointers to guide you off into a happier, healthier, direction:

  • Decrease isolation by working on creating your own network. Sites such as MeetUp and Leapers can help hook you up with people working in the same industry, or simply other self employed individuals you can go and have a good rant with. If you’re able to do any work in house/for a studio, do so. There is one studio I work at along with the same familiar freelance faces and I absolutely love it there. It’s a zero filter environment where we spend our lunch hours discussing all manner of personal issues. Whilst this may sound a little out there, it’s cathartic and a much needed opportunity to discuss everything from our mental and financial wellbeing to sharing studio horror stories for each others amusement. If that level of openness is overwhelming or you don’t have any regular faces to vent to, just getting out and doing some work in a coffee shop or other public place can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation.
  • Speak to a friend. I know it can be hard sharing these feelings with those out of the industry: the majority of my friends think I have the most glamorous, exciting job on the planet and cannot comprehend why I sometimes want to stick my head in the oven. I find it can help to start the conversation by telling them that you don’t expect them to understand, you just need someone to listen. If you don’t have anyone you feel you can have these conversations with, the kind souls at Samaritans will always lend a friendly ear.
  • Try and stick to set working hours. It’s all too easy to procrastinate or push yourself too far and end up working into the small hours. Take a lunch hour, just as you would in a conventional work environment. When your working day is done, shut down your business emails and don’t look at them until the next day. I know this isn’t easy now that social media has created an expectation that we should all be reachable 24/7, but this isn’t good for you mentally or physically. Change your email settings so you don’t receive notifications out of work hours. A terrifying prospect at first, but gloriously liberating in the long run.
  • Don’t, and I cannot stress this enough, fall into comparing yourself to industry rivals on social media. Instagram is our highlights reel, not our behind the scenes footage. The person you may see pulling in 50k likes per photo and collaborating with industry giants may be getting paid in yoghurt or worrying about their next contract just as much as you are.
  • Don’t stress over the word “no”. Sometimes a contract just isn’t right for you. Sometimes your proposal may have needed a little more development. Sometimes someone else may have come along and offered to do the same job for free, at a lesser price, or in exchange for product (I’m not bitter, honest). Breathe, let it go, and move on.
  • Get feedback. I know this sounds terrifying, but a brief email or discussion can really help you develop, build your confidence, and gain more work in future. You’re not being needy, a quick email stating how much you enjoyed a project and asking about your performance can go a long way towards building positive working relationships which, in turn, will help reduce isolation and loneliness.

It’s not all doom and gloom

Hey, I’m not here to put a downer on working in the creative freelance sector, for the most part, it’s pretty sweet. Creativity in itself is proven to reduce anxiety, depression and stress, and is known to help process trauma. Some of my best work has come from having a really bad time and created as a means to escape whatever I’m going through. There’s a line in Michael Rosen’s “Sad Book” (a beautiful expression of dealing with depression after the loss of his son and mother) which says “every day I try to do one thing I can be proud of. Then, when I go to bed, I think very, very, very hard about this one thing”. When I woke up this morning, I wasn’t feeling too great. Instead of wallowing in bed, I dragged myself up, wrote a recipe for madeleines, baked and photographed them, then whacked it up on Insta whilst eating half a dozen of the rascals and listening to a bit of Joanie Mitchell. Getting the creative juices flowing not only lifted my mood, but it fired me up to dust off my laptop and write this article. Plus I got to eat madeleines. Bonus.

For many, the highs of being a freelance creative far outweigh the lows. The freedom to work without boundaries, to not be confined to one workspace, to travel, to do what sets your soul on fire, it’s no wonder that 67% state that, overall, they are happy. If you’re in the fortunate group who are happy and content, there’s no harm in following up some of these tips yourself and building your own little network (if you haven’t already). You may not realise how much your mere presence means to someone else.

Help and support

  • If you require urgent help, call 111, attend A&E, or ask your GP for an emergency appointment. Do not feel ashamed to express how you’re feeling, they’re there to help.
  • Samaritans have confidential telephone, email and text based services 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. You can contact them via www.samaritans.org or by telephone on 116 123.
  • www.mentalhealthandmoneyadvice.org provide excellent resources for anyone whose mental health is being affected by their financial situation.
  • www.leapers.co are a friendly online network of freelancers, perfect for anyone struggling to travel to meet ups in person.
  • www.meetup.com is great for finding local groups, or even setting up your own.
  • www.mind.org.uk has a telephone and text based service that provides advice on a wide range of mental health issues.

To quote Michael Rosen one last time: “Every day I try and do one thing that means I have a good time. It can be anything so long as it doesn’t make anyone else unhappy”. Regardless of whether you’re in a good or bad place right now, I urge you to give this a try. The role of tortured artist may be cool in movies, but in real life, it sucks. Try and get out there and build your own little support network. You never know when you, or they, may need it.

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