Clinical example: The client was a 28-year-old Maori female admitted to the mental health ward for depression, anxiety and suicidal ideations. The client was visibly anxious after having dinner in the dining room with other clients for the first time since admission. Using nursing observation skills, I noticed she was shaking, breathing heavily and sweating, upon talking to the client she stated she had racing thoughts, nausea and a feeling of impending doom. Using empirical knowledge of anxiety, I concluded that she was experiencing an exacerbation of anxiety. As the client was unable to settle herself, I decided an intervention was required. As it was indicated, I discussed giving PRN lorazepam to lessen her symptoms. She declined this as she stated that her family are against pharmaceuticals and prefers a more natural intervention for her mental health. Considering this cultural value, I used my own personal experience with anxiety to empathise with the client’s feelings. I was able to share tips for reducing anxiety that have worked for me such as breathing and exercise The client states her goals are to be able to go into the supermarket without experiencing an anxiety attack, and not requiring medication for her chronic depression/anxiety. This was the client’s own definition of good health despite having chronic mental health issues, which may be different to a nurse’s definition of well-health. Allowing the client to make their own decision to decline or accept medication is underpinned by the ethical way of knowing, through autonomy. A patient keeping autonomy would allow mental and spiritual health, therefore physical health is maintained for the best holistic outcomes of the client. To decrease the client’s anxiety a change in environment was needed, in the dining hall it was very loud and overstimulating. By moving to her room, a manipulation in environment created a more appropriate space for reducing anxiety and peace. By closing the curtains, turning on calm music and practicing deep breathing this created an external space conductive to calmness. Knowledge of creating a peaceful environment is supported by the aesthetic ways of knowing, as all aspects of the individual must be considered to provide holistic care.