*Disclaimer - Item was gifted, but my views are my own.
“It’s all about finding the calm in the chaos.”
Donna Karen
I don’t know about you, but I thought with everything that has gone on in not only my own life, but in the world in general over the last few years, I’d have learnt not to ‘sweat the small stuff’. Yet here we are, day after day with my head whizzing from one place to another. I’m better, but I still need to work on that calmness in my life.
So when the chance to try Calmdays came up, of course I jumped at the chance.
The product, which comes in the form of a powder to which you add water, offers natural stress and anxiety relief and the company behind it claims that the ‘formula is fast acting so you'll feel calmer, relaxed and more focused within 30 mins’ Sounds perfect!
Now being on medication following my two bouts of breast cancer, I always check the ingredients. Yes, it contains natural supplements, but even those can have an effect on prescribed meds, so you can’t be too careful. Upon reading the box, it lists a blend of Ashwagandha, L-Theanine and Magnesium, all natural supplements that will help lower your stress levels and rebalance the feel good hormones responsible for your mood (serotonin, dopamine, GABA). The word hormones always rings alarm bells to me as my breast cancer was hormone receptive, and I’m on hormone therapy, so of course I googled Ashwagandha, and here’s the incredible thing, studies suggested Ashwagandha ‘may possess a potential for treating breast cancer, especially ER/PR positive breast cancer and triple-negative breast cancer. A clinical trial has also been conducted in the past that suggested its potential in refining quality of life in breast cancer patients’ WOW!!
I suddenly felt like this product was meant to find me! Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub that grows in Asia and Africa. It is commonly used for stress and has been used as an ayurvedic medicine in the form of 'Rasayana' (as a tonic) even before 3000 BCE in India. My reading reveals that future research should be directed towards translational studies involving breast cancer patients. These will reinforce the ancient power of our Ayurvedic medicine.
What are the other ingredients?
L-theanine
L-theanine is an amino acid found in green and black tea leaves. It works to improve the balance of chemicals in the brain (serotonin, dopamine and cortisol) that influence mood and stress levels. Research has shown that l-theanine appears to improve levels of relaxation without having a sedative effect. Ingestion of l-theanine triggers the release of alpha waves in the brain, which enhances relaxation, focus and creativity.
Magnesium
Magnesium is crucial in maintaining our nervous system - helping our cells use and produce energy. However, periods of stress can increase the amount of magnesium we lose, leading to a deficiency. With low magnesium levels even the smallest things can trigger a large stress response from our body and deplete levels further. Restoring magnesium levels to their optimum allows our nervous system to better resist the effects of stress. Clinical studies on magnesium and stress in 2016 concluded that taking magnesium supplements could help relieve mild to moderate anxiety and reduce the body’s response to stress
Directions
I received a parcel containing 2 boxes of 10 stick packs. Serving size: 8g (1 stick pack)
It’s simple to make, you simply mix one sachet with 250-300ml of water. Stir well and sip.
What does it taste like?
The makers claim ‘A taste of summer sunshine. We've combined the sweetness of peach with the tartness of lemon to create a refreshing burst of flavour that will transport you straight back to that sun lounger in your favourite tropical paradise’ and I’d agree. It does have a lovely fruity peach flavour.
When should you drink it?
The first time I drank it on a Monday morning with a view to tackling the day ahead. I work from home, which was a benefit because in the afternoon I nodded off. Was it due to Calmdays, or was I just really tired? I guess we don’t know for sure. It’s not meant to send you to sleep, however, I do have it in the evening now, either to wind down or before bed.
The makers say
‘Calmdays can be used at any time throughout the day. We recommend taking Calmdays whenever you're feeling overly stressed and need a little help to relax or 20-30 minutes before entering a stressful situation’
I’d say try different times and see what works for you.
How will I feel?
The makers say
‘You should feel calmer, balanced and more relaxed. You may even feel a gentle softening of your body, like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders. It’s a subtle effect, so you shouldn’t feel jittery or like you’re about to pass out. Disclaimer: we're all made different, so effects may vary.’
As they say, everyone is different, but you should feel relaxed.
Anything else you should know?
Absolutely. Calmdays is:
100% Vegan
Manufactured in the UK
Gluten + Dairy-Free
They offer a 30-day money back guarantee
All the cardboard outer boxes and sachets are fully recyclable, and they will be launching a range of reusable bottles in the near future.
You can sign up for the Calmdays newsletter and receive 15% off your first order
Finally, 15% of calmdays profits go towards funding mental health research
Express, tracked delivery available on all orders to the UK. Free delivery on orders over £40.
How much does it cost?
There are 3 different pack sizes.
A pack of 10 is £18
A pack of 20 (the most popular option) is £30
A pack of 40 is £54
I would definitely say give it a try. If you consider for £30 you get 20 drinks at £1.50 each, that’s far cheaper than your take out coffee, and you get all the added benefits.
Get ready to feel calm.
Love Tx