Howdo folks.  It’s with great relief I can write this blog in relative comfort with no more bruises – hurrah!  After months of diving training, getting battered by the boards and parading around in next to nothing, my Splash experience, for now, is over.

And what a few months it’s been!  I may have taken some almighty whacks, fallen rather unceremoniously from some great heights (literally), and spent more than one training session in tears, however, apart from the pain, I wouldn’t have changed a thing.

Learning how to dive and finding out I’m not half bad at it either, has been nothing short of a revelation, and as a panic attack and anxiety sufferer it challenged me more than even I could have anticipated.

I’ve had the most incredible humbling response from people during and since appearing on the show, many intrigued and identifying with my condition.  One of the main reasons I wanted to take part in the series was to prove to myself as well as show others that suffering with a mental health issue doesn’t have to determine your life or stop you doing ANYTHING.  I was petrified of swimming pools, heights and not entirely thrilled about parading my post Christmas bloat around in a bikini on live telly, however the challenge presented itself as a perfect opportunity to push

 

 

 

myself and hopefully inspire others watching to either change any preconceived ideas they may have about mental health sufferers, or indeed for those also experiencing similar feelings, to help them face their own fears too.

As a result of the show, I’ve written a short ‘how to’ guide to help anyone experiencing feelings of anxiety, depression or stress.

 

 

The link is here http://www.annawilliamson.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/annas_anxiety_ebook1.pdf

hope it helps and please feel free to get in touch with me via twitter @annawilliamsTV to let me know what you think.

 

Spending so much time in a swimsuit with chlorine ruining my hair and skin, I’ve been really enjoying a post Splash pamper thanks so some very kind and generous friends.  The National Television Awards was one of the most fun nights I’ve had in a long time and I am very grateful to my ‘glamsquad’ Charlotte Adsett and Jo Adams for making me look and feel groomed.  I particularly loved my Jones and Jones black jumpsuit which made me feel so elegant and tall – for a 5’3” tom boy that is no mean feat!

I’ve also been back to my ‘hairy godmother’ Louise Bailey at Extension Professional for my hair extensions to be put back in.  OMG, what this woman can’t do with hair ain’t worth knowing, trust me!  Due to the force of diving off high boards and the constant wear and tear, I had to have all my previous extensions taken out, so I’m thrilled to have my ‘mane’ back in.

I was also very fortunate, thanks to my friend Bonnie at www.spabreaks.com to pop to the wonderful spa hotel Hoar Cross Hall in Staffordshire. My lovely Mum and I spent a luxurious few days chilling and getting thoroughly pampered in the vast spa and our room even boasted it’s own hot tub!  A beautiful setting and a stunning hotel, I’d really recommend a visit. www.hoarcrosshall.co.uk

And my friends at LSFPT have just launched some new ground breaking and unique Personal Training courses with fully recognised qualifications in the fitness arena.  Now Spring is here, perhaps you’re needing a change, perhaps a career change, something to inspire you, and you fancy trying your hand at something new, the courses on offer are for existing PT’s or indeed anyone new looking to come into the profession.  Check out www.lsfpteducation.co.uk and have a browse through what they’re offering and when the course dates are running. You can also follow via twitter @lsf_pt and www.facebook.com/lsfpt

I’m also delighted to announce that LSFPT’s main man, Andy McGlynn has just been nominated for a National Fitness Professional Award.  Andy is at the helm of the LSFPT brand and is responsible for taking the business from strength to strength and has coached over 1000 personal trainers nation-wide.  It’s Andy’s passion and dedication to the world of fitness, and striving to help people be the best they can be that inspired me to jump aboard his crusade and I’m thrilled to be an ambassador with him for health and fitness, in mind, body and soul.  I’d love Andy to win this coveted award when its announced in June so if you could spare a minute to give him a vote, I know he’d be made up.  You can vote via http://www.fitpro.com/live14/#Awards 

Thanks so much my lovely friends.  Thanks again for all your support and kind words over the past few months, I am so incredibly grateful and thankful.

Here’s to a fantastic 2014 for us all.

Much love, Anna xxx