Author Archives: carolinerutharmitage

One of the most effective techniques you can master in helping you to overcome anxiety, is to learn how to breathe slowly and deeply. 7/11 breathing as described in my earlier blog “Breathing Like a Baby”, is the simplest and easiest way to begin to take control. Simply breathe in to the count of 7Continue reading “Diving in at the Deep End”

In my previous blog “Fear – Fight or Flight”, I discussed “the stress response” and how this occurs automatically in reaction to a threatening situation. The stress response can be triggered by either a physical or mental threat. If we are in physical danger the stress response readies our bodies for fight or flight. TheContinue reading “The Anxiety Escalator”

I came across this video on Ted.com and found it very encouraging, so I thought I would share it with you.

The Stress Response. Fear is a very useful, natural human reaction and we certainly wouldn’t last long without it. When we are in danger, it is important that our bodies react in a way that will enable us to deal effectively with the situation. So what happens when we experience fear? How would we feel,Continue reading “Fear – Fight or Flight”

If I was adding one of my favourite books to The Reading Agency’s list of mood boosters; I would be tempted to choose Life of Pi by Yann Martel. (readingagency.org.uk) It was while I was reading this book that I came upon a brilliant description of fear. Often, it’s hard to find the right wordsContinue reading “My Mood Booster – Life of Pi”

  Pick up a pick – me – up at your local library! These are the words on a leaflet given out by The Reading Agency this autumn. (readingagency.org.uk/readingwell) And it certainly sounds like a good way to take our imaginations for a spin during the cold winter months. Selecting two of the books onContinue reading “Mood Boosting Books”

Imagine a baby sleeping peacefully in a cot. So relaxed, warm and comfortable. As the baby breathes you notice its stomach rises and falls in a gentle regular, rhythm. This is how we are born to breathe, it’s not something we learn, our brains already have the information and our sub-conscious takes care of everything.Continue reading “Breathing Like A Baby.”