If you're not, then you can ignore this post and scroll on.
If you are ready, then here is what you really need to know.
I'm sure you have probably tried so many self-help ways to change your life around.
Yes?
And while it works for a while, something happens, and you fall straight back into that habit or thought pattern that you have been trying so hard to change.
Almost as if you had never stopped.
Does this sounds familiar?
Well, the problem is that you are using your conscious mind to try and change.
Mind over matter?
Yes, well, your subconscious mind does mind and definitely feels the conscious mind doesn't matter.
And ignores you.
Your subconscious mind will humour you all the time nothing is upsetting your balance.
But the moment something comes along that causes what it perceives as a threat to your wellbeing, whether that is emotional or physical, it will override logical thought and drive you straight to that old pattern of behaviour with all those what-if thoughts bouncing around your mind.
And it can be sneakier than that.
If the what-if thoughts have not worked in the past because you used WILL POWER to ignore them, then your subconscious will trigger cravings:
It triggers the craving for a chemical happiness or pleasure fix.
And it knows exactly what you have used in the past to boost the release of dopamine and serotonin whether that is smoking, drinking, or comfort eating.
So before you know it, you have grabbed the smokes, uncorked the wine, or reached for the chocolate bar or family sized bag of treats.
And because you have had a break from these, the chain reaction is so much quicker and stronger.
The release from the problem is amazing.
And your subconscious mind is smugly telling you it was right, everyone else was wrong, and why did you ever give it up when it makes everything right.
But it is still just a bandaid because it will wear off and you will be back in the cycle of needing more and more to get the same release because you become tolerant to all of these whilst it starts to damage your health again.
And even worse, you start to feel guilty, you feel stuck, you feel useless, you feel you have to hide it from everyone who thought you had stopped.
You feel like you failed.
So what is the point of trying?
Okay, enough doom and gloom.
That's your subconscious talking.
It has you in freeze mode.
It likes freeze mode.
In freeze mode, you don't try to be creative or change things.
You do as you are told, which keeps you safe from all the stress and upsets.
So what do we do about this maniacal dictator sitting in your head?
We work with it instead of against it.
And that is where hypnosis and NLP come in: working directly with the "boss".
So how do we approach this?
Like all 7-year-old children (that is the suggested age of your primitive mind but don't tell it I called it primitive or a child or it will get stroppy!) your subconscious gets the hump if ignored and will start objecting very loudly and putting up all sorts of barriers to change.
And I'm not surprised.
After all, it's on duty 24 hours a day, always working, accepting every bit of data from your life, everything you see, hear, feel, smell and taste and it filters it before generalising stuff, discarding what it feels you don't need and paying attention to what it thinks you do need.
And all of this seems to go into two boxes.
The positive box sits on one side with all those happy memories that are stored away.
And then there is the negative box that seems to be dipped in and out of so frequently, your subconscious mind has installed a revolving door.
This is the section where everything is measured against to see whether it is a threat to you and needs acting on.
Anything that is similar to a negative experience sets off alarm bells and the subconscious mind goes straight into fight, flight, or freeze mode.
The positive stuff is "all good" so it can be stored without investigation because it won't harm you.
And that can also include stuff that will harm you but hasn't yet but makes you feel good and stops the immediate threat to you.
Your subconscious mind can be really creative about perceived problems and how to solve them!
Yes, I know this is a gross simplification but it is as good an analogy as any.
And this is how unhealthy habits start and become the go-to when something throws a huge spanner in the works.
So we work with the subconscious mind using neurolinguistic programming (NLP) and hypnosis to first find the part or parts that are running the pattern of behaviour or thoughts so your subconscious knows exactly what we want to work with.
No ambiguity - the subconscious mind likes to hide there, although we do use ambiguity to bypass critical thinking... but that is another story.
We ask to find the part or parts that are responsible for the behaviour we are wanting to change and we thank it for all the time it has spent working in your best interests.
And having thanked it for all the hard work (we all like to be thanked) we then ask to speak to the creative, problem-solving part of the subconscious mind (again we like to think we are good at what we do and problem-solving and being creative is special, right?).
And then we start asking the subconscious mind to find a new and healthier way to (insert what we want to work on) without the old behaviour.
There is more to it but to go into all the nitty gritty would make this like reading War and Peace rather than a blog post.
Besides… why read it if you could live it…
So if you are ready, let's start working at the level where all change is possible!
In a world that often promotes strength and independence, vulnerability can be seen as a weakness. It is often misunderstood and underestimated, but what if vulnerability holds the key to finding true freedom?
What if allowing ourselves to be vulnerable is the pathway to discovering deeper connections, healing hidden traumas, and ultimately finding release?
In this article, we will explore the power of vulnerability, the significance of self-awareness in this process, and how therapeutic practices like hypnotherapy and NLP can help us overcome the barriers that keep us disconnected.
At its core, vulnerability is about being open and authentic with ourselves and others. It means showing up as our true selves, free from pretences and facades. It is through vulnerability that genuine connections are formed, creating a space for understanding, empathy, and deep emotional bonds. When we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we invite others to do the same, opening up the possibility for profound human connection.
However, vulnerability is not an easy path to walk. It requires self-awareness, the ability to acknowledge our own fears and insecurities, and the courage to face them head-on. Often, hidden traumas from our past hinder our ability to be vulnerable. These traumas may be buried deep within, influencing our behaviours and relationships without us even realising it. The process of uncovering and healing these hidden traumas requires self-awareness.
Self-awareness is not merely knowing who we are on a surface level; it requires a deep and honest exploration of our thoughts, emotions, and experiences. It means seeing ourselves clearly, accepting all parts of who we are, and recognising how our past has shaped our present. Through self-awareness, we gain insight into our fears, limiting beliefs, and emotional patterns that prevent us from being vulnerable.
Life has a way of challenging us and pushing us out of our comfort zones. It will present situations and relationships that force us to confront our hidden fears and insecurities. These challenges may appear as conflicts, failures, or moments of profound introspection. They will test our willingness to be vulnerable, compelling us to face the parts of ourselves we may have long ignored or denied.
Although these challenges can be uncomfortable and often painful, they serve as opportunities for growth and transformation. They provide a chance to break free from the shackles of our past and find healing through vulnerability. By embracing these moments and allowing ourselves to feel deeply, we unlock hidden resilience and strength that can guide us towards freedom.
While the journey towards vulnerability and self-awareness may seem daunting, therapeutic practices such as hypnotherapy and neurolinguistic programming (NLP) can be valuable tools to support us in this process. Hypnotherapy helps us access our subconscious mind, where hidden traumas and limiting beliefs reside. Through guided relaxation and focused attention, hypnotherapy allows us to explore the underlying factors that keep us disconnected from ourselves and others. It helps us identify the patterns and behaviours that no longer serve us, paving the way for healing and release.
NLP, on the other hand, focuses on the language of the mind and its impact on our behaviours and experiences. By understanding the connection between our thoughts, language, and behaviour, we can reframe our perceptions and beliefs to support vulnerability and self-awareness. NLP techniques can help us rewire our minds, shifting away from fear-based thinking and embracing a mindset that promotes vulnerability and connection.
Together, hypnotherapy and NLP provide powerful tools to navigate the path towards vulnerability. They support us in uncovering hidden traumas, overcoming fears, and fostering greater self-awareness. Through these practices, we can release the barriers that keep us disconnected and open ourselves up to a life filled with authentic connections and true freedom.
Vulnerability may be seen as a feminine trait, but it is far from weak. It is through vulnerability that we find the courage to show up as our true selves, inviting others to do the same.
By embracing vulnerability, we forge deeper connections, heal hidden traumas, and ultimately experience freedom.
Self-awareness plays a vital role in this process, allowing us to uncover the hidden fears and insecurities that hinder vulnerability.
Therapeutic practices like hypnotherapy and NLP can assist us in this journey, providing valuable tools to identify the underlying factors that keep us disconnected.
So, embrace vulnerability, embark on the path of self-awareness, and find the healing and release that will lead you to a life filled with authentic connections and true freedom.
As the days grow shorter and the sun becomes a rare sight during the winter months, many of us find ourselves facing a unique set of challenges when it comes to our diet and overall well-being. The transition from sunny, outdoor activities to cosy indoors can trigger some unexpected cravings and habits that may not be in the best interest of our health. So, let's shed some light on why this happens and how we can avoid swapping our seasonal sunlight fix for more unhealthy choices.
1️⃣ The Science of Cravings: Have you ever noticed that as winter approaches, your desire for starchy and fatty foods seems to intensify? Well, you're not alone! This phenomenon can be attributed to the reduced sunlight in the afternoon, which affects our hormone levels. The decrease in sunlight triggers the release of stress hormones called glucocorticoids, leading to a seasonal shift in the "food-seeking" hormone ghrelin. Additionally, the satiety hormone leptin, which regulates the body's fat storage, is also affected. These hormonal changes can make us more prone to craving calorie-rich comfort foods during the colder months.
2️⃣ Fuel for the Winter: As the temperatures drop, our bodies naturally require more energy to stay warm. This can tempt us to eat more than we should, especially since we tend to be more sedentary during winter due to inclement weather. The catch is that we don't actually burn as many calories as we might think, and we often dress more warmly, making those extra calories unnecessary. It's no wonder that many people find themselves putting on weight during the winter.
3️⃣ The Mood and Food Connection: Reduced sunlight also means less exposure to UV rays, which has an impact on our mood. This reduction in sunlight can lead to decreased vitamin D production, potentially contributing to the winter blues. In an attempt to lift our spirits and compensate for the lack of sunlight, we might seek out alternative sources of pleasure, often in the form of high-fat, high-sugar foods. These foods not only taste good but also trigger the release of dopamine and serotonin, helping us temporarily fulfil our happiness and pleasure cravings that we lose with the diminishing sunlight.
It's clear that the changing seasons can significantly affect our eating habits and overall health. So, what can we do to ensure we don't fall into the trap of indulging in calorie-laden comfort foods when our winter activity levels are lower?
Stay Mindful: Be aware of how the changing seasons might influence your cravings. Recognize that these cravings are often driven by hormonal changes and mood fluctuations.
Opt for Healthy Comfort Foods: If you find yourself reaching for comfort foods, look for healthier alternatives. Swap out high-fat and high-sugar options for nutritious choices that provide warmth and comfort without the extra calories.
Stay Active: Even when it's cold and dreary outside, try to incorporate regular physical activity into your routine. Indoor workouts, yoga, or simply a brisk walk in a well-lit area can help maintain your metabolism and mood.
Vitamin D Supplements: Consider talking to a healthcare professional about vitamin D supplements, especially if you live in an area with minimal winter sunlight. These supplements can help maintain your mood and overall well-being.
Practise Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes, especially when indulging in comfort foods. Enjoy them in moderation to satisfy your cravings without overloading with calories.
As we bid farewell to the summer sun and prepare for the cosy embrace of winter, let's remember to prioritise our health and well-being. By understanding the science behind our winter cravings and making mindful choices, we can navigate the season without sacrificing our health. Stay warm, stay active, and savour the joys of winter in a healthy and balanced way! 🌞🍏💪
Hypnosis has long been recognised as a powerful tool for personal transformation and self-improvement.
Through guided relaxation into a state of trance, individuals can tap into their subconscious minds to make profound changes in their lives.
One of the key principles of effective hypnosis is the use of positive phrasing.
In this article, we will explore why positive phrasing is crucial when making hypnotic changes, how the subconscious mind responds to it, and how to harness this power for maximum benefit.
The Subconscious Mind: A Powerful Ally
Before we delve into the significance of positive phrasing, it is essential to understand the role of the subconscious mind in the process of hypnosis.
The subconscious mind is like a vast reservoir of thoughts, beliefs, and emotions that operate beneath our conscious awareness.
It plays a pivotal role in shaping our behaviour, habits, and perceptions of reality.
The subconscious mind is highly receptive to suggestions, which is why we work directly with it during hypnosis.
However, it operates on its own set of rules and tends to ignore negatives.
This means that when you use negative phrasing, such as "I won't be anxious anymore" or "I don't want to be overweight," the subconscious mind may interpret it as I want to be anxious or overweight as that is the line it has followed to keep you safe all this time.
The Power of Positive Phrasing
Positive phrasing involves framing your desired changes in a constructive and affirmative manner.
Instead of saying, "I won't be anxious," you would say, "I will be calm and confident."
This simple shift in language can have a profound impact on the effectiveness of hypnotic suggestions.
Here are some key reasons why positive phrasing is so important:
1. Clarity: Positive phrasing communicates your intentions clearly to the subconscious mind. It leaves no room for ambiguity or confusion, ensuring that your desired outcomes are understood precisely.
2. Focus on What You Want: When you phrase suggestions positively, you direct your attention towards what you want to achieve rather than what you want to avoid. This helps you stay focused on your goals and promotes a more constructive mindset.
3. Encourages Believability: The subconscious mind is more likely to accept and believe positive statements. It responds better to messages like "I will be healthier every day" rather than "I'm not getting sick."
4. Motivation and Inspiration: Positive phrasing instills a sense of motivation and inspiration. It creates a vision of a better future and empowers you to take action towards achieving your goals.
An Example: Life at 10/10
Let's consider an example to illustrate the power of positive phrasing in hypnosis.
Imagine someone seeking to improve their overall life satisfaction, and they're asked to imagine life at a "10/10" level of happiness and contentment.
When prompted with positive phrasing, they might respond with statements like:
- "I will be surrounded by loving and supportive relationships."
- "I will have a fulfilling career that brings me joy and purpose."
- "I will enjoy vibrant health and vitality."
- "I will experience a deep sense of inner peace and happiness."
In contrast, if negative phrasing were used, the responses might be less empowering and less aligned with the desired outcome.
In fact the subconscious mind may focus on the negative aspect you want to change instead.
Take Aways:
Positive phrasing is a fundamental aspect of effective hypnosis.
It allows you to communicate your intentions clearly to the subconscious mind and harness its immense power for personal transformation.
By framing your suggestions in a positive and affirmative way, you can create a strong foundation for achieving your goals and making lasting changes in your life.
So, remember, when it comes to hypnotic change, always focus on the positive, and watch as your dreams and desires become your reality.
In the modern, fast-paced world, stress has become an almost omnipresent companion in our lives. Whether it's work deadlines, personal relationships, financial worries, or health concerns, stress can creep into every corner of our existence. While it's natural for humans to experience stress from time to time, chronic stress can have profound effects on our mental and physical well-being. This article explores the intricate link between stress, smoking, alcohol consumption, and comfort eating, shedding light on how these behaviours are often interconnected through the brain's complex neurochemistry.
The Complexity of Stress: A Double-Edged Sword
Stress is a physiological response triggered by a perceived threat or demand, often referred to as the "fight-or-flight" response. When our brain senses danger, it releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, preparing our body to react quickly. While this response can be life-saving in acute situations, chronic stress can be detrimental.
However, it's important to note that stress isn't entirely negative. There is another side to stress that certain individuals thrive on. Some people find exhilaration in highly charged events, pushing themselves to the limits, almost getting a high from the adrenaline fix. In fact, there's a reason why the term "adrenaline junkie" was coined. These individuals are drawn to the rush of excitement that stress can bring.
Yet, even for those who thrive on stress, there is a tipping point. Chronic stress takes a toll on our bodies and minds. It can lead to emotional exhaustion, physical fatigue, and a range of health problems. This is when many turn to various coping mechanisms, such as smoking, alcohol, or comfort eating, to manage the overwhelming effects of prolonged stress.
In this article, we will delve into how stress, whether it's a source of exhilaration or exhaustion, can lead individuals down the paths of smoking, alcohol consumption, and comfort eating. We will also explore how these behaviours are intertwined with the brain's intricate neurochemistry, shedding light on the mechanisms that underlie these choices and their potential consequences.
Smoking as Stress Relief
One common coping mechanism for dealing with stress is smoking. Many smokers report that cigarettes help them relax and reduce anxiety. This effect is partly due to nicotine, a highly addictive substance found in tobacco. However, there's more to the story.
Tobacco is naturally sweet, but it is also often processed and soaked in sugar or other flavourings to reduce the harshness of the smoke. This added sweetness on the tongue and nose can contribute to the pleasure associated with smoking. It feeds into the "sugar fix" loop, where the brain craves the sugar rush provided by tobacco.
The combination of nicotine and the sweetness of tobacco can create a double whammy effect on neurotransmitter responses. Nicotine activates the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin in the brain, providing a temporary boost in happiness and pleasure. Simultaneously, the sweetness of tobacco enhances the sensory experience, further reinforcing the pleasurable aspects of smoking.
Understanding the multifaceted nature of smoking's appeal, which includes both nicotine's effects on neurotransmitters and the sensory pleasure derived from the sweetness of tobacco, is crucial for addressing smoking addiction and finding healthier ways to cope with stress. As a result, individuals experiencing chronic stress may turn to smoking as a way to self-medicate and find momentary relief from their emotional turmoil.
And while talking about smoking, we must also consider it's alternative, vaping.
Vaping: A Questionable Alternative
Vaping, often marketed as a "safer" alternative to traditional tobacco smoking, has gained popularity in recent years. While it's true that vaping eliminates many of the harmful chemicals associated with burning tobacco, it's not without its own set of concerns, especially regarding stress, addiction, and neurotransmitters.
The Nicotine Factor:
The primary reason vaping is addictive, like traditional smoking, is nicotine. Nicotine is known to trigger the release of adrenaline and cortisol in the body, which are key components of the fight-flight-freeze response. These stress hormones can increase overall stress levels, which seems counterintuitive to the idea of using vaping as a relaxation technique.
Diminished Responsiveness:
Another concern with nicotine, whether from vaping or smoking, is that over time, it can blunt the responsiveness of the neurotransmitters that release dopamine and serotonin. In simpler terms, continued nicotine use can lead to a diminished ability to experience pleasure and happiness from natural stimuli. This phenomenon often results in individuals needing more nicotine more frequently to achieve the same levels of satisfaction.
Safety Considerations:
While vaping may indeed be less harmful than traditional smoking in terms of exposure to tar and many carcinogens, the addiction potential remains a serious concern. Moreover, the long-term effects of inhaling the chemicals found in vaping liquids are not fully understood, and recent studies have highlighted potential risks to lung health.
In conclusion, vaping, despite being marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, still raises significant questions about its safety and potential to exacerbate stress and addiction. The presence of nicotine and its effects on stress hormones and neurotransmitters underscore the importance of careful consideration and regulation of vaping products, especially among individuals seeking a way to manage stress. As with any substance use, understanding the potential risks and exploring healthier coping mechanisms remains crucial.
Alcohol and the Escapism Trap
Alcohol, like smoking, can also offer temporary relief from stress. A glass of wine or a shot of liquor can create a sense of relaxation and ease. Alcohol affects the brain by enhancing the activity of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which has calming effects.
Additionally, alcohol consumption also leads to the release of dopamine and serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters play crucial roles in mood regulation and reward processing. Dopamine, often referred to as the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, can temporarily boost our sense of happiness and pleasure, while serotonin contributes to an overall sense of well-being.
However, alcohol is a double-edged sword. While it may provide initial relief from stress, excessive or frequent drinking can exacerbate the very problems it was used to alleviate. Over time, the brain can become dependent on alcohol to manage stress, leading to addiction and a vicious cycle that ultimately worsens both physical and emotional well-being.
Comfort Eating: Seeking Solace in Food
Comfort eating, or emotional eating, is another common response to chronic stress. When faced with emotional turmoil, many people turn to a variety of foods, including sweet, salty, fatty, or highly palatable options, to soothe their discomfort.
Sweet Foods:
Sugary treats like chocolate, ice cream, and cookies are classic comfort foods for many. These foods can trigger the release of dopamine, offering a brief respite from emotional distress. The rapid rise in blood sugar levels can create a feeling of temporary happiness.
Savoury Foods:
For others, savoury snacks like potato chips, French fries, or even foods with added MSG can provide comfort. These foods may not be sweet, but they often contain ingredients that enhance their taste, making them appealing during times of stress. Additionally, savory snacks can provide a quick energy boost, as many of them are rapidly broken down into simple sugars, offering a sense of immediate relief.
However, it's important to note that comfort eating, whether sweet or savoury, can lead to weight gain and other health issues if it becomes a habitual coping mechanism. It's a temporary fix that can create long-term problems.
Breaking the Cycle
Understanding the link between stress, smoking, alcohol, and comfort eating is crucial for breaking the cycle and finding healthier coping mechanisms. Instead of relying on substances or overindulging in comfort foods, individuals can adopt stress management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, exercise, and seeking support from friends, family, or mental health professionals.
The connection between stress, smoking, alcohol, and comfort eating is a complex web of neurochemistry and coping mechanisms. While these behaviours may offer short-term relief, they often exacerbate the very problems they are meant to alleviate. Recognising the negative consequences of these coping strategies is the first step towards breaking free from their grip and finding healthier ways to manage stress. It's essential to prioritise mental and physical well-being to lead a more balanced and fulfilling life.
