Media
Background: Karen Kestrel
Karen Kestrel is half Norwegian, half English and grew up in Oslo and Sussex. Having enjoyed an unintentional modelling career in her twenties in London and South Africa she went on to set up her own design and marketing company specialising in property. She moved to Berkshire with her husband to have children and continued with her passion for property and refurbishes property to fit around her sons education. ‘The daily school run is a precious moment in my day which I shall miss’ she comments, as her youngest is finishing his A Levels.
Never a conformist, Karen last year decided to be a human social experiment: ‘The stresses that my mobile phone was bringing into my life daily had become too much for me - I wasn’t sleeping, I was feeling dizzy and kept losing my balance,I realised that my sons were constantly distracted too’. Something had to give. So, as a passionate mental health campaigner, Karen decided to ditch her mobile and went in search of sanity.
Inspirational Talks
Karen shares her experiences and encourages others to experience the benefits of living without a mobile phone. Karen discusses ways in which we might begin to think about our usage and to get our tech habit in check. She has conversations with concerned parents and young students who are suffering with anxiety, of how their mobile phones have started to dominate their lives. It’s evident that many people are looking for answers and Karen’s talks are opening up crucial conversations about this key topic which is at the centre of mental and emotional wellbeing.
‘A young girl approached me after my talk and was in awe, ‘Really’ she whispered, ‘ …is it possible?’ she asked wide eyed. After a brief chat, she admitted to the immense stress her mobile phone was causing her and as we chatted her relief at the thought that it could be sorted was humbling’. No one should suffer overwhelm on their because of their mobile phones - it’s OK to say you need help, it’s OK to know that it’s not just you. There are ways to help. By being aware of your usage and becoming aware of your emotional triggers you can choose a more Mindful way to engage with your mobile phone.
Inspirational talks to students 13 to 23 years old highlighting the importance of creating some daily Mind Free Time.
POINTS COVERED:
Adopting good Digital Habits for mental hygiene
Digital Etiquette
Being Mind Aware and noticing stress triggers
Mindful digital use
Getting on top of your tech: Digital Declutter
Privacy and Digital footprints
Getting truly connected by becoming fully engaged
Discovering the art of undivided attention
Planning ahead and logistics
Book and eBook Published on 17th May, 2019
‘Off the Hook’ is an open and honest account of how Karen navigated her new lifestyle choice of living without a mobile phone for a year. She shares the pitfalls and findings and passes on the tips to help you discover the delight in connecting with close friends, family and people in a straight-forward, old fashioned way - without filters, without the ambiguities of text or messages that disappear within seconds.
Book Reviews
“This is a book that has found it’s time as people are reaching out for ways to become truly connected in this digital age. Karen’s concept of becoming dis-engaged from one’s smartphone seems at first sight rather drastic and yet Karen has set forth undaunted to test-drive this new lifestyle choice and shares her well observed findings and experiences with humour, honesty and most importantly heart. Being happy and having good mental health is a fundamental right of every young person and I hope that this book will prove an inspiration to many who want to make a positive change to their world.”
“Karen Kestrel has her finger on the pulse of an epidemic that we are just barely starting to feel the effects from. If you are ready to liberate from the social conditioning that suggests that you have to risk your health, vitality, and relationships in order to be connected, Karen’s Off the Hook is a must read. And be careful, you might be entertained along the way with her quick wit and amazing humor.”
“The message in the book spoke to my heart and moved me to tears. Karen Kestrel has inspired me to reconnect with my true self and helped me disconnect from the mental chatter! Off the Hook is the go-to book.”
Interviews
Jeremy Vine Show BBC Radio 2 - Phone In Guest
“Wow!..oh, it’s just so hard to go motorhead and take all mobiles out - it’s so difficult isn’t it? But maybe, that’s the answer.”
Jeremy Vine Show BBC Radio 2 - Invited Guest with Her Son Harry In the Studio!
debbie McGee Show BBC Radio Berkshire - Invited Guest
Bill buckley Show BBC Radio Berkshire - Invited Guest
Phil Kennedy Show BBC Radio Berkshire - Invited Guest
Contact
For all media enquiries and to find out more about Karen’s inspirational talks for students contact: karen@mobilefree.me
Landline Number: 0208 150 3113