Simple ways to reduce anxiety during lockdown

Professor Margareta James was interviewed by the Financial Times this week. Read some of the main thoughts here:

Simple ways to reduce anxiety during lockdown - read it on the FT website


Professor Margareta James, Founding Director of the Harley Street Wellbeing Clinic, has seen a surge in appointments from patients seeking coping mechanisms this past week, which she has been conducting remotely using online video calls. “For many, the brain is currently in fight or flight response due to uncertainty, so we need to override this,” she says. “Our brains and bodies aren’t consciously coping with the situation.” Her techniques for relieving anxiety are simple. Bring plants into your home to change the feel of your space. Log a diary entry before bed, noting three things you are looking forward to and are grateful for. Make time to learn a skill, such as cooking, painting, or even a new language. “Humans thrive on progression, so taking on a new skill or challenge you’ve always wanted to do will make you feel better and make you feel like you are accomplishing something.” But the most effective solution for feeling better? Conversation. “Talk, even if that is not something you necessarily enjoy doing. Talk to your friends, family, anyone,” says James. “Humans need to feel connection. It’s what makes us feel happy. With connection we can all cope.”

Link to the article on the FT: https://www.ft.com/content/6636eb22-6e05-11ea-89df-41bea055720b