Meet Nicola Bonn, our Anxiety Ambassador
We are over the moon to welcome Nicola Bonn, an experienced radio broadcaster and beauty expert with regular lives on social media. Her podcast Outspoken Beauty is one of the UK’s most popular and combines beauty and wellbeing topics. Nicola prides herself on being honest, no holds barred and outspoken. Whilst Nicola gets excited about all the beauty industry has to offer, she will call it out when things don’t feel right. Nicola believes that beauty should be empowering, confidence boosting and loves to celebrate brands and products that help make us feel anything is possible – Skin:Genius being one of them.
Nicola has suffered with anxiety for many years and is an inspiration to so many people as she talks very openly about this. It’s her mission to encourage, inspire and help others find a way to manage their feelings. We are delighted to have Nicola as our Anxiety and Wellbeing Ambassador. Nicola will share how she’s learned to manage the anxiety she feels around her appearance and every day tricky situations. We will discover different techniques, sources and ideas that has helped Nicola cope with her anxiety over time.
Nicola says:
“I love everything that Skin:Genius stands for. It is all about feeling confident just the way you are and never doubting yourself. As someone who has suffered with anxiety on and off since the age of nine I am on a mission to help people feel better about themselves. I am well aware that skin conditions can affect mental health and by normalising them and championing all types of skin, we can help combat this together.
Q & A with Nicola Bonn
How does anxiety affect you on a daily basis and how do you manage it?
Living with anxiety can be a bit of a rollercoaster ride. Some days everything is fine, others are more challenging. I constantly remind myself that it is just a feeling, it can't harm me and that the only way through it is to accept it...get comfortable with discomfort.
What coping techniques do you use when you feel your anxiety rising, what would you recommend to others?
When you feel anxiety rising it's time to take action...less caffeine, get out in nature, walk more, do breathing exercises (there are great breathing bubble ones on the Calm app) and take cold showers.
Is there a direct correlation between anxiety, stress and skin conditions? Which comes first or do they trigger each other?
There is increasing research to show the biological link between our gut, skin and brain and I believe that mental health, gut health and skin health are intrinsically linked. Stress often shows in our skin and equally changes in our skin can also be a sign that all is not right with our mental health. We need to take stock of what our bodies tell us...they have a lot to say.
Who did you get advice from and what have you learnt along the way?
I learn from so many experts, many of whom are guests on my podcast Outspoken Beauty. I have an amazing nutritionist who specialises in nutrition and anxiety and has taught me so much and I also see a therapist who is incredible and has helped me see my anxiety for what it is...something that feels threatening but ultimately can't hurt me.
What would you tell your younger self?
I would tell her that she isn't mad, that lots of people have anxiety and that it's good to be different!
Nicola will be sharing how enxiety hs affected her daily life along with coping strategies for anxiety advice.
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