Welcome to the Capsule Chill-Out Club – the place where we chat to well-known Kiwi gals about how they cope with high stress, high cortisol and anxiety… and how the chill the hell out when everything is getting just a little too much! Brought to you by our pals at Shark Beauty to celebrate the launch of the much-anticipated CryoGlow Cooling + LED Face Mask – a wearable combo of LED light therapy and under-eye cooling that delivers clinically tested skin-firming and acne-reducing results – we’ll be delving deep into what we’re all doing to stay balanced, level and, well, chill! Today we’re chatting to The Sleek Avenue founder and content creator Aki Curtis. A former advertising executive, Aki now shows off her *impeccable* taste in all things lifestyle on social media – but has also been outspoken about her fertility journey online. Now in her 40s, she’s determined to live life fabulously – and thanks to her resilience and experience, has a whole host of ways she keeps anxiety and overwhelm at bay.
Kia ora, Aki! We’re chatting all things anxiety – what’s your relationship with it like right now?
Well, I’ve gone through four years of IVF treatments and four losses – so anxiety can become a constant, largely because so much is out of my control. “Is it going to work?” “More bad news?” “Will I end up in the emergency room again?” can feel overwhelming. That said, I’ve learned to focus on the very few things I can control (eg: hubby will always be there for me) and that all helps ground me, allowing me to feel calmer and more grateful for what I do have.
That is so much for anyone to deal with – you’re amazing for handling that kind of stress as incredibly as you do. Overwhelm must be big sometimes then – of course, is completely normal (God, especially in this day and age!) . So when was the last time that you felt completely overwhelmed, and what did you do about it?
My dad always tells me that the only thing certain in life is uncertainty.
Funnily, fertility treatments don’t overwhelm me as much as my work as a content creator. I have high expectations for myself, so I often feel like I need to do more and be better. This year, I’ve learned to switch off from social media and be ok with no progress for a day or two.
You are always on the go at the moment – but what instantly drops your shoulders and relaxes you?
Right now it’s home and a cup of tea – and enjoying my mortgage! I’m a new homeowner, so having a place to call my own feels very surreal and incredibly rewarding. In my 20s I travelled a lot for work, so a quiet moment at home now simply feels divine.
How do you generally with coping with overstimulation and high cortisol?
A shower. If you’ve ever seen me heading to the shower few times a day, you know it’s been a BIG day! It’s my emergency anti-anxiety hack.
What stresses you out the most?
Money, or the lack of, to be precise. I moved to New Zealand for university and being a first generation immigrant that refused help from my parents (I’m a grown-ass adult) I always make sure I have a plan B and C. I like to have a rainy day plan.
Do you have a favourite chill-out ritual that takes under 10 minutes?
A snuggle in bed, a drama series and facial mask. Heavenly. Ok I probably can’t do the whole drama series, but 10mins would be nice too! If I want to go over the top: hand mask and foot mask as well.
One of the GREAT things about getting a little older is being able to get to know yourself a little better. Is there a thing you refuse to apologise for anymore?
I used to do this a lot: apologise in emails. I used to apologise for not being able to attend work events, or declining work opportunities due to availability. One day I had a realisation and stopped doing that. Of course, I’m still respectful and honest in my replies, always.
Do you have any cold therapy hacks/ loves that you use (from ice water to cryo tools)?
You know that trendy ice face bath in the morning? I’ve been doing that for more than 10 years. I believe it helps reduce morning puffiness and tighten pores. It also definitely helps wake me up. I’ve just got the Shark CryoGlow mask too and I LOVE the cryo pads!
Is there a thing that everyone else THINKS calms you… but absolutely doesn’t for you?
Meditation and sound bath – I cannot haha. Please, let me sleep, chill in bed with my laptop or else let me do something. I struggle to just lie down and do nothing. Even in hospital beds I have my laptop with me.
What’s your go-to happy place?
Restaurants and beauty spas. I like to have my tummy and skin looked after!
This story has been brought to you by Shark Beauty – check out their new CryoGlow Cooling + LED Facial Mask here– and our story explainer on it here! If we do say so ourselves, it’s a nifty little way to devote some TLC to your skin, and have a little self-care, chill-out time in the process.
