Anna Williamson: “Try my mood-boosting tips”
TV presenter Anna Williamson, 39, may exude positivity, but she hasn’t always had it easy. The mum-of-two struggled with crippling depression during and after her first pregnancy, and has battled chronic anxiety. And as we find ourselves in the middle of another national lockdown with dark, cold days creeping in, it’s easy for everything to seem bleak. Here, Anna – who is mum to Enzo, four, and Eleanora, 11 months, and is a qualified life coach and counsellor – tells Closer how she stays upbeat, and how her coping strategies can help you too…
LIFT THE WINTER BLUES
The winter months can be a tough time for many, even without lockdown to contend with. Like many people, I suffer from SAD [Seasonal Affective Disorder], which can make me feel tired and lacking in motivation. In the past, I’d visit my doctor every Autumn, because a gloomy feeling of dread would start to sink in and I’d feel depressed. But then we realised the connection and I started using a SAD lightbox at home. When I set it to come on at 6am, it simulates the sun rising, which gets me in the right headspace for the day ahead. So instead of fumbling around, bleary-eyed in the dark, my room is flooded with light and I feel stimulated and full of purpose. If you don’t have a lamp, it’s important to get out during the day, every day, to get some natural light, even if the weather is overcast.
DON’T BOMBARD YOUR BRAIN
It’s tempting to check your phone as soon as you wake up but, before you know it, you’re overwhelming your mind with news updates about COVID19, or trying to brush your teeth while replying to messages. That’s not a great way to start the day! Instead, I always put my mobile on “airplane mode” when I go to sleep, and I don’t switch it back until I’ve had breakfast and a cup of tea. It does take discipline, but it puts boundaries in place. When I finally turn on my phone, I feel calm and ready for the day.
REFRAME YOUR MINDSET
During lockdown, we need our resilience more than ever, and positive affirmations can really help with this. Every morning, before my feet even touch the floor,
I tell myself three things I’m looking forward to, or feeling grateful for. It might be as simple as, “I’m grateful that Eleanora gave me a good night’s sleep”, or “I’m glad the sun is shining.” Making the affirmations flicks your brain into a positive mindset, which really colours how you experience the rest of your day. Even if something doesn’t go right later on, you’ll be stronger and more resilient.
BE FLEXIBLE
Work out what you can do during lockdown, rather than focusing on what you can’t. For example, we know exercise is unlimited, so try to get outdoors every day – even if it’s cloudy, you’ll still benefit from vitamin D. And if the weather’s good, prioritise your mental health by flexing your plans so you can take advantage of it. I’m writing my next book at the moment but, if it’s a beautiful day, I’ll seize the opportunity to get out in the local countryside instead, because I know it’s great for reducing anxiety levels. Then I’ll catch up on work in the evening. If you’re working from home, perhaps try asking your boss if you can take a break during the day, then do extra work later on. Communicate how you’re feeling and explain that it will do you good and have a positive impact on your productivity, too.
CREATE BOUNDARIES
Like many couples, my husband Alex [Di Pasquale, 32] and I are now both working at home, and we’ve learned that it’s essential to create boundaries. We alternate who gets to use the home study and who has the living room, then we each make it clear when we’re free for a lunch break or coffee chat. If he’s in the office, I know his space is non-negotiable and that I can’t suddenly burst in on him with Eleanora in my arms! When it comes to boundaries, remember to set time aside for your relationship, too. Alex and I can’t go out for a date night, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a special evening together – every so often we’ll cook a delicious dinner.
SET A DATE FOR A VIRTUAL COFFEE
If you’re feeling lonely, check in with an old friend or relative and schedule in regular contact time. No amount of messaging can replace hearing a friend’s voice, or seeing them on a Skype call. My mum has learned to use Zoom and now chats to an old school friend at 3pm every Friday. Having it regularly booked in means that you have that contact time to look forward to.
MEET A FRIEND
Parent mental health has taken such a knock this year, especially for new mums who don’t have access to the usual clinics and baby groups. I have a lockdown baby myself – Eleanora was just 12 weeks old when we went into quarantine back in March – and I know how crippling that feeling of isolation can be. However, during this lockdown you can at least meet up with one friend for exercise outdoors, and preschool-age children are exempt. Eleanora and I regularly meet a friend for a walk in the park, and it’s a total lifeline. You can also try apps like Peanut, which matches you up with other mothers based on where you live and your interests. It’s a great way to connect with fellow mums.