What makes you happy

At the start of every day how do you feel when you wake up? I know for me personally i am half asleep, wanting a coffee, and feeling optimistic thinking about what the day is going to bring. It's not always been this way for me. There was a time in my life when i dreaded waking up every day, as i battled with depression. But even when i was going through my darkest times, looking back now i know there was always moments in my day when i would smile, or sometimes laugh.

The point i am trying to make in this blog, is that no matter how low you feel there is always something that will bring on a smile. Whether that's a funny moment you have seen whilst watching the TV, or someone saying something that makes you laugh, maybe just being out in the fresh air with the sun shining can bring on that all important smile.

So, what makes you happy, I mean truly happy?. My happiness comes when i sing, i absolutely love belting out a tune. My family make me happy, they can drive me mad at times, but they also make me laugh really hard. whatever it is that brings about your smile, do it more often. And if you really want to help yourself, keep a journal of all the things that have either made you smile or laugh in your day.

As a society we have got used to so much doom and gloom that we automatically focus on what is negative in our lives. So let's flip that on it's head, and start focussing on the good stuff.

The roof over your head

The body that carry's you from a to b

Your family

And most important your health

Now is the time to start being truly happy, and appreciate the little things in life

New Year Resolution Taking you in a new direction

As we move into 2023 we start to think about the changes that can be made to our lives

Maybe you want to lose weight

Stop Smoking

Become more confident

Beat a fear or phobia

Get rid of the anxiety that has been holding you back in 2022

Beat an addiction

Cut down on your alcohol intake

All of the above intentions are real, but why is it that most of our intentions are gone

by January or February?

Well, humans are creatures of habit, and when the going get's tough

our resolutions are harder to maintain, and so we revert to our old and trusted ways

because that is where our comfort zone is

But it does not have to be like this in 2023, because therapy can give you the focus you need to stick to your goals, and help you to stay on track no matter what your resolutions are.

So this New Year, forget sitting back and only thinking about those changes and resolutions, but take that first step to becoming the best you in 2023

Helping you cool down as the temperature rises

Temperatures are rising in the UK, and all over the world due to climate change

I have seen a spike in clients struggling more with sleep ,and stress since the hot weather kicked in. i noticed even in myself my mood had changed, i have been feeling really agitated, and my clients have been mentioning the same thing.

We are aware of seasonal affective disorder, this is when peoples moods change in the winter due to a lack in serotonin, once the sun comes out your serotonin rises, and our mood gets better. But what about how are moods are affected in the summer? In the summer months our cortisol hormone rises, and in turn causes us to become angry, grumpy, and agitated, and on top of this effects our sleep”.

I started wondering how i could help everyone to cool down in this heat, as a hypnotherapist i know that using your imagination, whilst in a state of induced relaxation by focusing your attention works wonders, so i have introduced a technique to cool everyone down, It is so easy that anyone can do it.

Not only will the recording cool you down in this heat, but it will reduce your stress levels, and help you have a better nights sleep.

To access my free summer cool down recording got to: www.essex-hypnosis.co.uk/downloads

Free Recording

Essex-Hypnosis Blog

An ongoing series of informative entries

Our Latest Blog Entry

5 May 2021

Fixing Sleep Issues with the Power of Hypnosis

As we come out of the other side of the pandemic

It has affected many of our daily routines, and one of its biggest reported impacts has been that on sleep - sleep becomes more elusive when we are anxious.

Many people are suffering sleep issues for the first time in their lives:

• awake for long periods

• unable to fall asleep at all

• wake up several times during the night

• more intense and emotional dreams

• tired and groggy the next morning

• find it difficult to concentrate or function properly

• feel irritable

But good sleep stratagems will help you sleep well and can limit the negative effects of poor sleep.

Try these FIVE hints for calmer and better sleep.

1 Limit news intake and avoid your mobiles and tablets for at least an hour before bed

Do something to boost your mood before bed - a humorous television programme or an uplifting podcast can help you sleep

2 Have structure to your day

Our brains and bodies love structure. Wake, exercise, eat and sleep at similar times each day

3 Focus on your breathing

Think about resting rather than sleeping. Follow your breathing by silently whispering the words ‘in’ and ‘out’ to induce sleep.

4 Learn to relax

Relaxation can switch off the stress response, physically and mentally. Find something that works for you - mindfulness meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing or a long hot bath.

5. If you can’t sleep - get out of bed

Your bed should not be a battleground. Instead, try to enjoy the sensation of merely resting.

Hypnosis can help many forms of sleep issues.

If you are not sleeping well, and traditional treatments are not working, hypnosis may be able to help you sleep the way you deserve.

It uses different approaches to induce relaxation, such as focused attention, symptom control and guided imagery.

And, unlike sleep medications, it has no side effects, so it can be an aid for those who can’t or don’t want to take sleeping pills.

It can help overcome bedtime restlessness - ease the worry, tension and anxiety that prevent sleep - and can show the way to the deep, restorative sleep that we all need.

To get started, download this complimentary hypnosis recording. And take the first steps on the road to better sleep!

Click on the link below for your free sleep recording

Press for free recording

novalewis6

Oct 10, 20243 min read

"World Mental Health Day: Nurturing Minds Across All Ages"

Introduction

Every year, World Mental Health Day serves as a reminder to prioritise the well-being of our minds just as much as our bodies. It’s a day that encourages open conversations, breaks the stigma around mental health issues, and highlights the importance of seeking support when needed. As a hypnotherapist, I’ve witnessed the profound effects that nurturing mental health can have on individuals of all ages, from children to adults. Today, I want to explore how we can support both children and adults in their mental health journeys and the role hypnotherapy can play in fostering a healthy mind.

Understanding Mental Health: Adults and Children

Mental health affects everyone, regardless of age. For adults, it often manifests through stress, anxiety, depression, or burnout due to responsibilities and life pressures. Children, on the other hand, may experience anxiety, fears, low self-esteem, or behavioural challenges. While the experiences may differ, the need for compassionate, effective support is universal.

Mental Health Challenges in Adults

Adults face various stressors, from work-related pressures to managing family responsibilities and personal life changes. Without proper support, these stressors can build up and lead to mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Hypnotherapy can be a powerful tool for adults to reconnect with their inner resilience, manage stress, and gain insight into their emotional well-being. By accessing the subconscious mind, hypnotherapy helps individuals identify and shift negative thought patterns, allowing them to develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Children’s Mental Health: Building a Foundation for the Future

Children are not immune to mental health challenges. From bullying and academic pressures to navigating self-esteem issues and fears, they face a range of difficulties that can significantly impact their well-being. Early intervention is key, as childhood is a crucial period for emotional development. Hypnotherapy, combined with play therapy and other therapeutic approaches, can provide children with the tools to manage anxiety, build self-confidence, and develop a positive self-image. Hypnotherapy in children is often about creating a safe space for them to express their feelings and learn how to manage them in a healthy way.

The Role of Hypnotherapy in Supporting Mental Health

Hypnotherapy is a therapeutic approach that goes beyond traditional talk therapy. It works by guiding individuals into a state of deep relaxation, where the subconscious mind becomes more open to positive suggestion and change. For adults, this can mean breaking free from patterns of anxiety or stress and finding a renewed sense of calm and control. For children, hypnotherapy can help them build confidence, manage fears, and develop emotional resilience in a gentle and supportive way.

For Adults: Hypnotherapy can aid in managing stress, overcoming fears, building self-confidence, and developing mindfulness. Through guided sessions, individuals can explore and reframe negative beliefs that may be holding them back, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

For Children: Hypnotherapy uses imagination and storytelling, often integrated with play therapy techniques, to create a safe and engaging environment for children. This helps them process their feelings, overcome phobias, and build a stronger sense of self-esteem.

Tips for Prioritising Mental Health on World Mental Health Day

Open Up About Mental Health: Whether for yourself or your child, start the conversation about mental health. Discussing emotions and challenges openly helps break the stigma and makes it easier to seek help.
Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness activities into your daily routine. Breathing exercises, meditation, or simply taking a moment to be present can help reduce stress and anxiety for both adults and children.
Create a Supportive Environment: Make sure your home or work environment is supportive. For children, create a space where they feel safe to express their emotions. For adults, seek a balance between work and relaxation, and connect with others who offer understanding and support.
Seek Professional Support When Needed: If you or your child are struggling with mental health issues, reach out for professional help. Therapy, including hypnotherapy, can provide a safe space for healing and growth.

Conclusion

World Mental Health Day is a reminder that mental health is as essential as physical health, and it deserves attention, care, and compassion. Whether you are an adult navigating life’s challenges or a parent supporting a child, remember that help is available, and it’s never too early or too late to seek support. Hypnotherapy offers a gentle, effective approach to enhancing mental well-being, helping individuals of all ages create healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Let’s make a commitment this World Mental Health Day to nurture and prioritise the well-being of our minds—one step at a time, for ourselves and for our children.

Take advantage of my free stress and anxiety recording by clicking the link below