KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON / ALLOTMENT GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS 

You are such a brave person, Emma, for staying with your panic attack and not fleeing, which would be the most natural reaction. Keep going and keep gardening, I love your videos!

I love how Einstein always touches down exactly 2.46 seconds after Emma puts out his dinner.

Oh, Em. I don't know if you like hugs but I so wanted to be able to give you a big hug . I get it. Have had anxiety disorders since childhood and I'm 47. You're doing amazing. Lots of relaxation but living WITH it is the way. Obviously gardening and nature helps! Therapy and meds when needed. You take care and thank you for being so open and honest. ❤🫂

One thing that helps me is talking myself through it in my head and deep breathing. I say to myself " you are ok. You know what this is, it's just a panic attack, you are not dying, you are not hurt. You are not in danger. It's ok" over and over .

Being in the garden is the BEST therapy

Emma it is your allotment therefore move your plants to wherever you want. Thank you for sharing your videos.

I had anxiety and depression for years cured it by listening to hypnosis cds from Amazon as always happy gardening Richardx

Emma sweetheart ❤ You are doing it so good! Breathing, doing other stuff to keep your mind busy, knowing that you will be ok. I have suffered from anxiety for many years, I got my first panic attack in school when I was 14. Im 45 now and still get them. But now I know what they are and how to handle it. My happy place is the garden. Some days I don't do anything, I just sit there and exist. That's what we do, we exist. From that stage we dare, we dare to live. We live and we learn, we learn and we win. You won ❤ Hugs from Sweden 🇸🇪

Oh I feel for you Emma. There is lots of excellent advice on how to cope in the comments. Makes you realise you are not alone. Breathe, tell yourself you are ok. Like one comment said she was in her 70s, like me. I have learnt over the years that anxiety and depression can strike at any time with sometimes years between attacks and then it just pops up seemingly out of nowhere. My allotment is my happy place but I think this year with the dreadful weather it’s not working for me. Instead it is adding to my anxiety as very little is growing except massive weeds and i just can’t keep on top of it. This weekend in the Lake District it was 12C. What wants to grow in that temperature! Definitely endless dull, damp days are making me depressed. Remember you will be fine, keep busy as it keeps the gremlins out of your head. Take care of yourself, you are not alone. Xx

A trip to Emma's allotment, a visit from Einstein,some funny/crazy Emma talk, that's all the sunshine we need.

My garden is my happy place too. I escape to the plants when life gets too much so no need to explain xx

Love how you deal with the anxiety, and let everyone see your just such a star. ❤

I know what you mean about an autumnal feel the air. I thought the very same thing earlier this week in the garden. And Emma, thank you for sharing your bad day with us and not hiding it, it was a comfort to hear how you deal with your attacks when they hit. I was someone who never really understood how a proper panic attack or anxiety attack felt. I have a thunderstorm phobia and hate them and get panicky at the thought of being stuck when one strikes but I had a reason to feel panic so it was trivial to me and my family. Then I got to menopause and suddenly my multitasking and juggling job and life and children with ease previously vanished like overnight. I had my first full blown panic attack locked myself in the toilets at work and cried and couldn't breath and was shaking. It was horrible and I felt so out of control suddenly. I calmed down and told my boss I felt unwell suddenly and went home. I then had several more over the coming months and used to take myself off to a local park and just sit. And realised being outdoors helped me root myself. I got back into gardening and sought help with HRT when I realised it was a symptom of menopause. You are so right about being outdoors and nature as it really does help.

Emma, I have no bees, and I've planted so many flowers for them. What a worry... I hope you're alright ❤ Thanks Einstein for watching Emma for us

You are an incredible inspiration. Not only growing things but on a healthy attitude when faced with adversity. You bring so much joy to the world

Yes it's totally miserable for July. I also suffer with anxiety and depression too, and I think the weather has an impact on our moods and I always feel happier when it's bright and warm and the bees are buzzing around the flowers 😊

I hope you're doing okay Emma!! Anxiety can be so so hard to deal with. An amazing thing I learnt in Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) was something called TIPP skills (standing for Temperature, Intense Exercise, Paced breathing with paired muscle relaxation). The main thing I find helpful is using a ice pack on the back of my neck for about 5 minutes, it resets your nervous system, making you feel less anxious! You can also do the same with a cold shower, or even just holding something really cold! I'd recommend looking into 'DBT Skills for anxiety'!

I am impressed with how you deal with anxiety. I have been dealing with them for decades and its took me many years to get to where you are at with them. I still can't go for from my home by myself so yes, i'm impressed .you are strong! ❤

Bless you, and well done for sharing your anxiety and the panic attack. Lots of people wouldn’t have shown it. I hope you feel better now? Gardening and nature is definitely one of the best medicines. Please take care of yourself.

I was saying just the other day that it feels like autumn!

There is always too many things to do in any garden. I for one struggle to sit for more than a couple of minutes without spotting a weeds that needs to be pulled or flowers that need to be staked. However the best bit of advice I was ever given is. "Have a directors chair and move it to the part of the garden that looks the best today, no weeding needed no staking no problem plants and tell yourself that "this looks fab and I did that, I created that....... no one else........ only me. Then tomorrow move your chair to the bit that is looking the best on that day. You are so grounded in your views on the positives of a garden and it´s aid to mental wellbeing. This vlog was a inspiration......... Thank You. B

Loads of bees here in the far north of Scotland, Emma. They’re as plentiful as I’ve ever seen thankfully. I feel for you in your panic sessions and admire your sensible self teaching. You’re an amazing young woman. Keep inspiring us all!

Best way to relieve stress and anxiety, is a few hours down the allotment, fresh air exercise, and peace and quiet 🌱👍

I know that feeling of “I’m going to die” from a panic attack Emma. You managed yours well staying at the allotment. Blessings and see you Wednesday

Keep calm and carry on... and breathe slowly ❤

Sorry for your troubles. You have made Einstein a RU-vid star, think on that and breathe deep.❤

When I feel down I love being in the garden. Your doing a great job just look back at past videos and you will see how your plot has improved. Anxiety is something you can’t see like a broken arm I think you do the right thing by sitting down and resting until the anxiety has passed.

I wanted to cry for you. Panic attacks are the worst!!!❤

Don't give in, and don't give up! Ride it out, just breathe! Love ya lots lady

Emma I just wanted to say Thank-you for the inspiration and we all love you xxx

Thank you ! I have anxiety and panic attacks also. I hate them. Your plot is lovely, just slow down and breathe and enjoy your beautiful plants, flowers, birds, and I love your pond also.

Had them since my crises in 2015 and 2019. Gardening helps (and Venfalaxine) probably because it is a solitary exercise. No noise, no crowds, and gardening is a process : not about winning and losing, success and failure - it's about trying, about learning, about giving you yourself time and space to grow yourself❤ Hang in there lass. You really could do with a storm-kettle on your allotment to make the English cure for everything - Tea😂

Very brave of you to share this vlog Emma. You are right , getting close to nature in a garden, on an allotment or in a park is so good for mental health. This was especially so , for me, during covid lock down. Being able to get out of the house and potter on my allotment was wonderful. Thank you for posting.

Bless you darling. I feel your pain. I'm in my 50s so yes old enough to be your mum. I have chronic anxiety and panic disorder. It's very hard to deal with. I have my garden as therapy. I'm not able to do that much as I have arthritis but I just love listening to the birds and enjoying nature. You made a good choice choosing to have an allotment. Marvellous therapy. You are therapy to me watching you so thank you. You are an amazing person. I'm an animal lover and admire your interaction with the animals. Keep doing what your doing and being yourself and hopefully the anxiety will be beaten. Love you Em xx.

Anxiety does suck Emma, I'm with you on that one! My allotment is my happy place and I actually rewatch your videos when I'm having attacks to calm my mind down. Your awesome, I hope you had a better day after this one, don't let it get you down. I'm like you my mindset is that it's part of me I have to live with. I hope you feel better ❤❤

Thank you for sharing your real life. I admire the way you took care of yourself.❤

It’s good to share Emma, I think there are more people than you know can relate to this video. Yes the allotments are a source of peace for sure. Thank you for persevering and delivering a great update as usual ❤❤

Ah bless you I've never suffered but really felt for you well done at staying and sorting your plot ,gardening is good for a chill hope your feeling better

Youre absolutely right, you almost have to teach your brain that the response was totally unnecessary and everything is fine, there is no danger so no need to get ready for fight or flight. Hypnotherapy audiobooks are fantastic and teach you how to deal with a racing heart and shortness of breath as well as the unhelpful thoughts. Being in the garden is the most amazing tonic too 🌱

GEO ENGINEERING Emma.

That was so good and you did the right thing I think in carrying on and trying your best to put the anxiety attack to the back of your mind. The plots looking good come on summer bring it on. 😬 All the best Emma.

Dear Emma, as I watched you today on your lovely plot I was hoping it might help with my terrible anxiety and IBS. There you were suffering just like me. I couldnt believe it. You are braver than me because you have gone out. I simply cant yet. Ive had anxiety on and off for 40 years and panic attacks that have gone on for days and days leaving me exhausted. I know exactly how you feel sweetheart. Im now finding IBS sets off my anxiety and the other way round so im about to try hypnotherapy as there is a direct link between the brain and gut which is only just being talked about properly. It's worth looking into. I love your allotment, we had one for 25 years. Gardening has literally saved my life, without it i'm nothing. Bless you and hang in there. xxx

i don't comment often, but oh my dear girl. you are such a joy, i'm so sorry you go through those attacks, but i think being in the garden is the best place for you! and yours looks so lovely and SO MUCH is growing , well done! and I also move plants, if you're careful, they will do just fine!

Your doing absolutely fine ☺️. Anxiety hits all all and its not nice. I look after gardens for my lovely customers and they know i have my bad days. Best thing i have learned just do exactly what your doing get outdoors even if our summer is a bit rainy and loose yourself in your own time. No point putting pressure on yourself when in the bigger picture is it worth it?. love your videos ur a proper real person. Thank you for giving us your adventures.

Bless you Emma ❤ I suffered like that when I was at school. I was bullied (not for that reason) and I became claustrophobic and suffered panic attacks. I’m 75 now and have learned to avoid certain people who trigger me. I prefer the company of birds and wildlife and relish my allotment space. Slow down and breathe deeply - you will be fine! 😘xx

Sorry you suffer from anxiety Emma, my wife suffers from it a lot, I have found her crying in the garden when she thins out plants, hers is getting worse with age. Learn breathing exercises, it does help in through nose hold it 10 seconds slowly out through mouth repeat.

a nurse told my daughter to take deep breaths and to focus on something ,she focused on her grandkids . it did help

Your flowers look lovely. Great dahlias

Thank you for being so honest about what you experienced today. I am sure that you are going to help a lot of other people manage their own anxiety, You really are a lovely person and I would not be without your comforting vlogs each week. Off the the plot now to conquer the weeds...some hope xx

You are right Emma, riding above anxiety and panic attacks works very well as a preventative. I hope you overcame whatever was worrying you. Remember to use your breath to slow down. ❤

Emma, you bring all us followers such happiness with your down to earth honest blogs. I’ve had my allotment a year now and I actually say to myself , “ I’ll just wack ‘em in”! I’m a fellow anxiety sufferer, and I just say to myself , “ I know it won’t last “ and let it ride out. Keep doing what you’re doing!

You handled that very well , proud of you

Thank you for being so vulnerable. It helps so many people. ❤❤❤, Take care, sending love to you from across the pond. 🙏🪻💮🪻

Bless you Emma! Anxiety is the worse, its ok to have a quiet, slow day at the allotment just being in nature and seeing all your hard work produce the most amazing crops xx

Em i watched you from the very start, i cried cause i know full well what you were experiencing, you were pale , thank you so much for being so transparent, your brave and strong and quite an amazing woman!!!🤗 when it happens to me i actually cain't see. you mentioned the spots/light, we are all learning together! This video helped me more than you know. A swedish doctor showed me this, to press hard on the vagus nerve center of the chest, it re-boots the nervous system. It bit like getting a massive squishy bear hug, it clams everything down. it's my 2 cents, it works for me. So proud of you !!! the strongest people in the world have anxiety, w'ont stop us from living

Hi Emma, your video struck a chord last night…I have struggled massively with anxiety & panic attacks this year, and I know what you mean about not running away…staying in the moment and riding it through has been the best thing to do for me as well. My garden has been my solace too, and my way of turning my brain off when I’m overwhelmed or stressed. Sending a huge hug and thank you for being real and sharing with us xx

Love your videos. They help my panic attacks. Had them for forty years.

I suffered from panic attacks for years and years, once I realised in my mind I was not going to die from them, I began to laugh at them, it’s very hard to describe but I would take the piss out of my self and call myself stupid, they haven’t stopped but are a lot less severe.

Thank you for this vlog. Seeing someone go through this and how they manage it is so helpful for others. Feeding my birds and creating a wild areas for nature in my garden really helps me out. 💚

Emma, you are the person who knows yourself best. A brave blog. I hope tomorrow is a better day.

I'm 73 yo & have lived with chronic depression & anxiety since I was 16 yo. After 50 hrs I've learned to accept the panic & anxiety. I understand how terrifying those attacks are. Breathe, remind yourself it's anxiety & you're not dying, focus on what's around you. Walking in the forest, sitting by a water feature, working in the gardening all help me get through it. I live in Washington state in the USA & am noticing big changes in our weather this year as well as more weeds & less bees & butterflies in my gardens. We're experiencing some of the changes you are noticing. Einstein makes me so happy. I think he has a little birdy love affair going on with you. Bless his heart. ❤

I deal with panic attacks, too. Hyperventilating causes your breathiness. Controlling your negative self-talk and breathing helps me. You won't die, sweet girl. Praying for you. Proud of you!

I hope you’re feeling better now, Emma ❤️👍

Hang in there Emma. Sending hugs.

remember emma we are all rooting for you xxx

Emma, your bright yellow flower plant is Ragwort, so pull it up quickly or your plot will be full of it

Always start breathing as deep as you can /and as slowly as you can, always through the nose in ( mouth is for food consumption ) and slowly out through the nose. Just give it a try , next time 💜💜

You are loved! I am rooting for those moved pumpkins❤

Two years ago I was there middle of July for a month and it was extremely hot and rarely found air conditioning. As hot as it was it was Gorgeous! Visiting a lot of historical gardens from north to south was very inspitonh. I learned when vysiting a garden you must slow disn and enjoy tea and biscuit there. Love your channel Emma.❤❤❤

I am wishing I had cooler weather like you. It has been over 40C here and I cannot work in the humidity. The mosquitos are very bad too. My garden needs to be weeded desperately but I just had to leave it be. I also have very bad anxiety that started when I was young. I am so happy younger people can feel free to talk about it. We are human and anxiety is part of that. I really enjoy your channel.

Never apologise for things that you can’t control. I to suffer with mental health, plus work for emergency services, so I deal with some horrible things daily, I find time spent in the garden and growing my food, has been more helpful than any medication. I’ve been known to sit and talk to the cauliflower patch in the morning after a tough 12 hrs night shift x

It's Karma Emma you should bring pouches of cat food for Rocky and the sun will shine for you again.Take care and happy gardening. 💚

Don’t give in to panic attacks Emma just sit down and sip water which is what you did, also take your anxiety out on your weeds. It amazing how many weeds you can get rid off when in a panic attack it works for me .

From an old man of 70. I can get away with the way I talk!🥴 Bless you darling you’re doing great. I so appreciate & enjoy your vids. You’re accent makes me feel at home as I grew up in south London and would have stayed there but now I live in Devon We have more rain than you so be encouraged. Again Bless you and thank you 😇👍 10:50

Emma, the Allotment is your Happy place, just sit down and Breath , look around you ,your Garden of Life that feeds you with enjoyment, and feeds you physically, Don't Panic Bless you. PT

Hi Emma, I too suffer from anxiety issues and just like you my allotment plot allows me a break from the realities of life and gives me the calmness to admire the friuts of my labour and enjoy some fresh air, this is my first ever allotment and have only had since April, but what I have grown and achieved fills me with joy, and plants that have not done so well this year has given me the knowledge to do better next year with correct ways and now newly bought equipment, keep up the good work xx

Hi Emma. When you feel anxious or a panic attack coming on take a deep breath. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth slowly. Getting oxygen into your lungs really helps.

So sorry you're going through the anxiety attacks. I'm 75 and just started having them this year, so I'm also learning how to cope. I so wanted there to be a pill to take to fix it, but there isn't one! I had more trouble getting off pills which gave me more panic. What helped me was paying attention to the present: where am I now, what is do I see next to me, what does it feel like; I am actually really safe.... wishing you the best. Take it slow, give yourself a break, don't be so hard on yourself!

My husband has suffered panic attacks for over 20 years, luckily they are few and far between these days but yes you do the right thing by riding them out! It’s the only way to realise that the anxiety can only go so high and then it all comes down and things return to normal, albeit very exhausting. Plot is looking lovely. I certainly venture out to mine when I need that pick me up from nature. 🍃👩‍🌾

Bless you sweetheart,hope you feel much better x

Sorry you were struggling for a little while, glad you were at the plot to help you through it. It all looks fantastic and those nasturtiums are beautiful x

Also have anxiety. Just have to take deep breaths. The Dare app is really good. Will talk you through a panic attack. X

Anxiety attacks aren’t nice. I can’t even set foot outside my front door when I’m feeling like that so I take my hat off to you Emma for getting to your allotment, despite how you are feeling. That is a great achievement so be kind to yourself and take it one step at a time……..you are doing the right thing in that moment, breathe and sit for a minute in nature, take in all your progress this year right in front of you and distract yourself with something positive 👍🏻🥰. Btw, I haven’t seen many bees this year either, I was only saying to my husband the other day! Also, with regards to the weather, I thought we had skipped summer and went straight to autumn too.

Hi Emma I feel for you ! You are very brave to cope with your anxiety attack & get on with your life yes allotments is fabulous! walking on allotments I love the calm they give you & if I was on your allotment I give a bloody big hug 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗 bless you lv Irene 😘 xx

Walked for half a mile through local park today and didn't see a single bee - Hastings. You know you best so do what works for you.

See in that brassica bed Emma . . . stick a cane in at the bindweed & it should grow up it & then you can dig it out. 🌻

Your flowers are looking lovely Emma! I’ve not seem many butterflies but I’ve had quite a lot of bees on the lavender and herbs in my garden. Your broccoli looks good.

The anxiety fairy visits me too, usually at night. Gardening definitely helps us all with our mental health.

Yip ... . the allotment is my "good head place" too Emma. No matter the crap about me that's my "go to" place. ❤

Hi Emma, I just wanted to encourage you and tell you that I think that you do a great job and to keep making the videos for I enjoy them because I feel that you are a fighter and you just keep going. Never give up and never give in.

I admire you Emma, my oldest daughter has had panic attacks for many years. She knows if they overwhelm her she can call me and I am at the end of the phone for her at anytime. You are correct, I find my allotment is my happy place.

I would never have thought you are 36. You look way younger to me. It must be all that gardening you do. Your plots are looking great. You are certainly a hard worker. I love that bright orange dahlia you have in one of your plots. Do you happen to know it's name.

Hi Emma, well done for finding your way through a panic attack. The allotment is a great place to get grounded, so I'm glad for you that you stayed and went on. You also did the right thing to pause and take a breather,, but maybe take a bit more time to do some breathing exercises until you feel you are getting enough oxygen into your system. A lot is happening internally with your chemistry during a panic attack, so give yourself as much time as you need. Bless you for your honesty because we still see a lot of stigma about mental health, yet every one of us are at some point having issues. Thank you for normalising this issue. X

I’m on your side regarding moving plants. I move plants all the time and I’ve learned that pricking out small seedlings usually works really well also. 😊

Emma many people can relate to you... that is me one for sure... my garden is my only stress reliever but not all my plants grew as what they nirmally do.. I blame the weather...

Hello Emma, I had the same issue when I was about your age. I found a way to short-circuit the panic attacks which worked wonders. It has to do with your body/mind not being able to process 2 intense things at once. 1. Take a wide elastic band and put it on your wrist like a bracelet. 2. When you feel a panic attack coming on pull back on the band and snap it HARD, it has to hurt to work. You may have to do it 2 or 3 times until you find the right intensity to interrupt the panic attack "avalanche". With a little practice you'll get to the point where you can stop them in their tracks. And with time they will actually stop. It really works. Makes life way better.

Emma your brave that you share this!! I also escape to my allotment for my mental health. I can relax and turn my mind into beeing busy and not thinking to much. ❤

When i get those waves at the allotment, i kick my shoes and socks off and earth myself. Carrying an essential oil helps too, anything to bring those thoughts and senses into the present 🌱💚🫶

The weather isn't always like this. I've never known a year like it. Last year July had a lot of rain but we had tons of sunshine at other times. I also suffer with anxiety. I'm 53. It ebbs and flows, Emma. Make the most of the good days and don't be hard on yourself on the worse ones. I just threw my only non bolted home grown cauli across the garden as it was infested with woodlice. That sums up allotmenting 2024 for me 🤣

I know how you are feeling. I had it up to the back teeth with the seemingly constant rain and clouds. Nothing is growing properly. Mind , I might get some cucumbers after last year's fail. But tomatoes are pants. Lettuces are pants. Kohlrabi are abysmal. Yet in a US gardening group I am in everyone appears to have bumper harvest yet are complaining about the hot weather they are having. It's surreal. Oh , also bought a coil of waterhose piping to hopefully do a hoop cover like you have over my cabbage bed. As and when the rain stops that is. Also got a new pair of fluorescent garden gloves, because keep loosing them and a half price cold frame. Don't know yet where to put it but it's an incentive to look forward to better days.