@charlie_brooks_xx

Charlie Brooks is one of Britain’s most beloved, award-winning actresses, having worked on a number of hugely successful TV and stage roles throughout her career. Charlie recently founded iampro, an online drama school and creative hub with the aim of making the arts accessible to all. Her latest role, and our favourite so far, is as founder of the U Brand, our best-selling line of self-love products.

In what ways does your Stress manifest itself within you when things get too much?

When I feel stressed, it’s usually because I have committed to too much and feel totally overwhelmed. If I don’t feel I’m able to show up fully because my mind is in a hundred other place’s it can stifle me. I procrastinate and end up not being able to do anything. I will start abandoning myself. If I don’t feel like I’m l meeting my own, very high, expectations, then I will start acting out. The first thing to go is usually my food and exercise. I will eat a lot of shit and not work out, which is crazy, because I know that these two things help with my anxieties the most. What I put into my body and moving my body are key to staying in a healthy head space. I can get very emotional, feel like I’m not very good at anything, and let my thoughts take me down.

When that happens, what are your go-to remedies and coping mechanisms?

I have to start by doing one tiny little thing at a time. I try and keep it simple. I reach out to a friend that I think might be able to help me move through it. I write it down. I give myself time. I walk. I remind myself that thoughts are not facts, that I am doing the best I can and that’s ok. I try and be gentle with myself, be kind. Helping and being of service to somebody else usually helps me get out of my own head. I drink water. I listen to a podcast that I know will inspire me and I have ‘change your thoughts, change your life’ by Wayne Dyer and ‘Return to Love' by Marianne Williamson on repeat! Audible is the best

What are your top 5 tips for preventing stress?

Prevention is key. I have a good self awareness now so I can spot the signs. I say it out loud, getting really honest with yourself and how you’re feeling is step 1. I meditate, even if it’s just 3 minutes, it means I have showed up for myself. I usually try and do the opposite to what my first thought is. I remember that I’m not in control and the universe is guiding me. Then I try and do the next right thing, take one small action that will get me out of the slump. I take time for myself.

Did you create The U with the intention of helping to alleviate stress?

To be honest there’s so much I didn’t know about the benefits of physical self love! Only when I started researching it all did it become clear to me that self pleasure had so many added bonus's

What would be your tips for anyone who is using The U for the first time?

My top tips would be to really allow yourself time to fall into your body. This isn’t about instant gratification, but a journey of self love and pleasure. Really take the time to get to know yourself and what you enjoy

How is The U different to other toys?

The main difference is that the motors of the vibrator are place down each side, encompassing the vulva and stimulating the clitoris in all it’s beautiful glory.