Keeping Calm for Highly Focused Productivity

Do you find it difficult to focus some or all of the time? Are you not as productive as you’d like to be? Or is this something that’s affecting your work team or a family member?

You’re not alone in these challenges. According to the World Health Organisation Ireland is in the top 10 countries worldwide for per cent of population affected by anxiety disorders (W.H.O. 2017). In addition they’ve reported that the cost of anxiety and depression to the global economy is US$ 1 Trillion per year in lost productivity.

The good news is, it doesn’t have to be that way. I provide a meaningful approach to reclaiming your calm for highly focussed productivity and a better life.

#FocusforSuccess

This is your opportunity to pause and reflect, to find a new starting point leading to greater results.

In this article, I invite you to take advantage of the following free supports to get you started.

  1. Webinar on Keeping Calm for Highly Focused Productivity (replay).
  2. An Anxiety Support Sheet packed with insights and strategies for short and longer term benefits for reclaiming calm and improving focus and productivity.
Seven C's to Calm Book
The Way to Calm

"Actively promoting staff wellbieng leads to greater staff productivity, morale and retention and reduced sickness, absenteeism and presenteeism"

Chartered Institute of Personal Development (C.I.P.D.)

Webinar Replay – Keeping Calm for Highly Focused Productivity

During this webinar series of Jigsaw’s Never Mind the Buzz Words, I shared insights from my own personal story of recovery from burnout, anxiety and panic attacks, as well as providing strategies and techniques for improving your wellbeing, focus and productivity. I also talk about how managers can support their employees’ mental wellbeing.

Watch the replay to discover how to:

Thanks to Julie O'Sullivan from Jigsaw for inviting me as guest speaker on this topic. We had a very engaging interactive discussion with like-minded people. Join the replay here.

Click to Watch the Replay

Access Your Free Anxiety Support Sheet

Sign up to receive your free support sheet which provides:
Anxiety Support Sheet

Employee Wellbeing - Approaching the Issue of Anxiety:

Many employers are realising that wellbeing is not something that can be ignored. The best workplaces take proactive steps to ensure their people can manage the inevitable challenges they will face, so that they can remain calm, focused, and productive. During my webinar with Julie, I highlighted ways we can support ourselves and others to be better equipped to handle the challenges of anxiety and stress and to avoid burnout.

I wrote Seven C's to Calm for the following reasons:

By providing a copy of Seven C’s to Calm to your team you are:

Seven C’s to Calm provides:

My book of calm is available on Amazon.

Alternatively if you require a signed copy you can purchase directly from my online shop.

For bulk orders of 50 or more copies get in touch to request a quote inclusive of delivery.

Purchase Seven C's to Calm from Amazon Purchase Seven C's to Calm from the Author Make Enquiry for Orders 50+

Carlow Creative Rising - Things are happening in Carlow

Carlow was the capital of Ireland once upon a time. You wouldn’t hear much about that nowadays. You’d be more likely to hear about the fact that Carlow had a thriving sugar factory but that too has passed.

It’s a town surrounded by rich agricultural land, a glacial hill and a Dolmen. It’s the home of Teagasc, two significant third level colleges, a state of the art gallery and theatre and an entrepreneurial community with international players in the mix.

In 2014, I moved back to Carlow from the city, all set to inspire self-care and the pursuit of authenticity. But Carlow wasn't ready for all that. In general the mood was low.

Four years on, things have changed and I know I played my part. It's possible too, that I entered the scene when Carlow was on the rise.

Carlow Creative
Caroline Cunningham at George Bernard Shaw Theatre
Caroline Cunningham at Carlow Library

#MakingitHappen

My arrival in Carlow co-incided with the launch of a new Local Enterprise Office, through which I availed of networking opportunities and learning supports for my business. Their #makingithappen hashtag certainly applied to my initiatives in the next few years.

Creative initiatives were springing up. I dived right in. Within a year, a portrait drawing of mine was being displayed on the outside of the Post Office building alongside the work of local artists.

By establishing a close relationship with Carlow Library, I exhibited my art in their beautiful Shaw Room many times and launched two books.

By 2017. I had RTE inviting me to showcase my work and my journey on their Nationwide TV programme.

Carlow is Rising | 2018

By 2018 Carlow had become a bit of a curiosity. Walk through Tullow Street you'd be likely to hear the most unusual snippets of conversation and witty remarks between passersby. There's more of a stir and a sense of things about to happen any minute.

Cursed Murphy & The Resistance

Things certainly happened when author Peter Murphy came to town to take up a writer’s in residence position. I signed up to avail of Peter's expertise and wisdom with the aim of being a better writer.

Peter put me through my paces. I absorbed every bit of his critique with the view to handing in a better piece next time. Within, two months I was a different writer, still with a lot to learn but a good deal better than at the start of our work together.

Never did I expect to be on stage in the George Bernard Shaw Theatre reading a chapter of my work in front of a live audience. That was exciting.

Nine of us had taken part in Peter’s workshops. We were proud to share the stage with our rebellious-spirited tutor as he performed his spoken word show to the title of Cursed Murphy and The Resistance.

Cursed Murphy & The Resistance

Carlow Rocks | 2019

Through Peter's residency in Carlow, I discovered another layer of creatives all as madly passionate about writing as myself. Carlow was not only rising it was starting to rock.

Peter Murphy is set to return to Carlow in 2019, for the launch of Dr. Derek Coyle's book of poetry entitled Reading John Ashbery in Costa Coffee, Carlow. I highly recommend putting the date in your calendar (April 10th, 7.30pm in Carlow College).

Peter Murphy is the author of several books including Shall We Gather at the River and John the Revelator.

Books for the Soul

Take a break from the chaos and dip into some inspiration from my travels and walks in nature or get some insights on achieving calm.

My books are available on through my online shop. Dare to explore more.

Books by Caroline Cunningham
Explore Books for the Soul

Authors on Twitter - My favourites

Starting your own business for the first time is both exciting and daunting and especially so when you are daring to ditch your fearful, doubting alter-ego aka your 'imposter' self for once and for all. Networking and marketing are a necessary part of getting your business of the ground and essential to growth.

As an introvert & someone who previously stayed out of the lime-light for all the wrong reasons, I want you to know that opportunities await once you decide to be your authentic self.

When I embraced my authenticity and started to market my artwork and books I made new connections that served me well. These are just a few examples of people who have supported my work, they are all talented, courageous and kind.

"These are authors who are dedicated to their genre and who have interesting stories to tell, in fact some are thrilling and they share their stories with tremendous passion and enthusiasm."

Author Ellie Douglas
Ellie Douglas

If horror is your thing you should check out Author Ellie Douglas. I confess I'm not one for horror but I know that Ellie’s work is very much craved by her fans and she has won quite a few awards.

If you don’t fancy horror then you may like one her interesting colouring books for adults.

Ellie is a very warm-hearted and kind human being I can’t believe she revels in this other world of fangs, gore and flesh-ripping tales. You can find Ellie on twitter  as @AuthorEllie and visit her website.

Miriam Mc Guirk

Soon after launching my first book, I acquired another lovely twitter friend. Author Miriam Mc Guirk purchased my poetry book and gave me a lovely review on social media.

I also purchased Miriam’s book ‘Shattered Dreams & Scorpions at Midnight’, a non-fiction travel memoir set in Turkey, where Miriam slowly recovered from a debilitating illness. Her story is full of endearing tales of adjustment to a new culture and finding one’s place in a distant land.

Visit Miriam’s blog where you can also purchase her books she is @Miriam_McGuirk on Twitter.

Author
Janvi Jaji

It was a joy to find Author Janvi Jaji, a teenage Indian student whose passion for writing leaps from the screen. We instantly became writer sisters. From time to time, we check-in to see what progress is being made with our plans for conquering the world with our books and stories. Janvi is the author of The Triumph Drive, which tells an inspiring story about a man who rose from very a lowly position to great heights but there is a lesson to be learned about success. Janvi's book trailer is here.

While I originally found Janvi on Twitter you will find her more actively keeping her fans posted on Instagram.  You can read more of Janvi's stories on her blog too.

Author
William B Hedgepeth

Author William B. Hedgepeth is another of my interesting friends on Twitter. William is the author of ‘Wild Wilful Heart’. The title itself is very apt. Wild Wilful Heart is a gripping tale of spiritual quest, full of strange, wonderful, sometimes hair-raising encounters. These are some of the details of William’s true-life experience. There are plenty of highs and lows. In the end love wins the day, with a more peaceful settling of the heart. William resides in the USA it is lovely to know that I have someone rooting for me on the other side of the world.

You can find William on Twitter as @WBooneHedgepeth or visit his website to purchase a copy of his book ‘Wild Wilful Heart’.

Author
Maria Lehtman

Maria Lehtman is another of my special author friends. Maria found me on twitter after the launch of my poetry book which she purchased and soon after provided me with a lovely review. Nine months later Maria contacted me to invite me to be featured in her next book, The Dreaming Doors, which was published six months later. It is full of Maria’s thought-provoking poetry and photography and creative graphics, inspired by the many interesting doorways Maria found on her travels. The book features two of my poems and images of two of my paintings. You can follow Maria on twitter @LehtmanMaria or visit her blog where you can also purchase a copy of The Dreaming Doors. Maria also creates magical nature videos on Instagram

I help people who want to succeed with their business and personal goals. I believe success is more amazing when you embrace your authenticity. Learn from some who has walked that path. Join my newsletter for more inspiration or check out my on-line course and wellness coaching options. Live your amazing life.

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Choose Your Path to Wellness & Success

Focus for Success

Kick Starter Guide

(e-Book)

Focus for Success

6 Week Programme

(on-line course)

Personalised

Wellness Coaching

Visual Carlow for Books

Explore a fine selection of books at the The Visual gallery in Carlow book shop. My own books are available there too, amongst books on topics of art, local history, culture.

Look out for Seven C’s to Calm – Reclaiming your Anxiety-free Self and The Whisperings of Nature (poetry).

Visual Gallery Carlow Books
Caroline Cunningham Author

The Visual Carlow

The Visual, opened in 2009, is home to contemporary art and the George Bernard Shaw Theatre, where you can also enjoy a beverage or a fine meal, with a stylish bar and restaurant on site.

The building is the designed by architect Terry Pawson with expertise in designing buildings for the arts and cultural sectors. It is reported to be Ireland’s largest gallery space, 3130m² in total, comprising four principle gallery spaces, the largest white cube gallery space in the country and houses a 335-seat theatre.

The Visual provides high-quality national and international contemporary art, plus a host of performances and events in multiple disciplines.

The next time you visit Carlow, take time to visit the gallery and check out the book store.

Visual Gallery Books
Visual Carlow Books by Caroline Cunningham

Seven C’s to Calm Reader Review:

"An extremely helpful book for dealing with your anxiety in a non-judgemental way, along with outlining specific ways in which you can manage your anxiety better. I loved reading this book and found Caroline’s approach to anxiety genuinely helpful and very knowledgeable."

Deborah Byrne, Psychologist, Wexford, Ireland

The Whisperings of Nature Reader Review:

Tranquillity, harmony and a restored connection with nature all in one little book of poems! ‘The Whisperings of Nature’ is a wonderful and inspiring little poetry book written by Caroline Cunningham. This is Caroline’s first published book of poetry and it represents her journey in discovering her authentic self and her reconnection with nature which transcends beautifully through her written work.

Krystal Long, Speaker & Blogger, Well-being Advocate, Cork, Ireland

My books are Available On-line

Restore Calm
Connect with Nature

Carlow Library a Valuable Resource for Creativity & Wellbeing

Carlow town and county has a great resource in the form of it’s County Library (Tullow Street, Carlow). Formerly a Presentation Convent school, the building has been adapted to combine with the County Musuem  and Tourist Office.

While the main library is bright, airy and modern, it has also retained a room of special character from the buildings original use as convent school. This room is known as The Shaw Room in acknowledgement of Carlow’s connection with acclaimed writer George Bernard Shaw who bequeathed part of his legacy to Carlow town enabling the beginnings of Carlow Library.

The Shaw Room is a valuable asset of the library and may be provided for use by local community groups and individuals for the purposes of education, exhibition and demonstration (this requires advance booking and consultation with the library).

As a creative Carlovian, I have been very fortunate to have had use of the Library’s Shaw Room on a number of occasions. I have used it to launch my art collection ‘The Sacred Lives of Trees’ and two self-published books and to present a well-being workshop and a singing performance (all within a 12 month period).

During these events, I have had the full support of the library staff. I am sincerely grateful for their warm welcome and assistance on every occasion. Although they tell me I am no trouble to them at all, they always made sure I had everything I needed.

Through Carlow County Library, I made very useful connections with other groups such as ‘Glor Ceatharlach’ (promoting Irish Language) and Carlow Mental Health association (Mensana).

When RTE’s 'Nationwide' reporter, Helen Mc Inerney invited me to be featured as an author on topic of anxiety, I was delighted to share that limelight with my friends at Carlow County Library.

An atmosphere of mutual support and promotion is something to be encouraged and it is especially welcomed by those of us in the arts, who provide inspiration and well-being benefits in our wider community.

Visit Carlow Library on Facebook Page or via their Website or simply drop in to their fine building on Tullow Street, Carlow to find out about their range of services and events which includes genealogy and learning supports.

And the good news is that my books are on their shelves too:

Purchase a copy of Seven C's to Calm - Reclaiming your Anxiety-free Self
Purchase your copy of The Whisperings of Nature (Calming Poetry)

Easons Carlow for my books including Seven Cs to Calm

Eason’s book store in Carlow now stock my books, ‘The Whisperings of Nature’ (poetry) and ‘Seven C’s to Calm – Reclaiming your Anxiety-free Self’.

Both books can be found in the ‘Mind Body Spirit’ section of Eason’s in Carlow’s Fairgreen Shopping Centre.

‘The Whisperings of Nature’ offers poetry inspired by nature and is an ideal accompaniment to my self-care book ‘Seven C’s to Calm – Reclaiming your Anxiety-free Self', which offers support and encouragement for people who suffer with anxiety (a workbook is included also).
I experienced a lot of anxiety in the past, including panic attacks. Nature has been a great source of comfort and healing in my life. In my books I share my learning with readers who seek inspiration for their own path to authenticity.

Despite the challenges that anxiety can present, it is possible to make positive changes that allow us to move towards the things that bring us greater happiness and peace.

Consider buying my books if you are some who appreciates the comfort and wisdom offered by nature or if seeking inspiration to ease your anxiety. Also ideal for a friend or family member who may need encouragement in dealing with anxiety.
My books are available on-line too. Get your copy HERE

Becoming an Indie - Self Published Author

Do you have a dream? Is there some idea or inkling that beckons you at various times, making you wonder if there is another pathway you should be exploring? What stories or inventions lurk inside you that could make life better for us all?

In 2017, I officially became a self-published author and that gives me a great sense of achievement. I’m proud to be a self-published, ‘Indie’ author of a book of nature poems and a self-care book to help people who suffer with anxiety.

The way I see it, life is incredibly short. I had a close call with death as a pedestrian one year. While I was crossing the road, the driver of a stopped car decided at the last minute, to turn the corner. In that moment as the car accelerated towards me, I screamed one word. ‘NO!’ I had not completed the work I was sent to do. I knew instantly that my life had changed forever.

"I knew instantly that my life had changed forever."

Listen to Your Heart & Get on With the Show:

From that moment, I paid more attention to my heart’s desires and instincts. I increased my momentum of learning, making decisions and taking action. In the years that followed:

  • I qualified as a therapist of reflexology.
  • I started to paint and exhibit my art-work and honoured trees as a source of my well-being.
  • I paid heed to an instinct that told me I should travel to Peru. Going there was hugely inspiring and caused me to start writing about my journey there and sharing it with others in my first blog Wild Star Landing. I didn’t even know what a blog was before then and I had never let people see into my world like that before.
  • My confidence as a writer grew after my blog became a finalist in the Ireland Blog Awards. I started blogging for my therapy business too, these posts also reached the finals in the business sections for a few years in row.
  • I went from being quite reserved and in-ward looking to being more open and wanting to inspire others to experience the joys of life.

What being Self-Published Means to Me

Being self-published means, I can publish my books when I choose and I get to keep all the profits of my hard earned work. I’m certainly open to the traditional publishing route of agents and editors, but not at the expense of waiting forever, to know if my work is going to be accepted or rejected.

The fact is, there are people out there who love what I do. Some of them have even taken time to review my books in their blogs or by leaving helpful comments on various sites like Amazon or social media platforms. My books have been purchased by people from all over Ireland and the world.

I’m grateful to have discovered this gift even though the truth is I suspected it was there but always told myself I was too busy to explore the ideas. Time is precious but I was too busy doing menial things and told myself things like ‘it doesn’t pay the bills.’ Regardless of what bills it pays it puts my sense of wellbeing in a very strong place. Our mental health is especially important, I wouldn’t put a price on it. I want to do it all! Live, love and be the best I can be so that others will be inspired to do the same.

"I want to do it all! Live, love and be the best I can be so that others will be inspired to do the same."

Take Action While You Can.

Miraculously, I survived that accident with the car. I was thrown through the air and landed in a heap on the road. It was a wake-up call. I’ve had a few of them in my life. If you’re reading this far perhaps you’ve had some similar experiences. Do you have a dream too? Are you ready to explore them more?

I work with people who want to find expression for their authenticity, to realise their goals and dreams. I provide books, courses and personalised coaching programmes to help you get started or back on track. Check out the options below or join my newsletter for Authentic Path Inspiration.

Check out my Selection of Calming Books

Choose Your Path to Wellness & Success

Focus for Success

Kick Starter Guide

(e-Book)

Focus for Success

6 Week Programme

(on-line course)

Personalised

Wellness Coaching

These Fab People Reviewed My Books!

My Books Reviewed by Poetry Fans & Health Professionals

I became a self-published author in 2017 and published two books that year, one a book of poetry and the other a self-help book. Along with the poetry lovers and health professionals who provided testimonials for my book covers, I was also approached by bloggers in the wellness sector who offered to review my books. Both my books are available on Amazon and through my on-line shop.

"My books have received favourable feedback from readers and my peers in the mental health professions."

The Whisperings of Nature is a book of poetry inspired by nature, offering comfort, wisdom and inspiration to fellow lovers of words and nature.

‘Seven C’s to Calm – Reclaiming your Anxiety Free Self’. offers encouragement and support to those who struggle with the limiting and uncomfortable effects of anxiety.

"Developing authenticity has helped me to connect with like-minded people who really get and appreciate my work."

Introducing some of the Fabulous People who’ve Reviewed My Books:

Deborah Byrne Psychology Services (Wexford Ireland)

Deborah provides counselling and life coaching or individuals, couples, parents and carers. Deborah’s passion is to empower clients by helping them to recognize their inner strengths and leveraging them to face challenges and fears head-on so that they can create the kind of life they deeply desire.

‘I work with my clients to help them feel courageous & empowered. To seek solutions to problems & difficulties life has thrown in their path.’

Contact Deborah Byrne to arrange support.

Krystal Long, Professional Trainer, Speaker & Mental Health Advocate

Krystal Long is an experienced and qualified trainer in the area of Computer application and soft skills development. She has worked with teenagers, people with disabilities and mature adults in a variety of organisations.

Krystal is also an inspirational speaker who provides personal insights into mental health, sharing her unique story of recovery from depression, trauma and agoraphobia. Krystal has delivered her heart-felt stories to the public in both voluntary and corporate organisations.

Krystal is committed to the journey of self-discovery and empowering others to be true to themselves. Krystal is also a creative writer and blogger. Her blog including her review for my poetry book is at Krystal’s Journal.

Fran Malone Clinical Hypnotherapy (Cork & Dublin, Ireland)

Fran Malone is dedicated to helping people to move beyond their fears, limiting beliefs and anxieties. Fran originally studied hypnotherapy, hypnosis and NLP in the UK and started his first clinic there. When he returned to Ireland he studied Clinical Hypnotherapy with Irish Hypnosis and now has clinics in Tallaght (Dublin) and Cork city.

Fran provides support and a very structured approach for any person wanting to quit smoking and lose weight. Fran has a life-long experience working in the caring profession and has a passion for continuous learning and helping his client’s to succeed in their goals.

Fran helps people with anxiety, depression, phobias, weight-loss, smoking, self-esteem & addiction and more.

Arrange an appointment with Fran Malone in either Cork or Dublin (Tallaght)

Gloria Mc Breen, Holistic Therapist, Workshop Facilitator & Writer

Gloria has had an interest in natural healing remedies and practice since her teens and is a professional therapist in many modalities including massage and reflexology.

Gloria creates and facilitates well-being work-shops and is a contributor to Atlantis Eire Holistic & Celtic Spirit Magazine. She is also a health and wellness blogger and novelist.

Gloria enjoys life in the west of Ireland as a proud mother and grandmother who is also devoted to her caring husband.

You can connect with Gloria and read her review of my poetry book at her website We are Holistic.

I’m grateful for the wonderful reviews my supporters have taken time to write and share with others. Developing authenticity has helped me to connect with like-minded people who really get and appreciate my work. My books are available at most on-line book stores such as Amazon and from time I have a small selection in my own on-line shop which can be signed if my clients request it. My books are useful wellness resources for yourself or a friend or family member. I invite you to check them out.

Go shopping for Books of Calm by Caroline Cunningham

Return of the Sacred Trees - VIDEO TOUR

There's no imaginable excuse for missing out on my last tour of The Sacred Lives of Tree's that's because I made THIS VIDEO especially for you to enjoy (:

2025 Update

The Sacred Lives of Tree's exhibition tours were warmly received all over. While many of original paintings are now in good homes around Ireland and Europe, there's still some opportunity to obtain a piece in the form of print or painting. If you liked the virtual tour, pop over to my online gallery and discover your own perfect tree art work.

Explore The Sacred Lives of Trees Collection

Art Gifts & Books for Christmas & All Occasions

For the one who buys the most thoughtful gifts for others for Christmas, birthdays and anniversaries and for those who like to surround themselves with colour and comforting nature inspiration, this post is especially for you.

Spend as little as €12 or more on books, paintings and art prints with lots of variety to choose from.

Books of Poetry and Calm:

My books evoke feelings of calm and encourage people to restore and maintain calm. 'Seven C's to Calm - Reclaiming your Anxiety-free Self' provides tips for self-care and includes a workbook. The Whisperings of Nature provides thought-provoking nature-inspired poems. Click on the book images to go straight to purchase area (Amazon & Feedaread book stores).

Restore Calm
Connect with Nature

Art Print Gifts for All Occasions:

Discover my affordable art prints, with options for customising lifestyle items; phone-covers, tote bags and even personalised greetings cards. The beauty of this option is that you get to choose the size of the art print and the format (e.g. paper or canvas options) and ultimately you choose within your budget.

Gifts for All Occasions

Limited Edition Prints:

Ganga Dreaming Limited Edition Art Print
Ganga Dreaming Limited Edition
Give the Gift of a Limited Edition


Limited edition art prints provide a high quality affordable option for you to obtain an original Caroline Cunningham art piece.

Art of Caroline Original Paintings:

Often people prefer to have the original painting for their home or workspace. My art is an expression of stories that awaken dreams and keep them alive. I love vibrant colours and the freedom of allowing imagination to seep through reality.

Explore my paintings in the interest of feeding your own dreams and keeping them alive. You'll find landscapes, trees, scenes from lands such as India and Portugal.

See something you like, get in touch to make it yours.

Choose Inspiration for your Home

Seven C's to Calm on BookLine Radio

Radio Interview - Discussing Anxiety & Seven C’s to Calm

Teresa Quinn of Book Line on Liffey Sound 96.4 FM kindly invited me to her live radio show to discuss my book and my authentic path, a story of recovery and transformation.

Many people suffer silently with anxiety. It’s a condition that can deplete your energy, deprive you of sleep and can lead to loneliness and depression. Anxiety makes life very restrictive for many people.

By learning more about anxiety and implementing better coping strategies you can start the process of restoring calm and wellbeing and ultimately achieve a richer life experience. The reason I know this is possible is because I’ve already succeeded in doing this for myself. In our interview Teresa agrees with me that more people need to know that they too can succeed.

Book Line Presenter Teresa Quinn

About My Book

In Seven C’s to Calm – Reclaiming your Anxiety-Free Self, I share the strategies that helped me to restore calm and to begin to live a more fulfilling life. My book is purposefully written to avoid over-whelm. There are supportive suggestions and a work-book is included to make the exercises easy to use.

Your Journey to Calm Starts Here
Listen back to the Interview.

Calling out Anxiety for what it is!

Top Secret Stuff

If you suffer from anxiety it is quite likely that along with the discomfort of the anxiety itself, you have also been working hard to keep it top secret.

In this competitive world of ours, we do all we can to keep the bright side out, to look our best and be strong. Appearing weak and vulnerable doesn’t seem to fit with the way of things. Yet, sometimes by exposing that very part of ourselves we actually grow stronger.

More and more people (including myself), are calling it out that they have suffered mental anguish and despite this they have managed to overcome all sorts of trials. Our stories of triumph over anxiety contribute to the ending of stigmas and inspire others to take action to seek an improved life experience.

What it is & What it’s Not

Anxiety is actually more like a learned behaviour, habit or response to something that has caused trauma at some point in our lives, particularly at an early age when we are most susceptible and lacking in knowledge.

It’s suggested in some circles that being of a more sensitive disposition makes us more susceptible to anxiety. I am of the opinion that without role models to show us that sensitivity is actually a strength and not weakness we may fool ourselves to thinking it’s all our own fault and not much we can do. We owe it to each other to be that role model. Recovery from anxiety is possible whether you have the gift of heightened sensitivity or not.

What’s Going On

Some amount of anxiety is normal and, similar to fear, it alerts us to take stock of something or pay attention in certain situations. Messages we pick up through our environment, combined with thoughts/stored memories can lead to sensations in our body, triggered by our nervous and endocrine (hormonal) systems.

Adrenaline is one of the notable hormones being released into our blood stream when we are anxious. The term ‘fight or flight’ is used to describe how adrenaline prepares our body when we feel there may be some threat or danger imminent e.g. delivering more glucose and oxygen to specific sites such as muscles to help us move faster by generating more energy.

Anxiety (including panic attacks and phobias) however can be triggered when there is no apparent threat. Parts of our brain (e.g. the limbic system) house an extensive record of stored memories, for comparison purposes, with our on-going life experiences. If a significant match is found in these records, suggesting something in our current environment is not good for us or may cause a problem then the stress response is likely to be triggered.

Damaging Long-Term Effects

When anxiety is constantly being triggered you are effectively ‘leaking adrenaline’ into your system. Left unattended, this constant excess of adrenaline has consequences for our long-term health and well-being.

Energy level, sleep quality and concentration are all set to suffer. There can be consequences too for creating imbalance in our endocrine system, as hormones affecting fertility and digestion are impacted by excess amounts of adrenaline.

Another detrimental factor of prolonged anxiety (especially if it presents as panic attack or phobia) is the avoidance of places, situations and people. This in turn can lead to restricted life experiences which can impact our self-esteem and mental health by cutting off some of our basic needs which are obtained from social engagement and personal relationships.

"Seven Cs to Calm is a good investment for people who want to restore calm and experience life with more purpose and joy."

Caroline Cunningham Author & Authentic Path Coach

Seven C’s to Calm Book

I wrote ‘Seven C’s to Calm – Reclaiming your anxiety-free self’ to provide support and encouragement for people who are suffering with anxiety and especially for those of you who do not know where to start.

In this little book, I share insights and tips that I’ve learned from my 20 years+ of personal experience and study, which have empowered me to live with greater authenticity and wellbeing.

Designed with Purpose

  • The book is intentionally small and simple because we tend to feel over-whelmed when anxious.
  • Seven C’s to Calm can be discreetly carried in your handbag or satchel and can act as a powerful anchor as you go about your day to day business.
  • A workbook is provided to make it easy for you to implement the suggestions in the Seven C's plan.
Purchase Seven C’s to Calm Today

Reader Reviews

My readers have given Seven C’s to Calm a resounding thumbs up for its effectiveness and no-nonsense approach.

Laura, Carlow, Ireland

"Seven C’s to Calm’ is a handy guide that can be easily referred to because of its size. The content and the 7 C’s idea is good. I am going to use it with an anxious child of mine."

Teresa, Dublin, Ireland

"Seven C’s to Calm is absolutely excellent, informative, honest and easy to comprehend"

Mary, Dublin, Ireland

"Love it! I found ‘Seven C’s to Calm’ very positive, I loved the idea of a three month plan and finding your comfort place. I am going to start now writing down three positive things that happened during the day and look back over them at the end of the week. A lovely idea and I think very positive. I will read this again. I think ‘Seven C’s to Calm’ is something you can keep referring to."

Bernadette, Wexford Ireland

"Seven C’s to Calm’ is beautifully written and full of useful and meaningful information.  I also found it very calming. I like the way you made it very simple and instructive as to what people can do and you continued to remind people that it is small steps that matter. I really like the writing style as it is easy to read and not jarring.  You know the books that tell you it’s all so simple, which is nonsense but the fact that you have been through this really pulls in the reader to act on your suggestions."

Margaret, Dublin, Ireland

"I have just finished reading and re-reading Seven C's to Calm. I found it very inspiring. When you’re feeling anxious it's often overwhelming but the practical ideas in this book make it seem manageable. Setting a three month goal is a great idea as sometimes people think it's an overnight fix and that there is something wrong when not feeling better straight away. Also I found giving helpful suggestions for the daily and weekly plan is great as sometimes even wondering what to do for that can cause anxiety in itself so when you see the suggestions it's really helpful."

Janet, London, UK

"I read your book and I have to say I found it very good, it is very clear, precise and to the point with good suggestions. I will certainly use it in the coming months."