Panic attacks

Hi Guys,

So for this past year i have been dealing with anxiety, anxiety is a horrible emotion to feel and cannot be controlled and can creep up on you at any time.People suffer with different levels of anxiety, me being a very emotional person have high levels of anxiety and it can cause panic attacks when i am very stressed or nervous. Not many people or any actually understand what a panic or anxiety attack is, which to me is not a good thing because it is very popular and all around us. My closest don't understand how it can affect me, my life and the decisions i make on a day to day basis even from a train journey to getting dressed. Nobody will understand where your coming from unless they have been through it themselves. 

What is a panic attack?

A sudden feeling of dread, the sudden urge to push your way through to the nearest exit, the whole room shrinking down around you and everybody staring at you and smothering you. In a split second, without you anticipating it, or knowing it's going to happen, your body releases adrenaline. This adrenaline is released as your body is preparing for "flight or fight". Something our brain is programmed to do in a life or death situation. You need adrenaline for a fight in order to be strong, and you need adrenaline for flight, in order to run fast and get away. This would have prepared our cave-dwelling ancestors to fight or run away from danger, but it’s much less appropriate to the stresses we encounter today. Clearly, we are not cavemen any more, and we don't need to hunt for our food, but this adrenaline is released in situations like tripping over a step, being extremely excited, being on a roller-coaster, being in a fight, In an accident, adrenaline is released into our bodies all the time, but us panic attack sufferers have a "SENSITIVE ALARM".

 "You are like the car in the street, who's alarm goes off with the smallest gust of wind, whereas all the other cars, take a good beating before their alarms go off"

What happens during a panic attack?

Adrenaline is released, thus causing your heart to beast faster, and your muscles to tense. We breathe in more oxygen, which our muscles use to turn sugar into energy (even though we don't need extra energy for anything), Blood is diverted to the muscles, making you pale and light headed. This also causes you to shake. Our digestive system shuts down, making your throat dry and making you feel sick. Your senses are heightened, you become more aware of sounds and smells around you (It's like someone turned up the volume, and in a busy place, it was loud enough anyway).

When adrenalin floods your body, it can cause a number of different physical and emotional sensations that may affect you during a panic attack:

These may include:

very rapid breathing or feeling unable to breathe

very rapid heartbeat

pains in your chest

feeling faint or dizzy

sweating/Shivering

ringing in your ears

tingling or numbness in your hands and feet

hot or cold flushes

feeling nauseous

wanting to go to the toilet

feelings of absolute terror

feeling smothered

feeling claustrophobic

being extremely emotional/uncrontrollable crying

feelings of unreality, called depersonalisation and derealisation.

Panic attacks come on very quickly, symptoms usually peaking within 10 minutes. Most panic attacks last for between 5 and 20 minutes. Some people report attacks lasting for up to an hour, but they are likely to be experiencing one attack after another, or a high level of anxiety after the initial attack. After i have a panic attack my anxiety levels will still be heightened until i am in a comfortable place where i feel the safest and on my own so sometimes it can feel like im having a panic attack for hours or until my body calms itself down. 

What triggered my first panic attack was when i was catching a train to my boyfriends and it was the first one i had ever got on and i was really nervous and scared along with already having problems with confidence etc, my body didn't react well. The only problem with that is every time i go to catch a train or go to see my boyfriend i have a panic attack because my body now thinks that when im in that situation its a bad one and i need to get out.Which is so annoying because it made me feel like i didn't want to go and see my boyfriend, that i COULDN'T go see him because it was a bad thing to do. Also when you have a panic attack after you have calmed down you feel absolutely exhausted.

When you have attacks people around you who don't understand can get quite fed up and annoyed by it, which in some cases can lead them to shouting at you or falling out with you because of it, which makes us worse guys!?! 

What can help?

When i had my first panic attack i found walking around and 'reading' something helped by using some of that extra energy and trying to take your mind off it. I also took slow, deep breaths and fanned myself as you get hot flushes and that also uses a lot of energy up. When im with someone and this happens i like them to stay quiet unless i talk to them and it also helps when they drive you around because the views and sounds can help relax and take your mind off things. Any music that's on actually makes me worse as well because its just extra noise and makes me panic more. For some people it can help relax them though. I also read a couple off books about it some can help and some don't. I didn't want to be put onto any medication from the Dr's but i took GABA which my mum gave me which happened to help a lot with my anxiety which helped with my panicking. 

How can you stop it from happening?

You can help to stop from these attacks happening, i find the best one is to say yes to things you wouldn't dream off (and i don't mean like dangerous things) i mean getting on a train and doing anything else that you feel uncomfortable doing and just thinking to yourself this isn't a bad situation and i can do it and i won't let it bother me. Positive thinking is the key and i am getting a lot better at going to catch trains on my own etc.

How to help someone who suffers with panic attacks?

I didn't know how to answer this because every ones different and ive never been in the position of being with someone while they have attack only being the person having one. So i did some research online and picked this up which i think will help a lot and can imagine it helping me alot. Show this to family members, friends, other halfs. Because they may feel lost about not knowing too.

1. Remain calm. There is nothing worse than being with someone who is freaking out whilst they are, they will never calm down if you are flapping about like a headless chicken.

2. Do not be forceful. Be patient, and accepting. Do not settle for them panicking and being affected alone.

3. Let them do things at their own pace.

4. Don't make assumptions about what the panicker needs, ask them.

5. Find something positive in every experience. If the affected person is only able to go partway to a particular goal, such as the cinema or out for a coffee, consider that an achievement rather than a failure.

6. Remember that they don't choose to be this way. Do not show any dissapointment or annoyance when panic strikes or if they don't feel they can't do something.

7. In a panic attack, DON'T say: 
"Relax. Calm down. Don't be anxious. Let's see if you can do this (i.e., setting up a test for the affected person). You can fight this. What should we do next? Don't be ridiculous. You have to stay. Don't be a coward. Pull yourself together, Stop being silly, what's wrong with you".
Instead, DO SAY: 
"You can do it no matter how you feel. I am proud of you. Tell me what you need now. Breathe slow and low. Stay in the present. It's not the place that's bothering you, it's the thought. I know that what you are feeling is painful, but it's not dangerous. You are courageous. Remember that panic attacks only last a maximum of 20 minutes"

8. Do not try to distract them with stupid questions. As I said before, we don't want to say the alphabet backwards or talk about our day, it just highlights the fact that we are having a panic attack, thus creating more panic.

9. Be supportive & reassuring. After a panic attack, the person can feel down, depressed, angry, insecure and with very low self esteem. It's your job to help them to feel better about themselves and to let them know you are there.

I hope this has helped with anybody suffering with panic attacks or knowing someone close who suffers with panic attacks or if you just generally wanted to know about panic attacks and how they affect people in different ways. I will be doing a blog post tomorrow about anxiety attacks.

Love Christina xox 

Wet to Straight: Glued in extensions

Hi Guys,

So basically when i first had these done i searched all over the internet for some tips about how to dry or wash your hair when you have glue in extensions. It may sounds really simple but for someone who hasn't done hair it can be nice to find out. So i thought i would share with you how it works for me. Remember that i am not a hairdresser and you may have a different, better way of doing it. I'm just sharing with you how i do it and hoping this helps you if you have them or thinking about having them done.

So the products i use are:

- Tigi Catwalk Sleek Mystique shampoo & conditioner http://www.feelunique.com/p/TIGI-Catwalk-Sleek-Mystique-Shampoo-Conditioner-Duo-2-x-750ml

- Tresemme hairdryer http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/4438874.htm

- Babyliss Pro Hairdressing straightners

 - Tigi Smooting cream http://www.feelunique.com/p/TIGI-Bed-Head-Dumb-Blonde-Smoothing-Stuff-50ml

- Loreal intensive hair mask http://www.feelunique.com/p/LOreal-Paris-Hair-Expertise-EverRiche-Nourishing-Intense-Mask-200ml

- Joico k-pak treatment http://www.feelunique.com/p/Joico-K-Pak-RevitaLuxe-50ml

Step one: Brush your hair extensions to remove any knots and make it more manageable.

Step two: Gradually wet the hair (it's easier to wash hair in the shower) as if you wet it all at once it may tangle or matte up. 

Step three: Use a good quality shampoo and wash the top half of your hair (the bit with no extensions in) like you normally would and then run your hands over the rest of your scalp not rubbing your hair as it will cause matting and rinse out. 

Step four: Use a good quality conditioner but not too much and try to avoid getting any on the bonds as it will soften them and break down the bond. If you are wanting to use a treatment then same again try to avoid the bonds and only leave in for a maximum of 3 minutes. Make sure you wash out all the product as build up will make your extensions tangle.

Step five: Wrap your hair in a hair turban or towel and let it dry to a damp texture. 

Step six: Part your hair into medium sections to work with and starting from the top dry your bonds and the root area then using a paddle brush (or any other brush you like to use) dry your extensions. Then when one section is done move onto the other. 

Remember to use a bristle brush/ extension brush when working near the bonds

Step seven: When all your hair is done, again part your hair into 4 medium sections and straighten from under the hair bond downwards. And any hair that isn't connected to a hair bond so that is straight also. 

Remember it is important not to straighten over the bond as you will melt the glue.

Step eight: Use some good hair oil and just run a tiny amount through your hair and hair extensions just to make them soft and shiny. Do not get the oil near the bonds or on them. 

And that is it, I hope you all have a great day and i will speak to you soon,

Love Christina xox

How to: Ombre Nails

How to do an ombre nail without going to the salon...

What you need:

• Scissors
• Makeup sponge (or just one that you use to clean your pots with)
• 3 or 4 nail polishes colours of your own choice
• Cotton bud or cotton pad to take off any nail polish on the finger or already on the nail
• Nail varnish remover
• A kitchen towel so you don't mark anything 

What to do:

Cut the sponge to the size and width of your longest nail and your widest nail (or make it easy and cut nails so their all the same size).

Then do a thick coat of each polish color like above on the sponge making sure that they overlap eachother.

Then press the sponge on the finger until it looks blended like above, repeat on all fingers

 Then your nails will look like this. Let them dry completely then wipe off the polish that got on your skin.

And that is how you get ombre nails like this :)

Hope you have fun trying this out :)

Love Christina xox

Stocking fillers + Present ideas

So every Christmas or birthday i sit there and think what i could buy my loved ones this year. Some of my family especially my boyfriend are so awkward to buy for so i find it hard to buy things all the time that i know they will love. I'm one of them that would rather get people what they will need rather than what will just be shoved in a draw and forgotten about. So here are some ideas that i hope help you this year...

For men:

- A pack of gillette disposable razors or razor heads if you know which they use

- A money pot (i got David one for our anniversary and he loves it)

- Mens boxer shorts/socks set

- An experience day (i got mine from menkind.co.uk) 

- Some men gadgets or funny presents from menkind.co.uk (swiss army knife, little Ferrari car etc)

- A gift card for his favorite shop

- His favorite sweets/savory treats

- A funny Christmas t-shirt or pajamas 

- His favorite cologne (the gift sets are really good for christmas)

- Shower gels etc

- A Yankee candle

- A wallet 

- If 18+ suprise him with something nice from ann summers (that you'll obviously wear/use for him)

- Gloves, hat & scarf set

- A mug and hot chocolate gift set

- Their favorite beer, liqueur etc

- A photo frame with your favorite memory with them

- A food/spice set 

For the women:

- A money pot (i got mine from amazon and they have so many different ones to choose from)

- An experience day (i got a modeling one from boots)

- A gift card for her favorite shop

- Her favorite sweets/savory treats

- Pajamas and slipper set

- Her favorite perfume (i like the gift sets)

- Bath & Body gift sets

- A Yankee candle

- Some sexy new underwear/gift from ann summers if 18+

- Gloves, hat & scarf set

- Nail polish gift set

-A cute keyring

- A Me to You teddy bear

- A mug and hot chocolate gift set

- Makeup gift set 

- A photo frame with a picture of your favorite memory with them

- Their favorite wine/liqueur etc 

Another good idea is going to the drugstore shops and taking advantage of their 3 for 2 offers perfect for the womem and for men!! Everybody loves to pamper themselves. 

I hope this helped you for this Christmas or any other time of the year,

Love Christina xox

DIY: 101 reasons why i love you jar

Hi Guys,

So the other day i was thinking of some cute presents i could do for my boyfriend without spending all the money. I think making a present for somebody means a lot more then just going out and buying one. I came up with this idea for a 101 reasons i love you jar. It is super easy and quick to make and it looks so pretty after and even looks good enough to be given too as a gift whether that be Christmas, valentines day or any other time of the year. Or even to keep for yourself to keep makeup or anything else in their. (which i might actually just do ha ha)

What you need:

• A jar (i used an old Yankee candle jar after it had run out)
  
• Some love heart stickers (I got the 3D foam stickers because i thought they looked better)
  
• 101 reasons why you love your boyfriend, girlfriend, family member or friend
• Some fake rose petals 
• Scissors 
• And Microsoft word/paper

What to do:

1. Get an old jam/candle jar it has to be big enough to fit all the paper and the rose petals in and soak it in warm soapy water if there is any labels still on the jar or wax inside it and clean it.
2. After you have cleaned the jar place the stickers on in any pattern or way you want to
3. On Microsoft word make a table of 101x2 making them all the same sizes mine are 2.47 by 8.15 cm and write a reason in each rectangle. If you are doing this on paper do the same thing and make sure you cut them to all the same size.
   
4. You can make the font/color any that you like i just did black writing on a white background and put a little picture of a love heart on each piece.
5. After you have done that and printed them off you want to cut them all and fold them in half then mix them up with the rose petals and place them in the jar.
6. Put the lid on and you are done, the perfect present for a loved one!

Tips:

• Keep each love note short, e.g. i love you because you make me smile, i love you because you make me laugh etc. 
• You don't have to use rose petals add their favorite sweets or gems etc
• On the foam love heart stickers write your loved ones name
• If this isn't for your boyfriend/husband etc use different foam stickers there is loads of different ones to choose from online or at a crafts store.

I hope this helped and you enjoy making this DIY present.

Love Christina xox

DIY: Skin improver

Hi Guys,

So a couple of years ago i was looking for a face product i could use to clear up my hormonal breakouts, blackheads and dull looking skin. But i didn't want to spend all the money on the face products on the high street as some don't work or some aren't good for you in the long run. So i looked for some at home face products i could use that were affordable and good for my skin. This has been my favorite for a long time and it has always worked for me. It is basically a lemon and sugar scrub for your face. 

What you need: 
Organic lemon juice (i get mine in the baking section)
A few cotton pads/cotton balls (i get mine from home bargains)
Organic white cane sugar (again from the baking section)

What you need to do:
-Wash your face clear with warm water to open pores and remove any make-up and so your face is wet ready for the scrub
-Squirt some lemon juice onto your cotton pad and sprinkle the organic sugar onto the pad and in circular motions scrub it around your face except on the eye area
-Wash off the lemon juice and sugar with warm water then splash face with cold water to close pores
- And put on your favorite face cream

How this works:
The sugar and lemon acts as a great exfoliater for the skin removing old skin cells making room for fresh new cells to appear to the top of the skin making your skin look 100x better. Lemons have BHA (beta hydroxy acid) which is good for improving wrinkles, roughness and pigmentation (sun spots) and it has AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) which is good for improving skin texture, collogen production, and helps hydrate the skin making it look healthy and glowing. And obviously as a exfoliator it clears pores and helps get rid of zits and blackheads.

I hope this helped, 

Love Chistina xox