Train your brain to reduce depression, anxiety and lack of confidence
I was interested to read in The Times last week that Harvard Medical School is about to publish a research paper reporting that meditation can have a significant measurable effect on the brain within just two months. Such scientific proof is music to my ears.
I see hypnosis and meditation going hand-in-hand, sharing many similarities. Both are successfully applied to a variety of symptoms, particularly addressing physical and psychological symptoms associated with stress, anxiety, depression and sleep problems, confidence and lack of self esteem.
One of the growing buzz words enjoying popularity in the corporate world, and in the NHS, is the practice of mindfulness. As a professional hypnotherapist I am always interested in new trends. However the more I look in to the subject, the more my understanding is that it’s not so new.
All three practices focus on connecting with the “here and now” rather than ruminating and worrying on the past, the future, what might be. To focus and enjoy the moment through the ability to access a deeper thought pattern releases a completely different psychological response, allowing you to access a greater sense of calm and control.
What is self hypnosis?
Since 2003 I have practiced and taught self hypnosis and personally enjoy the tremendous benefits. Those who practice self hypnosis report feeling calmer, sharper, more alert and in control physically and mentally. They enjoy the feeling of being on top of things, and being able to manage depression and that state of unhappiness and hopelessness.
The actual word hypnosis is derived from the Greek god Hypnos, the word Hypnos actually meaning sleep. The ancient Egyptian pharaohs built marvellous “dream temples”. A person would travel to the temple, bringing with them an offering for the god. They would lie down and then the priest would lead them to dream an answer to the problem or question they had in their mind. Perhaps the first self-hypnotists?
Hypnosis is the communication between the two levels of our mind: the conscious and the subconscious (unconscious). Our conscious is the questioning, intellectual rational part of the mind containing our short term memory.
Our brain is just like an ice berg, approximately 25% of our brain is the conscious mind and the remaining vast expanse is our subconscious mind, responsible for our creative and emotional behaviour.
Our subconscious mind is in charge of our actions, doing without thinking. Subconscious behaviour and reactions to situations are formed from our strong beliefs, perceptions and our social influence. So when people say “But that’s the way I’ve always done it”, we know it’s simply a pattern of behaviour. Many of our behavioural patterns are useful, others we may wish to change. Self hypnosis is the most powerful and efficient way that I know of doing this.
Many conditions can respond well to daily self hypnosis, though it is essential to get a good medical diagnosis first. For example, it could be catastrophic to reduce a stomach ache or a headache if in fact these symptoms are the life-saving alarm signals to something potentially life threatening.
Train your brain-improve your life
When the appropriate use of self hypnosis is mastered it isn’t only a remedy for health problems and bad habits it can also dramatically improve our lives. By training our brain through the practice of self hypnosis, we can provide a vivid place in which to rehearse ways of dealing with situations.
Which is why we can dramatically increase our confidence. Sports men and women frequently improve their game and performance through self hypnosis. Through the use of entering a deep peaceful state of pure relaxation the subconscious is receptive to imagining any outcome. The key is to focus on a desired outcome, rather than what you don’t want.
What we think is invariably what we get
In this post recession Britain exercising mindfulness and self hypnosis can significantly improve how we come at life, seeing opportunities rather than focusing on the negative. Learning how to revolutionise the way you think, quickly and easily learning how to flood your body and your brain with physical and mental energy, to be able to come back from any set back to win.
Exercise
Find 5-30 minutes where you won’t be disturbed. Unplug the phone. Pull the car over in a lay by.
Practice listening to your body. Be aware of your breath, relax and release, let go of any tension. Be aware of your hands, feet, neck shoulders. Imagine yourself in a place perhaps close to nature, where you feel safe (real or imagined).
Use all your senses including smell, touch, and taste. Really feel. Imagine yourself there.
Stay in the moment and enjoy the peace, a feeling of calmness. Take three deep anchoring breaths.
Practice increasing the time by 5 minutes every day.
Take regular time to immerse your self with the sounds in nature. Listening to the rustle of trees or birds singing is scientifically proven to your reduce heart rate, blood pressure and stress levels.
[…] than relying on other people or material goods to bring about this internal state of happiness. Self Hypnosis, meditation and mindfulness are ever-increasing tools that people are turning to help them to stay calm, feel […]