Celebrity Health – Caroline Foran

Caroline Foran photography: © Evan Doherty

Caroline Foran is an international bestselling Irish author, journalist and podcaster whose practical, down-to-earth approach has helped thousands of readers build resilience and navigate anxiety with greater confidence. Her latest book, Everything I Wish I’d Known About Anxiety, combines personal experience with practical advice to help readers quieten overwhelm and reconnect with themselves.

What helps you to feel calm and grounded?

For me, bringing myself back to centre involves going right back to the often-overlooked basics of going for gentle walks – the rhythmic movement signalling safety to our brain, even if our minds are racing with worry. I also watch my intake of stimulants to make sure I’m not overloading my system. I read nightly before sleep and it creates a buffer between daily stresses and rest, which I find so effective. I fall asleep very easily and fast as a result (and I’m sleeping beside my five-year old son). Also, and this is quite niche, I am a huge fan of watching ASMR on YouTube. It’s like being dropped in an instant into the most relaxed physical and mental state I’ve ever been in. It really works for me, and I’m so glad I found it.

What do you tend to eat during a typical day?

I’ve been having gut issues, and so healthy eating is of paramount importance to make sure I feel well. But right now, I seem to be reactive to everything because I’m significantly stressed. I have some intolerances, like lactose, and I react to a lot of FODMAPs, so I try to eat calm, simple foods. There are a lot of healthy foods I have to be mindful of for how they make me feel, so it’s more about managing things for my tummy than anything else. I love to eat porridge with peanut butter and berries. I love sourdough as it’s easier on my digestion, and I would happily eat a rotisserie chicken every day.

Do you take any supplements?

I take a probiotic for my gut. I go in and out of phases of taking a supplement for my skin which is loaded with vitamin A. I also try to be consistent with my omegas.

What type of exercise do you enjoy?

Exercise is so important, so if I’m feeling really frazzled, it might just be a walk outside, and sometimes that’s enough. But I find lifting weights is key for me. It’s resistance-based training so it’s activating my parasympathetic nervous system rather than massively spiking my heart rate in the way intense cardio might. I also love Pilates that incorporates some weights into the routine. I try to do something every day.

Do you shop in health stores?

Yes, I do. I buy omegas and probiotics for my son, who is autistic. Supplementing is so important for him because eating a well-balanced diet is hard for most kids, but even more so for those on the spectrum.

Can you offer our readers any tips for managing anxiety?

It’s near impossible to not be impacted by the environment we’re in and it’s no personal failing if you’re feeling the effects of it. I think it’s really important to start by acknowledging how heavy all of that is and how susceptible we are to being affected because we are deeply feeling, caring, socially minded humans. It’s a good thing that we care. But within that, while we are having a completely appropriate reaction to the world around us, we do have to make an effort to create some boundaries.

It’s so hard to step away from the lure of the phone and the infinite scroll. However, I’ve seen a lot of people now use a shelf or a holder on a wall at home where they can leave their phone, like we used to do with a housephone. I love this idea.

Above all else, never underestimate the power of your breath to signal feelings of safety and calmness to your busy mind. Try taking a walk around the block without scrolling on your phone the entire time. Or pause from your work to do a few deep breaths with an emphasis on a longer exhale. This acts like a brake pedal for your nervous system. You don’t have to avoid everything and overhaul your life, but insert practical moments to reset and you’ll find yourself a lot better able to cope.

Everything I Wish I’d Known About Anxiety: A Roadmap Back to Yourself by Caroline Foran is out now. Published by Gill Books, priced at €18.99.

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