So I’ve decided that I won’t be going into the New Year hiding anymore. For those of you who thought that the introduction of “The Duvet Diaries” was an odd one, for me it was necessary.
I never wanted to write this post, since watching so many fellow bloggers be torn apart by people for opening up about it. But I’ve had to admit that it’s a huge part of my life now and I live every day with it. Seven months ago, right before took to the stand at BodyPower with my sponsors PhD Woman, I was given the blow that I’d been diagnosed with panic disorder. I now know that there are an alarming number of people who too suffer with it, not to mention bloggers. But when I was told, I knew of no one. I felt weak, alone and ashamed.
The months to follow were a haze of sleeping tablets, panic attacks and Cognitive Behavioural therapy. I think I could have coped with the panic but the panic only came at night which meant sleep was relatively impossible. In that time I lost friends, re-evaluated myself a lot and actually learned a lot about myself that I didn’t no; like I’m not invincible, who knew?!
Suddenly sleep became one of the most important factors in life I started meditating, adjusting my diet, adjusting my training and trying remedies to help in any way possible. As the months went on, although slow, the progress came and so did the knowledge that I am so far from alone in this. Although I still suffer with panic attacks, some which I’m able to explain and some which are completely random, I’m finally at a point where I felt ready to talk and hopefully share any knowledge, regardless of who negatively judged me because of it.
So I hope that explains a little more about how The Duvet Diaries came about and why a beautiful box from Neom with “Perfect Nights Sleep” written on the front would get me so excited.
My Grandma had told me about pillow mists a few months ago so I was over the moon to finally have my own, along side side a bath oil and candle to fill my evening with ultimate tranquility. I like to start an evening of pure relaxation by running a hot bath and lighting the Neom Tranquility candle candle, and soaking for as long as I feel necessary.
Once I finally peel myself from the bottom of the cooling bath I get myself ready for a little meditation, taking the melting candle with me. I’ve learned a lot of really helpful breathing patterns from Yoga recently which I really use during these times because that usually tends to be the first thing to go through the roof whilst my heart fights to break out of my chest. My favourite App at the moment to guide me through my meditation is definitely HeadSpace (which you can grab to download on the App store) and once I’ve regained control of my thoughts and breathing, I spritz a light mist of the Neom pillow spray which works in two ways for me, not only does the spell transport me to the Lavender fields of Provence but also gives my mind something to fully focus on.
This is a process I love to follow, as a panic disorder sufferer there are some episodes that I am yet to master the control of but focusing on and making time for relaxation has been such a huge part of my progress.
I already have a certain family member in mind who too deserves a little tranquility in their life this Christmas and I know exactly what I’ll be getting them.
“Perfect Night Sleep” Gift Box – c/o Neom
