As a self-diagnosed over-thinker and anxious girlie, I wanted to have a little heart-to-heart about anxiety and how it can quietly shape our daily lives, careers, relationships and self-belief.
I’m the queen of spiralling thoughts. I’ve convinced myself the worst is happening more times than I can count. But one quote that has truly helped shift my perspective is:
“Thoughts are not truths.”
We can so easily believe the world is ending, someone is upset with us, or we’re not enough, but unless there's real evidence, those thoughts are just that: thoughts. When we give them too much weight, we start to create stress and unease in our bodies, often making ourselves emotionally (and physically) unwell.
Its not selfish to slow down
Stress and anxiety activates our sympathetic nervous system, also known as the "fight or flight" mode. This releases cortisol, the body’s stress hormone. While helpful in the short term, chronic stress keeps this system switched on, suppressing your immune response over time. This can leave you more vulnerable to colds, flus, being generally run down, digestive issues and long-term health concerns.
You’ve probably heard people say, “slow down” or “take care of your mental health”, but many of us don’t take this seriously until we’re already feeling burnt out and run down.
I’m here to gently remind you: it’s not selfish to slow down. Even taking five quiet minutes a day to re-centre can make all the difference.
You might be stopping yourself from reaching your full potential
Those persistent, self-doubting thoughts can be loud. Convincing you that you’re not worthy of good things. Whether it’s a loving relationship or a fulfilling career, imposter syndrome can creep in and make you question it all. But here’s the truth: thoughts are not truths!
Maybe you’ve been dreaming of launching a business or putting yourself out there more, but worry what people from your past might think - that they'll judge you or laugh behind your back. But let’s be honest - most people are so busy with their own lives, they probably aren’t even watching. Think about it, how often do you see someone start a new venture or post boldly online and feel inspired by their courage and secretly wish you could do the same? People will likely see you the same way.
It’s natural to assume the worst, especially when stepping outside your comfort zone. But the truth is, you don’t grow in comfort. Growth requires visibility, vulnerability and a little risk. So here’s your reminder: stop worrying about what people think (even though sometimes that is really hard to do), especially if they’re not living the kind of life you aspire to have. Their opinions aren’t your truth and in all honesty, they're probably focusing on their own lives.
A few tips to calm your mind…
Here are some simple grounding techniques that have personally helped me through anxious moments. Many of these are also recommended by Anxiety UK, where I was lucky enough to volunteer on the call line a few years ago:
- 5 Senses Grounding: Pause and identify 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell and 1 thing you can taste. This can help bring your awareness back into the present moment and help reduce the feeling of stress and anxiety.
- Journalling: Writing down your thoughts can help you process and release them. Even just 10–15 minutes a day can create space for clarity. Journalling can help you make sense of your emotions, process your throughs and understand yourself on a deeper level. Whether you're releasing worries before bed or practicing gratitude at the end of a long day, putting pen to paper can ease anxious thinking and prevent you from spiralling into rumination. It's a simple, low cost practice with powerful effects and a beautiful way to re-connect with yourself. So next time your mind feels heavy, grab a cuppa (I suggest one of our: 'Unwind & Clear Your Mind', 'Chamomile Calm' or 'Spearmint Still' blends) and your favourite journalling book and let your thoughts spill out. You might be surprised by how much lighter you feel.
-4-7-8 Breathing: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7 and exhale for 8. Repeat as needed. This practice can regulate the nervous system, leading to improved mental and physical well-being.
- Vicks Vaporub / inhaler: Rub a little bit of vicks underneath your nose, or sniff one of their inhalers, when you're feeling overwhelmed or anxious. The strong menthol & cooling sensation is a great distraction, taking the focus away from the spiralling throughs and focuses on the senses.
- Box Breathing: Breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4 and repeat. This practice is great for calming a racing mind.
- Hold something cold until it doesn't feel cold anymore: This is a great sensory grounding technique, redirecting your throughs away from the stressor and back to the present moment as your mind focuses on the cold sensation. Pair this with some deep breaths to further calm the nervous system.
- Walk Without Headphones: Especially in nature. Listen to the wind, the birds, the trees. It’s incredibly grounding. This can be especially helpful to break the cycle of social media overwhelm and step away from mindlessly doomscrolling.
- Move Your Body: Exercise releases endorphins, the brain’s natural “feel good” chemicals. Whether it’s a long walk or a workout goal, moving your body can lift your mood and offer mental space and give you something to work towards. If you're looking for some guidance and inspiration on where to start with your fitness journey please read our blog 'Training Made Me Better and It'll Do the Same for You' featuring my dear friend @juliaevliina, or follow her on Instagram for some really inspiring fitness related content.
- Visualisation: Picture your negative thoughts floating away on a cloud. If they come back, let them float away again.
- A warm shower or bath: This simple act can be just as therapeutic as any breathing exercise. Adding a few drops of relaxing essential oil such as lavender, eucalyptus or chamomile to your bathwater, or shower floor, can help signal to your body that it's time to relax. Light a candle, dim the lights and take a moment to fully unwind, it’s a small act of care that can make a big difference.
Sip, Breathe, Reset
At Feuilles de Saule, we craft organic teas with purpose, whether you’re looking to ease stress, support digestion, nourish your skin or flood your body with antioxidant-rich botanicals. Whatever your need is, there’s a blend to support your moment of calm. A problem shared is truly a problem halved, sit down and have a chat with a loved one, pair this with a calming tea and you're already on the path to feeling lighter.
Our blends like Unwind & Clear Your Mind, Chamomile Calm, and Spearmint Still were created exactly for these moments. Unwind & Clear contains Ashwagandha, a well-known adaptogen that has been traditionally used to calm the nervous system and ease mental tension.Chamomile Calm is rich in calming flavonoids that may help reduce stress, ease digestion and support sleep, perfect for winding down. Spearmint Still offers a cooling, soothing lift and is traditionally used to support hormonal balance, digestive comfort, and mental clarity. Whether you’re journalling, walking, or simply breathing, let these gentle infusions be part of your calm. Because sometimes, the simplest rituals are the most powerful.
If you’re still struggling, please know you’re never alone. Tea and self-care rituals are supportive, but sometimes we need deeper help and that’s okay.
Here are some places to find professional mental health support:
🇦🇺 Australia:
Find a therapist:www.psychology.org.au
Helplines:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7)
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
- MindSpot: www.mindspot.org.au
- Mates in Mining: 1300 642 111
🇬🇧 United Kingdom:
Find a therapist:www.bacp.co.uk
Helplines:
- Anxiety UK: 03444 775 774 (www.anxietyuk.org.uk)
- Mind Charity: 0300 123 3393 (www.mind.org.uk)
- Helpline: Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7)
Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. You are worthy of support, healing and peace.
Lots of Love, Gabrielle | Founder of Feuilles de Saule x