WAITING lists for NHS mental health services are growing, while the number of tickets to mental health-related events on Eventbrite nearly doubled in the past year.
Today I look at ways to deal with stress and anxiety, while our Beauty Editor puts hair straighteners to the test.
B VITAMINS: These are essential for the brain and nervous system, including concentration, mood maintenance, alertness and reducing fatigue.
There are eight essential B vitamins – thiamine (B1), riboflavin (2), niacin (3), pantothenic acid (5), pyridoxine (6), biotin (7), folate (9) and cobalamin (12). I like Healthspan High-Strength Vitamin B Complex. (£9.95 for 120 tablets, healthspan.co.uk)
AYURVEDIC MEDICINE: Ashwagandha, a shrub, has been used for thousands of years to relieve stress and boost energy and concentration.
From vitamins firm Solgar, Ultimate Calm is designed to promote relaxation and mental wellbeing.
It contains ashwagandha and saffron extract, which reduce anxiety and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. A great combination. (£29.99 for 30 tablets solgar.co.uk)
JOURNAL: The Checkin Journal (£20) is the brainchild of Matt Johnson and Mål Paper, created after the loss of a loved one to suicide.
You have to check in each day, list three emotions you are feeling and make a list of tasks to do.
Check out at the end of the day. The idea is that you become more aware of your thoughts. And £2 of every diary goes to mental health charity Mind. Visit malpaper.com.
Beauty with Gabriella Stein
LUXURY: Cloud Nine Cordless Iron, £349, cloudninehair.com: Launched in June, this is the first portable straightener from Cloud Nine.
As light as a mobile phone, heats up in seconds and the battery lasts up to 30 minutes. Technology to regulate the heat of the plates means the temperature will stay suited to your hair type. Being cordless, they are great to travel with.
MID-RANGE: T3 Lucea 25mm Straightening & Styling Flat Iron, £119, currentbody.com: This has nine different heat settings so my thin, dried hair didn’t get damaged further.
You only need run it over your hair once per use, so you cut down on styling time. It automatically powers off after 60 minutes too.
At just over a third of the price of the Cloud Nine, this is a great buy.
BUDGET: Nicky Clarke Supershine Rose Straightener, £89.99, nickyclarke.com: This rehydrates and nourishes hair for a smooth finish.
Steam conditioning replenishes moisture and enhances shine. Has a handy plate lock for compact, easy storage and travel.
A bit fiddly to use at first, plus only five heat settings . . . and I’m not sure if you really need the steam.
Weighted blankets are helping to reduce stress and anxiety during the coronavirus pandemic