Running along the seafront and why boys never passed the ball to her.
Guildford-based singer-songwriter Annabel Allum continues her reinvention as one of the most vital, snarling and sarcastic voices in the indie scene.
We talked with Annabel about centralisation techniques, football as a kid and vitamin C.
Hello Annabel, how are you? Are you working on anything new at the moment?
Hey Mind Map! I’ve just finished up recording some new songs.
2017 has been an incredibly busy year for you. First of all, congratulations for all that you have accomplished! Nevertheless, I imagine that along with all the great things also comes stress and a lot less time to oneself. Is there anything specific you do to relax/distract yourself when it all just becomes too much?
Ha, yes its been mental! Thank you. I like spending a lot of time on my own- I actually really enjoy my own company. I find a lot of clarity in being alone, it allows me to process things. There’s nothing like curling up in bed with a hot choc and a good book though!
What has been your biggest life challenge so far and what did you do to overcome it?
This is a difficult question! Sometimes just getting out of bed in the morning feels like the biggest life challenge. Small things for some people can be big things for others. Surviving.
What songs lift your spirits?
Cant Stop – RHCP
Easy like Sunday Morning – Lionel Richie
What advice do you offer to friends when they are feeling overwhelmed?
My friend is a mental health worker and showed me this really great technique once when I was having an anxiety attack. She calls it the centralisation technique. You have to name 5 things you can see, 4 things you can feel, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell and 1 thing you can taste. It really grounded me and now I show my friends it too! Thanks Shanice!
What would constitute a ‘perfect’ day for you?
Waking up in the woods in a little log cabin with a dog and my guitar.
For what in your life do you feel most grateful?
Music, my friends.
To have a healthy spirit we believe it’s also important to be mindful of physical health. What do you eat to stay healthy? Do you have a routine of exercise or do you make it up as you go along?
I eat a lot of vegetables! Like a lot a lot. I cook a lot from scratch and really enjoy eating healthily. As far as exercise goes, I practice yoga and sometimes go for runs down the seafront.
How did you manage to stay healthy while on tour? Do you have any advice for someone who’s always on the go as well?
Vitamin C tablets will save you! Sleep when you can, eat well, journal lots!
Here at The Mind Map, we remember playing football and ‘tag’ – running around the playground every day and loving it – can you share a similar memory?
I always wanted to be involved in football at school but I was the only girl interested. When I’d try and play the girls would laugh and the boys would never pass to me! Yeah, I was that kid. Haha, ah well… I remember going to brownies/guides and enjoyed playing sports there.
Complete this sentence: “Ace mental health for me means…”
A good day.