Practical Self-Care Strategies for Anxiety Annette Sloly

Practical Self-Care Strategies for Anxiety

It is normal and healthy to experience anxiety from time to time. Anxiety benefits us. It makes us alert and helps us do things well. For example, feeling nervous before participating in a sport or taking an exam can improve performance. However, if we become overly anxious, we may be unable to think clearly, which can stop us from doing things.

How can I help myself feel better?

In addition to managing thoughts and talking about how you feel, there are some valuable practical things you can do to help improve how you manage anxiety; this is referred to as ‘self-care.’ Engaging in a good self-care routine has been clinically proven to boost our mental and physical health and reduce anxiety.

Sleep

Make sleep a top priority. Maintain a schedule and make sure you get enough sleep. Blue light from devices and screens can make it difficult to fall asleep, so limit exposure to blue light from your phone or computer before bedtime.

Exercise

Get some exercise regularly. Walking for 30 minutes daily can help boost your mood and improve your health. Small amounts of activity add up over time, so don’t give up if you can’t do 30 minutes at a time.

Breathe

Breathing exercises can assist you in coping and feeling more in control. Try breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth. Breathe in gently and slowly. Then let the breath flow out gently, counting 1, 2, 3, 4 5, as if blowing through a straw. Make sure the exhalation is longer than the inhalation. A few cycles of this should help you to feel a little better.

Food

Eat regular, healthy meals and stay hydrated. A healthy diet and plenty of water can help you maintain energy and focus throughout the day. In addition, limit your intake of caffeinated beverages such as soft drinks and coffee.

Switch off

Give your brain something else to do that isn’t working or worrying. Activities such as yoga, knitting, reading, crosswords and gardening are great ways to focus the brain and hit the reset button.

Everyone’s definition of self-care is different, and it might take some trial and error to figure out what works best for you. Furthermore, while self-care is not a cure for anxiety, it can help you manage your symptoms better.

Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy

As a Clinical Hypnotherapist, I use Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy, an evidence-based, modern psychotherapeutic approach. This form of therapy is an effective treatment for anxiety, that helps to build resilience through talking therapy and Hypnosis. In the sessions, we explore and work to change how you see yourself and think about your life.

We look at unhelpful thoughts and behaviour, setting goals that include carrying out tasks between appointments. It is a collaborative process where we work together to help you find answers to problems, and it’s my job to ask the right questions to help you find solutions that allow you to take back control and move forward. Hypnosis, or ‘trance’, is a natural state where the mind can relax and focus on thoughts and suggestions that help you change how you see the problem.

Ready to find out more?

Over the last ten years, it has been my privilege to guide and support clients to build the resilience they need to manage various issues, including anxiety and stress – and ultimately lead happier lives.

I have had the pleasure of supporting a range of people from all walks of life online and in person, in the public and private sectors and in specialist areas of performance psychology – fear of public speaking, stage fright, and optimal performance in the performing arts and sports performance.

Please get in touch with me at hello@annettesloly.com or direct on 0117 214 0706 to make an appointment. Alternatively, please fill in a contact form here. Read about treatment, in-person and online.

Samantha

11:23 11 Feb 25

Highly recommend Annette. Through her support and coaching I've made some real lasting change that's had a massive impact on my personal and professional life. thank you

R Renard

00:27 08 Nov 24

Annette was excellent in helping me address anxiety in work meetings and presentations, which had become very limiting for me. She helped me with effective exercises and techniques to use before, during and after stressful events. She also used hypnotherapy to help me relax, develop a more positive outlook, and be more composed. The nerves are still there but I now feel much more able to manage them and communicate better in challenging work situations. I thoroughly recommend Annette as a highly-skilled and effective practitioner, and only wish I had contacted her sooner!

Mike

16:03 21 Aug 24

Annette is a gifted therapist, who holds space in a thoughtful, generous and inuitive way. I learned a lot during my sessions with her and always felt carefully supported throughout the entire process. This was my first experience of hypnotherapy, and it was one of the best introductions I think I could have hoped for.

Shontay Designs

15:40 17 Apr 24

I was recommended Annette via a friend. I was a little apprehensive at first, as I had never experienced Hypnotherapy before. I needn't of worried. From the first appointment Annette made me feel relaxed - also that I wasn't stupid (which is how i felt with my particular issue) She has taught me tools that I use to this day, I also always use the recording she provides every night!! I would definitely recommend her services to anyone and everyone!

J. W.

09:24 22 Mar 24

From the moment I met Annette I felt instantly comfortable, she is very empathetic and never judgemental. Annette offers a great mix of discussions around practical, progressive actions with time to simply talk, reflect and process. Having been to life coaches and counsellors in the past, I find Annette’s approach to be somewhere between the two and very flexible in that she really grasps what I need each session and adapts her approach to best support me in that moment. I had never tried hypnotherapy before but I have found it to be very relaxing and beneficial. If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed and would like some support, I’d definitely recommend Annette!

Will Braithwaite

14:04 12 Dec 23

I came across Annette as someone close had mentioned hypnotherapy is a great tool to help with coping during times of stress and anxiety. I'd read up a bit about it but didn't know what to expect really. When I first met Annette, I was under a lot of stress due to potential health issues, young family, juggling multiple jobs, renovating a house etc. The list goes on. I was severely struggling and had become extremely anxious. I was experiencing quite severe panic attacks in the strangest of situations. I think within around 4-5 sessions with Annette, I had got to a point where I could see myself noticeably calmer. I was able to absorb all of the unknowns and stress around me and just cope more positively. I still get panic attacks, and am still anxious but the edge has gone. It's not as intense. I'm going to continue working on myself through meditation and general well being alongside continued support from Annette. She really has changed my perspective on myself and I feel this is only the start of my journey. I couldn't recommend more highly.

Dave W.

16:28 26 Oct 23

Annette helped me massively through a very turbulent 18 month period in my personal and professional life. I received expert therapy and coaching from Annette, who I believe has a unique ability to listen deeply and quickly understand what you are experiencing - and is then able to provide a warm, encouraging and positive style of questioning and advising to help you find a way to progress in a forward direction. I’d like to offer my deepest gratitude to Annette, who I would highly recommend to anyone experiencing a difficult time in their life.

13:41 21 Aug 23

Working with Annette was a brilliant experience. A naturally anxious person, I found that hormonal changes had made things much worse and was determined to take back control. Having tried self-hypnotherapy many times over the years via YouTube/CDs etc, I was open minded and hopeful but not convinced I’d be able to ‘switch off’ enough for it to work. In actual fact, I relaxed from our first session! Annette is a hugely positive and reassuring presence but also very solution focussed. In addition to the actual hypnosis, the sessions are geared around giving you the tools needed to manage anxiety. I have emerged feeling optimistic, more in control and so much calmer. I feel that I am better equipped to manage situations I find difficult and that is very empowering. My sleep has improved greatly too which is brilliant! Having considered hypnotherapy for years, I’m so glad I took the plunge with Annette and would thoroughly recommend her.

The Aura Den

20:23 10 Apr 23

I started seeing Annette to help me overcome performance anxiety and a fear of teaching. I decided a few years ago I wanted to start running workshops and wellness events but I physically couldn't bring myself to teach a class due to crippling self-doubt. It was not only affecting my business but all areas of my life, from driving to cooking someone dinner.After only 7 weeks of working with Annette, I not only taught my first class but I also held a big corporate event - which I would not have been able to do prior to having hypnotherapy.For the first time in a long time, I am starting to progress and it feels great. I feel much more in control now, more rational and I don't allow fear to get the better of me. It's very liberating.Thank you so much Annette, our work together has really changed my life.

M G

15:23 20 Nov 22

As a lifetime anxiety, health anxiety and depression sufferer during the latest crisis, I've found Anette based on good reviews. It was the last attempt of me trying to avoid pharmaceutical options and treat my problems in a more holistic way. I'm glad I did because I feel hopeful, much stronger, healthier and even happy which is amazing. I was given the tools to accept the way I am but also to improve. I am doing so much better now than when I booked my first appointment with Anette and I am very grateful to her for that.

Emily Barrett

16:40 27 Oct 22

Annette helped me for around 12 weeks at the start of the year with agoraphobia (large venues/ transport) and public speaking anxiety. We had sessions virtually and the mix of talking and hypnosis was great. She discussed the theory behind why I feel these things and helped me to come up with solutions for tackling my fears. It's nice to have her as a resource for when I need support in the future. Thank you!

Owen Films

21:45 02 Oct 22

I was in a pretty dark place when I first met Annette and felt that I was unable to get myself out of it, but after several sessions I found that I was able to manage my emotions and now I’m making positive changes on my own. Highly recommend Annette to anyone in a similar position x

Elizabeth

19:13 12 Aug 22

Annette is reliable and her sessions were very helpful. Annette worked with me for a couple of months and in that time she helped me recognise causes of my unwanted habits and used hypnotherapy to reduce the frequency of them so that I can manage them better on my own. She also helped me manage stress during my accounting exams which helped build my confidence and performance. Annette was approachable, flexible and was willing to answer any questions, I would highly recommend her to anyone hoping to better manage unwanted habits that they’ve had for years. Thank you Annette!

Alice Williamson

16:19 04 May 22

I have been working with Annette for 3 months now and have seen huge improvements in my wellbeing. Having had lots of different types of therapy in the past for anxiety and insomnia, it's safe to say that I have finally found one that works and I would recommend Annette to anyone struggling with similar issues. I leave every session (whether in person or online) with a 'floaty' light feeling and feel that I have truly relaxed and let go of any issues I was holding onto when entering. Annette brings a positive, solution-based approach to the sessions which I find really beneficial. She also gives you a lot of tools you can use outside of the sessions which is great - the guided meditation has done wonders for my sleep. I have noticed a huge improvement in the way I relate to anxiety, I am able to see the positive in situations more easily and things don't seem to overwhelm me as much.

L O

19:36 15 Feb 22

I worked with Annette for 12 weeks and she has helped me to develop the tools and awareness to overcome significant barriers in my personal and professional life. She is highly skilled and her experience and expertise have been invaluable to me. She has helped me to build confidence in my professional and social life which has made me very excited and optimistic about the future. I can't recommend Annette enough, she is great.