WE face an anxiety epidemic – but psychologists say distraction and mindfulness can ease it.

So we tried some low-cost, low-risk and fun ways to distract ourselves, none of which involve any medication.

Meanwhile, for beauty, we tested facial products containing vitamin C.

HEALTH

with Jane Atkinson

Colouring book

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• Vogue colouring book (£10) - buy now

THE VOGUE colouring book has hand-drawn artworks based on 1950s images from the magazine, including ball gowns, cocktail dresses and smart suits by Dior, Balenciaga, Givenchy and Chanel among others.

I was sceptical, but seeing the designs in itself was absorbing. It’s a fun distraction.

Mindfulness

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• Mindfulness Puzzle Book (£7.99) - buy now

THE Mindfulness Puzzle Book is designed to get the grey matter going in order to de-stress you and refocus your thoughts.

The format has proved so popular that a fourth edition is being published.

There are dot-to-dots and word games – and it’s a good distraction technique.

Aromatherapy and play therapy

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• Mohdoh aromatherapy and play therapy dough (£6) - buy now

MOHDOH is basically Play-Doh for adults but with aromatherapy essential oils to relax you – and it is weirdly therapeutic.

Now I see why kids love Play-Doh so much! It’s like the ultimate stress ball but far messier.

Definitely one for the home office.

BEAUTY

with Gabriella Stein

Budget

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• Super Facialist Vitamin C+ Moisturiser (£16.99 for 75ml) - buy now

THE Super Facialist Vitamin C+ Moisturiser is a daily moisturiser with hyaluronic acid to boost hydration and vitamin C to protect skin.

The creamy texture absorbed well and the zingy orange scent was refreshing.

Gave a lovely natural glow and it’s a decent price.

Mid

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• Ren Radiance Glow Daily Vitamin C Gel Cream (£38 for 50ml) - buy now

REN's Radiance Glow Daily Vitamin C Gel Cream is a lightweight gel moisturiser with vitamin C to improve complexion and skin tone and magnesium to nourish skin.

It has a gorgeous silky texture and an amazing citrus smell. Gentle enough to be a daily moisturiser, it was hydrating enough to leave my usually oily skin balanced and radiant.

My favourite.

Luxury

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• The Hero Project Vit C-30 Ultra Brightening Serum (£39, for 30ml) - buy now

THE Hero Project Vit C-30 Ultra Brightening Serum promises to brighten skin and improve the appearance of wrinkles.

I noticed an improvement in my skin’s clarity and tone.

Areas of pigmentation were greatly improved, though I didn’t notice a huge difference in wrinkles.