Woman looks to the stars for their best advice on how to pause, chill out and keep on top of our mental health
COMPILED BY: ANNA MATHESON. PHOTOS: ALAMY, BBC, GETTY, INSTAGRAM @HOLLYWILLOUGHBY, @IAMSAIRAKHAN, @LOUISEMINCHIN, @VANOUTEN_DENISE, SHUTTERSTOCK
STRESS AWARENESS MONTH
Holly Willoughby
‘Australia is the land of alternative therapies, and the town that I was in [while filming I’m a Celebrity in 2018] truly had all kinds of things for all kinds of people. Through this wonderful kinesiologist called Josie, I really started to unlock pieces of myself and when I came back to England, I knew that I didn’t want to stop everything I’d learnt. Now I have things in my own hypothetical toolkit, like meditation and sound baths, that really work for me.’
Denise Van Outen
‘I love walking. I could literally walk for hours. So I’ll meet up with a friend and go for a really nice walk. The only time I hate walking is if it’s pouring with rain. Then it’s me on the sofa, with a blanket, watching a lot of reality TV.’
Mel Giedroyc
‘Bed. I am obsessed with my pyjamas, bedsocks, reading lamp, duvet, plump pillows, books, and portable DVD machine that only I am allowed to use. Any night that ends with the lights off before 10pm is a blessed night.’
Louise Minchin
‘I’m really conscious that exercise really helps. If I’m feeling anxious or irritated, I know that, for me, going out and doing some exercise will help. I’m a much less nagging mum after a 45-minute run.’
Rachel Stevens
‘Exfoliating in the bath with a face mask on. It’s good to unwind.’
Lisa Faulkner
‘Counselling has seen me through some difficult times – not only when I lost my mum to throat cancer when I was 16, but through an ectopic pregnancy and several failed rounds of IVF. There’s this assumption a counsellor gives you the answers to your problems, but actually, you just have to talk, and some days you come out feeling great and other days feeling rubbish. It’s not easy, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.’
Victoria Derbyshire
‘Light candles. The magic of the flame and smell makes you feel nice. And keep talking; if there’s something on your mind, don’t be afraid to speak to close friends, family or even your GP.’
Alison Hammond
‘Spirituality is very important to me. It’s taught me to know my worth, and I get comfort from believing there’s someone bigger out there. It’s amazing having something to turn to in times of need.’
Fern Britton
‘I found yoga online about a year ago and it’s wonderful. I do it for my mind and
