Anxiety is a physical and emotional response to perceived danger. The symptoms of anxiety are created as a result of negative thinking, whether it’s negative introspection about the past, constant worrying about what might or might not happen in the future or being overly self-critical.
I have found anxiety to be the most common reason why clients seek help through hypnotherapy. I work in partnership with clients to help them change their way of thinking and find practical ways to help themselves.
If you suffer from anxiety here are some tools and techniques you can use to help yourself to be less anxious:
1. Belly Breathing
Short shallow breaths signify stress and anxiety in the brain and body. Being aware of this and consciously lengthening the breath with deep diaphragmatic breathing sends signals to the brain that it’s okay to relax. This is a useful tool to prevent panic attacks.
2. Self Awareness
Become aware of your negative thought patterns, the ‘what if’ thoughts. Often we get into a habit of constant worry and don’t even realise we’re doing it. What’s important to understand is that this negative forecasting is our imagination, not our reality. As humans, we find it difficult to deal with ambiguity and if we don’t know something our mind will make it up and then believe this to be true. By realising and acknowledging that our imagination has invented that potential problem helps us to deal with it.
3. Distraction
When our mind gets into the trap of obsessing or worrying about something it is difficult to get it to stop. Intently focusing the mind on something positive that captures the imagination will distract the mind from making up things to worry about.
4. Hobbies and Interests
Find something in your life you enjoy and, most importantly, make time for it. This is another tool which will help to capture your mind and imagination to something positive so it isn’t defaulting to the negative. You cannot be actively engaged in something you find enjoyable and be worrying at the same time, your brain cannot do both simultaneously.
5. Exercise
When you create anxiety you create stress hormones such as adrenalin. Whilst adrenalin is a useful hormone when facing imminent danger or needing to keep going beyond your normal point of endurance, too much of it in the bloodstream is not good and can cause other health problems. You don’t have to join a gym or take up running. A brisk walk, for instance, can burn off the adrenalin you are creating.
6. Relaxation
A build up of adrenalin keeps the mind on red alert. Practising relaxation techniques such as guided meditation, yoga, listening to relaxation tracks or doing something which both engages your mind and relaxes the body will be hugely helpful.
If you are struggling with anxiety hypnotherapy can help. Solution Focused Hypnotherapy helps an individual to change their way of thinking, regain control of their mind and make the changes in their life necessary to stop creating their anxiety. To find out more please call 07514 931 096 or email me using the contact form.